Black Hearted Mage

Late at night, Fire Maple City was enveloped by a sudden and devastating rainstorm. Bean-sized raindrops pounded fiercely against every corner of the city, as if to awaken the slumbering city. Like a powerful force, the downpour quickly dispelled the unbearable heat, replacing it with a refreshing breeze that brought immense comfort.

The rain had subsided, and the Cavill family mansion was remarkably quiet. Only one carriage was parked there, for it had an important mission the next morning—delivering fresh, delicious snacks to the inner city. The other carriage was at the manor house far outside the city, where the Baron and his family were enjoying a quiet and pleasant escape from the summer heat.

As the dawn light quietly spread across the earth, the coolness of the early morning still permeated the air. Young Caesars got up early. After careful consideration, he decided to rent a carriage and embark on a journey to the Cold Wind Mountains.

Before this, he had inquired about the situation around the Frostwind Mountains. It was known that only a dozen or so minor nobles owned their own territories along the fringes of the Frostwind Mountains, while most of the remaining areas were owned by middle-class nobles or even prominent nobles.

The distance between Fire Maple City and the Cold Wind Mountains wasn't too far. On a clear day with an unobstructed view, even in the bustling imperial capital, one could vaguely see the massive stone mountain towering into the clouds, like a winding dragon stretching between heaven and earth.

In the twilight of early morning, Caesars' carriage slowly rolled out of the city gate, continuing along the straight, wide road. The wheels rolled forward, making a rhythmic sound like a stirring and inspiring melody. As time passed, the sun gradually rose higher, but thanks to the lingering coolness of the morning and the shadows cast by the dense trees along the road, the carriage remained relatively cool.

In this way, the carriage continued to gallop, and around noon, it finally arrived at the foot of the majestic Cold Wind Mountains.

Compared to other regions, the noble territories of Hanfeng County are generally smaller, as they are located in the suburbs of the imperial capital. However, despite the limited area, these nobles still carefully manage their territories, giving them a unique style and charm.

In order to make it easier to ask others about Jack, Caesars wore a magic robe and held a blackthorn staff in his hand. Magicians held a high status on the Roland Continent, far higher than the powerless nobles.

An exquisitely decorated carriage slowly stopped in front of a small noble estate. The estate's walls didn't appear very tall, only about four or five meters high. The gate itself was made of sturdy ironwood. Judging from the exterior, it could be inferred that the small noble's territory was quite limited. Furthermore, it was understood that he didn't seem to have any property in the bustling Fire Maple City.

Caesars gracefully dismounted the carriage, his posture erect and his demeanor distinguished. He walked steadily to the manor gate and gently struck a bell hanging nearby. The resonant ringing instantly shattered the surrounding silence. Not long after, the heavy ironwood door slowly swung open from the inside. The man who opened it was a burly, middle-aged man in leather armor. He wore two sheathed short swords at his waist, giving him an imposing presence.

The middle-aged man's gaze quickly fell on Caesars. When he noticed the pitch-black staff in his hand and the magician's badge on his chest, a look of awe immediately appeared on his face. Although he was not particularly clear about the specific meaning of the magician's badge, his years of experience made him realize that the person before him was of extraordinary status.

So he hurriedly asked respectfully, "Respected Master, who are you looking for this time?" His tone was full of humility and respect.

Caesars nodded slightly and replied, "I want to find a man named Jack. He has no surname, is about forty or fifty years old, and may be a guard. I wonder if there is such a person in your house?" After that, he stared quietly at the middle-aged man in front of him, waiting for his response.

"Master Mage, I swear to God that there is absolutely no one named Jack here! No matter whether they are guards, servants, or slaves, there is no such person!" The man said sincerely, with even a few beads of sweat on his forehead.

Caesars quietly cast his Word of Truth. After some investigation, he confirmed that the man was telling the truth. He then asked, "What about the noble territories near the Frostwind Mountains? Is there anyone named Jack in any of them? The Jack I'm looking for is probably a guard, around forty to fifty years old."

The man thought for a moment and replied, "Master Mage, as far as I know, there are four or five people named Jack in the western territory of Viscount Sarath. And two or three of them are in the territory guard!"

"Great, thanks for letting me know!"

Caesars nodded in satisfaction, casually pulled a glittering gold coin from his pocket and tossed it to the man. The man hurriedly caught the coin, his face full of surprise and flattery, and thanked him repeatedly.

Caesars turned and quickly walked towards the carriage parked nearby. The driver had already heard the conversation clearly, and when he saw the magician approaching, he knew where they were headed next. He raised his whip and gave a gentle shout, and the carriage slowly started, heading west along the Cold Wind Mountains.

A cool breeze blew past the car window, bringing a slight chill, making the unbearable heat of Fire Maple City feel completely unbearable. Lush trees lined the road, and birds occasionally flew over the branches, chirping sweetly. Sitting in the car, Caesars relaxed a little and began to think about the upcoming meeting...

A few minutes later, the carriage slowly stopped in front of another small, exquisite manor. Caesars skillfully dismounted and walked towards the doorbell with steady steps. As the clear and melodious ring rang, he quietly inquired about the situation inside.

It turned out to be a small manor owned by a baron, with a guard named Jack. But surprisingly, this Jack was much younger than the one they were looking for.

Time slipped by quietly, and after more than an hour, the carriage finally arrived at the gates of Viscount Salas's manor. The manor looked magnificent and imposing. Its tall, thick walls formed a formidable barrier, tightly protecting the entire estate. Guards could even be seen patrolling the walls, suggesting the owner of this manor was quite wealthy.

Unlike other small nobles, they did not grow grain crops on a large scale, but chose these trees with great ornamental value for decoration.

On both sides of the manor, there is a large lush fire maple forest. The emerald green maple leaves sway gently in the breeze, like a green ocean, which is beautiful beyond words.

Caesars dismounted from the carriage again and walked straight to the closed ironwood door. He raised his hand and gently struck the bronze bell embedded in the door. You know, the courtyard door is made of ironwood, the hardest wood on the Roland Continent. This wood is often used for important parts like doors and windows because it is not only exceptionally strong but also extremely durable.

The wood of ironwood is a deep, dark red, giving it a mysterious and solemn feel. Due to its high oil content, it is difficult to fade or change its color even after long periods of exposure to wind and sun.

Following a dull sound, the door slowly opened. The first person who came into view was an honest-looking middle-aged butler. He looked Caesar up and down with sharp eyes, and then an expression of great respect immediately appeared on his face, and he extended a warm invitation.

"Master Mage, please come in. You are late. The luncheon has already ended. The Viscount is having afternoon tea with his guests in the back garden!"

Caesars was puzzled by the butler's enthusiasm, as if the other party had treated him as a guest. He looked at the driver, who was honest and kind, and nodded slightly.

"Lead the way, I just happened to be looking for Viscount Sarath on a business trip!"

The butler walked into the courtyard, followed by Caesars. The manor's front yard was large, dotted with a dozen carefully trimmed, stubby flame maple trees. Beneath the trees were parked five or six carriages, all bearing emblems, apparently belonging to several minor nobles.

Walking through the shade of trees, at the end of the smooth road is a small gray castle. On the west side of the castle is a green aisle built with a row of grapevines. As you walk through the aisle, you can hear the laughter from the back garden.

On the neatly mowed lawn, beneath a massive flame maple tree, four benches surrounded a large low table. Eight or nine people sat on the benches, chatting happily. On the table lay a dozen exquisite pastries, five or six dried fruits, a few fruits, and several cups of fragrant tea.

When the butler led Caesars to the low table, the conversation of the minor nobles stopped and they all stood up nervously. This person was obviously not the guest they had invited. Their guest was a low-level magician, while the visitor was a high-level magician.

"Your Excellency, the guests have arrived!"

Viscount Salas looked quite young, around 40 years old. His brown curly hair was neatly combed, with slightly curled ends scattered in front of his forehead and beside his ears, adding a touch of unruly and uninhibited charm.

A small, carefully trimmed black mustache trembled slightly above his lips as he spoke, giving him a playful and adorable look. He was wearing a light blue silk robe, smooth and soft, embroidered with exquisite patterns. It shimmered with a faint light, like flowing water, highlighting his noble and extraordinary status.

When he saw the magician before him, he immediately recognized the magician's badge on his chest. He was struck by a sense of dread, knowing that this person must have an extraordinary background. So, he quickly stepped forward and asked respectfully, "Master Mage, what is the important matter?"

Caesars smiled faintly and replied, "Nothing particularly urgent, I'm just looking for a guard named Jack. From what I know, he used to be a mercenary and is probably in his forties or fifties. Furthermore, if he's really in your manor, then he must have arrived here twenty years ago."

After saying this, Caesars looked around, his gaze sweeping over the several minor nobles present. He then placed his staff back into his interspatial ring with graceful and deft movements. He then walked to an empty bench not far away and slowly sat down. Turning to the maid standing nearby, he softly instructed, "Please bring me a cup of Barton tea."

Upon hearing this, the maid nodded obediently and quickly walked to the table next to her. She nimbly picked up the teapot and brewed a cup of steaming, fragrant Barton black tea for Caesars. She carefully picked up the teacup and handed it to Caesars, her face always filled with a sweet smile.

Caesars took the teacup, took a sip, and nodded in satisfaction. He then raised his hand to signal the other nobles to sit down as well, lest they stand there and look down at him, making him feel a little uncomfortable.

"Jack? He used to be a mercenary, but later he switched to being a guard. Master Mage, I have two people here who meet your requirements. Do I need to call them over?" Viscount Salas asked Caesars.

"That would be great!" Caesars nodded without hesitation.

Upon seeing this, Viscount Salas quickly turned around and whispered a few words to the butler standing nearby. After hearing this, the butler's face showed a hint of panic, and he turned and left in a hurry.

"Master Mage, excuse me for asking, what should I address you?" Viscount Salas asked cautiously.

"My name is Kaisas, and I come from the North Tower. You don't have to be so reserved. I came here just to look for someone, not to cause trouble for you!" Kaisas smiled slightly, trying to ease the somewhat tense atmosphere on the scene.

However, upon hearing the words "Northern Tower," the several minor nobles present instantly grew more reserved. You know, across the entire Roland Continent, anyone with a modicum of common sense knew that the magicians trained by the Northern Tower were second to none.

"Master Mage, it is our great honor to serve you!" One of the young nobles spoke hurriedly, his eyes full of eagerness.

For these small nobles, if they could successfully win over a magician like Kaisas from the Northern Tower, it would undoubtedly bring them huge benefits and profits. Kaisas was well aware of the thoughts of these nobles, but he did not show any disgust or rejection.