Chapter 13: Genius Knight

Chapter 13 The Prodigy Knight

It wasn’t until the afternoon of the banquet that Livi realized young John’s family was no ordinary one.

His family had arranged carriages for every apprentice mage attending the feast.

Livi, too, enjoyed this privilege—proof enough of how highly they regarded him.

He shared a carriage with Guze.

Drawing back the curtain, he gazed outside—the shops along the street receding swiftly behind.

“Outside the city?”

This was Livi’s first time leaving the walls.

Clop, clop, clop! Rumble, rumble, rumble!

The black-scaled horses unleashed astonishing strength, dragging the carriage across snow-laden roads at breakneck speed.

Wheels carved deep furrows through thick layers of snow.

Only steeds bearing the bloodline of supernatural beasts could gallop so fiercely through winter’s grasp.

Livi cracked the window open slightly, letting in threads of icy wind that slipped into the warm cabin.

Beyond lay endless white—fields buried beneath snow, trees standing bare and stark against the cold, no trace of animals anywhere.

He shut the window tight, losing interest.

Snow everywhere. The land’s true face was impossible to discern.

Inside, the brazier glowed steadily, radiating warmth.

Livi asked, “Is young John’s family really that powerful?”

Guze sipped his tea. “Among the top families in Maple City.”

“Over two hundred years ago, Otis Bieber was granted the hereditary title of Viscount by the Empire, founding the Golden Shield family here. Upon his death, his descendants inherited his rank.”

“The current viscount is old John Bieber—father of young John. Barring surprises, young John will inherit the title after him.”

He paused, then added, “Though I’ve heard he has an elder sister—exceptional talent as a knight.”

Guze knew little more.

He disliked gossip; most of his time was spent immersed in magical studies.

Yet even without seeking it, such things reached the ears of any apprentice mage.

Hearing this, Livi grasped the stature of the Golden Shield family.

The lord of Maple City held a lifetime earldom bestowed by the Empire.

Imperial ranks ascended thus: Lifetime Baron, Hereditary Baron, Lifetime Viscount, Hereditary Viscount, Lifetime Earl…

Having read extensively, Livi understood the hierarchy well.

By rank alone, the Golden Shield family stood second only to the city’s ruler—above all others.

And as a lineage enduring over two centuries, their depth of influence was even more formidable.

Still, they were only comparable to local powers within Maple City.

No match for transcendent institutions like the Mage Tower, Warrior Guild, Assassin Guild, or the Professional Association.

Otherwise, the Golden Shield family would have invited actual mages to their annual banquet—not merely apprentices—to build connections.

Time passed. At last, the carriage slowed. Outside, night had fully fallen.

Livi looked out—the banquet carriages now queued, waiting to enter the Golden Shield Estate.

Soon, his own vehicle rolled through the gates.

Crossing the threshold, the world transformed.

Torches blazed throughout the estate, bathing it in flickering light.

Everywhere, lush greenery thrived despite winter, meticulously maintained.

Stone pathways remained nearly free of snow.

Carriages from the Mage Tower were met by attendants.

In moments, Livi and Guze were escorted down by a servant and led into a grand hall aglow with lanterns.

Along one side of the hall sprawled a lavish spread—tempting delicacies of every kind.

Fresh apples, bananas, grapes… delicate cakes, breads, cheeses… fragrant roasted chicken, lamb, steaks… sparkling wines, fruit juices…

Yet few touched the food. Most guests stood conversing, mingling, seizing rare chances to meet figures of influence.

Here, even apprentice mages were considered notable.

No sooner had Guze appeared than several approached, raising glasses in greeting.

Servants moved swiftly, offering drinks and juice—no guest left unattended.

Guze accepted a glass of fine wine, returned a toast, and soon found himself drawn into animated chatter.

Livi felt indifferent. He disliked idle talk with strangers.

Taking a cup of juice, he drifted toward a quiet corner.

He attended only out of respect for three years of camaraderie—and because Master Guze would be there.

Rather than speak, he preferred to observe, listening quietly, gathering fragments of useful knowledge.

“The heavy snow blocks the roads—grain can’t get in. Prices in Maple City are nearly doubled.”

“I heard someone saw orcs near the edge of the Maple Forest.”

“No way. The imperial border is over a hundred kilometers from here. How could orcs reach so far?”

“Not sure. Snow’s been too thick lately—no one’s gone to check.”

Livi sipped his juice, listening.

*Grain prices rising? Orc sightings near Maple City?*

He filed both tidbits away.

They meant little to him now—but might shape the city’s future.

“Did you hear? A young prodigy knight has emerged from the Golden Shield family!”

“That I know. My son studies at the Knight Academy—he told me they’ve produced the youngest knight in Maple City’s history this year.”

“The Viscount has arrived.”

All turned as Old John Bieber stepped through the crimson-carpeted doorway.

Dressed in formal regalia, a golden badge upon his chest—the Golden Shield family crest: an unbreakable golden shield.

Beside him walked two figures.

A youth—Young John.

A maiden—Leina.

Old John faced the crowd, calm and composed, speaking with ease.

“Welcome, one and all, to the Golden Shield family banquet…”

Young John stood before the crowd, a little nervous, occasionally pinching the hem or sleeve of his coat.

Leina wore a calm expression, though a trace of impatience lingered in her brows, as if she disliked being involved in such affairs.

Half an hour later, Old John finally noticed the faint stirrings within the crowd and realized it was time to conclude his speech.

"Thank you all for coming tonight. May each of you enjoy a truly wonderful evening!"

At last, it was over. The guests quickly broke into applause.

Young John exhaled in relief. As he watched his father disappear into the crowd, he began scanning the hall for familiar faces.

The noble youths he usually knew were all lost among the throng; he couldn't spot them just yet.

But then, in a distant corner, he caught sight of Li Wei.

His face brightened instantly, and he hurried toward him.

Plucking a glass of wine from a passing servant’s tray, he raised it with a smile. "Li Wei, thank you for coming to the banquet."

Li Wei smiled back and lifted his own glass. "I should be thanking you for the invitation."

(End of Chapter)