So her answer now is of course, “I’m still thinking about it.”

Hearing this, the Emperor immediately followed the words and said, “Then is excellency Isis have any wishes, or conditions she wants? I will do my best to fulfill it, if it means that we can have your approval for the teleportation array.”

The long-distance teleportation array is of great significance, and the Holy Lotean Empire must get it no matter what.

but Isis said, “I don’t have anything I want at the moment.”

“Time is a bit rushed now. Since you haven’t thought about it yet, why don’t we make an appointment to talk about this matter at another time? At that time, it will be up to you. The empire is sincere in making requests, and everyone is fully prepared.” The duke said to smooth things out.

Aresia declined the Emperor’s lunch invitation and left the palace with the Duke.

It was only when they were sitting in the Duke’s carriage that the Duke dared to express his concern to Aresia: “I didn’t expect Antonio didn’t notice anything at all during your conversation. Aresia, this is beyond my expectations.”

Aresia smiled, knowing her appearance could be deceiving: “Father, you worry too much. I came prepared, and the topics Antonio discussed were not difficult. With the memories I inherited, I can easily answer them.”

The Duke felt relieved and sighed deeply: “I believe The Emperor will send someone soon to discuss the details of the teleportation array.”

Aresia nodded, agreeing to further discussions: “Let’s not trouble them for now. We can discuss it later when they come. It’s not urgent.”

“It won’t be long before they come. I suspect they have some conditions in mind,” the Duke said.

Aresia wrinkled her brow, not particularly interested in internal power struggles. She was aware of the political game, but it wasn’t her main concern.

“The news about the teleportation was block by both parties, but sooner or later the news will eventually spread, and once the teleportation array thing gets out, the first one to come to the door is the mage guild.”

“Actually, most of the people in the mage guild in our country are good people. Just look at Headmaster Albert. He is also a member of the mage guild in Holy Lotean. Most of them are on our side, but of course there is always some black sheep everywhere.”

Then the duke introduced Aresia to the Mage Guild in Holy Lotean Empire.

“The mage guild in the city is the headquarters of all mage guilds in the empire. It has a president and two vice-presidents who are responsible for all daily affairs. The president is Job Dane. He is a peak seventh-level mage. Before, everyone thought that he was the most likely to break through the seventh level and advance to eight-level. However almost seven or eight years ago, President Dane suffered serious injury while resisting the beast tide. Therefore, he has been resting in these years and does not manage the affairs of the guild very much. There are also rumors that he plans to step down as President.”

“So currently the two vice-presidents of the guild, Marcus Masin and Alfonso Morton, are making the decisions.

Aresia found this information somewhat peculiar, but she wasn’t particularly interested in it. The Duke continued, explaining the structure of the mage guild in Holy Lotean City.

 “Actually, the Emperor values Masin more than Morton. Although they are both peak six level mage, Masin has more potential and talent, and Morton is younger, but his grandfather is a mage from Ludabasu Empire, and the president of the mage guild, and also an eight-level mage in their empire.”

“In terms of political support, Morton is stronger. But in terms of magical abilities, Masin is undoubtedly superior. Although Morton’s grandfather rank is there, so he is more likely to be promoted to be the next president but many in the Empire want a pure-blooded Holy Loteanian than a half foreign ” the Duke explained.

The Ludabasu Empire is also a country with a land area no smaller than that of the Holy Lotean Empire. Its territory does not intersect with that of Holy Lotean, but its international relations can only be said to be average.

 “You don’t need to worry about those people, besides you as Isis have your own title now.”

Isis, now can be called Countess Isis. Although Isis has not agreed yet to be part of the Empire, in the eyes of others, Isis now belong to the Holy Lotean. That is because the Emperor directly gave her a title of a Countess, and she was a count of high rank. She was also given a house, a mansion in the Holy Lotean City.

Aresia, “The Emperor is quite generous.”

Even though they were returning empty-handed, before leaving, the Emperor made it clear that he would prepare a meeting gift for her. Aresia thought that because it was a gift from the Emperor, it will surely be not just a small gift.

Sure enough, when the Emperor’s gift was delivered, it really wasn’t just a small gift. Most of the gifts are magic-related items according to her preferences, precious magic materials for alchemy, and even a several sets of jewelry are also magic accessories.

After receiving the gift from the Emperor, Aresia returned to the Duke’s territory.

Back at the castle, Aresia immediately went to the laboratory, switching back to her true identity.

The Duke found Grysenna and saw her reading a letter. He asked, “Whose letter is that?”

“It’s a reply from Lily,” Grysenna replied, raising the letter in her hand. “Welcome back. How did it go?”

“Everything went smoothly,” the Duke replied, avoiding the topic. He then asked about the letter.

Grysenna explained, “I asked for her help, and she didn’t agree right away. She wanted to think it over. But I explained the situation to her. And upon learning my worries and explanation she agreed, she also explain Jorgus father. Unfortunately, her husband passed away shortly after they got married. Due to certain circumstances, she decided not to use her clan name anymore. Her husband was a commoner, that’s why Jorgus doesn’t have a surname. Oh, poor Lily. I wonder how she managed to endure all that.”

Grysenna’s rich imagination led her to envision a story of forbidden love between a noblewoman and a commoner, struggling against the odds, and eventually being forced apart. She imagined Lily, a strong woman, raising their child alone.

Her eyes welled up with tears.

The Duke realized that Grysenna had been crying. He comforted her, saying, “Don’t be sad. I’m sure they are doing well now.”

 “Well I know, but I can’t help to feel sorry for her. It must be difficult to support herself alone and to bear the burden alone but she still raised Jorgus well. When you meet the child, I’m sure you’ll also like him.”

In reality, the Duke wasn’t entirely convinced by Grysenna’s explanation. He felt that a noblewoman who eloped with a commoner should have enough power and influence to establish herself in the commercial world of Santala. It wasn’t just about personal strength; the commercial situation was complex.

Various established merchant families were vying for resources, and without sufficient power to protect oneself, Lily might have been eliminated by other merchants.

However, the Duke kept his thoughts to himself. He didn’t need to share his speculations with Grysenna until he investigated further.