The chilly air of dawn gradually grew colder until winter finally arrived with biting winds.
Yuric would paint portraits for nobles and the wealthy in the great mansion in the afternoon after spending the morning studying and researching. For a beautifully colored portrait that he completed over the course of a week, he would usually receive one gold coin as payment, which was a sufficient amount to last him a week.
Since Yuric lived at the branch of the Mage Tower, he would often meet Bella in the late afternoon.
Sometimes, Bella would bring back some strange objects from the market or antique shops, and she enjoyed looking at them for days on end. She found it more interesting to observe unusual and strange objects than beautiful nature. In fact, Yuric himself was close to being one of her research subjects in this aspect.
The two of them grew closer every day through their daily meetings, discussions, and meals.
During these times, Bella would occasionally tell Yuric about how she had lived since leaving the Mage Tower.
“Working on research with someone else is something I haven’t done since leaving the Mage Tower. Hmm, it’s been about thirty years. To be honest, there are hardly any historians like us left. Whenever we hit a snag, everyone just gives up, saying it’s a waste of time. But true history only begins where others stop. By continuously digging, searching, and investigating, we can finally reveal the true nature of what we thought was the end of history!”
As she spoke, Bella’s eyes shone brighter than ever.
“The exhilaration of uncovering hidden truths is something only those who have experienced it can understand. I believe you would know this well.”
Just as Bella said, when Yuric discovered Dural’s treasures, the thrill and emotion he felt were unforgettable.
“And now, it’s our turn to find out about Verzig.”
The lost Magic City of Verzig had long since faded from the interest of historians. The latest research on Verzig was from decades ago.
Even if one were full of enthusiasm, there was no way sudden evidence would appear out of nowhere. It had been four hundred years since Verzig existed. The possibility of anything remaining from that time was extremely slim.
‘A different approach is needed.’
In fact, there were almost no living witnesses left from the time Verzig existed, except for the headmaster of the magic academy, who had been alive since then. However, she did not know about the events that took place in Verzig.
‘At that time, there was much more distrust towards demons than there is now. Verzig was one of the important strategic points for humans. There was little chance that they would show it to demons.’
Even if she sided with humanity, there was little chance that she would be involved with Verzig. Therefore, it was natural that she wouldn’t know the details of the incident.
“I wish there was a witness from back then… It’s a problem that there’s no one left in the east who has lived for over four hundred years.”
It wasn’t usual for a human to live over four hundred years. On the continent, such a person could be counted on one hand. Perhaps a Great Mother would be the only exception. However, the Great Mother had spent her entire life in Arphenheim and had nothing to do with Verzig.
In the meantime, Yuric suddenly remembered the various papers Bella had researched for decades. There were so many interesting things that he had spent an entire week reading only her papers.
What he recalled was the story of the phantom princess, which had been witnessed since six hundred years ago.
She appeared only at lavish banquets, enjoyed a night, and then vanished.
This mysterious figure bestowed astonishing gifts upon her partner.
Sometimes wisdom, sometimes courage, sometimes gold, sometimes treasure.
However, the phantom princess often enjoyed banquets alone, leading people to speculate that she must have very strict criteria for choosing her partners.
In fact, there was no way to distinguish a phantom princess from a normal human by appearance alone. Even if her name was listed on the invitation list, it was said that no one knew why. Researchers believed that many times, even when the phantom princess actually attended the banquet, she went unnoticed.
There were many speculations about her identity. Some said she was a princess of a fallen kingdom, while others claimed she was a spirit of the banquet. Of course, this remained an unsolved mystery.
“Could the phantom princess know something about the incident? She surely knows everything about current affairs.”
“There is a possibility, but the chances of the phantom princess appearing and becoming a partner are very slim.”
The phantom princess did not attend insignificant banquets. She only appeared at grand and luxurious banquets, and even then, there was no guarantee she would show up. Truly, she was a ghost-like figure whose presence was unpredictable. Hence, she was called the phantom princess.
However, it was a chance to discover amazing history. Even if the possibility was as rare as a grain of sand, it was worth taking the risk.
“And who would be willing to spend one hundred thousand gold coins on something they’re not sure about?”
Bella seemed to think that this idea was completely unrealistic. However, Yuric thought differently.
“There is someone who can help us. Still, I’ll ask once, just in case.”
So, Yuric sent a letter to Golden Hand Niruin. It wasn’t a request to host a banquet, but rather a letter containing information about Verzig and the phantom princess. He suggested that if the Elder had plans for a banquet, they might combine efforts.
Yuric sent the letter via the mercenary guild for the fastest delivery, but he estimated it would take two months for the letter to reach the Elder. When the reply came, spring would have arrived after winter.
In the meantime, Yuric and Bella investigated and researched other topics.
Bella brought up many interesting research topics.
The philosopher’s stone, Matera Prima, which was considered legendary in alchemy.
The world of illusion created by ancient illusionists.
The tomb of the last emperor of the ancient empire, Emperor Ling Luo.
A mask that possessed a mysterious entity.
And also, exploring the headquarters of Arcanum and Dural’s treasures.
They spent hours discussing these fascinating topics together.
As the cold winter passed, spring finally arrived, with new buds sprouting everywhere.
Ten years had passed since Yuric left Arphenheim. Now, he was a twenty-six-year-old young man.
Yuric no longer increased his portrait work. After receiving a response from Elder Niruin, he planned to leave this place and head further east.
He looked forward to exploring new areas in the east, including the cliff where Verzig once stood.
A month after spring arrived, a response finally came to the letter Yuric had sent to Elder Golden Hand Niruin.
But along with the response, a surprising individual also arrived here.
“It’s been a long time, Yuric.”
“Grandfather?!”
Surprisingly, Golden Hand Niruin came all the way to the eastern stronghold, Liander, just to deliver Yuric’s letter.
Thanks to the blessing of the unicorn, Niruin looked decades younger, and seeing Yuric after so long, his eyes turned red with emotion. How much he had missed and desired to see Yuric, his companion in a new life!
“I never dreamed you would come all the way here.”
“I couldn’t bear not seeing you.”
The two embraced each other, their affectionate warmth passing through their bodies.
Yuric warmly greeted the personal mage and bodyguard knight who always accompanied Golden Hand.
Following the eastern tradition, they enjoyed a bath together.
While exchanging stories about how they had been, they eventually reached the topic of the phantom princess and Verzig.
“A lost magic city? Nothing could pique my curiosity more. That’s why I rushed here immediately.”
“But, to meet the phantom princess, we need a grand banquet, which requires a lot of money. I don’t want to burden you with that, Grandfather.”
When Yuric said this, Niruin laughed heartily.
“Yuric, do you know who I am? I am Golden Hand Niruin! And for you, that’s nothing. I would gladly give half of my fortune for you.”
“But, Grandfather…”
Niruin placed his hand on Yuric’s shoulder.
“Though we are not blood-related, we are bound by something stronger than blood. Nothing can sever this bond… not even death!”
Golden Hand realized the true value of gold.
“There is something more valuable than gold. When I received a horn from a spirit, I understood. I received the most precious thing in the world: love and the future. And Yuric…you are my love and my future.”
The two men slowly smiled.
“And coincidentally, the youngest daughter of Duke Morifrid’s family has her birthday in spring. Isn’t this the perfect opportunity for a banquet?”
Golden Hand wanted to show off his grandeur.
“We won’t let the phantom princess escape!”
