Chapter 309 - 278: Magic Consultant

Chapter 309: Chapter 278: Magic Consultant

Grover, the Second Prince of the Fran Kingdom, was hailed as a "good man" by many nobles and commoners alike. Some were even willing to sit quietly outside Benier Palace just to catch a glimpse of him and hear him say, "May the Gods bless you."

The major Churches all vied to recruit him as a star believer, but unfortunately, it was said he held no particular faith in any single Divine Being. Even when he prayed, he would say, "True God, please hear my prayer."

Unlike the Third Prince, Theodore, who was a gentleman on the surface but eccentric in private, Grover was always the model of courtesy. This led many to be optimistic about his future. He was also quite handsome, with a tall, slender build. His shoulder-length blond hair was tied back casually, giving him an air of vitality that wasn’t overly formal. Coupled with his graceful movements and bearing, he was widely regarded as a dashing young man.

"Prince." Cunningham merely lifted his eyelids, sweeping his gaze over the newcomer. Grover smiled and raised a hand in greeting. Behind him followed two robed female Mages.

"Master, you know this is very important to us. After all, maintaining such a large organization requires considerable income to cover expenses," Grover said, gesturing with open hands. His tone was earnest yet lacked force, which seemed at odds with his status as a Prince. "Is there truly no other way?"

Unlike most people would, Cunningham completely ignored the smiling Second Prince. He turned his back and began tidying the various instruments scattered across a nearby table, which were stained with a dark red substance that looked like dried blood. "There’s nothing to be done. The raw materials are gone."

"Then is there a substitute?" The Second Prince showed no anger at the old Mage’s slight, asking with a hint of hope, clearly expecting a positive reply.

"No." Cunningham bit out the cold word while patting down his clothes, seemingly searching for something.

Grover, however, pulled a silk handkerchief from his pocket and offered it to him. "Please, use this."

Cunningham glanced at the handkerchief held in the pale hand but said nothing. Instead, he made a beckoning gesture. A shabby rag from across the room flew into his grasp, and he proceeded to wipe the tools in front of him.

"You—" The Clerk standing behind them started to protest, but the Second Prince cut him off with a raised hand. Grover tucked the handkerchief back into his pocket, smoothing his clothes to ensure they still lay perfectly flat.

"Master, I would still like to ask..." Despite being slighted by the old Mage, his voice remained steady, still laced with respect and sincerity.

"Don’t bother. I refuse." Cunningham wiped his tools slowly, his movements meticulous, but his tone was as cold as ever.

"How dare you speak to the Prince like that! Have you forgotten who gives you shelter?" the Clerk finally burst out, unable to hold back his anger.

"Do not speak to the Master that way," Grover said, frowning in rebuke at his Clerk. He then turned back and asked cautiously, "Are you truly unwilling to serve as my Magic Consultant?"

"Don’t you already have two consultants?" Cunningham replied without turning around.

"Very well. It seems your mind is made up." Realizing the man was adamant, the Second Prince shrugged. "They are, in fact, my new Magic Consultants. They seem quite capable, although, of course, they can’t compare to you. If you happen to change your mind one day, I hope you will reconsider my proposal."

Cunningham glanced back at the two young female Mages, then scoffed before returning to his work. He polished the experimental instruments until they were spotless, looking as if they had just been unwrapped.

"Very well. I won’t disturb you any further," Grover said with a nod, signaling for his Clerk to leave with him.

But just as he reached the door, Cunningham’s cold voice rang out again. "Prince, I will be leaving in a few days."

"Leaving?" The Second Prince stopped and frowned.

"I’ve hidden here long enough. I have some personal matters to attend to." The old Mage Cunningham spoke with his back still turned. The Clerk was fuming, his face contorted with anger, but the Second Prince held him back with an outstretched arm.

"Personal matters? Will you return?" Grover asked.

"No." Cunningham paused his work and half-turned, fixing his eyes on the Second Prince. He made no other move; he just stared.

"Very well," Grover finally said after several seconds of silence, giving a nod. "The warrant for you is still active out there. If the people from the Magic Federation or those High Level Bounty Hunters become too relentless, you can always return here."

The old Mage Cunningham said nothing, merely turning away to resume his polishing.

"May I be so bold as to ask what matter requires you to go in person?" the Second Prince asked, pursing his lips.

"I’m looking for something," Cunningham said, making no effort to hide it this time. "Or rather, a lost book. And a missing person."

"A book? Is there any way I can help? After all, I can pull a few strings through official Kingdom channels," Grover said, patting his chest with confidence.