The Hunter's Home.

Shouts from Xaborel were followed closely by the voice of Harik.

"Shhh...quietly! Rosen is painting, don't disturb him."

But Xaborel would not be deterred. He pounded up the stairs, calling out as he went.

"Rosen~ don't paint today, there's something extremely important!"

The hurried footsteps and slightly trembling voice betrayed Xaborel's extreme excitement.

Only one thing could be more important than selling paintings for money.

Rosen leisurely set down his brush, carefully wiped the paint from his hands, removed his spattered apron, and lifted his teacup to take a slow, appreciative sip.

Bang!

Xaborel bounded to the door, skidding to an abrupt, almost clumsy halt.

Rosen placed his teacup back on the table, smiling as he asked, "Has Lady Aumoxia summoned us?"

"No...ah, yes, yes, my aunt sent a messenger with a letter asking me to meet her this afternoon for tea in the Garden of the Moon."

"She specifically mentioned that I should bring you along too."

Xaborel chuckled happily, his dark round face radiating satisfaction. "Finally making good on her promise, such a relief."

Rosen was also quite pleased, but he was no longer the ignorant apprentice who had just left White Horse Town.

Thanks to Selendis' devoted tutelage, his knowledge of techniques had grown by leaps and bounds, nearly rivaling a low-level accredited mage already.

He had made a small name for himself at Silvermoon Keep, be it good or bad, but was now something of a personage nonetheless.

Though still inadequate in many ways, his days were by and large fulfilling and comfortable. Facing a summons from the lord of Silvermoon Keep, he was able to maintain composure.

He smiled and said, "Uncle, you've long since fulfilled your promise by finding me an outstanding mentor."

Xaborel shook his head vigorously. He took Rosen's teacup, not bothering that Rosen had just been drinking from it, and gulped down a large mouthful. He then wiped his mouth casually on his sleeve.

"This is not the same. I admit Selendis is a genius, but she is still just an intermediate mage. Her horizons, resources, and mastery of techniques cannot compare with my aunt's."

"If my aunt takes a liking to you and is willing to groom you, you won't have to worry about externals anymore. You can devote yourself wholeheartedly to learning techniques, with Grand Mage Aumoxia personally guiding you each day."

Rosen nodded in agreement. This was the difference between a part-time and full-time position, an average college versus an elite institution.

If it were truly so, without any side effects, Rosen would naturally be moved.

But Countess Aumoxia was mistress of Silvermoon Keep, bound up in the interests of the entire city. Her every word and deed were watched by countless eyes.

How could Rosen, a rootless son of thieves without noble blood, bear such favor?

Even if the Grand Mage took a momentary fancy to him and he foolishly accepted, wouldn't he either become a puppet of other factions or meet an untimely end?

Calmly he asked, "Uncle, may I decline to go?"

Xaborel was taken aback. "What? You don't want to seize such an opportunity?"

"Everything has a price, I'm afraid it would bring disaster upon me."

Like a bucket of icy water, this sobered Xaborel from his elation.

He pondered for a while, then slowly nodded. "Your concern is not unreasonable. But this matter cannot be refused, since my aunt specifically mentioned you."

"Is it simple curiosity about me, or other reasons?"

"I don't know either. But as long as I'm here, no matter what happens, I will do everything in my power to protect your safety."

"I know that, Uncle. You've already done your utmost to protect me many times."

"Then let's prepare well."

"Right. Remember to wear your finest clothes. After lunch I'll come by Sunbeam Cottage to fetch you."

Considering there was still ample time, Rosen donned his apron again and picked up his brush. As he painted he explained,

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"This painting 'Bride in White Under the Demon's Hoof' was specially commissioned by Master Lester for a hefty price. I have to finish it this afternoon for delivery."

With his mood restored to normal, Xaborel leaned against the doorframe and jokingly asked, "A hefty price? How much?"

"Around half a crown of gold coins."

Xaborel quickly calculated and gasped. "60 kronor? That really is heavy."

Seeing Rosen engrossed in his painting, though knowing he shouldn't continue disturbing him, and quite envious of the ugly demon trampling the beautiful bride, he couldn't resist a reminder.

"Rainbow Studio's reputation grows greater and worse. Many say the master of Rainbow Studio is a devil's disciple specifically tempting people into depravity. Word is he's even drawn the attention of High Priest Law."

Rosen's brush never stopped. "Will there be trouble?"

Talk of devil's disciples was already circulating, his reputation really was deteriorating.

After thinking for a bit Xaborel said, "No big problems with me here. But it's somewhat abnormal for so many nasty rumors to arise now."

Rosen immediately understood. "Someone is envious of our income?"

"Must be so."

Xaborel lowered his voice and murmured, "Lately the studio has earned quite a sum. Don't you think we should slow down a bit?"

Rosen silently calculated that his own share for the past month and a half came to around 260 kronor.

Not a small amount, but not a huge windfall either. Yet even this level of income seemed to be stretching Uncle's protective capabilities to their limit.

The uncle's status wasn't high enough.

It was never good to be in others' sights.

After brief consideration he said, "You're absolutely right, Uncle. Let's do one painting every five days then? And raise the price a little?"

Xaborel chuckled. "A fine idea, let's do that."

Absorbed in watching a while longer, he then tiptoed away.

Rosen concentrated fully and completed the painting within the hour. As usual he called for Harik to frame the work, while he hurried back to his new home in the Green Leaf district to prepare lunch for his mentor.

Even though they had hired a cook, he always rushed back when time permitted because his mentor loved the dishes he made most.

He was long familiar with cooking tasks.

In around half an hour everything was ready, and it was just before 11 AM.

During their shared lunch Rosen mentioned the summons.

After listening, Selendis pondered briefly before sharing her thoughts.

"Undoubtedly this is an opportunity others envy, one that could bring tremendous glory, but all gains have a price."

"There's a question I've long wanted to ask you, and hope to get the most honest answer. Rosen, what is your purpose in learning techniques?"

She appended, "The supernal realm is of course a goal, but that is too distant to be more than a vision for now."

Rosen's mind crystallized in concentration as he sank into contemplation.

For the longest time he sifted through the mists shrouding his soul, until he grasped the hidden truth within his heart.

"Mentor, it's true I greatly enjoy techniques, often gaining pure joy from them, but my expectations of them go far beyond that. I hope they can bring me freedom, dignity and glory."

"Mentor, I want to gain robust mystical power, formidable techniques and extraordinary skill in spellcasting. I want to climb to the utmost pinnacle of the golden land of magical arts, to become a master that all behold in awe."

Selendis seemed entirely unsurprised by this answer, without a trace of astonishment on her face.

She sighed, "I knew that's how it was."

"Your eyes often shine with the yearning to soar the skies, yet you've remained coiled in patience and forbearance, like an eaglet in its nest waiting for full-fledged wings."

"Without a doubt, you are an exceptionally rare genius of the mystical arts. You possess outstanding wisdom to glimpse the profound mysteries of the world."

"You also have phenomenal memory that any mage would envy."

"In barely three months, you've already grasped and assimilated the majority of knowledge an accredited mage should possess. Even my own personal insights into the arts, you've committed wholly to memory."

"Now, since you've chosen your path forward, I as your mentor can no longer fetter you with personal considerations and limited worldly experience."

"Henceforth in mystical techniques I will continue instructing you, but which route to take in the future depends on you blazing your own trail."

Having obtained Selendis' support, Rosen felt greatly relieved. "Thank you, mentor."

"Don't rush, I'm not finished."

Selendis raised her hand to stop him, her expression turning very solemn.

"Grand Master Sophia was the shining pinnacle of talent in the North in her day, but ever since she chose to become Countess Aumoxia, her progress in the mystical arts slowed dramatically."

"Rosen, remember, every choice in this world requires a price!"

"I'll remember, mentor."

A price was indeed unavoidable, for many reasons.

For instance, this body lacked a strong father and he had to rely solely on his own efforts.

Also, to repay his mentor's kindness, he had to venture forth.

Only by carving out a slice of sky could he shelter his mentor from worldly cares, lest she be burdened by them.

Lastly, having missed the optimal time to be initiated in the mystical arts, extraordinary skill could only come through arduous trials.

Since the goals were clear, he had to progress step-by-step. Daydreaming idly would leave the dreams forever just dreams.

"Now let's continue our meal."

Afterward they ate in silence.

When finished, Rosen considered briefly then returned to his room and took out all the gold kronor he had saved recently.

"Mentor, I may often travel from now on. Please keep this money for managing expenses."

The coin purse was bulging, clearly a huge sum. Their relationship had long erased any divisions.

Anna accepted the money bag. Her eyes, limpid as ruby beryl, lingered on Rosen. Suddenly she rose, leaning over the table to kiss Rosen on the lips.

This time it was Anna who first kissed Rosen.

Rosen naturally did not resist, responding actively.

For a long moment their lips parted.

Anna extended a pink tongue to lightly lick her moist crimson lips, an encouraging, expectant smile on her face.

"Go forth, my ambitious apprentice! Spread your wings and boldly pursue your aims."

Rosen stood, solemnly giving his mentor the salute of a junior mage. Just as he turned to leave, sounds of hoofbeats and wheels came from outside.

Xaborel's voice called, "Rosen, are you ready?"

"Coming!"

He waved farewell to the beauty at the table and strode from the room.

Outside, sunlight washed over him like a warm stream, the city's clamor rushing up to meet him, redolent of worldly dust.

The mystical arts were so enthralling, the mundane world so alluring, in an instant dispersing the faint reluctancy in Rosen's heart toward a life of tranquility.

At the courtyard gate Xaborel saw him standing tall and straight in a fine dark blue suit, like an unsheathed sword.

On that face rapidly transitioning to manhood, a pair of ink-blue eyes as fathomless as the ocean depths shone radiantly in the sunlight. Within them seemed to lurk endless mysteries.

For a moment Xaborel was struck dumb with awe, unable to keep from shouting loudly, "What a fine lad!"