The high sorcerers nodded to Ianâs request. Â Instead of dismissing them, the Ivory Tower Lord who has reached the level of sorcery that was beyond imagination was treating them as his seniors, with great respect. Â How can they feel not good about something like that? Â Peopleâs emotions are simplistic and silly at times.
âThen except the high ranking sorcerers, the rest of you may clear the room. Â The sorcerers who are standing by outside will lead the way.â
As per Ianâs instructions, Hailey, the princess, the servant girls and Kevin, the imperial palaceâs sorcerer stood up from their seats. Â Then they headed toward the large, iron gate in order to exit the room.
âYour highness.â
Then Ianâs voice caused the princess to strop.
Were there any other issues that needed to be addressed?
With her heart pounding, the princess turned to look back.
But, something unexpected was being said to her.
âPlease come this way and take your seat.â
âWhat?  How, how can IâŠ..?â
âYour highness is also a high sorcerer as well.â
That was right. Â Although a few conditions have been placed on her, Hailey Greenriver, the princess, was being treated as a high sorcerer of the Ivory Tower. Â She has earned the right to be present in these meetings.
âBut, but I still do not know anyâŠ..â
âThat is why Iâm asking you to take a seat. Â You would need to learn what you do not know. Â What exactly is being done and how they are being done, and what you have to do. Â Do you not agree?â
ââŠ..Ah!â
Was it because of the unsettled feeling that rose from the trial?
Her sense of comprehension has become quite duller than the usual.
***
The first council meeting of the Ivory Tower of the 509 <sup>th</sup> anniversary of the empireâs founding.
That event has come to a smooth closure. Â Several matters of discussions were put forth after the trial and for the most part, all the issues were addressed in positive manner. Â The dawn of the new-year was rather satisfactory.
Tuck, Tuck, TuckâŠ..
Ian was riding a horse carriage for the first time in a long while. Â Was it because he has been counting on teleportation and like magic for a while? Â Now, even the horse carriage ride seemed very unfamiliar.
âHave I been living a very hardened lifeâŠ..?â
Horse carriage ride wasnât unfamiliar at all even in the former life.
Of course the horse carriage ride wasnât the only unfamiliar thing.
The lady that rode the horse carriage with him was also unfamiliar.
Well, rather than unfamiliarâŠ..
ââŠ..Awkward.â
Ian took a subtle peek. Â There he saw a picturesque profile of Hailey, the most beautiful woman, the princess, who even earned a conditional high sorcerer title.
âShould have not been riding togetherâ
It wasnât Ianâs proposal.
It was the princessâ request all along.
He accepted her request without giving much thought.
I didnât realize how awkward it could be.
âWellâŠ..â
Was the princess not able to hold herself much longer in this awkwardness?
She began a conversation.
âPlease speak.â
ââŠ..Thank you.  Teacher.â
Her first words were a thank you.
âWhat about, your highness?â
âThat you personally took control of the meeting..â
The princess was not dumb. Â Ian did not need to step forward in his position, yet he came forward without any hesitation. Â What could possibly be the reason?
âThanks to you, the servant girls and Sir Kevin were spared from any punishments. Â Although IÂ am embarrassed to say, even I, who have committed the offense, got off free.â
âYour highness was not found innocent. Â It has been simply deferred.â
âThat, that is true, stillâŠ..â
Was it because of Ianâs cold response?
Princessâ voice became smaller.
âWell, itâs all good that you understand.â
ââŠ..What, what?â
âThat is, itâs all good that you know why IÂ stepped forward, and by me stepping forward, what benefits youâve reaped. Â Should I explain further?â
âNo, no!â
The princess raised her voice without even recognizing it.
The silence returned soon after.
She must have been embarrassed about the response a moment ago.
âIn fact.â
Ian smiled lightly upon seeing her that way.
âThere is no need to be so thankful.â
âWhat are you saying all of a suddenâŠ.â
âYour highness has rescued my family, have you not?â
Princess Hailey had saved Ianâs family during the chaotic attack by the dragon soldiers. Â Since he considers his familyâs safety over his own to be the top priority, that act was the ultimate act of grace for Ian.
âI should be the one to be thanking you. Â Today is just a part of showing my appreciation.â
âThat, that was just by my brotherâs orderâŠ.â
âSince Iâm at it, I would like to give you another token of my appreciation.â
ââŠ..What?â
Out of the spatial pouch that was around his waist band, Ian brought out a blue robe. Â It was the imperial robe artifact, the âMichel Greenriver Robe.â
âBy tomorrow, the news of you, rising to the position of high sorcerer would be widely spread throughout the empire. Â This robe has also found its rightful owner.â
Michel Greenriver Robe was left with a will that only allowed it to be passed down to a sorcerer in the imperial family line. Â And today, after almost 300 years later, a high sorcerer, representing the imperial family was born.
âBut, but this is the item that was given by the highnessâŠ..â
âAct first, report later is one of the discretionary authorities of the tower lord.â
Ian continued to speak.
âI will give first and will report later.â
ââŠ..â
Princess Hailey took the robe cautiously.  The artifact that is passed down generations to only the sorcerers of the imperial family members was in her possession.
âAnd this isâŠ..â
Ianâs repayment did not stop there.
In fact, this time around was the true form of repayment.
It was none other than the staff of the Great Prairie.
Only the communications tunnel at the end has been removed.
âAbout now, your highness should also have a staff of your own.â
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Ian had received the staff, a master piece, created by Jerbio, the carpenter.
He no longer had the need for the staff of the Great Prairie.
Yet, it would be a waste to keep it go rotten somewhere.
It is much better than having somebody look after it.
âIt is one hundred folds better for the princess to have it.â