Chapter 247: Chapter 236: Future Plans, Mage Trial Completed, Integration Seal

No matter how the world changed, the sun rose the next day as it always did.

It wasn’t snowing today. For a change, the sparse winter morning light managed to pierce the gap in the heavy velvet curtains of Grent Manor’s master bedroom, casting a few slivers of light inside.

The air in the room was filled with the faint warmth of the pine embers that had burned out in the fireplace the night before, along with a cool yet intimate, lingering scent.

Jon opened his eyes, his consciousness surfacing from a rare, deep sleep.

To him, last night’s feast had been a rare chance to relax and enjoy himself, allowing his tense Spirit to unwind somewhat from the successive Impacts of information he had received over the past few days.

Of course, his follower, whom he hadn’t seen for days, sneaking into his room under the cover of night after the banquet ended was another matter entirely...

At that thought, Jon couldn’t help but turn his head to look at the woman resting quietly in the crook of his arm.

Rosalind’s long silver hair, which had grown a bit longer after her awakening, was like satin woven from moonlight, spread across the dark pillow. A few strands were even tangled on his chest.

That exquisite face, which usually carried a sense of detachment, now showed a rare, unguarded serenity.

Her breathing was even and deep, her long silver eyelashes casting small shadows beneath her eyes. The firm line of her lips had softened, and her entire being had shed its sharp edges, as if she were a young dragon sleeping peacefully in its lair.

Jon just watched her quietly, enjoying this rare moment of peace.

After a moment, he moved his arm slightly. With his other hand, he brushed away a few stray strands of silver hair from Rosalind’s forehead, his slightly rough fingertips gently stroking her smooth, cool temple.

"...Linlin, time to wake up."

The Ice Beauty’s silver eyelashes fluttered. She then let out a nearly inaudible, sleepy hum and subconsciously snuggled against the warmer, sturdy body beside her, trying to find a more comfortable position.

The smile in Jon’s eyes deepened as he waited patiently.

A few seconds later, those tightly shut silver eyes finally, slowly opened.

The haze of first waking shrouded them like a thin mist, carrying a trace of confusion, as if she were lost on the border between dream and reality.

Of course, Rosalind, who had disciplined herself since she was a child, didn’t let the haze linger for long.

When she saw the undisguised adoration and hint of teasing in Jon’s eyes, so close to her, the memory of how eagerly she had sought to please him last night, combined with the embarrassment of her current "improper" state, sent a charming blush rushing to her cheeks.

She quickly propped herself up, her silver hair cascading down like a waterfall, hiding her slightly flushed cheeks. Her voice had already recovered its usual cool detachment, though it was slightly deeper than normal.

"Master, good morning."

"I... I should go handle the Workshop’s daily affairs."

Jon watched her trying to compose herself while betraying a rare shyness, and a small, mischievous part of him felt satisfied.

But he didn’t tease his loyal follower any further. He simply sat up as well and responded lazily.

"Mm."

He quietly admired the captivating sight of the beauty getting dressed for the day and spoke unhurriedly.

"By the way, I have some things I need to contemplate quietly today. Don’t arrange for anyone to disturb me."

"Also, go and tell Mr. Claudio for me that I’ll be skipping today’s lesson."

Rosalind’s movements as she dressed paused for a moment. She then gave a slight bow in response, her hanging silver hair swaying slightly.

"Yes, Master. I will ensure no one disturbs you."

"I will also go and inform Master Claudio immediately."

"Mm, go on."

Jon nodded and also got out of the soft bed.

’There really is a lot to do today.’

’First and foremost, the most important task is to complete the final part of the Mage trial. Then, I need to seek the path of Arcane Magic from Claudio, become an Official Level Mage, and finally shed the title of apprentice.’

’Of course, after that, I’ll probably have to choose an Official Level talent for the Mage class, which means entering the Talent Illusion Realm again. I’m a little unnerved by that. I don’t think I can handle another SAN-draining experience like facing that giant, starry eye.’

’But no matter what, I have to face it. There’s no escaping it.’

’Second, I need to figure out the current situation in Heta County. That will determine the Giant God Workshop’s next move, how to continue expanding our influence, and how to seize more benefits during "Comprehensive Counterattack III" and the "Scepter Rebellion."’

In this regard, thanks to Reya’s arrival last night and Rosalind’s continuous summaries over the past few days, the latest intelligence compilation was already on his desk, saving him a lot of effort.

The third matter was the abnormality concerning Dolores.

After bringing her to meet Reya last night, he had finally confirmed something. The "strange feeling" Dolores had mentioned having toward him wasn’t some cliché story where his overwhelming charisma made the girl develop a crush on him. Instead, it was a complex emotion toward the "Moon," rooted deep in her instincts.

Yes, toward the "Moon," not any specific person.

Specifically, her instincts both craved and feared contact.

And the degree of this craving and fear was directly proportional to the person’s connection to the Moon.

When facing him, Jon, Dolores’s reason could still overcome her instincts, allowing them to interact normally.

But in front of Reya, the girl was like a cat whose base programming was glitching. She’d happily try to get closer, but as soon as she actually did, she would start to freak out, nearly driving herself into a state of mental confusion.

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