Greatest Legacy of the Magus Universe

In the vibrant backyard of the opulent state, a middle-aged man with dark brown hair and blue eyes stood by a pond, with his hands behind his back and a gentle expression on his face.

The man wore ostentatious white and gold silk robes that shimmered gloriously under the light of the sun. The light accentuated his handsome features and regal presence.

This was no ordinary noble. This was the Prince of Acadia himself.

Cedric Acadia, a formidable Mana Vortex Magus!

Hearing the sound of footsteps coming toward him from behind, he turned around. He saw two figures approaching him.

One was his stalwart aid, a man who had not only protected him since childhood but had also raised him and taught him everything he knew about magic.

The hunchbacked old man’s bond with Cedria Acadia mirrored that of Kasper York’s with Anna.

And beside him was the man he had been wanting to meet…

Adam stood tall in his pristine white robe, the silk fabric shimmering faintly under the afternoon sun.

The high collar framed his sharp jawline, while the flowing sleeves gave him an almost ethereal grace. His raven-hair was short and wavy, combed neatly to the sides, revealing piercing dark eyes that held both intellect and… savagery.

Every inch of his appearance spoke not only of elegance but of a man who had earned the right to wear such dignity.

For a brief moment, Cedric had this vague illusion that he was looking up at a towering monolith… a monument of strength and magic!

I was right!

He thought to himself, carefully masking the flicker of jubilation that threatened to reach his eyes.

If I can get him to my side… then, everything will fall into place. I already have the backing of most of the nobles, but with him, I will have the people as well.

Even the common folk will rally behind me.

He truly is hope reincarnate!

Although neither Cedric Acadia’s expressions nor body language betrayed even a hint of excitement at meeting Adam, how could Adam not see through it?

In his eyes, the Prince was practically a big, white ball of barely-contained glee.

However, this did not make Adam happy. No, he would be a fool to take that as a positive sign.

On the contrary, he became extremely vigilant of the Prince.

This guy… definitely wants something from me, he thought as he approached the man and stood a few steps in front of him.

I refuse to believe he’s like one of those crazed fanatics!

The old man stood beside—no, a step behind the Prince—and bowed with his hand pressed against his chest.

”Your Highness, please allow me to introduce to you the Count of Ravenfell, Adam Constantine.”

Then, the man threw a furtive glance at the raven-haired youth, his eyes glaring threateningly.

Adam had the sudden urge to retrieve a gourd of wine and furiously gulp its contents just to spite the hunchbacked old man.

But he knew better…

He pressed his hand against his chest and gave a light bow. ”Greetings, Your Highness. It is an honor to meet you.”

However, even this caused the old man to glare with intensity. He was seemingly screaming at him to bow even lower.

Adam, of course, ignored the man.

Cedria Acadia, on the other hand, did not mind it at all. He deeply looked at the raven-haired youth and said with a faint smile, ”Count Constantine, I’ve heard much about you. It is a pleasure to meet you.”

”The pleasure is all mine, Your Highness.” Adam offered a polite smile as he stood straight.

At his height, which was a little more than two meters, he was staring down at the Prince—a fact that the hunchedback did not like.

In fact, even the Prince of Acadia felt slightly uncomfortable having to look up at the raven-haired youth while speaking.

So he gestured to the seating area by the pond and smiled. ”Let’s take a seat.”

”Sure.” Adam smiled. Then, he felt a piercing gaze aimed at him. His lips twitched a little, and he added, ”…Your Highness.”

***

An assortment of fine tea and delicately prepared snacks was served by the maids and attendants.

Adam sat silently as he watched the Prince gracefully sip tea from a porcelain teacup. He had a feeling that the cup and the tea in it were among the most expensive to be found anywhere in these lands.

He knew a few Magi, like Professor Whitaker and Lady Benton, who were connoisseurs of tea. It seemed that Cedric Acadia was one of them as well.

Alas, Adam had never cared much for tea.

Just wine.

He also thought it would be rude to drink liquor in front of this man of royal blood, so he refrained.

In many places, the consumption of alcohol was frowned upon, looked down upon, even. Magi believed it to be something that only mortals did. It was a habit unworthy of them.

Their words carried the air of superiority, as if they were too refined to indulge in something as crude as wine.

But the truth was simpler.

Alcohol dulled the mind, clouded perception, and made it nearly impossible to channel spiritual energy and mana.

As he silently pondered on the hypocrisy of those Magi, Cedric Acadia looked at him and said with a light smile, ”Aren’t you curious as to why I’ve invited you here, Count Constantine?”

Adam snapped out his thoughts. He turned to him and asked with a polite smile, ”May I speak frankly, Your Highness?”

Cedric arched an eyebrow in surprise. Then, he let out a chuckle. ”Please, by all means,” he said. ”To be frank, I’ve grown weary of hearing nothing but polished words from Magi whenever they address me.”

Adam’s smile brightened. ”Great! This will make things easier then.”

He paused for a moment, then with the same friendly smile, added, ”You’ve most likely called me here to win over my support for some inheritance of the throne, yes?”

Cedric leaned back in the chair, his expression one of intrigue. ”Is it that obvious?”

Adam let out a soft chuckle and leaned forward. ”Oh, Your Highness, I’m flattered, truly. Being courted for royal succession support? I almost feel noble.”

He slowly straightened up, putting on an overly solemn expression.

”But I must politely and most humbly, yet with every fiber of my being…”

He raised a finger and shook it.

”Decline.”

He leaned back in his chair, glancing at the clouds drifting in the sky lazily, and said with a mischievous smile:

”You see, Your Highness, I’ve already promised my undying political loyalty to a dragon disguised as a cat.”

He lowered his head, gazing back at the Prince of Acadia, and added:

”So, I refuse.”