The Legendary Mage (Alavin) novel Chapter 194

“That... let’s talk about something else.”

Silence followed.

Soon after, Adirich came over with a leg of roasted beast, looking glossy with rendered fat. He offered. “Here, have a taste!”

Alavin returned the smile. “No thanks, I prefer not to die.”

The Protégés in the valley all turned their heads towards Alavin’s direction. Adirich’s expression stiffened, holding the beast’s leg. "It's delicious. Are you sure you won’t try?”

“No, you eat. Mariela and I will take a walk nearby.”

“Where to?” Adirich tensed slightly.

“Just to the hilltop beside us. We won’t go far.” Alavin pointed to a nearby barren hill.

Mariela looked at Alavin, meeting his bright eyes; she didn’t hesitate and accepted the invitation.

“Don’t leave our line of sight. We can’t be responsible for any mishaps,” Elder Connas subtly reminded, nodding to the others to ease their tension.

The other Protégés continued to feast and were no longer paying attention.

Alavin and Mariela strolled leisurely, making their way to a nearby hillock. They found a stone to sit upon, quietly admiring the forest scenery enshrouded by the twilight.

Elder Connas and the others occasionally glanced over in their direction. Alavin and Mariela weren’t far off, and could be seen clearly.

"What exactly is the relationship between Alavin and Mariela?" one of the Protégés couldn't help but ask quietly.

"Mariela is known for her icy demeanor, like an icy rose. She rarely mingles with others, let alone men. How come she's suddenly so close to Alavin?"

"Could it be that the icy rose has blossomed, and spring has touched her heart?"

"Impossible, Mariela wouldn’t be so easily swayed."

"Impossible? Look at them, all cozy with each other. Knowing Mariela's nature, if she had no interest, she wouldn't even grant you a passing glance."

"Ha, that lad is truly blessed by Lady Luck. Celesse has always favored him, and now Mariela too."

"What's so special about him, anyway?"

"We'll distract her then."

As the night deepened and the valley's campfires dwindled, weariness settled upon the group. Yet, Alavin and Mariela were still atop the hillock, indulging in each other's company. From their vantage point, Alavin, shameless as ever, was even lying atop Mariela. The scene was a portrait of intimacy.

"Is there no end to this? At least be mindful of the impression you make."

"I never knew Mariela had such a wild side. She’s completely ignoring our presence."

"They say once the ice queen thaws, well... hehe... it's quite something..."

The Protégés joked softly, still glancing towards the hilltop now and then.

Suddenly, Elder Connas' brow furrowed, and he stood up, peering intently at the hilltop as if something was amiss.

"Elder, what's wrong?" Adirich yawned.

The more Elder Connas looked, the more he felt something was off, and he quickly strode towards the hillock.

The other Protégés exchanged looks, then followed suit.