Chapter 120: A Festivals Happy End Interlude

Chapter 120: A Festivals Happy End Interlude



The first day of the Grand Festival concluded splendidly, leaving a lasting impression on both audiences and students alike.

The excitement and energy that had permeated the event from the very beginning did not wane, and as the day drew to a close, it was clear that the festival had achieved its goal of captivating and satisfying everyone involved.

The combat displays, showcasing the incredible skills of the academy's students, were a highlight of the day.

Each match was a testament to the rigorous training and talent nurtured within the academy's walls.

The specialized departments had also made their mark, with demonstrations that spanned a wide range of disciplines and abilities.

The variety of performances was not only entertaining but also highlighted the academy's commitment to producing well-rounded and versatile individuals.

Scouts from across the globe were in attendance, their presence a clear indication of the festival's significance in the world of talent recruitment.

The academy's reputation for excellence was on full display, as the performances of its students drew attention and admiration from those looking to discover the next generation of exceptional individuals.

The event effectively showcased the prestige and capability of the academy to nurture and develop talent, reaffirming its status as a leading institution in the field.

As the festival wrapped up for the day, there was a collective sense of accomplishment and satisfaction.

The academy had not only met but exceeded expectations, setting a high standard for the remaining days of the festival.

It was a grand success.

The grand duke of the empire felt this as well.

The grand duke's steps echoed through the empty halls of the colosseum, a stark contrast to the lively atmosphere earlier in the day.

Duke Luther Heavens's sharp gaze swept across the space, his senses acutely attuned to any irregularities.

The festive cheers had faded, leaving behind a silence that seemed almost too perfect, too still.

As he continued his inspection, the duke's mind was occupied with the curious absence of his daughter's presence.

He had distinctly felt Liyana's energy during Riley's fight-an unusual and potent surge of mana that had briefly pierced through the chaotic ambience.

It had been a fleeting, yet unmistakable sensation.

The energy he sensed was unmistakably linked to Liyana, whose mana was uniquely identifiable to him.

His concern deepened as he scrutinized every corner of the colosseum.

There was no trace of her now.

The energy that had briefly illuminated the scene had vanished, leaving no trace behind.

The Duke's face grew taut with worry, a frown forming as he pondered the implications. 'Strange...'

He recalled the intensity of the fight and the unusual surge of mana that seemed to belong to Liyana. It was a stark contrast to the usual flow of energy he was accustomed to sensing.

He had been so absorbed in the grand spectacle of the day that he had overlooked this anomaly.

Now, in the stillness of the colosseum, his senses were more alert, and the absence of Liyana's energy was unsettling.

'Could it have been a misperception?' he mused, though he doubted it. His instincts rarely failed him, especially regarding something as important as his daughter.

He knew the energy he had felt was genuine, and the sudden disappearance of her mana from the scene was troubling.

Usually, such a potent burst of mana would leave traces even if only for a fleeting moment. When a mage of such power-especially one as significant as an Archon or a Swordmaster- interacts with the world, their energy tends to leave an imprint.

This residual mana often clings to the surfaces and objects it passes through, creating detectable traces that an experienced mage could sense or even see.

Yet, as Duke Luther Heavens circled the colosseum with his heightened senses, he found no evidence of such lingering energy.

The walls, the floors, and the air showed no signs of the powerful mana he had sensed earlier.

It was as if the energy had been absorbed or dissipated completely, leaving no trace behind.

'Maybe I saw it wrong...'

The duke considered this possibility as he walked through the empty colosseum.

His initial apprehension seemed to wane, replaced by a sense of doubt. It was conceivable that his heightened state of alert had played tricks on him.

After all, Liyana was not supposed to be anywhere near the colosseum today.

She was back at the duchy, managing affairs in his absence.

Liyana, while undeniably talented and a formidable mage in her own right, was not beyond the scope of detection for a swordmaster of Duke Heavens's caliber.

Her mana, while impressive, should not have been able to evade his senses if she were truly

Her golden hair, bathed in the warm hues of the setting sun, seemed to glow with an ethereal light. Her eyes, sharp and intelligent, held a glimmer of curiosity as they met his.

The contrast between the dusky evening and her radiant presence made her stand out even

more.

Rose approached with a grace that matched her impressive stature. "Duke Luther Heavens,"

she began, her voice smooth and respectful, "It's an honor to finally meet you. If it's not too much trouble, may I have a moment of your time?"

Her bow was both polite and dignified, her demeanor reflecting a blend of respect and

eagerness.

The duke, though momentarily surprised, felt a sense of intrigue. Rose's presence, though unexpected, was clearly intentional.

The effort she had put into arranging this meeting spoke volumes about her determination

and the importance she placed on this interaction.

The duke considered his options.

He was aware of the time constraints pressing on him; he needed to check on Riley and

prepare his report for the emperor.

However, he recognized the value of a conversation with someone of Rose's caliber. It could

offer insights or opportunities he might not anticipate.

He turned back to the carriage, gesturing towards it with a courteous smile. "Would a talk on

the go be acceptable to you, Lady Rose?"

Rose's eyes lit up with a hint of relief and gratitude. "That would be perfect, Your Grace.

Thank you."

The duke offered her a hand to assist her into the carriage, a gesture that was both formal and

considerate.

As Rose took her seat, he followed suit, the carriage's plush interior providing a comfortable backdrop for their conversation.

Lillian and the coachman took their positions, and the carriage began to roll, the rhythmic

sound of its wheels against the cobblestones marking their departure from the colosseum. Inside, the atmosphere was one of poised anticipation.

The duke leaned back in his seat, his expression a mix of curiosity and cautious interest. "Lady

Rose, to what do I owe the pleasure of your company this evening?"

Rose's lips curved into a confident smile, her eyes glinting with a hint of mystery. "Your

Grace, I have a proposal that I believe will be mutually beneficial. It concerns a matter that might prove to be more trouble than it's worth to handle on your own."

The duke's interest was piqued further. "Beneficial to me?" Rose's gaze remained steady, her tone poised. "Yes, and also to me as well. However, I

believe it's something you will find quite advantageous. I would like to present you with a proposal-a deal, a contract, or even a purchase if you prefer to think of it that way. The terminology is flexible, as long as the essence remains clear."

The duke's brow furrowed slightly. "And what exactly does this proposal entail?" With a graceful wave of her hand, Rose conjured a piece of paper using her celestial magic.

The parchment appeared as if by magic, floating gently into her hands before she offered it to the duke.

The document was neatly inscribed with agreements and promises that hinted at significant benefits for the duchy.

The most notable aspect was a clause affirming total support from the Brilliance family head.

The duke took the parchment, his eyes scanning the contents.

The proposal outlined a series of commitments that would elevate the status and prestige of

the Heavens Duchy, promising both material and influential gains. The presence of the Brilliance family's support was particularly striking. "For such a beneficial contract... do you seek something from me in return, Lady Rose?"

Rose's smile widened as she considered her next words carefully. Her mind was already working through the details of how to present her request. "Indeed, I do have a request. It's a

matter that involves a rather complex process, but I'm confident that someone of your standing can handle it."

The duke's curiosity sharpened. "And what is this request?"

Rose leaned back slightly, her eyes locking with his.

"Riley Hell. I would like to have him." The carriage fell into a profound silence