Translator: CinderTL
The candlelight illuminated Marianna's face, revealing not just the features of a mother, but a face etched with ambition.
Paul sensed she wasn't pleading, but rather strategizing for the future, plotting a future for herself and her son that transcended the boundaries of kingdoms and the magical world.
After a moment of silence, a cold smile flickered across Paul's lips. He finally spoke, his voice laced with mockery: "And then what? Once you've fought all your wars, will I be discarded as silently as Giles? Without even a word of explanation?"
Marianna's brow furrowed, a flash of displeasure—even offended anger—in her eyes.
She fixed Paul with a cold stare, her tone turning icy: "How dare you compare yourself to Giles?"
Her voice remained low, but each word struck like a nail: "What was Giles? A mere opportunist, a rootless, reckless fool with no foundation or support. His relationship with the Arcane Order was based solely on self-interest, devoid of trust."
She stared into Paul's eyes, her voice measured and deliberate. "But you are different. You have me—a witch who has secured her position within the Arcane Order, your mother. You also have a younger brother, Nathan, who is also a Spellcaster, bound by blood. Do you think such connections are insignificant in a world that values lineage and innate talent above all else?"
She scoffed coldly. "Who would dare move against you so easily? Who would treat you as a disposable tool? Behind you stand not just armies, but blood ties—the blood ties of Spellcasters. Within the Arcane Order, such bonds are stronger than any alliance."
Marianna's voice carried an undeniable pride. "Do you think I'm merely dangling empty promises before you? No. I'm telling you—if you choose, you are not a pawn, but a player. And I will never allow my son to become another Giles."
But Paul slowly shook his head, his voice calm yet resolute. "Mother, I appreciate everything you've planned for me. But regarding your proposal to join the Arcane Order, my answer is no."
Marianna froze, clearly taken aback by her son's blunt rejection of her carefully laid plans. The room fell silent, broken only by the occasional crackle of the fire in the hearth.
"Aldor's rebellion, the war in Horns Bay, the orcish invasion—the Arcane Order's shadow looms behind every disaster," Paul said, his voice low and steady, each word carefully considered. "Their schemes, their manipulations, their exploitation... they fill me with profound disgust. They sacrifice the innocent for the sake of some supposed greater good, and that is something I cannot accept."
He paused, turning his gaze to the darkening night sky outside the window, as if searching for the courage to continue. "In the past, out of respect for you, I never voiced my disapproval directly. I have always honored you and been grateful for everything you've done for me. But now I must speak my truth. I cannot become one of them, nor can I participate in their plans."
Paul turned back to face Marianna, meeting her gaze directly. "I know my choice may disappoint you, perhaps even cause you trouble. But I hope you can understand that this is a decision I've made after deep reflection. I want to walk a different path, a path that is truly my own."
Marianna listened quietly, her expression shifting from surprise to deep contemplation. She had known this moment would come eventually, but she hadn't expected it so soon. She took a deep breath, trying to calm the turmoil within her, preparing to face whatever might follow.
As she listened to Paul's words, though he spoke of "disgust," she sensed something deeper beneath his calm tone—not anger, not fear, but a detached disdain.
Could it be that in Paul's mind, the Arcane Order's true impression was that of something "unworthy of respect"? Like a moldering doll in an old trunk, or a black market deal in a dark alley—something that couldn't bear the light of day, something unfit to stand in the halls of the new world.
The thought stung her heart.
Marianna was well aware of the Arcane Order's methods—conspiracy, infiltration, exploitation of human weaknesses. She herself had once been a cog in that machine.
Unlike the younger members, the seasoned Marianna harbored no fanaticism for the Arcane Order's ideals. Yet it had been her home for over a decade, and she couldn't deny the emotional ties that remained.
And now her own son was denigrating the very organization she had served.
"Hmph, you claim to despise it," she said slowly, her voice growing colder than before. "But I sense you don't even consider it worthy of your attention."
She glared at Paul, anger flashing in her eyes. "Do you think the Arcane Order is just some shadowy gang causing trouble? It controls an entire empire—Gabella. Its influence reaches the court, the military, the academies, even the church. Its power far exceeds your imagination."
Marianna's tone shifted to a warning. "Don't underestimate it. Do you think it survives on a few witches and secret letters? It has spies, fanatical agents, and hidden cards even Antonio himself never used. It can enthrone an emperor or silently destroy a kingdom. You can refuse to join, you can keep your distance, but don't speak of it with such contempt!"
Paul saw a flicker of hurt in her eyes, and his heart tightened. He sighed softly, his voice softening. "I apologize. I didn't mean to offend you. My words were too harsh. I'm sorry for making you feel like I was dismissing your past."
Marianna remained silent for a moment, her expression softening slightly. She shook her head gently. "I'm not truly angry with you. You have your own principles, and I understand your choices."
A hint of guilt crept into her voice. "I wasn't there to guide you as you grew up. I owe you so much from those years. So, the fact that you stand here today, with your own judgment and your own path... I'm actually... very proud."
She lifted her head and forced a small smile. "I won't invalidate you just because you don't follow my advice."
Paul nodded in relief.
"I don't want to be anyone's enemy, but I refuse to be anyone's pawn. I built Northwest Bay step by step, and its future direction can only be decided by me."
"While I disapprove of the Arcane Order's methods and ambitions, I'm no idealist. Based on pragmatic considerations, if cooperation becomes necessary in the future, I won't reject it—provided we sit down as equals, not with one party dependent on the other."
Marianna listened quietly, offering no rebuttal or further persuasion. She simply nodded gently.
(End of the Chapter)
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