Chapter 52

The Wolfe family gardens were lovely, the area itself was far off from the Capital and the air seemed much fresher and clearer. It was an area famous for the different crops it produced. The agriculture was more advanced here than any other area. Because of this they were also famous for their array of cuisines.

Alongside their advanced agriculture they were also amazing huntsmen and were thus given the name of Wolfe. The story of how they obtained the name was much longer however, and Alexis unfortunately paid it no mind because of the jitters in her stomach.

She was dressed in a pretty dress, mostly covered by a black cape and her braided hair had a hood over. It was a bit ironic that she spent a whole hour having to get ready and just threw a hood over herself. But it was her uniform and that was how people knew she was the famously- or rather infamously- known Royal Mage.

When she arrived with Alastair, Adam and Sir Roger to the entrance of the Wolfe Mansion they were greeted by his parents. Who glanced longingly at their son while trying to remain a respectful distance from Alastair.

"Your majesty, we are honoured to have you and your Royal Mage attend our humble tea party", Spoke the head of Wolfe family, a man with greying green hair.

"Nonsense, we are glad to attend. I'd also like a private audience with you soon", Alastair replied and received a nod in return.

After that, Alexis received a long hug from Adams mother who gave her the tightest, most motherly hug anyone could give.

"Thank you so much for sparing my son", she said between silent tears that she quickly wiped away.

Alexis gave her an awkward smile as she thought again that she really had no intention of killing him.

"Thank you, Your Majesty" she said to Alastair while grasping onto Adams arm.

"The Wolfe family vows to be your pillar of support" Adam spoke and his parents nodded.

Alexis gave a grin while Alastair gave a blinding soft smile.

"And I'm forever grateful for your support".

The party itself was held in the garden and representatives from each house would be attending. This made Alexis feel both excited and nervous, Alastair's presence seemed to calm her.

Alexis' eyes observed for the most influence royal. Noting down all that she noticed about them.

The Jewel families daughter sent Alexis snide smiles along with the group of girls around her, her gaze however, would linger on Alastair, eyes full with lust. And flushed cheeks as she ogled his appearance. Her companions were no different.

The Crotina families young son, a beefy boy who was good in swordsmanship, and known to be the next leader of the military when Alastair allows it. He gave Alexis a condescending stare and gave Alastair a vague look, something Alexis couldn't really understand.

And then, the Silver families representative who was a quiet silver haired young lady. Her appearance seemed to blend into the background so well Alexis' eyes past over her many times before she noticed her. She wasn't plain but rather was dressed plainly and her demeanour was extremely quiet.

They were her targets, of course she could only get to them if the noble children stopped bothering her with strange demands. One told her to sprout wings like a bird and Alastair seemed to interfere just then to tell him Alexis wasn't a bird but an insect.

The noblewomen hearing that had chuckled and the kids changed their demands to become a worm.

It was demeaning.

Alexis would normally retort back, but couldn't with all the kids present since she held vulgar obscenities at the tip of her tongue.

"I'm sorry I'm not skilled enough to shape shift", she wasn't entirely sure if that was a thing.

"Oh", was the dull reply she received from a boy who striking revealed a soccer ball.

"What a shame", came a snobbish voice from behind her, "you can't unite back with your own kind", Alexis who was stunned at the words that sounded like something Alastair might say coming from the Jewel families daughter.

"And who might you be?" Alexis asked despite knowing the girls identity.

"Emma Jewel, daughter of Duke Jewel", she replied.

"I'm"-

"Oh I know who you are, the famous fairy mage", she chuckled condescendingly at the name.

"Except I'm not actually a fairy".

"Oh but you are a slave aren't you? It must be so strange for you to be in this extravagant setting. Do you miss the brothel you came from? You shouldn't get too close to children they might get sick".

'Wow.. talk about an A class bitch… well, gotta suck it up'.

"I see. You're right Miss"- Alexis' mouth that was ready to reluctantly accept the insults, froze at the glare Alastair shot the girl.

She gave him a warning stare which he didn't seem to catch as he began approaching them. Leaving the women that had finally managed to talk with him behind.

The smile on his face was frighteningly wide, more welcoming than any smile he had ever worn. Maybe that was why Alexis could distinguish the lack of genuineness behind it. Unfortunately, she was the only one who realised this. The nobles had all become mesmerised by his welcoming face.

"Miss Jewel", he said as he stopped beside her. A blush spread across her face at his fine voice.

"Y-Your majesty", she stuttered struggling to look him in the eye.

"Alastair", Alexis warned. He gave her a conflicted stare and then opted for ignoring her.

'Don't just ignore me!'

"That necklace of yours brightens up your face tremendously", he said, clearly not his first choice of words but Emma became as bright as a beet at them.

"T-Thank you".

"No, thank you, I don't get too see such a lovely sight everyday".

"I-I- Your highness please have a cup of tea with me!" She asked but was ignored as Alastair approached Alexis and grasped her arm gently. He felt a repulsive feeling at the thought of having tea with such a rude girl and the look Alexis gave him made him role his eyes in agreement.

"Of course. That is, as long as my Mage can join us".

Emma staggered a bit at the unexpected words but worked on a shaky smile.

"Of course".

They soon sat on a beautifully decorated table surrounded by Emma and her companions. The Crotina boy joined in as well, seemingly interested in the newly crowned emperor.

"Your highness what type of tea do you prefer? Mint or Black?" Asked Emma, looking at Alastair with a coy expression.

"Oh I don't enjoy tea. But, if you could pour a cup of black tea for my Mage I'd appreciate it" the look on Emma's face as she heard Alastair's words were priceless. Alexis who understood what had just happened struggled to keep a straight face and must've looked constipated at one point.

She heard a light chuckle from her right and turned towards the sound. She stared at the silver haired girl from the Silver family whose face was nonchalant as always. They made eye contact for a mere second but she threw Alexis a smirk, not a condescending one, but more of an entertained one.

Emma shakily made her way to Alexis and poured her a cup. The curses in her throat were audible through her eyes.

It was hilarious.

But nobody could laugh, except the other dukedom heirs. The beefy Crotina boy's shoulder were shaking and he soon bought up an interesting topic.

"It's not appropriate to mention here but since the Emperor is here it might be good to bring it up, but, Miss Jewel isn't your families diamond mine currently invested with goblins and quite high level ones at that. Might his highness offer you some reassurance?"

Alastair understood the scheming look behind the boys eyes and replied with full confidence.

"I've looked into the case of course and it seems serious. I'll be deploying my strongest men to help with that when we have a good baring of where the tunnels lead to" he took a bite of a macaron, somehow even while eating and speaking seriously he looked extremely enchanting and cool.

"Oh your highness there's no need! I'm sure my father will figure something"- she stopped amidst her sentence, her eyes staring straight Alexis with a calculating look and then suddenly she gave a grin that sent shivers down Alexis back.

'That doesn't look good…'

"Your highness, I've heard great things about your Mage. I'm sure she'd be able to help the situation easily", the words made Alastair hesitate, he couldn't answer that with the answer he wanted, after all, they currently sat with the most influential aristocrats in the Empire. He realised the silly Jewel girl was much more cunning than he expected and found his image of her plummeting further.

"Of course. I'd be happy to help", Alexis, who realised Alastair was struggling to answer, spoke. She was sure it wouldn't be much work anyway.

Emma gave a snide smile.

"Then please come around tomorrow. I'll send a carriage!" She gave a cheery smile.

Alexis noticed the stare she got from the beefy Crotina boy and gave him a smile. She received a nod surprisingly. Most nobles would just sneer back.

"I've also heard a lot about Miss Fairy", he said with a smile Alexis couldn't decipher, Alastair shot him a narrow eyed glance. Not at all liking his interest in Alexis.

"Have you now?" Alastair spoke.

"I have. A genius slave who might be part fairy due to her brown hair and cute features. I heard you mastered the lightning element in less than a week?"

Alexis nodded in reply, it wasn't in a boasting manner but more of a 'what of it?' type of nod.

"And you're able to use many other elements as well?"

She nodded again.

"You're very silent aren't you? Are you a mute?" He asked in a teasing manner.

She wanted to throw her macaron at him, but recalling Agathus' warning voice she held back with a frown.

Alastair was glad to see that Alexis didn't return his behaviour with a smile.

'I should give Agathus that bonus' he thought with a smile. 'But more importantly…' he frowned, knowing how difficult goblin infestations were to control.

Countless deaths had been at the hands of those extremely small but strong beings. A goblin was the result of a feral dwarf. They lose their mind and shy away from the sun and then their skin changes colour and they attack any humans on sight.

Alastair frowned at the difficult situation.