The mage arrives

"Auntie, how about my dress?"

"very beautiful."

"Auntie, how is my makeup? The eyebrow line seems to be a little crooked."

"Nothing at all."

"Auntie, I..."

"Okay, Ji'er, my little angel. You are the most radiant girl in the entire city of Fleuris today. Any man will be overwhelmed by your beauty. So don't panic, show your confidence."

Vironka gently stroked her niece's brilliant golden hair, and couldn't help but marvel at her beauty.This girl, who combined the best genetic traits of the Phoenix family, was even better than her long-dead mother.

"Oh, the little girl from back then has finally grown up, and it's the season of love." Ms. Vilonka felt a little sad in her heart.She looked at Ji'er who was sitting on the sofa looking a little cramped and nervous, and couldn't help but sighed.She knew that the reason for her lovely niece was that the young earl was about to arrive at the manor.

In Vironka's view, the young noble mage named Gordon Freeman is very talented and has a good character, although there are some shortcomings that men are born with that cannot be erased - such as not being specific enough in dealing with the relationship between men and women , There are always many girls around.But if you really want to choose a husband for Jier, he is not only the most perfect choice, but at least the worst choice.But it is a pity that although Ji'er is beautiful, her appearance does not have any advantages compared with the other girls around that man.What's more, Ji'er's eldest lady's temper and dishonest character are also a big obstacle for the two to communicate.Moreover, compared with those guys who are eager for the power of the Phoenix family, Gordon is not too enthusiastic about marrying the Phoenix family.

Perhaps this young man wants to create a foundation with his own hands.Perhaps he was worried that after the marriage of two families with disparity in strength, the weaker one would be annexed.

"Forget it, why do you think so much. Young people's affairs. Young people can solve it themselves. What I need to do is to let the surname of Phoenix continue to be honored." Ms. Vironka thought of this.He smiled slightly, showing a trace of relief.

At this moment.The sound of rushing horseshoes and wheels rolling over the road came from outside the window.

"That scoundrel is finally here?!" Miss Jier stood up from the sofa with a whoosh. She wanted to lift her skirt and run downstairs immediately, but was glared at by her aunt Veronka, and she stopped immediately.

"Ji Er, be reserved. You are the young lady of the Phoenix family, the first heir. You are neither a servant nor a relative of the Freeman family. There is no need to go downstairs to greet you in person." "Understood, aunt. Ji'er walked to the window, looked at Xiona who was standing downstairs with a happy face, and felt a mixed feeling of envy and jealousy towards this friend.

"It's just seeing each other again, what am I thinking about..." Shaking her head, Ji'er played with her hair boredly and left the window.

"Let's go, let the brothers and sisters have a chat first. Your father will also attend the formal meeting between the Freeman family and the Phoenix family in a while, so we have to prepare first."

At this time, Gordon, who came out of the carriage, looked up casually.Just in time to see the flashing golden twin tails in front of the window on the second floor.

"That eldest lady has evolved into a peeping tom?" Gordon smiled.

The Red Maple Manor, located on the shore of Kadoka Lake outside of Freris, is an important asset of the Phoenix family.The lakeside has a humid and warm climate all year round.Let the plantations near the manor produce many precious alchemy plant raw materials.The beautiful scenery here is also a good place for vacation and leisure.

The Phoenix family used this place as their residence to receive Gordon, giving him quite a high standard of treatment.

After disembarking from the boat in the morning, Gordon went to meet Lenas first, while Vinia arrived at the Red Maple Manor with the other entourage.And Xiona, who got the news, came to the main gate of the manor early, waiting for her brother's arrival.

Gordon glanced at the surrounding environment, and found that this Red Maple Manor was completely comparable to the Rainbow Spring Manor where Grand Duke Rob Antello lived, and both belonged to the top manors that only the highest nobles in Freyton were entitled to own.Compared to the Sea Cliff Fort where I live.The gap between the two is as big as the gap between low-rent housing and sea view villas.

After all, besides living, Sea Cliff Fort also has great military uses.In terms of comfort, it is definitely not as good as a manor specially built for the enjoyment of nobles.Besides, based on the current situation of the Haiwen Peninsula.Although his lord's dominance is constantly consolidating, it is still not stable enough.It is safer to live in a castle with thick stone walls and watchtowers.

After casually inspecting the surrounding environment, Gordon set his sights on the black-haired girl standing at the gate of the manor.

Although we haven't seen each other for some days, my sister still hasn't changed much.If I have to say it, it's probably because Xiona has become more mature, the light blue astringent temperament that belongs to a girl is slowly transforming into a bright red that exudes a fragrant and mature atmosphere.

"Brother!" Xiona, who was chatting with Viniya, rushed over impatiently after seeing Gordon get off the carriage.

Gordon opened his arms, looking forward to his lovely sister throwing herself into his arms like a suckling swallow.But it's a pity, with Xiona's character, she would never do such a shy thing except in extreme circumstances.So the girl just ran to Gordon's side, raised her head, and looked at her brother with black eyes full of water.

"Brother, you are here."

"Hmm." Gordon stretched out his hand and gently patted his sister's head.

"What's going on between you and Miss Venia, you must tell me in detail!"

Gordon didn't expect his sister to become such a gossip one day.In his previous reply to Xiona, although he disclosed his marriage with Vinia, he did not elaborate.

While the Freeman brothers and sisters were saying their goodbyes, Vironka led Jill to the third floor of the mansion.

For today's meeting, Vilonka even broke the convention and did not inspect his fleet as usual.The cornerstone of the Phoenix family is maritime trade, and the family fleet is the foundation of guaranteeing maritime trade.For many years, this female admiral with strict military management has inspected her warships every day to see if any officers deserted.There were sailors drinking and fighting.It is precisely because of this extraordinary rigor and diligence that the private army of the Phoenix family possesses discipline and combat effectiveness that surpass that of Freyton's regular navy.

But today.Ms. Vironka's center of gravity has shifted from the sea to the land.Because within the Phoenix family.A huge crisis is gradually brewing and fermenting.If it is not dealt with, it will rapidly deteriorate and spread like a tumor, endangering the survival of the giant Phoenix family.

The two women came to the end of the corridor one after the other.Ms. Vilonka opened the door and went into the drawing room.The walls, doors and windows of this house have all been specially treated, and a magic circle that can isolate sound and light from spreading to the outside world has been applied, so there is absolutely no need to worry about secrets leaking out from here.

It was not the first time that Vironka came to this mysterious reception room.But it was Jill's first time here.She has long heard that this reception room is often the place where major decisions of the Phoenix family are born, but it is a delicate flower that has been carefully cared for by the family.Before that trip to the North, she had never been exposed to matters involving family interests and aristocratic politics, so it was impossible for her to come to this reception room.

But today, Ji'er was able to come to this place with the aunt she had longed for since she was a child, which showed that she had truly been recognized by her father.She knew that although she still had many shortcomings, she was able to grow to where she is today because of that man.

If she hadn't met Gordon during that adventure trip to the Northland, Jier knew that she would not have such a big change.She re-recognized herself, and re-recognized the world, the delicate flowers growing in the greenhouse.For the first time, I experienced the cruelty of nature.

"Sister, you're here. Sit down quickly." In the room, a man who had already been seated said to the heroic female admiral of the Phoenix family.

"Brother." Vironka said to his brother.Also the current head of the Phoenix family, Ji'er's father, Ambrose Marquis of Phoenix greeted him, and then sat at the other end of the sofa.

Ji'er also nodded to her father, and then sat down without saying a word.Although she can usually act like a baby to her father, but in today's serious atmosphere, she dare not show that kind of little girl attitude.

There are four people in the conference room now.Sitting opposite Ms. Vironka, next to Ambrome Phoenix, was a middle-aged man who was about the same age as Jier's father.And the face is majestic.Unlike Patriarch Phoenix, who exudes aristocratic temperament from the inside out, this man has a bit of a prodigal air about him.Like a wandering bard in a tavern with his maid on his arm.

He is Miss Jill Phoenix's arcane teacher Savi Langdon.

Although his surname is Langdon, this man is said to have the strength of eight rings.But the mysterious mage, who has never been revealed before, is actually from the Phoenix family and is Ambrose's younger brother.However, compared with his elder brother who is called "the born noble", Savy has no interest in the glory of the nobility, the interests of the family and the like.

In that year, he fell in love with a girl from the wilderness, and because of this, he opposed the family's political marriage.In the end, he even gave up the surname "Phoenix" and married into the woman's home.But even though they changed their surnames, the kinship that blood is thicker than water still exists after all.Later, when Ambrose took over as the head of the Phoenix family, Savi Langdon resolutely returned to the family he had abandoned to help his brother stabilize the situation and save the Phoenix family from collapsing under the double blow of internal and external aggression. .

Then, he stayed in the family and took on the education of his elder brother and daughter himself.

Ji'er knew that although her uncle looked unreliable from the outside, he was actually quite capable.At least, his arcane attainments were among the best among the many spellcasters Jier had seen.

But today, this mage, who is relied on by the Phoenix family, has a pale face and seems to be wandering away.

"Sawei, did you fool around with the rose mask again last night? I really don't know what's good about those Lierya believers? I advise you to find a decent woman and settle down. You know that there are important things today, But still so ignorant." Vironka said with a straight face.

In terms of age, although Vilonka is only one month older than Savi, she is also his half-sister.So she is naturally qualified to reprimand this unseemly brother.

The operation of high-end entertainment clubs is a pillar industry of Lierya Temple.Moreover, believers in Lirya will always name these entertainment venues a "so-and-so mask".For example, the amber mask in Clear Water City.There are also the rose mask in the city of Freiris and the moonstone mask in the imperial capital, both of which are famous gentle villages and golden caves.Savy has also patronized Rose Mask more than once before.And indulging in the warmth of the believers in Lirya, I don't know what day and night it will be, so when Vilonka saw his younger brother's pale face, he was depressed.I thought he went to patronize the rose mask again.

"Dear sister, you have misunderstood." Savi smiled wryly, "The way I am now is related to the sudden tide of origin energy this morning... Sigh, this world is really, it is getting worse and worse. It's so peaceful."

As for the source energy tide, the general people's understanding has always been at a very rudimentary level.Even Vironka only knows that the source energy tide will affect all spellcasters within the range.Cause a certain mental shock, and may cause derivative natural disasters.However, she is not a spellcaster, so she doesn't have any intuitive feeling about the small source energy tide this morning.And Jier is not an orthodox mage, and her arcane attainments are not high, so she was not greatly affected by the tide of origin energy.

"It is indeed as Sawei said." Ambrose nodded. "This morning, when he was checking my injuries, he suddenly fainted. I found out later that it was caused by the tide of origin energy."

"Father. Are you hurt?" Jill was taken aback.

"An assassination a month ago." The head of the Phoenix family waved his hand to calm his daughter down.In that assassination, Ambrose was stabbed in the chest by a dagger that cast a dark curse.Almost died instantly.But now when talking about it in front of her daughter, she looks indifferent.That kind of calm temperament has to be admired.

However, even if he could face the assassination with a calm and indifferent attitude, the consequences of the assassination cannot be solved by this attitude alone.

With the resources of the Phoenix family, as long as Ambrose is not killed on the spot—no, even if he dies on the spot, as long as the time of death does not exceed twelve hours, the Phoenix family can also invite a high-ranking priest who has mastered the resurrection technique.Do all you can to turn the tide and save the Patriarch.But after Ambrose suffered that dagger.Because of the curse attached to it, the body is in a very fragile state.Bed rest is required most of the time.So in this month, his control over the Phoenix family is gradually declining.

"It will take at least half a year for my injury to fully recover. Now the family is facing a big crisis. So I need you, Jier, my daughter, to take on your responsibilities and help the family through the difficulties." Anbu Rom revealed his purpose for calling Jill here today.

"Father..." Looking at the other party's serious expression, Ji'er knew that this was definitely not a joke.But he really dared to suddenly put the burden of the family on himself, a little girl who didn't know anything?

"Don't doubt yourself, Jill. Although you are still immature, you are not useless. At least what you and that little girl from the Freeman's family have done recently has been impressive, hasn't it? What happened in the slums last night Movement and movement are your masterpieces, right?" Ambrome looked at her daughter with a half-smile.

"Father... so you know all about it." Ji'er didn't expect that her father would always notice her private fights in order to help her friends.

"Of course I know. If I don't even know anything about the fact that my guards are suddenly dispatched to carry out secret operations, am I still qualified to sit in the position of the head of the family?" Ambrome ignored the surprised daughter, Continued, "Those little tricks you guys did without telling me, although it seems a bit childish, but the result is very good. At least, it caused great trouble to the Death Will sect. That's why I decided to put this matter to rest. It's all up to you."

"Father, do you also know the Death Will Sect?"

"Of course. Now the Phoenix family has been deeply infiltrated by this cult. My assassination is related to these people." Ambrose's voice suddenly sank, "Now in the family, the only ones in this house People, you can believe it. As for other people, even with the surname Phoenix, they must pay more attention.”…

The Patriarch of the Phoenix family took off a ring from his hand, and handed it to Jier himself.

This gold ring is engraved with a vivid phoenix pattern, which is the authority and symbol of the family.

Jier didn't expect her family to fall into such a severe situation.The head of the family was assassinated, the internal division was divided, and the cult threatened.Any one of these things taken out alone is a big deal.Now they appear together.And what this young lady didn't expect was that her father would entrust such a heavy burden to herself.

Ambrose has watched Jier grow up since she was a child, so she naturally knows what her daughter thinks.Seeing the girl's expression at this time, he felt pity in his heart.No father is willing to put such a burden on his lovely daughter and face such a situation.But the situation forced him to make such a decision.

Although it seems to outsiders that Master Phoenix is ​​not a serious problem, in fact, just sitting on the sofa with his strength has exhausted almost all of his energy.This body corroded by the cursed magic power is temporarily unable to support this family anymore.

"Don't worry, Jill." Ambrom comforted, "You are not alone. Veronka and Savi will help. Moreover, I have found a good helper for you."

"A right-hand man?"

"Yes." Ambrose pointed to the door and said, "Look, he happened to be here."

Jier turned her head and saw Gordon pushed open the door and walked into the drawing room.

No matter how rich her imagination was, Ji'er never expected that the right-hand man her father mentioned would be the man she had always cared about.

Because no matter how much she felt that Gordon was special, different, and much better than ordinary peers, she would not naively think that this young noble mage could solve the current crisis facing the Phoenix family.In her opinion, unless there are a few more high-level mages like Mr. Savi, the Phoenix family can safely survive the crisis.

In fact, not only Jier, but even Gordon himself had the same idea.

He walked into this extremely solemn living room, and then heard the majestic and calm middle-aged man—that is, the head of the Phoenix family, explaining the truth of inviting him to the city of Fleuris. After the goal, there is only one thought: Are you kidding me?

He felt that although he had some strength, he was still far from being able to help the Phoenix family resolve the crisis and turn the tide on their own.It was unbelievable that the other party so solemnly invited him to participate in this secret family meeting, and unreservedly revealed some secret information about the Phoenix family.

"Don't be so strange, Earl Freeman." Ambrose glanced at Savi beside him: "To be honest, I have also heard about your deeds and achievements, and I think you are a very outstanding young man. And I am also very grateful that you have helped my daughter twice. However, your ability—whether it is personal strength or the strength of the Freeman family is not enough to solve the problems that the Phoenix family is facing now. But my younger brother, Jier My arcane teacher strongly recommends you. He believes that with your help, the Phoenix family and the entire city of Fleuris will be able to survive this crisis."

Gordon looked at the bearded, prodigal middle-aged man next to Patriarch Phoenix.He only found out that his name was Savi Langdon just now, and he had never met him before.And his name has only been heard once.When we were parting at the Danzig ruins, Miss Jier gave him a magic book called "Learning and Application of Four-ring Spells", which was written by this Mr. Savy Langdon.

It was also thanks to him that Gordon learned the four-ring spells of the Light of Heaven and the Shining Net, which played a big role in the subsequent battle with the demon army.