Xavier_Hughes_9568

Emperor Ian Veroshion, the first noble mage, was betrayed and executed. Cursed to never be reborn, he awakens a century later as the illegitimate son of a disgraced ducal line, destined to be a hostage in a barbaric land. Stripped of his magic and his throne, he must navigate a world vastly different from the one he ruled, facing political machinations and a resurgent monster threat. But the embers of his past life still burn, and Ian will not surrender his legacy. He will reclaim his name, his magic, and perhaps, even his empire.

A Mage Reborn: Legacy of the Fallen Emperor

Romandro's voice echoed through the central garden. Ian, who had just entered the carefully manicured space, turned.

"I hear the Countess of Mereloff is here," Romandro said. "Where is she? I suppose the Count was too chicken to show his face, ha! Seriously."

"That's what I thought, too," Ian replied, "but the Countess is in Lady Mary's room right now."

"Lady Mary Bratz?" Romandro raised an eyebrow. "What's *she* doing there? I heard they were close, but... belated condolences, perhaps?"

"I wish it were," Ian said. "She claims she lent something to Lady Mary and is looking for it."

"I don't know," Ian replied with a shrug. Whatever it is, she's being awfully secretive about it. "I asked, but she wouldn't tell me."

Chapter 79: The Scent of Deception