Chapter5-The Mature Lady

Joad took only an hour to reach Midwinter Keep.

Although Midwinter Keep wasn't as prosperous as Pugisburg, it had a charming countryside atmosphere.

Due to its strategic location, many passing trade caravans chose to rest and resupply here.

Over time, Midwinter Keep gradually flourished, and its lord, Viscount Harmany, amassed an enviable fortune.

Joad wasn't in a hurry. He strolled leisurely through the streets of Midwinter Keep, casually enjoying the scenery along the way.

A month ago, House Rima had already sent word expressing their desire for Miss Ivy to study at Ilan Royal Academy for a while.

But Leit was a bookworm, his mind completely consumed by mana, magic arrays, and nothing else. He had zero interest in anything beyond magic.

So, all these trivial matters were left to Joad to handle.

Yet, Joad knew very well that Miss Ivy of House Rima wasn't coming to Ilan Royal Academy just to study.

However—

That was Leit's problem, not his.

That said, as the sole heir of House Rima, Ivy controlled almost all of the family's wealth.

Her true reason for enrolling in Ilan Royal Academy was to get closer to Leit.

Rumors had long suggested that Ivy was deeply infatuated with Leit…

But then again—

Leit had never shown any interest in women.

…Could it be that he didn't like women at all?

Joad's thoughts wandered, and before he realized it, he had arrived at the entrance of Kingfisher Inn.

Kingfisher Inn was the largest inn in Midwinter Keep, supposedly run by Viscount Harmany's cousin's family.

To show appreciation for Harmany's care, his cousin had even given birth to an heir for him.

"Esteemed Joad, it has been too long!"

The male innkeeper greeted him with a beaming smile.

He knew very well that Joad's status was noble and that he was not someone to be trifled with.

So, every time Joad visited, he made sure to offer his most enthusiastic welcome.

Joad also greeted him warmly.

After some casual small talk, Joad followed the servant inside the inn's private manor.

The manor wasn't large, but it was immaculately designed.

As Joad stepped into the manor, his attention was immediately captured by the long dining table ahead!

Wait… was that…?

Joad's gaze swept over the table.

Sliced Halling FruitSpirit Lamb StewRoasted Bran Isle TurkeyAnd premium magical wine from Marin Manor…

This was extravagant beyond belief!

Joad quickly calculated in his head—

The cost of this lavish feast was no less than 5,000 mana stones!

By the Goddess of Magic—this was pure insanity!

Just then, a young gentleman approached him with a polite smile.

"Honorable Joad, it is truly a pleasure to have you at my banquet."

"Allow me to introduce myself—I am Rodri of House Marelli, Ivy's cousin. We've corresponded before—do you remember?"

"Rodri, it's a pleasure to meet you."

Joad smiled warmly and shook Rodri's hand.

"Although we're already old friends in letters, this is our first meeting in person."

"Thank you for coming, Joad. Please, have a seat."

Rodri gestured toward the dining table.

Joad didn't stand on ceremony. He sat down and clinked glasses with Rodri.

After some casual conversation, he finally steered the topic to the real reason for this meeting.

"Rodri, Midwinter Keep isn't far from Pugisburg—it only takes half a day at most. Why didn't you go directly to Ilan Royal Academy?"

Rodri smiled and swirled his wine glass before answering.

"Joad, to be honest—"

"I've sent you quite a few letters these past weeks—I must have disturbed you greatly."

"So I wanted to take this opportunity to express my gratitude."

Joad waved his hand dismissively.

"We're friends—no need for formalities."

"If you have any questions, I'm more than happy to answer them."

Seeing Joad's straightforwardness, Rodri got straight to the point.

"Joad, could you tell me—what does Leit like?"

Hearing this, Joad perked up.

He put down his fork and answered seriously.

"Mana stones, of course. The more, the better!"

Rodri was momentarily stunned—he clearly hadn't expected this answer.

"Mana stones?"

"But as far as I know, array masters don't require vast amounts of mana stones."

"Unless… he plans to forge a city-sized magic array."

Joad's lips curved into a meaningful smile.

"Rodri, you don't understand."

"Leit is a genius—his abilities as a mage are just as extraordinary."

Rodri suddenly understood, quickly offering his thanks.

"Thank you, Joad—I understand now."

Joad waved him off, signaling that it was nothing.

He glanced at the time before standing up slowly.

"Rodri, I have other matters to attend to—I'll be taking my leave."

"I need to stop by Twisting Bird Tavern."

Hearing this, Rodri's eyes widened in shock.

"Twisting Bird Tavern?!"

"Joad, what are you doing there?"

Joad merely smiled and left without explaining.

Just then, a tall, breathtakingly beautiful young woman stepped out from another room.

She was dressed in a luxurious white gown, exuding an elegant, noble aura—like a true princess.

She was Ivy—the treasured gem of House Rima.

Ivy gazed in the direction where Joad had disappeared, her delicate brows furrowing.

Her voice carried a hint of distaste.

"Twisting Bird Tavern is the only place in Midwinter Keep where prostitutes are allowed…"

"I really don't understand why someone as outstanding as Leit would associate with a scoundrel like Joad."

…

Joad soon arrived at Twisting Bird Tavern.

The moment he pushed open the tavern doors, he was met with a fiery wave of enthusiasm!

He walked straight to the bar and spoke to the bartender.

"I'm looking for Mary the Blond. She should be expecting me."

The bartender's expression turned playful as he smirked knowingly.

"Honorable Joad, the mistress is waiting for you in her usual spot. Please, don't keep her waiting."

Joad chuckled, making his way to Mary the Blond's private room with practiced ease.

…

Inside the Luxurious Room

Mary the Blond lounged on the sofa, a glass of red wine in her hand.

Tonight, she wore a low-cut crimson gown, revealing a generous amount of flawless, snow-white skin.

As soon as she heard the rhythmic knock, she stood up immediately, her face breaking into a seductive smile.

"Little Joad, you're finally here!"

She swung open the door and wrapped her arms around him in a passionate embrace.

"Joad, you little scoundrel—you finally came to see me?"

"Tell me—did you miss me?"

Feeling the softness in his arms, Joad's lips curled into a playful smirk.

"Beautiful Mary, of course, I did."

"I've just been too busy unlocking the secrets of magic."

"Mostly… because I don't have enough mana stones."

Mary the Blond giggled, releasing him and leading him to sit by the table.

But before they could continue their conversation—

A sudden commotion erupted from the tavern below.

"What's going on?"