Chapter 146: The Mad Magus They Already Met [Part 6]

Rey nodded solemnly. "Ah... A safety inspection."

Vera’s eyebrow twitched. "Precisely."

"That explains everything." His smile widened. "Although I must admit, it was quite an extensive inspection."

Tessa coughed violently.

Rina turned away, shoulders trembling.

Vera wished the ground would open beneath her feet.

Rey chuckled softly. "Relax. I’m only teasing."

Vera exhaled. Unfortunately, her relief lasted approximately one second.

"Although," he continued, "I would appreciate it if you didn’t mention the incident to my wives. They might not appreciate hearing that six Holy Guardians watched their husband bathing."

Vera felt another wave of heat rush toward her cheeks.

Rey spoke so casually. As though discussing the weather.

"I’ll assume it was an accident," he added.

Vera immediately nodded. "Thank you for your understanding."

"You’re welcome."

Tessa raised her hand slightly. "Lord Rey?"

"Hm?"

"Just for clarification... Did you actually notice us the entire time?"

Rey glanced at her. "From the moment your horses stopped."

Six women stared at him.

He smiled. "Enjoyed the view?"

"TESSA, KEEP WALKING!" Vera snapped before anyone could answer.

Rey laughed. Not loudly. Just a quiet, amused chuckle that somehow made the entire situation even more humiliating.

Vera quickened her pace. She’d fought corrupted beasts without fear. Yet somehow, this man had managed to embarrass her more thoroughly than any enemy she’d encountered. And the worst part? He hadn’t even needed magic.

How infuriating.

Still, as they continued through the lantern-lit streets, Vera couldn’t help noticing something else.

Rey Valen was remarkably easy to speak with. He didn’t behave like an arrogant nobleman. Nor did he resemble the unstable madman described in the Temple’s reports. He was polite, relaxed, and occasionally infuriatingly playful. But that didn’t mean he was harmless. Vera reminded herself of that repeatedly.

A man who could defeat the Dark Lord was dangerous regardless of how charmingly he smiled.

And she still had orders to fulfill.

Eventually, the administrative building came into view.

Its tall windows glowed warmly against the deepening evening sky, and the scent of dinner drifted through the entrance.

Rey approached the doors.

Two servants immediately straightened upon recognizing him. "Welcome back, Lord Rey!" One bowed respectfully. "We were wondering when you would return. Lord Veymont has been expecting you."

Rey smiled. "Sorry. I got a little distracted."

The servant’s gaze shifted toward the six armored women behind him. "Oh! The Light Temple’s representatives!"

Vera stepped forward. "Good evening."

The servants bowed again. "Welcome back, honored Guardians. Please, come inside. We’ll inform Lord Veymont and Chief Marr that you’ve returned with Lord Rey."

Rey casually adjusted his cloak. "Excellent. I hope dinner hasn’t started without us."

The servants smiled and welcomed them into the administrative building.

Warm light spilled across the marble floors as Rey stepped inside, followed by the six Holy Guardians. The scent of roasted meat, freshly baked bread, and aromatic herbs drifted through the corridor, immediately reminding everyone that they’d spent most of the afternoon running around Lumenford without a proper meal.

Tessa’s stomach growled.

Rina glanced at her. "Seriously?"

"What? I’m hungry."

"Don’t worry. I believe Cassian prepared enough food for everyone," Rey said.

Vera watched him curiously. Cassian? Not Lord Veymont? Apparently, the Royal Magus had become rather familiar with the town’s ruler during his brief visit.

Considering he’d solved an investigation that had troubled Lumenford for an entire month, perhaps that wasn’t particularly surprising.

The servants led them toward the dining hall. When the double doors opened, the women discovered a long table covered with an impressive assortment of dishes.

Roasted fish seasoned with coastal herbs, grilled lobster, buttered shrimp, tender meat, fresh vegetables, and several colorful desserts filled the room with delicious aromas. Crystal glasses stood beside polished silver cutlery, while enchanted chandeliers illuminated the feast.

At the far end of the table sat Lord Veymont and Chief Marr.

Both immediately looked toward the entrance.

"Ah! Rey!" Cassian rose from his chair. "Finally!"

Rey smiled. "Good evening, Cassian."

The lord approached him with visible relief. "I thought you’d already left Lumenford."

"Without dinner? That would be terribly irresponsible."

Chief Marr chuckled.

Cassian shook his head, smiling. "You have no idea how worried everyone was. These Holy Guardians looked practically panicked when they discovered you weren’t in your room."

Behind Rey, six women stiffened.

Rey glanced over his shoulder. "Oh, they were panicking?"

Cassian nodded. "Quite seriously. They insisted on searching the entire town."

"How unfortunate." Rey’s smile widened. "They panicked for nothing. I was merely enjoying my afternoon."

Vera resisted the urge to sigh. The man they’d desperately searched for had been swimming, eating, and watching the sunset. And apparently enjoying every second of their embarrassment.

"You look tired, Cassian," Rey said.

The lord blinked. "Do I?"

"Very. You too, Chief Marr."

Chief Marr rubbed his neck. "Well, yesterday wasn’t exactly peaceful."

Rey studied them for a moment.

Cassian’s complexion was pale, and the dark circles beneath his eyes had become more pronounced. Chief Marr looked equally exhausted, although he seemed determined to conceal it beneath his usual stern expression.

Cassian sighed. "I haven’t rested properly since yesterday. Between the investigation, the funeral, the rescued women, and preparing the official reports, I’ve barely had time to sit down."

"That sounds unpleasant."

"You’re telling me."

"And you still prepared a feast? I thought it would be a simple dinner."

Cassian smiled faintly. "Of course. You saved eleven women and prevented something terrible from happening to this town. The least I can do is offer you a proper dinner before you leave."

Rey’s expression softened slightly. "Well, I certainly won’t refuse."

Chief Marr laughed. "Good. Because if you leave without eating, Cassian might actually take it personally."

Vera watched them silently. There was something strange about the scene. The Mad Magus, supposedly feared and distrusted throughout the kingdom, was being welcomed like an old friend by two respected officials. And for the first time since receiving her orders, Vera found herself wondering whether the Light Temple truly understood the man it intended to examine.

Cassian finally turned toward the six women. "Please, honored Guardians. You’ve traveled a long way. Join us." He gestured toward the table. "Dinner is ready."

Rey glanced at the feast, then at the exhausted lord and chief. "Excellent. Let’s eat."