As Irwyn stepped out of Alice's room he did not immediately enter his own. It was already nearing dusk so Irwyn traversed through the twilight lit hallways and soon enough arrived at the very same lounge where the family meeting was held yesterday. Inside 4 people awaited him: Avys, who was seemingly present to wreak havoc in all and any gatherings; Efora, the elder sister who seemed to hate him immensely; Ezyx, who Irwyn now instantly recognised as his eldest brother; and finally an unknown beautiful woman, who was clinging onto Ezyx like a deeply attached leech.
"You are my soon to be sister-in-law, I assume," Irwyn smiled at the woman. She was a beauty with raven black hair and a nearly perfect feigned smile, however, not perfect enough to fool Irwyn who spent a significant amount of time in the presence of Avys. Speaking of his mother, it was probably not a coincidence that the two women were so familiar.
"Yes, I am quite happy that I finally got to meet you Irwyn. My name is Rosemary, but feel free to call me Rose," she said while attempting to sound as honest and amiable as possible, while she also bent down just enough to allow Irwyn a peek of her cleavage. It was a tactic that would make even most adults blush at her honesty, but Irwyn didn't even shrug as he seated himself down and smiled back "I see, it is a pleasure to meet you."
"Now that the introductions are over, how did it go," Avys smiled as she moved the conversation along.
"Of course," Irwyn naturally understood what she meant "I am happy to announce that from now on there is Seeker working under my banner."
"But is it worth it?" Efora immediately attempted to put shade over Irwyn's achievement, perhaps even feeling jealous "It would be one thing to remove just the marques, but he is someone deeply affiliated with house Brightbeak. It could lead to war."
"You underestimate the potential of Seekers, sister. The ability to awaken naturally would be envied by many if they knew it even existed," Irwyn could naturally dismiss any such worries. In most of the material world people wouldn't be willing to anger an awakened, no matter the cost. And Irwyn could make sure Alice waited with carrying out her revenge until then.
"Then what does that make someone who could easily defeat someone with such a terrifying potential and 4 years disadvantage," was naturally the next question Efora asked. Avys definitely believed that Irwyn was also a Seeker based on the made up status screen he had shown to Ezax all those years ago. That was likely also the case for Ezyx as he was the favoured heir, and Rose probably intended to interrogate her lover later. That left only Efora who had to rely on her own assumptions.
"It was merely a fluke," Irwyn smiled. It was good if she became uncertain about him. There was no greater deterrent than the fear of the unknown. She was almost too smart for her own good and that kind people always acted the same way: The less they understood about him the more they would dread crossing his path.
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"But what a terrific spectacle of magic!" Ezyx interrupted "to think that you would be able to create something so magnificent at such a young age," his praises clearly let Irwyn know that he had seen his performance.
"You flatter me, brother," Irwyn said with honesty. The level of magic that he had presented earlier in the day was truly nothing remarkable in Irwyn's eyes. He fundamentally understood that it was more than amazing for someone in the first tier, yet he simply could not honestly accept the praise. His current magic simply could not compare to truly potent techniques like Void flare or Obliteration that he and his brother used to practice back at their peak.
"Not at all," Ezyx smiled at Irwyn's denial "but that is not the purpose of our meeting today."
"You are right," Irwyn nodded "just as we have planned, I will request a meeting with the mage guild's master in the Imperial capital as a reward for my victory…"
"...and there he will be ensnared by my trap," Avys finished "that is also why I invited Efora today. To ensure that everything goes smoothly we need to influence a few important officials who are mostly male. Since that is your specialty I will hand it over to you. We can discuss your reward as well as the details later," Avys instructed and Efora nodded, she never dared speak up directly against her mother.
"For Rose," Avys continued "I would love to see just how good you are to steal my firstborn son for yourself. As a mainlander like you I want to hear your opinion about some exotic parts of the plan."
"Ezyx you will…" Avys was about to continue her speech when she was interrupted.
"I know, I will distract the Elemental lords within the capital. Coincidentally the Elemental lord of hollow depths will be moving to the capital soon, so my request should not cause suspicion," Ezyx elegantly smiled. No one would question a freshly advanced 4th tier mage who just wanted to learn something from a senior of his element. And it was common courtesy to greet and meet with all the Elemental lords present beforehand.
"And finally Irwyn," Avys turned towards the young boy after a nod "your task will be the most dangerous. You need to confirm the presence of the guild master and then crush this marble," she handed him a small pitch black gemstone "it will convey your location to the strike force."
"I understand. What has to be done will be done."
"Good," Avys nodded "do you plan to take the two girls along?"
"Of course. I dare not leave them within the reach of your clutches," Irwyn grinned "moreover the Imperial capital is the epicentre of North, I am sure there will be many interesting things we can stumble upon."
"It shouldn't be a problem," Avys was naturally fine with it "let us then conclude this meeting. Shall we succeed our future will be secured beyond doubt."
With that said no one had anymore important words left, so they only continued in idle chatter. The dusk had passed and the moon shone high in the sky. And in that night they departed for their rooms.