Alvis asked, "Are there any rumors in Aldor about Emperor Antonio Griffin's succession to the throne of Gabella?"
Paul recalled for a moment and said, "It is said that the previous emperor designated Antonio as his successor, but his unwilling brother launched a rebellion. Antonio took swift and decisive measures to crush the rebellion and finally succeeded to the throne."
In fact, he had already learned a large part of the truth from the wizard Deson, but listening to both sides would be wiser, and what Alvis said could corroborate Deson's words.
Alvis nodded. "That's indeed the version that the public is aware of."
"What the general public knows?"
"In fact," Alvis explained, "the previous emperor, Bartley Griffin, had not yet decided on his successor. It was Antonio who actually started the rebellion —of course, his brother Felix Griffin was indeed inferior to Antonio in every way, and I supported Antonio at the time, even contributing to his coup."
"Well, that's quite common in history." Paul feigned that he was hearing this for the first time. "Since someone as wise and learned as you supports Antonio Griffin, he must be very popular in Gabella. If His Majesty Bartley had declared him the heir earlier, instead of leaving this coveted position unresolved, perhaps his later years would have been more peaceful."
Alvis then showed a regretful expression: " Antonio is indeed outstanding, with excellent political and military abilities. At least in the eyes of us in Scholars Tower, he is the most suitable person to rule the empire, but unfortunately..."
"pity?"
"There's something wrong with his origins." A strange look flashed across Alvis's face. "In Gabella, there's a widespread rumor that Antonio was born of a witch."
"A witch's child? Oh, it seems this emperor grew up under the strange gazes of others."
Alvis nodded and said, "Exactly, we have a saying where I'm from—that the offspring of a witch, whether they know magic or not, will be a monster!"
Paul gave a soft hum, which puzzled Alvis. " Lord Glaeman, did I say something wrong?"
Paul quickly replied, "No! Please continue, Master Alvis."
"Then I'll continue. This is precisely why Bartley has been unable to decide on an heir. If it were merely a rumor, it would not affect the Emperor's will. The key is…" Alvis frowned and lowered his voice, saying, "This rumor is true."
" Antoni's biological mother, Slona Hewitt, was a witch from the Arcane Society, a long-established Spellcaster organization, and the daughter of Sico Hewitt, the leader of the Arcane Society,"
Arcane Society? Paul heard the name of this wizarding group again.
Provoking Northwest Bay Barnett of Usurper Wars belongs to this wizarding organization, as does his mother Mariana, and Deson. Now, this organization has also become involved with Gabella's new emperor.
Alvis suddenly asked, "Don't you find this strange?"
Paul countered, "What should I be wondering?"
"Wizards, magic, from a Scholars Tower who revered knowledge and reason." Shouldn't it be strange to hear Scholar say this? You know, many high-ranking nobles like yourself scoff at such things, considering them nothing more than country superstition.
Paul was speechless. How was he supposed to explain this? Was he supposed to reveal to Alvis that he had a witch subordinate named La Di, a witch mother named Mariana, a wizard worshipper named Deson, and that he allowed a group of Horn Bay wizards to live in his territory?
He said, "Look, the war in Horn Bay has lasted so long, and Eaton has even declared that wizards have equal status. Many secrets that were previously unknown have come to light. We must acknowledge that some things are objectively real, mustn't we?"
Alvis nodded: "It seems I've been wandering the grasslands for too long and have fallen behind the times."
He continued, "What I'm about to say will involve some mysticism, but since this world already has wizards and magic, it's not impossible that other similar things exist."
Alvis then recounted to Paul in detail the prophecy of the Star of Calamity, the legends of the ancient demons, the alliance between Scholars Tower and Arcane Society, and a series of other events.
He also read aloud the notes left by the priests of the ancient civilization.
"When it appears between heaven and earth for the tenth time."
"The Great Destroyer came to this world from the other world through a non-existent gate."
"He created His own retinue on earth and forged His army of steel, wielding weapons that breathed fire, slaughtering all living beings of flesh and blood..."
"The people celebrated their victory and erected stone pillars on the earth to worship Him."
"A malevolent black mist spewed from the top of the stone pillar, obscuring the sun, moon, and stars; nauseating black water flowed from the base of the pillar, infiltrating rivers and seas. These evil creatures created countless plagues and monsters among humankind..."
"Under the ravages of the Great Destroyer, the world descended into chaos..."
"People's minds have been corrupted, their thoughts distorted, lofty morality abandoned, perfect order trampled upon, the era of heroes and wise kings has ended, and the old civilization is gone forever..."
"The noble have become lambs to the slaughter, and the once gentle people have turned into vicious beasts, fiercely pouncing on their former masters…"
"An era of utter chaos has arrived..."
Paul was completely baffled. What was this? An otherworldly version of the Cthulhu Mythos? Last time it was Deson who said it, and this time it was Alvis who said it, both of them with such solemn expressions. Did they really believe in such absurd things?
Then it suddenly occurred to him, "Wait, how do I know you are the real Master Alvis? Do you have any means of proving your identity?"
Alvis paused briefly, then said helplessly, "Unfortunately, I have no means to prove my identity. I used to have a small gold seal from the Scholars Tower, but I lost it on the way to escape."
"Okay, please continue."
The conversation with Alvis lasted all afternoon, and basically what the old scholar said was the same as what the wizard Deson had told him. Perhaps we can give Deson more trust?
After seeing Alvis off, Paul asked, "Was there anything wrong with him?"
The figure that emerged from behind the screen replied, "No, sir, no signs of lying were detected."
Paul said with a hint of exasperation, " La Di, perhaps you could speak to me in a more friendly tone."