The Echanting Duchess

Chapter 33: The Great Peregrine

Sebas knew that the Mistress was telling the truth. Just now, he almost suffocated due to the pressing pressure, akin to a drowning person, how much more if the Mistress would go all out.

"This humble one will remember your grace," said Sebas.

"Well, the lesson is done, then," said Mistress Allieah. She walked towards Sebas. Upon arriving in front of the still slumped Sebas on the floor, she extended her left hand to Sebas. "Come, get up. Since you're already here, I have something to discuss with you," she said.

Sebas blinked, dumbfounded by the small, pale hand reaching out in front of him.

She just beat me up and now she's being gentle? Is this how the Mistress of the great Wizard Tower behaves?

Sebas had no time to further ponder about his thoughts as he hesitantly grabbed Mistress Allieah's hand. For he thought that if he didn't hold her hand, the Mistress might take it against him.

For Sebas, he wanted to get away from this place as soon as possible. Thus, he must prevent any other conflict or issue to arise.

Once both were seated on their own chairs, the pot instantly poured a cup of tea from each one of them.

Mistress Allieah gestured Sebas to help himself with the tea.

Sipping on her cup, Mistress Allieah waited for Sebas to take his first sip before she spoke once again.

"Tell me, what is your current rank now." It was not a question. It was an imperative.

Sebas' eyes narrowed. Not that he could not give a response, it was that he didn't know whether letting the Mistress know about his rank was just for nothing or would it incite trouble.

And trouble was the last thing he wanted, especially if it would affect the duke and his plans.

Mistress Allieah saw the alarm and worry in Sebas' eyes. Thus, she said, "You don't have to worry. I mean no harm. Since you are now in the Kingdom of Hartize, we ought to take good care of you as well, don't you think so?"

Sebas remained silent as he pursed his lips. His eyes were dimming as several thoughts flashed in his mind.

Mistress Allieah was not capable of discerning his current rank because of a treasure that he once was able to chance upon while wandering and traveling around. And for Sebas, this was a significant possession of him. He didn't want it to be useless even in front of the formidable Mistress.

Noticing everything on Sebas, Mistress Allieah spoke again, "We are just two wizards here having a good tea. You can speak your mind. You may. You have my permission."

After a while, Sebas' opened his mouth, but his tone was more serious and firm than before. There was no coldness nor trepidation. There was only indifference left on his expression.

"Mistress, if I will be honest with you, I don't need the guidance and protection of the tower," he said.

There were things that Sebas had to keep in his mind and hid in his heart. Such things could not be known by outsiders, especially a notable wizard with a formidable status such as the Mistress.

Mistress Allieah obviously knew some things. However, she has a sense of propriety and Sebas was also aware of it. He knew that the Mistress won't be forcing something onto him without any qualms.

"I understand," said Mistress Allieah.

Sebas was right.

"Thank you, Mistress," Sebas said. His indifference eased up a little.