Greatest Legacy of the Magus Universe

Chapter 1426: Eyes Never Lie

The palace tea room was quiet and refined.

Sunlight filtered through tall windows, illuminating polished marble floors and low tables set with fine porcelain. The faint aroma of brewed herbs and flowers, and freshly baked biscuits wafted in the air.

Amira Fireborne sat calmly at the center table as royal maids attended to her. One poured tea with steady hands, another adjusted the placement of cups and trays, while a third stood ready at a respectable distance. Everything was orderly and impeccable.

The doors opened softly.

An elderly Magus entered, dressed in lavish, colorful robes that stood out against the muted elegance of the room. Rich fabrics layered over one another, embroidery catching the morning light as he moved.

Nilrem came to a stop a short distance away and offered a polite greeting.

”Your Majesty,” he said, bowing lightly.

The Queen regarded him calmly, then nodded her head ever so slightly.

”Welcome, Magus Nilrem,” she said with a faint smile. ”Please, take a seat.”

Nilrem thanked her and took the seat opposite her. The maids stepped forward at once, placing a cup of tea and a plate of biscuits before him. Once everything was set, they withdrew to a respectful distance, leaving the two alone to speak.

Although Nilrem appeared calm and reserved on the surface, inwardly, Adam couldn’t help but wonder with slight anxiety:

Why did she call me here?

The timing of all this is a bit too... coincidental.

Only yesterday, I sent her the message as Anna, and today she summoned me. Could she have realized something?

No, that should be unlikely. If that is truly the case... then her instincts are truly something!

Besides, after seeing the recorded message, shouldn’t she be more wary of strangers like me?

Just what the hell is happening—

His train of thought came to an abrupt halt when Amira’s gentle voice echoed in the tea room.

”You seem deep in thought, Magus Nilrem,” she said. ”Is everything alright?”

Nilrem snapped out of his daze, momentarily startled. He then smiled lightly. ”Ah, my apologies, Your Majesty. I was merely admiring the serenity of the palace. It’s rare for a wandering soul like me to sit still for so long.”

Amira’s lips curled ever so slightly as she replied, her tone reserved yet slightly teasing.

”Do you find the ambience of a tavern more to your liking, Magus Nilrem?”

Nilrem’s lips twitched. He let out a soft chuckle, lifting his cup slightly.

”Each has its own charm, Your Majesty. Taverns are loud, chaotic, and honest in their own way. But I admit this is far more... refined.”

Amira studied him for a moment, then waved the remark aside with a faint smile.

”I jest,” she said gently. ”There was something I wished to ask you.”

Her gaze sharpened ever so slightly, flashing with a thoughtful light. ”Tell me, Magus Nilrem... have we met before?”

Nilrem couldn’t help but display a light frown. ”I’m afraid not, Your Majesty. This is my first time in Amberfall, and I’m certain we haven’t crossed paths in any of the other continents I’ve visited.”

”Is that so?” Amira’s gaze drifted for a brief moment before she nodded with a faint smile. ”I see.”

”May I ask why you would think that, Your Majesty?”

”It’s nothing.” Amira shook her head, smiling faintly.

Although she hadn’t mentioned it, Nilrem was certain it was because of the way he had greeted her in the palace courtyard the other day.

At the time, he was so taken aback by seeing her suddenly that he lost his composure for a brief moment.

Probably the look in my eyes, he thought.

Yes, that’s it.

The eyes... they never lie.

And she’s perceptive enough to notice even something that subtle.

Nilrem nodded, then changed the subject of the conversation.

”Forgive my directness, Your Majesty,” he said calmly. ”But may I ask why you summoned me today?”

Amira deeply looked at the elderly Magus and said, ”You’ve been staying in the capital for several weeks now. I’m sure you must have heard the rumors about the Princess of Ignisra going missing.”

It took Nilrem considerable restraint not to let even a flicker of surprise show on his face. Inwardly, he thought to himself:

Don’t tell me... has she somehow drawn a connection between Anna and me?!

He smiled awkwardly and replied, ”I didn’t mean to pry, Your Majesty. Curiosity is simply part of my nature. Yes, I’ve heard from the locals about Princess Anna, and that she’s been missing for a very long time.”

”Indeed.” Queen Amira nodded. ”To be precise, it has been more than twenty-five years since she left home and never returned.”

”I see.” Nilrem nodded in feigned understanding.

But why are you telling me all this? He screamed inwardly.

”My son told me about the conversation you had with him the other day,” Amira continued. ”He mentioned that you hold a slightly... different view of the Dark King, that you believe there’s more than meets the eye.”

She paused for a moment, her expression turning solemn. ”Magus Nilrem, the reason I invited you here today is that I wish to learn more about the Dark King from you. I am told you have studied his early life in great detail. I want to know what you think of him.”

Hearing her request, Nilrem inwardly sighed in relief.

I see, so that’s what it was, he mused.

He believed that it was most likely because of what ’Anna’ had said in the message about not trusting appearances alone, and that there is always more than meets the eye.

Adam had explicitly refrained from mentioning anything about himself and his innocence in the recorded message, fearing that it might arouse suspicion.

Besides, the primary reason for impersonating Anna and recording the message was to reassure her family about her safety and well-being. Adam didn’t care about proving his innocence.

Only now did he realize that his cryptic remark about truths being convenient lies had planted a seed of doubt in the Fireborne family’s minds. At the very least, it made Queen Amira question the narrative the world had built around the Dark King.

And that resulted in her finally asking the right questions.

It was indeed as he had speculated. It was because of the recorded message that Amira had decided to learn more about Adam Constantine!

”Very well, Your Majesty.” Nilrem showed a humble smile. ”If this is your wish, then yes...”

He raised his chin slightly, his smile widening.

”I shall tell you the legend of the Dark King.”