Chapter 94: — Two Nobles.

Kael watched the pair approach, his eyes narrowing slightly as he assessed them. The older man was broad-shouldered and imposing, and the younger one beside him mirrored his features, clearly his son.

Despite the man’s booming, jovial tone, Kael felt a prickle of unease. He reached out with his senses, attempting to gauge their strength, but his mana hit a wall.

He couldn’t sense a single drop of cultivation from the father—which, in his experience, meant the man was likely powerful enough to crush him without even trying.

The son, however, gave off a faint, familiar aura that reminded him of Jim, placing them roughly on the same level.

Emily’s demeanor shifted instantly. She addressed the man with a respectful, measured gaze. “What brought you to this humble mage’s habitation, sire from the clan of Wilders?”

The man laughed, a sound that seemed to vibrate in the air. “Haha! Please, don’t embarrass us, Miss Emily. We are your juniors, so please, accept this bow.”

He swept into a deep, respectful bow. The son, though clearly harboring a flicker of teenage arrogance and reluctance, followed suit, bowing stiffly.

“No need for such formalities, Mr. Jacob,” Emily replied, her tone perfectly balanced—neither obsequious nor cold. “Since you are here, let me bring something for you to drink.”

“No need for that, Miss Emily,” Jacob insisted, waving a hand dismissively. “We’ve just come from a visit with Chief Eric, and we’ve already eaten. Please, don’t go to the trouble.”

As Emily nodded in acknowledgment, Jacob chuckled again, his eyes crinkling. “Actually, your esteemed self is likely wondering why I showed up at your doorstep so unexpectedly.”

Kael leaned back slightly, watching the interaction. He kept his expression neutral, playing the role of the quiet, obedient grandson.

Kael watched the exchange, his eyes tracing the subtle tension in Jacob’s posture. Every laugh felt like a calculated performance, a way to mask his true objective behind a veneer of friendly, rustic charm.

“Let me tell you, then,” Jacob continued, his voice booming with forced warmth.

“I was tasked by the royal court with investigating that strange forest that appeared on the edge of town. They’re taking the report very seriously. Once I finished with the Chief this morning, he happened to mention you were home, and I couldn’t pass up the chance to pay my respects. Haha!”

Kael’s mind sharpened. So, they’re from the capital. That confirmed his suspicion about their power; people of their stature didn’t just wander into a backwater town unless there was something significant at stake.

While Kael wasn’t worried about his own secrets being exposed—the dragon’s influence was far too deep for a casual investigation—he was acutely aware that these men were dangerous.

“I am extremely honored that you took the time to visit this old lady,” Emily replied, her voice smooth and unbothered, “but may I ask your true reason for coming here?”

Jacob’s laughter didn’t falter, but Kael noticed his eyes dart toward the boy standing beside him.

“What else would I be here for, if not for this stupid son of mine? You know, ever since he was a child, he’s been obsessed with your legendary adventures. Once he heard I was visiting Korua, he wouldn’t stop pestering me until I brought him along to meet you.”

A lie, Kael thought, his lip curling ever so slightly. It was a transparent fabrication. The boy didn’t look like an aspiring adventurer with stars in his eyes; he looked bored, arrogant, and impatient.

Kael leaned back, feigning an innocent curiosity while he analyzed the situation. It was obvious: Jacob wasn’t here because of some childhood hero worship.

He was here to leverage his status to secure a mentorship for his son. It was the same thing every other powerful mage in the empire had tried to do for years, only this time, Jacob had brought the weight of the royal court’s mission as a convenient cover.

As Kael watched, the younger boy stepped forward, his posture stiff and formal. “This is the second child of the Wilder family, Samuel Wilder, and the only son of my father here, Mr. Jacob Wilder.”

Kael noted the mention of the surname. In this world, names were a mark of status; only the elite clans and the royal family carried them, while commoners remained nameless in the eyes of history. It was a clear, haughty reminder of the gap between them.

Jacob didn’t waste a second, turning his attention directly toward Kael. “Would this boy be your grandson, Miss Emily?”

Emily offered a simple, graceful nod. “Yes, he is.”

Jacob wasn’t fazed by her brevity. “Haha! Eric told me all about this young man. Yours was the standout performance at the ceremony yesterday, I assume, junior?”

Kael inclined his head in a modest, respectful bow. “It was, senior, though I was tied in performance with my friends.”

“Oh, haha! No matter, it’s all the same thing,” Jacob dismissed with a wave of his hand.

“Samuel, say hi to your little brother here.”

Kael saw the flicker of disdain on Samuel’s face—the boy clearly thought he was above this meeting—but he moved forward nonetheless.

“Hello, brother. I’m Samuel.”

Kael mirrored the formality, though he felt a distinct lack of interest in befriending such a conceited prick. “Nice to meet you, brother. My name is Kael.”

The air between the two boys grew tense and stagnant. Jacob, sensing his son’s inability to feign even a shred of genuine charm, stepped in quickly to keep the peace.

“Haha, young kids these days! So caught up in their own worlds—not even willing to socialize properly with their counterparts.”

Jacob let the small talk wither away, the false joviality dropping from his face as he realized his indirect approach was hitting a brick wall.

He cleared his throat, his expression turning solemn and persuasive.

“You see, Miss Emily, my child has long dreamed of training under a mentor of your esteemed caliber. Since I was fortunate enough to cross paths with you today, I felt compelled to ask—would you consider taking my son under your tutelage?”

Kael watched his grandmother closely. He held his breath, wondering if she would mention him as her new student. But Emily remained composed, her refusal firm and swift.

“Please try to understand my situation, Mr. Wilder,” she said, her voice soft but immovable. “I have not taken a student in all these years, and frankly, I have no interest in guiding the young. I wish only to live the rest of my days in peace and solitude. Please, allow me to respectfully decline your request.”

Kael kept his face neutral, though he was surprised she hadn’t used him as an excuse to shut down the conversation. She had kept their arrangement private, and he sensed she had a very specific, protective reason for doing so.

Jacob bowed his head, though Kael could see the disappointment in his eyes.

He had known this was a long shot; even though the Wilders were a high-ranking clan, they were still a branch family, and he knew Emily’s reputation for refusing even the most powerful lords of the capital.

“That is perfectly understandable, Miss Emily,” Jacob replied, his tone shifting back to a respectful, practiced cordiality.

“I hope you know my offer stands. If you ever change your mind, I pray you will consider our proposal.”