Yuric followed the Amic Schlippen couple around like a little shadow, greeting everyone they met with a smile.
As Cecilia had said, not everyone was friendly. There were those like the mage Skemen who outright attacked, and others like the female knight Ganesha who openly threw lustful glances.
In particular, the mage Skemen had undoubtedly used an illusion magic on Yuric. It felt similar to when he had visited Alaldur’s nest.
“Though it was blocked midway by the earth dragon.”
It reacted to external stimuli like index magic would. However, calling it magic felt somewhat ambiguous. Describing it as the will of the earth dragon would be more accurate.
“Earth Dragon Alaldur wanted to see humans and dragons coexist again. Perhaps that desire still lingers within me.”
Words themselves can become magic. Naturally, this would apply equally to dragon speech.
Yuric found this phenomenon fascinating. The world of magic was truly full of unknowns. Perhaps humanity had only scratched the surface of magic. That’s why new discoveries kept emerging.
He thought he might study the art of illusions if given the chance—not to use them like Skemen but to satisfy his intellectual curiosity.
“Is the banquet enjoyable?”
Amic Schlippen asked Yuric and Cecilia after briefly stepping away from the main gathering.
Despite being bothered by some people, the banquet itself offered plenty of visual entertainment. Especially Yuric, who was particularly visually sensitive, found the feast quite enjoyable due to all the sights.
This color, this shape, this atmosphere—just imagining how to best express these filled him with ecstasy.
“It is very enjoyable.”
“I was worried about bringing you to such a formal occasion, but I’m glad.”
“I am truly grateful just to have been invited to such an event.”
Feeling Yuric’s sincere gratitude, Amic laughed heartily.
“That’s why I like you so much as a teacher.”
While casually nibbling on some snacks and chatting, the music stopped and bells rang. The bustling banquet hall suddenly fell silent.
“Lord Schlippen has arrived!”
With the servant’s announcement, the lights dimmed except for the podium. A red curtain adorned with golden thread was dramatically pulled back, revealing someone.
An elderly man with streaks of gray hair, yet his gait and presence were as vigorous as a young man’s.
This was Golden Hand Niruin.
“Seeing all of you gathered here makes me happy. Three months ago, my precious child was born. I wish for the blessings of the universe to be upon this child.”
And immediately, applause erupted.
“Certainly, there are more exciting things to come, but I’ll save those for later. It wouldn’t be fun to open all the gift boxes too early, right? Now, music!”
With Golden Hand’s signal, the orchestra began a grand performance. Simultaneously, the banquet hall brightened again, and a fragrant floral scent spread.
Yuric took in every detail without missing a thing.
People gathered in front of Golden Hand Niruin, lining up to greet him and present gifts.
The first to have the honor of greeting Golden Hand was his eldest son, Oswald. Exercising power in the capital, he resembled his maternal side with a sharp face.
“Father, may you live a long life. I also pray for our younger sibling’s healthy growth.”
They exchanged various words at that spot. Oswald used this moment to proudly display his close relationship with his father. He sealed this with a valuable gift.
Relodian, the second son, came third after their father. After a brief conversation about business and the continent’s current state with his grandfather, he presented a jewel-encrusted golden crown.
Next, the fourth in line was Amic Schlippen. After a short discussion about the southern region with his father, he presented a jade-colored jar as a gift.
Those accompanying Amic also had the opportunity to present gifts, and Yuric’s offering caught everyone’s attention—not because it was grand, but because it was so humble.
“What’s this? Why bring scraps of paper?”
“It’s a painting.”
“Could it be a treasure map?”
“No, just a painting. Perhaps a landscape?”
However, Golden Hand Niruin, who had been overseeing the transfer of gifts through the servants, commanded for this one to be brought over. As Yuric, who was about to retreat after delivering the gift, paused.
Golden Hand stared intently at Yuric’s painting. It depicted a group of adventurers laughing and chatting around a campfire as evening twilight settled. As Niruin carefully examined it, his eyes took on a nostalgic gleam.
After a rather long silence, Golden Hand gestured with a faint smile for Yuric to approach.
“What is your name?”
“I am Yuric.”
“Did you paint this, Yuric?”
“Yes, I painted it during an expedition with people.”
“A splendid piece indeed. I, too, had such times. So long ago that my memories are hazy… Seeing this painting brings back those cherished days slowly.”
“I’m glad you like it.”
Golden Hand Niruin smiled contentedly and nodded.
“If there’s anything you desire, speak.”
Everyone was surprised. No one expected such an offer for merely a single painting.
It was a magical statement, implying that within reasonable limits, anything could be granted.
It was an opportunity to become immensely wealthy instantly. A mage could ask for a rare spellbook, a warrior for precious equipment, or even a commoner for a baron title.
All eyes turned to Yuric, curious what he would request.
Surely, he would ask for a rare spellbook since he was a mage, or perhaps thousands of gold coins…
But…
“I would like to paint your portrait.”
From Yuric’s lips came a reply no one could have imagined.
Not riches, not a spellbook, not even a title.
Even Golden Hand Niruin, who rarely batted an eye at trivial matters, widened his eyes slightly. He hadn’t expected such a request.
Then immediately,
“Hahahaha.”
Golden Hand Niruin burst into cheerful laughter.
“You want to paint me! You’re a heavenly artist indeed! Isn’t that right?”
Looking around, the crowd chimed in with agreement and laughter, though it didn’t last long.
“Very well. I grant you permission. Let me know if you need good tools.”
“The tools I’m accustomed to will suffice, but if I need anything, I shall inform you.”
Golden Hand nodded in agreement with this.
“I’ll send word to you later. Come then.”
“Understood.”
Yuric bowed deeply and stepped back. Amic Schlippen lightly patted his teacher’s shoulder in approval.
“I didn’t know you had such talent. Could you gift me a painting as well?”
“Of course.”
Once the greetings and gift-giving concluded, the music changed to a lively tune. As if on cue, people cleared the center of the banquet hall. Couples then emerged to dance.
Though not skilled at dancing, Yuric initially refrained from participating until Ior cheerfully urged him to join.
“I’ve only danced once before. I’m worried about embarrassing myself, Miss.”
“What’s wrong with a bit of embarrassment? It’s fine, teacher.”
Ior grabbed Yuric’s hand and led him out. To be honest, compared to the skilled Cecilia, Ior wasn’t much of a dancer either. The two almost alternated stepping on each other’s feet before bursting into laughter.
Meanwhile, the mercenary princess received numerous partner requests, including one from Relodian.
As the banquet reached its peak, Golden Hand Niruin finally revealed the true purpose of the gathering.
“I have obtained something truly precious.”
A magnificent display stand was wheeled into the center of the banquet hall. On the red cushion of the stand lay a fairly large sheet of paper.
“The tenth treasure map of the legendary mage Dural.”
Except for a select few, most were unaware of this and gasped in awe, crowding closer to the display.
Though called a treasure map, it was a picture filled with incomprehensible symbols and motifs. Interpreting these ciphers to locate the treasure was Dural’s method.
There were ten Dural treasure maps in total. Many counterfeit ones existed among those released, necessitating experts to distinguish between genuine and fake.
So far, treasures had been discovered from four maps. Two of these four remain unidentified. However, the other two were incredibly significant treasures, leading to speculation that the rest would be equally remarkable.
The two discovered treasures were the Star of Lazarus and the Branch of the World Tree.
The Star of Lazarus was a mana sphere of immeasurable capacity, while the Branch of the World Tree was literally a branch of the extinct World Tree from the continent.
“I’m currently having experts interpret it. I brought it here to show you all.”
Yuric was instantly captivated by the mysterious treasure map. The combination of symbols crafted with precise calculations was nothing short of an artwork.
“Not exactly a test, but let me mention this anyway.”
Golden Hand Niruin declared to everyone present.
“To the one who finds the tenth treasure, I will grant any one wish.”
