Chapter 502: Chapter 500: The Obedient Justine
“Haha, Ivan, you all are too slow.”
Time flowed like water across the Chanay Continent, not far from the East Capital, an airship hovered steadily in the sky, waiting for the approach of the Cloud Shuttle.
While the two airships were still some distance apart, Ivan saw a person standing opposite him with a smile on his face.
This person was none other than Hotter, with the airship being his steed, the Thunder Wolf.
“Good morning, Master Hotter, when did you arrive?”
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Ivan looked speechlessly at the playful Hotter, who really didn’t have a bit of the demeanor of an arcane wizard, competing over every little thing.
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On the return journey, they were not in a rush, and the Cloud Shuttle did not travel at full speed.
The same couldn’t necessarily be said for the Thunder Wolf, which had also set out two days early, clearly with an ulterior motive.
“Haha, I’ve been here for quite a while, just stopped here waiting for you guys, after all, the East Capital is your territory, it wouldn’t be proper for me, a guest, to enter the city first.”
“I will definitely treat you well once we get to the East Capital.”
“Haha, then it’s a deal.”
During their conversation, Hotter didn’t treat Ivan as a Level 3 Sorcerer, for in his heart, he was certain that Ivan would soon become an Arcane Wizard.
At that time, it really wasn’t clear who would be superior in status.
“Sorcerer Hotter, what’s making you so happy? Tell me about it,” said President Hardy, flashing into view with such speed that it appeared without a trace.
“Cough cough, it’s nothing major, Ivan said he would treat me well, and that makes me happy.”
Hotter immediately restrained his smile, facing the old man who seemed to see through people’s hearts, he always felt inexplicably intimidated.
“With Ivan treating you, it seems I won’t need to personally entertain you myself,” Hardy said with a light smile.
“No need, no need, you go about your business, don’t worry about me,” Hotter quickly gestured, feeling it somewhat undermined his own presence; he added:
“I promised someone that before Ivan advances to Arcane Wizard, I will definitely ensure his safety.”
“So that’s how it is, I appreciate your dedication, Sorcerer Hotter,” Hardy nodded slightly.
“It’s nothing, that is my duty,” Hotter said solemnly.
Subsequently, Ivan and his party were conveniently ‘ushered’ by President Hardy onto the Thunder Wolf, and the two airships flew towards the East Capital East Blade City, one after the other.
“Hotter, was what you said earlier true?”
On the Thunder Wolf, Ivan found an opportunity to ask; this was the first time he’d heard of such a matter.
“Of course, who that person is, you can probably guess.”
Hotter affirmed his statement and emphasized with unusual seriousness, “Ivan, I failed to protect Tanaya before, this time, even at the risk of my own life, I will absolutely keep you safe.”
“Thank you for the trouble.”
Ivan could feel the determination in his words.
Last time, Tanaya suffered a tragedy, which had troubled Hotter for years and he had yet to let go.
Currently, the King of the Long Sky was willing to offer a chance for redemption, and he was naturally eager to fulfill it.
It seemed like a closed loop between the three of them.
Hotter had failed Tanaya and was always bothered by it; Tanaya sought hope from Ivan in her moment of peril; Ivan’s situation was not so great at the moment and indeed needed someone to stay close to protect him, making Hotter a good candidate.
In a certain sense, the three were helping each other.
Thunder Wolf always traveled with lightning, an airship with a presence unmatched by ordinary vessels, it quickly arrived at the East Capital.
After nearly eight years, Ivan returned to this city once again.
Entering the city, it wasn’t long before the Rapid Wood Tower was close at hand.
Having coordinated in advance, at this moment, Justine, Pearney, Angela, Dan Lin, and Ivan’s apprentice Helen, among others, all gathered to welcome them.
“Ivan, all your ladies are out here to welcome you.”
Watching the graceful beauties in front of the sorcerer tower, Hotter glanced meaningfully at Tanaya, and without fearing to stir things up, brought up the topic.
“That’s the way you put it, as if you don’t have any yourself.”
Ivan knew what he was insinuating, but there was nothing between him and Tanaya that needed to be explained.
Hotter didn’t say much more, preferring to watch the show.
“I will introduce them to you,” Ivan said after thinking, to Tanaya not far away.
“I understand what you mean, I won’t make things difficult for anyone,” Tanaya immediately understood.
The two had a tacit understanding, setting the ground rules in just a sentence or two.
As for Justine, Pearney, and others possibly giving Tanaya a hard time?
Tanaya was a Level 3 Sorcerer and a Flying Knight, with a lord-level powerhouse by her side; she was not the one who would be bullied. Attempting to provoke her would be foolish.
On the other hand, as the distinctive airship approached, Justine and the others also saw the group on the deck, including Tanaya and Mara.
Although they had some doubts in their hearts, seeing the impressive aura of the others, they dared not act up.
This long-awaited reunion also became a little tense.
Ivan did not hide anything and started by introducing Master Hotis and Gerry.
He soon directly clarified Tanaya’s identity as “Mrs. Marichadon,” hailing from the Fitzgerald family, and declared to have been personally endorsed by the King of the Long Sky.
By now, the true nature of the marriage agreement was no longer important.
Once spoken by the King of the Long Sky, even if it were false, it would become true in the sorcerer world; nobody would question the King of the Long Sky’s words.
Of course, Ivan wouldn’t either.
Upon hearing his introduction, Justine, Pearney, and Dan Lin were somewhat stunned, bewildered as to how suddenly such important individuals were involved. On the other hand, Angie the Centaur, lacking knowledge of the sorcerer world, listened in confusion.
Seeing their puzzlement, Ivan attributed the reason to the research of the Rapid Wood Tower and briefly expounded on it.
He was succinct, but Locke and Morris couldn’t stand idly by and praised the Rapid Wood Tower with extreme enthusiasm, using words like “earth-shattering” and “famed far and wide,” as if they couldn’t lavish enough praise on the tower.
Only then did Justine and the others truly realize.
It turned out that their own man was so outstanding that he had caught the attention of high-status individuals, who then promised their noble daughter to him.
The group felt both joy and helplessness, and could only greet Tanaya with respect.
Tanaya was very generous and approachable, dispensing a round of valuable gifts and making overtures that were somewhat surprisingly flattering.
The atmosphere was very harmonious.
Afterward, Tanaya, Gerry, and Mara took up residence in the Rapid Wood Tower.
Master Hotis and Morris preferred to stay on the airship Thunder Wolf, which was moored right beside the Rapid Wood Tower, making the two close by.
One afternoon, Ivan specially sought out Justine for a private word.
“Justine, about Tanaya, actually—”
“I understand, as your strength increases, it was only a matter of time. I’ve always been aware, and as long as there is a place for me by your side, Ivan, that’s enough for me to be satisfied.”
Before Ivan could explain anything, Justine, nestled in his embrace, voluntarily expressed her stance.
Justine had always been a person easily contented.
Recalling the past, when both were apprentices, her willingness to patiently wait in the small castle of Mulberry Valley, reluctant to go to the Sorcerers Academy, was evident.
She’s always known, she couldn’t even surpass Pearney, let alone a noble lady from the top family of Botta Blood Plain.
After a brief thought, Justine figured it out herself; being the official wife of Marichadon wasn’t significant, what’s important was securing a firm position by Ivan’s side.
“If I say the marriage agreement is false, would you believe me?”
Ivan looked at her intently for a moment and still chose to reveal the true situation.
He was not someone who easily broke his promises.
Hearing this, Justine’s expression visibly froze.
“Remember, you must not speak of this to anyone, including Pearney and the others,” Ivan added.
“Uh-huh, I’ll listen to you, I won’t tell anybody.”
Justine smiled sweetly, nodding repeatedly, evidently trusting his words.
Then something occurred to her, and a flicker of complexity crossed her smile.
“What’s the matter?”
“I know this is just temporarily false, but Ivan, I’m really, really happy you could tell me secretly.”
“Why do you say that?”
Ivan looked at her in surprise, wondering where her thoughts had wandered off to.
“With your charm, that Miss Tanaya will sooner or later fall for you, and then what’s false will become true—Mrs. Marichadon will still be her,” Justine mumbled.
“Ha-ha, maybe you’re right.” Ivan was momentarily stunned, then laughed. “By the way, how is your wine brewing coming along?”
“It’s pretty good, do you want to see?”
“Let’s talk about that later, let me look at you first; after admiring the beauty, I’ll go admire the wine.”
As wine brewing was mentioned, Justine tried to struggle to her feet, but Ivan scooped her up in his arms, filling the room with fragrant, springtime warmth.
Some time afterward, the two still went to inspect her brewed wine.
Having suffered a setback with the previous Lightning Wine, Justine was determined to improve, spending several years to finally create an exquisite liquor—Deep Blue Light.
After tasting it, Ivan did not stint his praise; indeed, it was a fine wine, strong and potent.
But Dan Lin hadn’t been idle either, innovating and achieving new successes.
One made a strong liquor, the other a soft liquor; each had their unique strengths.
Blessed with the fruits of their labor, Ivan fulfilled his promise made before entering the city and cordially entertained Master Hotis and others to their contentment.
Master Hotis enjoyed strong liquor.
Gerry, somewhat unexpectedly, also preferred strong liquor.
In a sense, having won over two Lord-level powers with her exquisite brew, Justine’s creation had undoubtedly claimed a subtle victory.