The Legendary Mage (Alavin)
Chapter 88

"It's not your place to direct where I should be. I warn you, stop bothering the women of the Mallister family." "What, all Mallister women belong to you now, Lucan? Aren't you afraid your master will rise from his grave..."

Before Grennan could finish, Lucan stepped forward, his raging aura sweeping through the courtyard like a hurricane, sending tables, along with Grennan and his couch, flying. "What the hell are you doing?" Grennan stood up, shouting at Lucan.

The Protégés of Cobalt Strike rushed into the courtyard, confronting the guard squad.

"Come on then, damn it, I've had enough," the Mallister guards growled like mad wolves, their eyes red with fury.

The Cobalt Strike Protégés didn't advance further, but they didn't retreat either.

Lucan rebuked Grennan, "Keep in line. If you harass Oda again, I'll twist off your head!"

"Then do it, I'm right here in front of you. If you've got the nerve, twist it off now! You are but a Mallister lapdog, and you think you're something special.," Grennan jeered, bolstered by the wine. "Lucan, hold on, let's just bear with it a bit longer," Oda pleaded, clutching Lucan's arm.

"This isn't over," Lucan warned Grennan, ready to lead his group away. If he hadn't had such patience, he would've met his demise countless times by now. He was well aware of why Vandill had brought his spoiled grandson here - to humiliate the Mallister family and stir up trouble.

"Wait a moment," Grennan commanded, sprawling lazily on a plush couch. He pointed to the shattered wine jug. "This jug, I brought it from Cobalt Strike. It's very precious, and worth at least ten advanced magical ores. How will you compensate me?"

"Don't push us too far," one of the guardsmen couldn't help but interject, disgusted with the scoundrel.

Grennan tilted his head back, giving them a look that challenged. "What are you going to do about it?"

"Who broke it?" Lucan asked indifferently.

"Your little lady did, of course."

"And who saw it happen?"

"I did. Is that a problem?"

"It is," Lucan declared, protecting Oda as they departed. The guardsmen were filled with rage but dared not vent it. They had suffered enough losses - every time they acted impulsively, the cost was borne by the people of Stormcast, which numbered over two hundred thousand. Gradually, they preferred to endure the indignity themselves rather than provoke those from Cobalt Strike. They would just endure as long as Cobalt Strike's actions didn't go too far.

"I might stay here for three to five years. We'll have plenty of time to 'enjoy' ourselves," Grennan shouted deliberately, his voice booming.

Lucan, guarding Oda and the others, returned to the small courtyard. Awaiting, Helna and others hurried out to greet them. Helna hugged her gently, offering words of comfort. The other women also consoled each other quietly before silently retreating to their rooms. There were no tears, no sorrow, just numbness and helplessness.

They had to rise before dawn to work again in the morning. They had to make the most of their rest.

"Who's there? Come out!" Lucan suddenly sensed someone lurking in the shadow of a corner. His gaze was sharp and fierce as a blade.

Was someone there? The courtyard guards rushed in, and the women gathered together, anxious.

"Come out!" Lucan demanded coldly.

From the shadows, Alavin wiped the tears from his eyes and slowly emerged.

"Who are you, and who let you in?" The guardsmen drew their swords, encircling him. Was this another person from Cobalt Strike? Was this night not over yet?

"Wait!" Lucan suddenly intervened, incredulous. "My lord? You... how are you here?"

"My lord?" Everyone turned to look at Lucan.

"Alavin!" Oda gasped, covering her mouth in shock, unable to believe her eyes.

Alavin had wiped his tears, yet his lips quivered uncontrollably, and tears spilled over. He forced a smile. "It's me."

"My lord, it is really you," Lucan realized, urgently commanding, "Surround the courtyard; do not allow any outsiders near!"

The guards stood frozen, staring at Alavin, until Lucan's second command sent them scrambling out. Alavin had returned! But how? "My dear?" Helna called out, trembling, hardly daring to believe.

"Alabin!" Oda, overjoyed, threw herself at Alavin. Tears poured down her face as she hugged him tightly, fearing it was all a dream.