บท 86: Chapter 86: Crowns Tavern
Chapter 86: Crowns Tavern
Daley sat frozen on the sofa, replaying Raven's words.
"Discard the coldness in your heart… May you find your right path in the void..."
He turned to Maisie; his expression showed confusion. "Tell me, Maisie. Did he mean I have no affinity for Ice?"
"That's absurd, Young Master," Maisie replied sharply. "You carry Lady Viola's blood. What could a random bumpkin possibly know about you?" While asking, she looked at the reception desk where Raven and his companions were standing and inquired about the accommodation.
"Kingston, find out who he is and bring me a detailed report by tonight," Daley ordered.
"Also, cancel the house booking."
"Yes, Young Master." Kingston bowed slightly and headed toward the reception desk where Raven and others went.
Daley exhaled deeply, muttering, "Could it be I have talent in another element? What did he mean by those words?"
Maisie's voice was firm yet soothing. "Don't let a stranger's words bother you, Young Master. We all know your talent for Ice magic is unmatched—it hasn't fully awakened yet."
Daley shook his head. "It would be helpful if I get access to the affinity checker. But only the royals have that privilege."
Wizards relied on magical affinity orbs to test elemental potential. Ordinary orbs merely glowed to indicate affinity, while the royal artifact revealed exact grades. Daley had only tested with a basic orb during his entrance exam, which confirmed his Ice affinity. Confident in the result, he chose Ice Wizard Mary as his professor without further testing other orbs.
"I heard the royal artifact has limited use," Maisie added. "That's why it's restricted."
Daley frowned. "But how did he know about my condition? His words didn't feel like a bluff."
He clenched his fists. "Even if I boost my spirit power with potions, constructing more spell models and advancing to the next rank before December feels impossible. I've already failed three times due to this heart condition, suffering severe backlashes each time."
His mind raced. "Find a path in the empty void… Could he mean the Spatial element?"
Determined, Daley stood abruptly. "I'm going back to the academy. I'll use Professor Mary's resources to test my affinity with the other elements. If I have even slight resonance with Spatial, I'll try engraving its circle in my Mind Space."
Daley knew the risks. Creating a spell model was one thing; fully integrating it into the Mind Space required strong elemental affinity. Without it, the spell model could collapse and destabilize the entire process after a few years. His ice spell models were unstable because of his low affinity for Ice. If it left alone, Daley was sure that even these two ice spell models would collapse and turn him into a cripple.
Maisie's voice rose in disbelief. "Young Master! Why trust the words of a random stranger?"
But Daley wasn't listening. His decision was made the moment Raven uttered those words. Without another word, he strode toward the exit, leaving Maisie silent.
…
During this time, Raven reached the reception desk and inquired about accommodations.
A brown-haired woman in her thirties, dressed in a plain overcoat and formal red dress, responded with a professional demeanor.
"Crowns Tavern offers stays ranging from a day to several weeks. We have single bedrooms, double bedrooms, resort houses, two-storied homes, and three-storied mansions. Food, servants, and other amenities are included based on the offer you pick. A single bedroom costs two gold coins per day, a double bedroom costs five gold coins, and a single-storied resort house costs 15 gold coins per day. Which one would you like to pick, Sir Thomas?"
Raven remained calm but thought, 'Fifteen gold coins daily is steep.'
"And the cost for a three-storied mansion?" he asked evenly.
The woman's smile widened. "Fifty gold coins per day. It includes a butler, two maids, two security Guards for protection, and an hour's daily access to the spirit pool."
'Fifty gold coins... but it's necessary for my goal,' Raven thought. His primary reason for choosing Crowns Tavern was to contact a guest.
Feigning consideration, he tapped the counter. "Can I choose a specific mansion?"
The receptionist and nearby patrons seemed surprised. Even Selene whispered, "Isn't it too much, My Lord?"
The receptionist recovered quickly. "Of course, Sir. Fifteen three-storied mansions are available." She pulled out a map and spread it on the desk.
"Camera Portrait!" Selene's eyes widened, catching Raven's curiosity.
"Camera Portrait?" He asked, unfamiliar with the term.
Selene nodded, "It's a photographic technique created by an Alchemist named Louise. Using alchemy, he captured images on copper plates lined with silver. Over time, this evolved, and now nobles use it to preserve memories in the form of pictures. But due to its high cost, only wealthy people can afford it."
Raven inspected the top-down map, intrigued. "Taken from the sky?"
"A Wizard from the Academy assisted the photographer," the receptionist replied proudly.
The receptionist then marked seven mansions on the map. "These are occupied. You can choose from the others."
Raven frowned slightly and said as he pointed his finger at a particular mansion house. "I wanted the one near the Crows Misery."
It was located at the southern end of Garden Street and even had a shortcut alley road connected to the next street.
"That mansion is reserved long-term for Vice President Judith. The one adjacent is available," she suggested.
After a moment's thought, Raven nodded and took a leather pouch from Jacob.
"I'll take it for five days," he said, placing two platinum coins on the counter and the pouch.
The receptionist rang a bell, summoning a young servant in neat attire.
"This is Toby. He'll guide you to your accommodations. Should you need anything, contact us through him."
Raven gave a faint nod before following Toby out of the building. The servant boy guided Raven and others through the long road of the garden street and soon entered a separate passage where no vehicles were passing. Green trees and ornamental plants covered the roadsides, giving a unique beauty.
The boy walked briskly, leading them through a stone-paved path with blooming flowers. The scent of lavender and honeysuckle filled the air.
"So, who owns this tavern?" Raven asked.
"It's Prime Minister Gavin, My Lord. I heard he had formed a cooperative deal with the Empire Wizards, making this tavern a luxurious place for wizards and nobles. The staying cost of this mansion is so expensive because of the spirit pool at the center of this Inn." Selene answered.
While talking, they walked past many single-storied resort houses, two-storied houses, and even mansions and finally arrived at the area where multiple mansion buildings were located.
As they walked past the mansions, Raven quietly adjusted the monocle and noticed all the outside guards were either peak-rank Radiant Walkers or Expert Walkers!
"This is the mansion you will be staying in, Sir," Toby said as they approached a large compound gate.
Raven's sharp eyes took in the details as they arrived at the mansion.
The compound gate loomed tall, crafted from wrought iron, and adorned with intricate patterns of swirling vines. But as he took a closer look with his mind, he noticed the mystical runes were etched all over the walls and glowing faintly.
[The whole mansion is made of a large rune array. No wonder the price for staying for a single day is this high.]
'An array?' Thanks to Raven absorbing Runeth's childhood memories during the past few days, he understood runes and rune arrays.
[Yes. It is most likely a protection array. And a magic array of this caliber should be strong enough even to block one or two blows from Pseudo-Legendary realm attacks. If one stays in this mansion, they won't need to fear assassination at all.]
'Oh? Can it even block dream spells?' Raven asked.
[That spell is an entirely different dimensional spell. But to enter Judith's dream, you must conduct the dream ritual without alerting anyone.] Zera said.
'That's the reason I booked the mansion right next to hers. All I need to do is to wait for the right time and conduct the ritual.'
Two guards stationed at the gate stood to attention as they approached, their eyes sharp and their hands resting on the hilts of their swords.
But upon noticing Toby, both relaxed their guard and nodded at him.
Meanwhile, Toby turned to Raven and bowed slightly. "I will inform the butler of your arrival, Sir Thomas. The guards will open the gate for you shortly."
At that moment, one of the guards stepped forward, bowing slightly. "Welcome to the Crowns Tavern, Sir. We've been notified of your arrival. Please let us know if we can do anything to ensure your stay is comfortable."
Raven nodded and motioned for Selene, Stephaine, and Jacob to follow as the gates creaked open. The compound beyond revealed a sprawling garden with meticulously trimmed hedges and vibrant flowerbeds. A stone-paved path led to the mansion's grand entrance, its marble columns gleaming under the morning sun.
As they approached, the large double doors opened to reveal an elderly butler dressed impeccably in black and white with a monocle resting neatly over one eye. Two maids flanked him, each bowing as Raven stepped forward.
"Welcome, Sir. Thomas," the butler greeted with a refined tone. "I am Harold, the head butler assigned to your service during your stay. Do not hesitate to summon me or any staff member if you need anything. Allow me to give you a brief tour of the premises."
Raven nodded, following Harold inside. The entrance hall was vast, with a high ceiling adorned by a grand chandelier. The polished wooden floors reflected the soft golden light, and the walls were decorated with portraits and carvings.
"This is the main hall," Harold began, gesturing to the space. "From here, you may access the dining area to your left, the lounge to your right, and the staircase leading to the upper floors. The first floor houses the guest rooms, while the second floor contains your study, private library, and meditation room. The third floor is your personal quarters."
Harold turned slightly, leading them toward the lounge. The room was luxurious, with plush seating arranged around a low table, a fireplace crackling gently in the corner, and shelves lined with ornate vases and other decor.
"Your meals will be served in the dining room unless you request otherwise," Harold continued. "And if you want to use the spirit pool, I'll personally escort you there and help you with all the arrangements."
Raven was impressed.
"Although I want to tour the mansion, I have other matters. Can you arrange a carriage for me, Harold? I'm planning to visit the Wizards Guild after an hour."
"I'll arrange the exclusive one, Sir. Thomas. Is there anything else you need? It would be best to take a personal guide like Toby to tour the Royal City." He suggested.
"I'll think about it." Raven nodded and soon asked, looking at the opposite mansion through the glass window.
"Is it possible to meet Vice President Judith? I'm a big fan of her!"
Harold made an apologetic bow and responded.
"It's impossible, My Lord. She mostly stays in the academy on weekdays and comes here only on Sundays. And during her stay here, not even the high-rank nobles or the Royals can meet her without any invitation letter."
'Sunday, huh? Isn't it the day after tomorrow?' Raven furrowed his brows and soon shook his head.
"For now, make arrangements for my companions to rest."
"Yes, Sir. Thomas." Harold nodded.
"Selene, follow me." Saying so, Raven started walking towards one of the guest rooms.
After walking for a while, Raven stopped before the first room on the left side of the longue and opened it.
"Walk into the room after 30 seconds." Saying so, he walked ahead and closed the door.
'30 seconds? What is he thinking?'
Selene stood silently for 30 seconds, opened the door, and walked in.
At that moment, Raven sat on the bed and muttered something while removing his shoes.
But Selene's attention was completely drawn to the room's design.
The high-class bed was placed at the center, while the whole floor was covered in carpets. Selene also saw the other luxurious items in the room and felt a sense of familiarity.
'This room looks similar to my academic dormitory room.' Her memories of the academic years surfaced.
She soon snapped out of the shock and turned her attention towards Raven.
"Do you need any help, My Lord?" She asked.
Raven nodded his head and spoke.
"I want to check my ability in detail." He instantly activated the 'Past Self' spell.
"Do not speak to anyone about what happens inside from now on." As soon as he spoke, Raven's figure suddenly became transparent and disappeared.
A moment later, the wooden door opened with a click, and soon, a familiar figure walked in.
"M-My Lord? How did you come from outside?" She was shocked by this strange scene and released her spirit power to check if there was any illusion spell. To her surprise, she sensed his presence and furrowed.
"Did you teleport?"
On the other hand, Raven quietly walked in without even looking at Selene and quietly sat on the bed while removing his shoes.
Then, she heard him muttering a few words.
"The spell duration is 30 seconds, and the cooldown should be around 5 minutes. However, I can't cast this spell continuously due to the lack of time affinity and spell integration into the elemental circle."
At that moment, the door opened again.
She noticed something abnormal as she turned around to check who was entering.
'The door is shut? But I heard the door opening sound, though.'
But what startled her more was that Raven wasn't sitting on the bed. Instead, he was standing near the window and was looking at her amusingly.
…
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