Chapter 24: The Three Paths

Arthur didn’t have to wait long after Aria bolted from his room.

A few minutes later, the heavy oak door creaked open, and Layla, his personal maid, rushed in. Her usually pristine uniform was slightly wrinkled, but the moment she saw Arthur sitting up, her face broke into a massive, relieved smile.

“Young Master!” She gasped, pressing a hand to her chest. “You had us all worried sick.”

“I am glad to be back, Layla,” Arthur replied, offering a polite smile.

Layla quickly wiped her eyes before her professional demeanor clicked back into place. “Let’s get you into fresh clothes, My Lord. Your father and the guests are already gathering for breakfast, and I will not have you looking like this at the dining table.”

Despite the dull ache in his chest, Arthur allowed her to help him. Layla carefully swapped his bloodied bandages for fresh ones, dressing him in a crisp dark tunic that hid the bulk of the wrappings.

Arthur took a step. His right leg was still a bit stiff, but he could finally walk without support.

He walked out of the room and went downstairs.

When he entered the grand dining hall, the gentle clinking of silverware instantly stopped.

Roderick Ashborn sat at the head of the table. The dark circles under the Lord’s eyes were still prominent. There was no pity in his gaze anymore. There was only a deep, unshakeable pride.

Sitting to Roderick’s left was Viscountess Sylvia, who offered him a polite, respectful nod. On his right, Cecilia was seated; her eyes were teary after hearing that her son had woken up.

Arthur slowly made his way to his usual seat. Before he could even pull his chair out, a blur of silver hair moved beside him. Aria, who had already been seated, quickly stood to steady the chair for him.

He blinked in surprise as he sat down while Aria took the seat directly next to his.

He looked across the table. Sitting directly opposite him was Elara, the young heir of the Lunalar family. She sat perfectly straight; her noble posture was flawless as always. But the moment Arthur’s eyes met hers, she immediately looked away.

Arthur raised an eyebrow, bewildered by the sudden cold shoulder, but decided not to push it.

Breakfast passed with light, careful conversation. Roderick intentionally avoided heavy politics to let his son eat in peace.

Once the meal concluded, Arthur pushed his chair back.

“Where are you headed?”

Arthur paused. Elara was looking at him now; her blue eyes were calm and unreadable.

“The library,” Arthur replied simply. “I’ve been out for a week. I have a lot of catching up to do.”

Elara held his gaze for a second longer, then gave a single, silent nod.

Arthur left the dining hall, his mind already shifting gears.

The estate’s library was a massive room, lined with towering bookshelves that smelled of dust. He made his way to the front reception desk.

Sitting behind it, reading a thick leather-bound tome as always, was Marcus. The High Mage wasn’t wearing armor today, just a set of simple, comfortable robes.

Marcus slowly lowered his book, looking Oliver up and down with a deadpan expression.

“You look like a corpse that got lost on its way to the graveyard,” he grumbled, a faint smirk playing on his lips. “Shouldn’t you be in bed, complaining about your wounds?”

“Good morning to you too, Marcus,” Arthur sighed, leaning heavily on the desk. “And I would be in bed, but I have a slight problem. My core unsealed itself in the woods, and I had used raw mana directly at that time.”

Marcus’s smirk vanished. He carefully closed his book and stood up. The grumpy demeanor completely melted away, replaced by an intense, heavy sincerity.

“Young Master Oliver,” Marcus said, his voice thick with emotion. He stepped out from behind the desk and lowered his head in a deep, formal bow. “You stood between an Alpha Werewolf and my daughter, and you bled for her. Words are insufficient… but you have my life.”

Arthur shifted uncomfortably, not expecting the sudden reverence from the old man.

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“I appreciate that, Marcus. Truly,” Arthur said. “But right now, what I need is a teacher. I need to know how magic works in this world before I accidentally detonate my own arms.”

Marcus straightened up, a proud glint returning to his eye. “Very well. Then we begin with the absolute basics.”

Marcus raised his hand, his palm facing the ceiling.