"If that's what you want, then we'll have it your way, prepare your things and we'll depart tomorrow."
Those words kept echoing inside Alteraz's mind, replaying again and again which gave her a headache.
She truly did not expect Zhangxuan to agree to her sudden request so easily. Considering the strained relationship they had as master and disciple, along with her current situation as an amnesiac, she had been more than prepared to be rejected immediately. In fact, she had rehearsed several responses in her mind in case he turned her away.
However, he did not.
Without allowing herself to dwell on it further, Alteraz called for Atila and the other servants to begin packing her belongings.
The maids quickly filled the room with quiet activity. Wardrobe doors opened one after another, fabrics rustled softly, drawers slid in and out. They carefully selected dresses suitable for formal occasions, traveling cloaks for the journey, gloves, accessories, even matching shoes. Everything was examined as if they were preparing her for something far grander than a simple move to the Grandmaster's residence.
Watching them move back and forth carrying bundles and bags, Alteraz could not help but feel helpless.
At this rate, this packing will never end.
Still, despite her inner complaint, there was something comforting about the atmosphere. The soft murmur of the maids, the steady rhythm of preparation, the familiar presence of Atila moving around her, it strangely calmed her restless thoughts.
"My lady," Atila's gentle voice cut through her thoughts, "we are almost done preparing. It is time for you to get dressed."
Altarez blinked in confusion.
"Dressed? What do you mean dressed? I am only moving to the Grandmaster's main residence. What is there to get dressed for?"
Although she was fully aware that this era revolved around etiquette, hierarchy, and appearances, she still found it excessive. Layers of makeup, heavy gowns, elaborate accessories, all for simply relocating.
Atila lowered her head respectfully. "The Grandmaster instructed us to prepare you properly, my lady. The two of you will be attending a banquet this evening."
"A banquet?"
Alteraz stilled.
Her mind immediately searched through the original storyline.
Was this mentioned? Or did it happen off-screen?
"Atila," she asked carefully, "what date is it today?"
"It is already the twelfth day of the phoenix resurrection, young miss."
Altarez stared at her blankly.
The twelfth… of the phoenix resurrection?
She had no idea what that meant in relation to the original timeline, Alteraz can only reply with an "oh"
Why is everything in this world so unnecessarily complicated? The author should have used the usual calendar.....
As she mentally criticized the world's creator, something suddenly popped out in her mind.
Her eyes widened.
She grabbed Atila's hands without warning and frantically asked,
"The ascension ceremony of Don Montefeliass, when is it? How many days from now?"
Atila looked startled by the sudden intensity and could only reply immediately, "In ten days, young miss."
Ten days.
Alteraz released her immediately.
"Where is my master's office? Hurry up and tell me!"
"uhm.. ah d-downstairs, on the left corridor. The one lined with the large knight statues."
Without hesitation, Alteraz stormed out of the room.
"Young miss!" Atila called after her, hurrying behind. "You still need to change into proper attire!"
But Alteraz was already too far ahead.
Her mind was racing faster than her feet.
If the ascension ceremony is in ten days, then the story is about to enter a critical turning point.
According to the original storyline, Zhangxuan's authority will be publicly questioned by the high elders. They will mock his youth, doubt his capability, and pressure him into proving himself by leading a subjugation of the Elves' Territory near the border of Shian Alley. However, no one knew at that time that the Elves' Territory was secretly backed uo by primordial demons. Therefore, the mission would not be a simple clearing operation, it would be a massacre. For Zhangxuan, who had not yet reached the level of a high Archmage, would barely escape with his life.
He will be gravely injured, left alone, and unconscious.
And then the female lead will apper
She will help him without revealing her identity, marking that single encounter as the starting point of everything between them.
Alteraz slowed her steps slightly.
So this is where it all begins...hah
A faint smirk curved her lips.
Then perhaps this is where I step in.
She reached the grand doors of Zhangxuan's office and stopped.
Only then did she realize she had run there without fully forming a plan.
Wait... what am I even going to say?
The guards stationed outside the office remained silent as they recognized her immediately. More importantly, they remembered the original Alteraz temper that's why neither dared to question her presence.
Inside, Zhangxuan was busy signing and reading piles of documents on his desk when he abruptly stopped and set these things aside. It seemed like he had already sensed her arrival long before she reached the door. His secretary, Ansley who is handing documents to him, noticed the subtle shift.
"Grandmaster, is something the matter?"
"Amari is outside."
Hearing the name, Ansley froze.
Amari? Alteraz?
Had she not declared that she would never step foot near the Grandmaster again? That she would sever their ties?
What is she doing here now?
In Ansley's eyes, Alteraz was treacherous and ungrateful, someone who did not deserve her position as a direct disciple. Her arrogance and the way she spoke to her master were what he hated the most. Although her anger toward Lucian is valid, her treatment towards her master still remains unjustifiable. Moreover, having been sent to Montefeliass Castle earlier, Ansley was unaware of her recent incident and memory loss as well as the sudden change in her character.
"Shall I escort her inside, Grandmaster?" he asked politely.
Zhangxuan gave no response, he remained seated and continued reading some documents.
Seeing this, Ansley interpreted the silence as indifference which is actually in his favor.
That is right grandmaster, there is no need to involve yourself with people like her.
Outside, Alteraz shifted slightly.
Should I just leave?
She had rushed here purely out of instinct and excitement.
Also, the guards' silent stares made her feel increasingly awkward.
Fine, I cannot retreat now.
She stepped forward and knocked three times.
"Humble salutations to the radiant beacon of the Empire, Archmage Zhangxuan, my sole master. It is I, Altarez, who seeks an audience. With your gracious permission, may this unworthy disciple step within?"
Inside, Ansley nearly choked. What the hell happened while I was gone? he thought inwardly. Since when did this brat learn to speak properly like this? And not only that, it was structured and spoken so fluently.
In the past, Alteraz always addressed the Grandmaster by his first name, bold and without the slightest courtesy, whenever they encounter each other.
He turned to look at Zhangxuan, expecting at least a flicker of surprise.
Zhangxuan remained composed, his gaze fixed on the door.
--
When no response came, Alteraz began to turn away. However, the door was suddenly pushed opened which startled her. Alteraz looked up and found herself meeting a pair of sharp, unreadable eyes.
For a brief moment, she forgot why she came.
This guy... really is unfairly good-looking, she thought
"Why are you here?" Zhangxuan asked calmly.
The question was simple, but his gaze was probing. It made Altarez regained her composure.
"Ah.. Master, may I ask you a favor? I was hoping that I could…"
She hesitated, glancing at the guards nearby.
Zhangxuan immediately understood her gestures.
"Come inside"
Alteraz followed him in.
Looking around the office was exactly as she had imagined, neat and restrained, yet every detail carried purpose. Although the room was dominated by muted tones and orderly stacks of documents, the atmosphere doesn't feel cold and dull. Moreover, it is evident that each piece of furniture, every shelf, every object were deliberately chosen, serving function over ornamentation, and that nothing was ever superfluous.
Just like him.
Zhangxuan returned to his seat and urged Alteraz to say what's her purpose of seeing him.
"Speak."
Alteraz took a small breath and then she directly pointed out her intention.
"Master, regarding the banquet for Don Montefeliass' ascension, may I attend with you?"
Taken aback, Ansley once again stopped sorting the documents, and Zhangxuan's gaze sharpened slightly.
"For what reason?"
Alteraz had anticipated this question long before it was even asked. She had already considered how Zhangxuan might doubt her actions and question her further. Therefore, to avoid further suspicions, she decided to tell half of what is true.
"I told you earlier that I wish to properly fulfill my role as your disciple. If I am to stand beside you from now on, I must begin acting accordingly. I want to show my sincerity and dedication to change."
She fixed her gaze on Zhangxuan, but his expression remained unreadable, calm as ever.
"And you believe attending a banquet will accomplish that?" His voice was steady, low, yet carried a hint of challenge, like testing her resolve.
"It is not merely the banquet," she replied carefully, her tone measured and each word is deliberate. "It is the opportunity to correct how others perceive me as well as how I represent you." Alteraz kept her posture straight, hands clasped lightly before her, radiating both deference and quiet determination.
Silence stretched across the room, heavy yet charged, the kind that made every breath feel significant.
Then, she added, letting each word fall with careful weight, "Also, I am not attending to pursue the matters regarding Lucian. I swear that I mean what I said earlier." Her eyes flicked up just enough to meet his, testing him, gauging his reaction.
Sensing that he was still not convinced, she delivered the final piece with a calm expression, "I also heard that Luo Menji will also be present."
The air in the room shifted subtly at the mention of that name. Zhangxuan's expression altered almost imperceptibly but the atmosphere around him somehow grew heavy. Ansley, standing off to the side, openly showed his shock, his eyes widening and a faint gasp escaping him.
Alteraz lowered her gaze slightly, her voice softening but steady, "Master, as I have said before, I truly wish to do things properly this time." Her fingers flexed briefly at her sides, showing the tension she was feeling.
A moment of had passed when Zhangxuan let out a soft, cold chuckle, his lips curling ever so slightly, and said, "Very well".