Carthus and the mages behind him were clearly taken aback.
They never expected that this young lord, renowned for his military achievements and territorial development, was also a spellcaster! A hint of surprise flashed in Carthus's eyes, followed by scrutiny.
He carefully sensed the magical energy emanating from Linde, and found it to be not particularly powerful, and the spell was just a basic trick.
He had never met Linde in the inner circle of the academy, so he naturally categorized him as a "self-taught" mage.
Having confirmed this, the barely perceptible disdain in Carsas's eyes deepened, and his tone became more academically matter-of-fact:
"So Your Excellency is also versed in magic. My apologies. However, our purpose in coming here is not for sparring or exchanging ideas, but rather to investigate a very unusual and intense magical tide phenomenon that occurred near your territory several months ago, on the orders of the academy."
Linde understood immediately; it seemed to be caused by the previous explosion of the crystal skeleton.
He remained calm and gestured for the other party to continue.
Seeing that Lind didn't respond, Casas continued:
"The intensity, frequency, and energy properties of that tide were extremely rare. After repeated monitoring and deduction, the academy strongly suspects that its source is some kind of... extremely rare natural magical mineral, which is very likely the legendary 'Crystal Remains' vein."
We hope to obtain His Excellency's permission to conduct explorations in the tidal source area, and we hope to receive your full cooperation in this matter.
His words implied that the academy's will was an unquestionable command, even carrying the implication that "it is your honor to be allowed to cooperate."
Linde sneered inwardly.
Natural crystal minerals? Dream on.
Those exploding crystalline remains were all created by him using his aura; they disappeared after the explosion.
He gave a perfectly timed expression of "regret" and shrugged.
"Mage Carthus, I'm afraid I'll have to disappoint you all. Blackrock Territory is located on the frontier and is poor in resources, a fact known throughout the kingdom."
"The special magical tides you mentioned might be some natural phenomenon or accidental magical fluctuations. As for the crystal veins... I'm sorry, I've been managing this territory for years and have never heard of or discovered any such deposits."
His tone was calm, yet carried an undeniable refusal: "What you are looking for is not in Blackrock Territory. Please return."
Such a decisive rejection caused the arrogance on Carthus's face to freeze instantly, turning into a hint of anger.
The young mages behind him also showed expressions of dissatisfaction.
Carsas suppressed his anger and stared at Lind:
“Your Excellency, this matter concerns a major advancement in the kingdom's magical research, and its significance is immeasurable. Your arbitrary refusal is perhaps…”
Linde raised his hand to interrupt him, his eyes suddenly turning sharp as knives:
“Mage Carthus, please watch your words. This is Blackrock Territory, and I am its lord. I say no, and that is it. There is no need for questioning or further discussion. If the academy has any doubts, they can submit official documents to the capital and negotiate with me through official channels. Now, please proceed.”
He immediately told them to leave.
Carsas's expression turned somewhat grim, and the atmosphere momentarily froze.
But he also seemed to realize that forcibly suppressing this lord, who had a distinguished military record and a tough attitude, would not work.
He took a deep breath, as if remembering something, and suddenly changed the subject, his tone softening but carrying a deeper sense of inquiry:
"Your Excellency, please calm your anger. Since we will set aside the matter of the mine for the time being... then, if I may be so bold as to ask another question, is there a scholar or mage named 'Alice' in your territory?"
She wasn't very old, probably around twenty, with very beautiful long blonde hair. Her personality... was she perhaps more focused on her research and not very sociable?
Alarm bells rang in Lin De's mind! Alice! The other party was after her! And the description was so accurate! He remained expressionless, but a sharp glint of cold light flashed deep in his eyes.
"Alice?"
Linde frowned slightly, revealing a thoughtful expression. "This name... sounds somewhat familiar. It seems that a scholar once stayed briefly in the territory? You know, the Blackrock Territory is located on a major transportation route, and many scholars and merchants come and go, many of whom are just passing through."
He skillfully avoided a direct denial and also distanced himself from any direct relationship with Alice. "What important matter does the mage Carthus have with her?"
Casas looked at Lind, seemingly trying to determine the truthfulness of his words.
He gave a vague explanation:
"I was asked by an old friend to discuss some academic matters with her. Since she may have already passed away, then..."
"It's alright."
Linde immediately took over the conversation, showing great enthusiasm, "Since Mage Carthus is here on someone's behalf and has come from afar..."
Alright, I'll give orders to the territory guards to thoroughly investigate among the people to see if Miss Alice is still within Blackrock Territory, or if she has left any clues about her whereabouts.
"Gentlemen, you have had a long and arduous journey. Why don't you rest for a few days at the residence arranged outside the castle? I will inform you immediately of any news."
Casas looked at Lind's "sincere" attitude and couldn't find any fault with it for a moment.
His primary objective for this trip, the Crystal Mine, seems to have failed, and finding Alice is another important but not urgent task.
He hesitated for a moment, then finally nodded:
"Then... I'll have to trouble you, Your Excellency." His tone was filled with reluctance and helplessness.
Linde wore a polite smile:
"Of course. Someone, escort Mage Carthus and his party to the inn in the west of the city and make sure they are settled in properly."
As he watched Carthus and the others being led away by the servants, the smile on Lind's face vanished instantly, and his eyes turned cold and deep.
The Royal Academy of Mages, Crystal Corpse, Alice... it's no coincidence that these things are all mixed up together.
Especially since the other party specifically named Alice when they were looking for her, there must be a hidden story behind this, and it is very likely related to her mother, the headmistress!
Factional strife? Academic disputes?
Without further delay, he immediately got up and strode towards Alice's workshop tower, which emitted a faint blue magical glow.
He had to figure out immediately what the people from the academy wanted from Alice!
Linde rushed to the workshop tower in a great hurry. As soon as he stepped inside, he heard Alice and Master Della discussing something.
He strode in and saw Alice and Della discussing a pile of blueprints, with magical artifacts around them shimmering with strange light.
“Alice!” Lind called out.
Alice and Della turned around at the same time. Alice had a smile on her face. "Linde, what brings you here?"
Without bothering with pleasantries, Lin De said urgently:
"People from the academy are here; they're looking for you."
Alice's smile froze, and Della also stopped what she was doing, her expression turning serious.
"How did they know I was here?" Alice frowned in thought.
Lind briefly explained the purpose of Carsas and the others' visit.
"They said they were entrusted by an old friend to exchange academic ideas with you."
Alice bit her lower lip, a hint of worry flashing in her eyes, "It must be related to my mother, those people in the academy..."
Linde comforted him:
"Alice, don't panic. I've temporarily sent them away. They're being watched by someone, so they won't be able to find you."
Alice bit her lip. Master Della glanced at her and then tactfully left the workshop, giving the two of them some space.
After being comforted by Lind, Alice slowly began to tell a story.
That was a story about her mother, told at the academy.
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