Published at 15th of January 2026 7:51 am

Chapter 1416: Quinn Estate

This chapter is updated by JustRead.pl

Adam sat inside a horse-drawn carriage as it rolled steadily towards the Palace District.

The carriage was well made, reinforced with iron fittings and subtle warding runes, the kind reserved for noble transport.

Outside, mounted guards rode at a closed distance, flanking the carriage and marking the journey as official rather than casual.

The youth was posing as a Mana Vortex Magus, after all. And in a city ruled by Mana Vortex Magi, inviting someone of similar station wasn’t something that was supposed to be casual. Especially considering the dark undercurrents in the city.

Adam leaned against the wall, glancing outside with a faint smile etched on his aged face.

Ah, I wonder what hand they’re going to play, he thought to himself.

Given my performance in the last ten days, they should know that I’m not a prospective enemy. But if they’re smart, they should still suspect me.

However, from what I’ve gathered in my travels through the city, the king seems to be a wise and reasonable man. He should be able to see the merit in gaining a new ally, albeit a temporary one.

He leaned back in his seat and couldn’t help but release a contented sigh. Even if his planning failed, it wouldn’t matter. He was strong enough to escape. This was the assurance that power brought him.

If he were still a Mana Vortex Magus, then he’d have to plan extensively for his visit tonight. He’d have to take into consideration several contingencies in advance.

But now things were different.

A Mana Core Magus was the symbol of invincibility in Tron.

And given that Adam was a powerful Mana Core Magus posing as a Mana Vortex Magus, he was even more dangerous.

However, he’d never take things to extremes in this city.

This was his sister’s home, after all.

Adam thought to himself with an expectant look in his dark eyes.

I truly hope we become allies, Maximillian Fireborne.

You need my help more than you know.

And I want to help your family more than you think.

As the carriage moved deeper into the city, the scenery began to change. The crowded merchant streets thinned, replaced by wide, clean avenues with stone buildings and well-maintained courtyards.

Wealth was evident in every detail of this posh district. Polished facades, guarded gates, and banners bearing noble crests became visible. Public noise faded, replaced by controlled order and disciplined patrols.

The architecture grew more imposing. Tall walls, reinforced gates, and arcane sentries appeared at regular intervals. Fewer people walked the streets, and those who did were servants, officials, or guards.

Even the air feels different, Adam thought to himself with a light chuckle.

Soon, the carriage slowed as it approached the destination. Tall iron gates set into high stone walls barred the way, their surfaces marked with the crest of House Quinn.

At a silent signal from the coachman, the guards stepped forward, and the gates swung open smoothly, allowing the carriage to pass through.

Adam noticed that inside, the estate grounds were expansive and carefully maintained. Gravel paths led towards a large manor built of pale stone and capped with a dome. Its design was elegant rather than ostentatious.

The carriage came to a stop near the front steps. Nilrem stepped down, his boots meeting the stone as he smoothed the creases in his garments.

He wore blue robes adorned with detailed embroidery, a red cloak draped over them with its collar standing straight. A floppy beret crowned his head, decorated with a peacock feather. Altogether, he cut a dashing look despite his elderly appearance.

Waiting for him at the entrance was Duke Quinn himself, dressed in formal attire and wearing a composed expression. His gaze met Nilrem’s immediately as he stepped forward to greet his guest.

"Magus Nilrem, ah, what a pleasure it is to make your acquaintance." The Duke laughed jovially as he arrived before the elderly man and offered a handshake.

"The pleasure is all mine, Duke Quinn." Nilrem shook his hand like the gentleman he was. "It is quite an honor to visit your estate. I must admit, it is quite lovely."

"Oh, thank you, thank you." The Duke nodded with a happy smile. A peculiar light flashed in his eyes as he added, "My slaves are quite competent when it comes to housework."

"Hohoho, good for you! Good for you!" Nilrem laughed.

Duke Quinn deeply looked into the man’s pale blue eyes for a moment. Then, he extended his hand and invited him in. "Shall we?"

"After you." Nilrem offered a slight bow.

***

Nilrem and Tostig Quinn sat across from one another at a long, polished table inside one of the estate’s private dining chambers. The atmosphere was formal, the kind reserved for discussions that mattered.

Slaves dressed in fine, well-maintained clothing moved quietly around them. They poured wine with practiced discipline, placed food on the dishes without a sound, and stood ready at a respectful distance once the food was served.

Neither Nilrem nor the Duke spoke immediately.

Does he truly not care about the slaves in the room?

Quinn thought to himself as he maintained a polite smile on his face.

Or is he simply very good at controlling his emotions? Probably the latter.

Meanwhile, sitting across from him and enjoying the fine wine, Adam thought to himself:

Cheeky bugger! He probably already knows what I did to that slave trader in the black market. Is he trying to get a reaction out of me by having so many slaves around?

Yes, that’s probably it.

In hindsight, I might have overreacted in the black market. He probably thinks I pose a threat to their established system.

He decided to begin the conversation.

"I must admit, Duke. Your house wine tastes even better than Amberfall Wine."

Duke Quinn smiled. "I’m glad it meets your expectations. House Quinn takes pride in its cellars. Only the finest vintages are deemed worthy of our table."

"Of course." Nilrem nodded with a faint smile.

Gradually, his smile vanished.

"Shall we dispense with the pretenses now?" He asked with a deadpan look on his face.

"Oh?" Duke Quinn arched an eyebrow. "Whatever do you mean by that?"

Nilrem took a sip from the goblet and said:

"Clearly, you didn’t invite me here out of mere friendship. So what’s the real reason?"

Tostig Quinn displayed the same polite smile.

But his eyes... they had already turned judgmental.

His lips parted, and he frankly asked:

"Magus Nilrem, why did the Haynam Empire send you here?"

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