Daniel ignored the trailing admirers and arrived at the waiting area, where the school had arranged for examinees to meet their parents or guardians. It seemed the determined ladies knew exactly where he was headed, some even adjusting their appearance to seem more presentable, perhaps hoping to appear... more motherly.
Inside the waiting area, where children who had completed their exams were gathered, Daniel noted a bustling crowd.
Many were talking with the children, aiming to recruit them. Among those present, he observed three distinct groups: representatives from various mage families scouting new talent, parents there to congratulate their children, and other guardians negotiating with mage families to secure the best benefits for their children in exchange for service.
Seeing this felt like a bucket of cold water had been poured over him. Despite having read about these customs and common practices in the mage world, something still felt off. He understood it as a "necessary evil," though he wasn't fully at ease with it.
"You find this practice unsettling, don't you?" a familiar voice spoke near his ear. Daniel turned to see Envy in disguise.
She wore a pair of glasses and used a cosmetic illusion to give her hair its natural black color, as it had been before she became a witch. Her glasses bore an anonymity enchantment, preventing others from recognizing her—though clearly, she had ensured that those she wanted to recognize her, like Daniel, still would.
"Yeah... I know I need to adjust to this twisted world of magic and its mage logic as quickly as I can. But... it hasn't even been two years since I became a mage," Daniel replied, his voice tinged with discomfort.
"Yet you've already become a leader and an authority figure in the Curtained World. If you plan to rule over mages, you'll have to tolerate certain practices that may seem unsettling to you. If you try to impose your ideals too rigidly, you'll spark another mage civil war," Envy explained.
She continued, "This practice may look distasteful at first glance, but most mages are heartless pragmatists. They prioritize personal gain with the smallest possible cost and care more about the results than the means."
"If you prohibit these practices, powerful children won't learn to channel their magic safely. They'll be forced into a much riskier self-discovery. You may not realize it, but most cultists—whether worshipers of the Hell Lord or the Old Gods who've caused you so much trouble—start out as rogue mages, lost in improper practices and eventually bending their powers toward our enemies."
After a pause, she added, "And the worst part is, these individuals aren't even registered with Hightower or any legitimate organization. Not everyone is as blatant, arrogant, or openly defiant as Mr. Worseley," she finished, with a note of resentment in her voice.
Hearing this, Daniel smiled wryly. "I've wanted to ask you about this for quite some time, but... what's your problem with Albert? I know he sparked a mage civil war and was behind both World Wars with his idiotic artifact, but from the tone of your voice, it seems... personal."
Envy looked at Daniel, then shifted her gaze past the glass window to where little Sylvana was still chatting with her friends in the VIP area.
"He killed one of my students... a very promising one," Envy said.
Envy sighed, then slowly removed her glasses and face mask, tucking them into her handbag. She dispelled her illusion magic, revealing her true features. Her amethyst-colored hair glinted under the chandelier's light, and the illusion's removal also uncovered a luxurious red dress, befitting her status.
"It's because I was there... in person," Envy said, her expression turning cold. "As for the duel, do you—"
"No, Lady Envy!" Lady Silvestro quickly interrupted, dropping to her knees and bowing in submission. "I'm deeply sorry for this transgression, Lady Envy. Please, please, forgive my foolish words. As the heir, I promise that any mercy you show will be worth your while," she pleaded, her face drained of color.
"Worth my while?" Envy scoffed, her tone dripping with disdain. "My husband is the wealthiest man in the Curtained World, with resources—magical and non-magical—that most can only dream of. Do you think you possess anything we don't?"
"No, Lady Envy! The Silvestro family could serve the Order of Ember wholeheartedly. You could even use us as pawns—"
"Serving the Order of Ember is an honor, a testament of trust that my husband grants only to the most reliable people. This is not a punishment; it's a privilege!" Envy replied with a sneer.
Lady Silvestro didn't dare offer anything further. She remained on her knees, trembling. Seeing that the exchange had gone on longer than he'd intended, Daniel sighed and spoke up.
"Envy, ease up a bit, will you? Don't we need to hurry and meet little Sylvana?" he reminded her.
Envy nodded, chuckling as she glanced at Lady Silvestro. "It seems your ancestor enjoyed bragging a bit too much. Bring me your family chronicle—I'll correct it myself, and then you can rewrite it based on my revisions."
Lady Silvestro trembled again. This was tantamount to public shame for her family. If her elders discovered the reason behind this correction, she'd likely be stripped of her heir status. It was a mark of disgrace for the entire lineage.
After a brief hesitation, a bright idea came to her, she forced a bright smile, as if she were a seasoned actress masking her thoughts. "Yes, of course, Lady Envy! We of the Silvestro family are honored to have our family chronicle corrected by your own hand. This is an honor we will treasure as long as the Silvestro name endures!"
Even Envy was taken aback, giving a wry smile and nodding. "Alright... have it your way."
Since the Silvestro family's ancestor was an acquaintance of hers, Envy decided not to push further. She would let the young Silvestro heir off with just this bit of a lesson.
After receiving permission, as if pardoned from death, Lady Silvestro quickly ran off, followed by the other trembling admirers of Daniel who hadn't dared to leave before.