Chapter 220: Harmonia City I

A mana oath was exactly what its name implied.

An oath made under the witness of mana itself— one that, if broken, would cripple a mage’s mana stars and permanently damage their ability to wield magic.

The shock that rippled through the chamber at Regis’s action stemmed from two reasons.

The first was that only accomplished mages, recognized by mana, could undertake such an oath.

These mages were typically of the Three Star Realm or higher.

The second reason carried even more weight.

Regis, who was no older than the duke’s son, had not only met the qualifications to take such a powerful oath but had also done so without hesitation.

The sheer ability and boldness behind his act softened the skepticism in the room and made many reevaluate their impression of him.

After a brief silence, it was Duke Gareth who finally broke it.

"I appreciate your integrity."

He said with a thoughtful expression, "But you didn’t have to go that far... Now I feel guilty for placing such an unnecessary burden on you."

Yet the duke’s apologetic tone was soon met with Regis’s calm and confident reply.

"It’s nothing, Duke. This is the least I can do to assure someone of your stature that the words of a lowly adventurer like me can be trusted."

Doron, seated beside him, could not help but twitch his lips.

’This brat...’

’...not only is he strong and talented, but he’s damn good with words too.’

Doron could clearly see the level of emotional intelligence Regis possessed, especially in dealing with high-ranking nobles.

’It’s almost like he’s used to speaking with dukes and aristocrats...’

The way Regis smoothly diffused the suspicion in the room with a mix of sincerity, humility, and weighty action was more than just impressive—it was a testament to the kind of person he could become.

The conversation continued as they delved into deeper matters.

The duke inquired about various aspects of Harmonia: its founding purpose, current situation, and its political motivations.

As the first satellite city of Ligera, the largest kingdom in the world, Harmonia’s sudden emergence outside Ligera’s borders—specifically within human territory—naturally raised questions and stirred speculation.

Was this a strategic expansion of Ligera’s influence?

A sincere effort to improve inter-racial relations?

Or was there a hidden agenda, cloaked beneath a noble cause?

Gareth posed pointed and insightful questions, which Regis answered both thoroughly and tactfully.

On the sidelines, Glorietta, Gustav, Doron, Dahlia, and the other officials listened with rapt attention.

Occasionally, the duchess or a member of the council would pose follow-up questions, all of which Regis answered without hesitation.

The discussion lasted for about half an hour before they noticed that Regis’s avatar had begun to grow faint.

Gareth noticed this and remarked, "It seems our time is running short. I want to thank you for everything you’ve shared with us, but..."

Regis’s calm eyes remained fixed on him, waiting for him to continue.

"...are you sure it was wise to disclose all that information? I hope our conversation doesn’t end up straining the relationship between Harmonia and the Grava Duchy."

His words made Doron’s brow twitch. ’Still as sly as ever, Gareth...’

When Glorietta first introduced Gareth to the family, his commoner background drew skepticism, especially since she had insisted on giving him equal authority.

But over time, Gareth’s sharp intellect and decisive leadership earned him their respect, allowing him to steer the duchy to its current prosperity.

Now, watching the familiar gleam in Gareth’s eyes—the same fire he had when he was younger—Doron could not help but feel a sense of satisfaction.

’And with that question... if things go south, he’s made it so any consequences will land squarely on Regis.’

However, as Doron shifted his gaze back to the boy, those concerns quickly faded.

’Nah... that kid can handle it.’

From the beginning of the meeting to its end, Regis had maintained the same calm composure—an unshaken presence, even in front of one of the most powerful nobles in the region.

"You need not worry, Your Grace."

Regis replied, "I was given full authority by the Midas Merchant Organization—one of Harmonia’s honorary founding bodies—to speak on its behalf."

Hearing that, Gareth leaned back in his chair and smiled, visibly relaxing.

"Very well, Regis. I must say, you’re quite exceptional for someone your age. What would you say... to becoming part of the Grava Household, just like your friend Dahlia?"

The sudden offer caught Regis off guard.

Dahlia, who had been quietly reflecting, felt her thoughts spin at the unexpected proposition.

’I wonder just how much he went through... to be able to carry himself like this in front of a duke?’

Even after all these years, she remembered the Regis she once depended on back in the slums.

And now, seeing him hold his own in a formal setting like this only made him seem even more reliable.

But Gareth’s words jolted her back to the moment, and a quiet gasp escaped her lips.

***

Inside a luxuriously decorated room, elegant paintings adorned the finely crafted walls.

A chandelier made entirely of gold hung from the ceiling, casting a warm and brilliant light that illuminated the entire space.

On a large bed with a gilded frame etched with intricate engravings, a boy lay with his eyes closed.

The blanket covering him was embroidered with golden threads, and his snow white hair spread neatly across the soft pillows.

To the side, a large stained-glass window overlooked the harmonious city of Harmonia.

The boy’s eyes suddenly opened, revealing a vivid pair of blood red irises that slowly scanned the room.

He sat up, supporting himself with both arms behind him, then brought a hand to his temple as a dull ache settled in his head.

The boy was none other than Regis.

"That was crazy..." He muttered, still in disbelief.

He had just returned to consciousness after using his avatar via the spell Scriptum Vivens, sent through a letter to the Grava Duchy.

Scriptum Vivens was a master rank spell, one he had learned from a special grimoire gifted by Aurelia’s father.

The conversation he had with the duke just earlier surged through his mind.

"I didn’t expect him to ask me that so suddenly..."

Being offered a place in a ducal family was an extraordinary honor for anyone.

"Still, I’m glad they’re taking good care of Dahlia..."

Regis muttered, a faint smile unconsciously blooming on his face, "...it’s almost like she’s living a little too well."

His voice carried a subtle pain as he remembered how she now stood taller than him.

"Well, just a little bit, but still..."

He shook his head in the next second, scattering those distracting thoughts away.

Regis got off the bed, his bare feet sinking softly into the carpet, made from the hide of a wild beast, and walked toward the stained-glass window.

Unlocking it, he pushed it open.

Before him stretched the vibrant city of Harmonia.

In one corner of the street, graceful individuals with long, pointed ears, light green hair, and sage colored eyes conversed with humans.

Elsewhere, stocky, bearded figures with muscular builds—dwarves—were seen bargaining animatedly with human merchants over crates of beer and exotic liquor.

Near the plaza fountain, people with beast-like features lounged on benches, basking in the golden sunlight and chatting casually.

"This city... really feels like another world."

Regis murmured, a faint smile forming on his lips.

He was currently staying at the Equaria Inn—the most luxurious inn in Harmonia, reserved for individuals of high status.

Of course, he was not alone.

Pandora and Killian were also staying there, each in separate rooms.

It had been three days since they arrived in Harmonia.

They had reported the completion of their mission to Aurelia’s father but were instructed to remain on standby.

Now, two days had passed since that meeting and not a word had been heard from them since then.

’I wonder what Aurelia and her father were talking about...’

Regis mused, inhaling the crisp, refreshing air as his eyes wandered across the serene cityscape.

’Well, since they’re covering our stay, it’d be rude not to enjoy all the facilities this inn has to offer.’

Despite being called an inn, Equaria Inn was more akin to a grand building.

Standing five stories tall, it boasted intricate architecture designed to withstand natural disasters, such as storms and earthquakes, with ease.

Not just Equaria, but the entirety of Harmonia felt like something out of another world.

"I wonder who’s responsible for building these structures..." He muttered.

The architecture, down to the smallest detail, and even the overall city layout, could be described in one word: advanced.

Compared to Toran City, the frontier fortress they had visited, or the rural villages along their travels, Harmonia felt like a marvel born of a different era entirely.

Regis still remembered how stunned he’d been the first time he laid eyes on the city.

He was not the only one; Pandora, Aurelia, and even the noble Killian had all worn the same stupefied expression on their faces.