Chess Mage of Faerûn

Chapter 371 School Selection Issues for Children
Although there was suspicion of abusing his power for personal gain, he was not a holy knight and had already done enough for Flame Fist. When the future of his offspring could no longer be entrusted to him, even Iltan, who had always presented himself as fair and dignified, could not help but have selfish thoughts.

Nancy had a very clear understanding of this. No matter how unwilling she was, after repeated failed attempts, the Grand Duke had to admit that his child was not cut out for it and gave up the idea of ​​forcibly supporting Gavial to take over the Flame Fist.

However, the path of a mage is not a smooth road either.

After receiving subtle advice from several mage advisors under his command, Iltan realized that for an apprentice with limited aptitude, becoming a disciple of a master was virtually impossible, and following mages like them, whose own levels were also limited, was not a good strategy. The most practical choice was:

Academy!

Its inclusiveness towards those of mediocre talent, the opportunities and possibilities for development, and the superiority of the academy itself as a platform and support are all unmatched by the private associations or workshops commonly found in the Bode region.

Excellent! The Grand Duke got the answer he wanted.

So here's the question: where are the academies in Baldur's Gate?! Unlike Neverwinter, Luskan, and Thane, which first had magic academies or mage organizations before gradually gathering people to settle and form cities, Baldur's Gate, which started as a port and fishing village, prospered through maritime trade. Where did it get this kind of foundation?

Baldur, as a city-state, is far smaller than Waterdeep and Ascatella, and therefore insufficient to support the establishment of a large city academy.

And so, like countless parents in his previous life, the esteemed Grand Duke Iltan also encountered the problem of choosing a school for his children.
The mage tower of a grand mage or a legendary spellcaster is like a high-level research institute; ordinary people shouldn't even think about it.

The magic academies in places like Waterdeep and Neverwinter are all major higher education institutions, with varying strengths and foundations, but they are all promising paths.
The remaining scattered organizations are private colleges and universities, which vary in quality.

As for those research and communication organizations established by mid-level mages?
Have you heard of any diploma mills? Thanks!

Given the Grand Duke's abilities, the first path is out of the question, but finding an academy to get the child in is not difficult. At least the academies in Deepwater City are within Iltan's consideration.

This trade-off came to an end with the arrival of the Canaan Squad.

Leaving aside the already known sect lineage and the other party's astonishing speed of advancement, the background of the Wudong Academy behind him undoubtedly added a significant weight to the scales in the Grand Duke's mind.

Both Waterdeep and Neverwinter are distant lands, and no matter how powerful Iltan is at Baldur's Gate, he has no influence over the northern city-states thousands of miles away.

No matter how valiant they are, they are still mortals after all, and they cannot help but feel deep love for their children. They want their children to have a better future, but they are also worried about them, which puts them in a dilemma.

Until today, Iltan finally found an opportunity. The two people who had saved his only son in the past had now opened another door for Gavial. This coincidence seemed to him to be a twist of fate and a kind joke.

Although things are different now, the young mage lord still had a bond with Flamefist, not to mention Nancy. Everything they had witnessed over the years was enough to warrant such a precious thing as trust.

“Elizabella.”

Iltan leaned back in his chair, gazing at the ceiling as if trying to see beyond the obstruction in front of him and cast his gaze into the infinite distance.

"To our Dharma Master!"

To the wanderers!

"And our good dwarves!"

"cheers!"

"Wishing you good health, and raising a glass to our reunion!"

In contrast to the Grand Duke's solitary silence, Ska's squad was filled with jubilation at their camp. The joy of returning comrades-in-arms diluted the solemnity of the military camp. Even the usually self-disciplined Ska sipped a glass of fruit wine in celebration. Two days later, Zhang Yuan and Nancy bid farewell to Ska and the other soldiers with whom they had chatted and laughed the previous day, and went to pay their respects to Grand Duke Iltan once again.

Although some things remain unclear, a few doubts are not enough to warrant hesitation.

In any case, it's just a matter of looking after that kid Gavial. My newly compiled three-year spellcasting and five-year simulation technique will come in handy.

A certain mage, in a rather unscrupulous manner, wondered about Gavial's future.

Haha~
It was a bleak scene that was visible to the naked eye; the youth of this pale-faced boy was likely to be buried by books.

The meeting place with the Grand Duke was not at the Flame Fist headquarters. The two went straight through the Black Dragon Gate behind the headquarters building and arrived at Iltan's private residence.

Incidentally, the Grand Duke of Silver Shield, known for his immense wealth, also resided in this area, not far away.

The female thief had a lot to say about this. She was still determined to steal and kept scouting the target's location, almost ruining the lawn near the mansion. In the end, the Silver Shield Grand Duke, who was both amused and exasperated, had the guards arrest her and send her back to Flame Fist to settle the matter.

"Welcome! I'm sure your arrival is accompanied by some joyful news."

Upon entering, the two were greeted by a maid and led to a small living room that was simply yet tastefully decorated. On the round table in the center were hot drinks such as coffee and precious tea from the distant Karatu, and various exquisite pastries were served on porcelain plates. Iltan, who was sitting to the side, gestured for them to sit down.

The two men did not refuse, and after taking their seats, they drank tea and chatted as if old friends had come to visit, never mentioning the mineral transaction.

Of course, Nancy is indeed an old friend…

"How is little Gavial doing? Is he ready for his long journey?"

After exchanging pleasantries, the female thief steered the conversation toward Gavial's matter.

“He did go to the North when he was initially drawn into the Valley Wind Band. A good man should travel far and wide; I can’t keep him tied to my side forever.”

The Grand Duke spoke casually, but the ripples in the red tea in his teacup were anything but calm.

“Gavial has the talent to become a professional in that environment, but to become a mage, there is a lot of prerequisite knowledge and systematic training required. He’ll have to suffer a bit.”

Upon hearing Zhang Yuan's words, the Duke laughed instead:
"He hasn't been idle these past few days; he's been studying and practicing with the magic advisor, so catching up with the course shouldn't be a problem."

"As it should be."

Zhang Yuan refrained from commenting on Iltan's confidence, and instead changed the subject:
"Although Nowinter is far from Baldur, it's not a big deal with the portal between them. I also have some access to it, so I don't have to worry about being separated for too long."

"Oh, then our two families must keep in touch."

"That's natural."

The atmosphere between the two families warmed up considerably. After chatting for a while, Iltan had Gaviel come out to meet Zhang Yuan and Nancy.

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(End of this chapter)