Published at 15th of January 2026 7:51 am

Chapter 1417: Grand Tales

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Adam deeply looked at Duke Quinn, intently studying him.

He knew that the Duke was fishing for information, hoping he would slip up and make a mistake.

How did he know, one might ask?

After the recent eye transplant, Adam’s visual acuity had dramatically increased, so much so that it was comparable to activating the Sphere of Resonance.

His eyes could now register faint mana fluctuations around a Magus’s body. A slight instability in the flow, a momentary hitch in the circulation, these were the small signs that surfaced when someone lied or spoke with uncertainty.

Adam’s visual senses had become sharp enough to perceive those minute changes. Moreover, the Lotus further enhanced his spirit energy after he had attained Magushood.

So when Tostig Quinn posed that question, Adam knew that the man was still skeptical about his allegiances.

The Duke didn’t know for sure if he was an agent from the Empire, but he also didn’t know if Adam could turn out to be a potential ally.

So that’s how you want to play this, eh? Adam thought to himself.

Just to be sure, he spread his senses throughout the manor and noticed that apart from the two of them, there was one other Mana Vortex Magus secretly hiding in one of the upper floors. As for Mana Liquefaction Magi, there were dozens of them.

You plan to deal with me if you suspect me of being from Haynam, Adam mused.

Very cautious. Very decisive.

I like it!

"...Haynam Empire?" Nilrem arched an eyebrow, displaying a genuinely confused expression.

He placed the wine goblet down on the table and continued, "Duke Quinn, I have never visited the Haynam Empire in my life. In fact, this is the first time I’m setting foot in Europa."

Duke Quinn’s eyes narrowed. "Do you truly expect me to believe your words?"

His voice turned slightly hostile, and he added, "You’ve spent some time in the city, so I’m sure you’re aware that the Union is at war with the Empire."

"What does your war have to do with me?" Nilrem shrugged.

Before Duke Quinn could even answer, the elderly Magus continued:

"I will tell you everything honestly. I was born in Nahua, where I spent my days as a Mana Foundation Magus. Then, I traveled to the Ulier Continent, spending my time there as a Mana Liquefaction Magus in the Southern Federation and the Acadian Empire.

"You might not believe this, but I also spent a few years in Mabi. They call it the Land of Beasts, but in truth, it is actually the Land of the First Magi. I’ve explored ancient ruins predating even the legendary city of Feypore.

"After that, I journeyed to the mystical lands of Yen-Lu. The East has a completely different culture and traditions. They don’t have kingdoms and empires. Instead, the lands are ruled by Clans and Sects. I was even fortunate — or unfortunate — to witness the Fourth Great War.

"Finally, after exploring the lands in the East, I set foot in your grand city. I solemnly swear on the mana coursing through my veins that this is the first time I’m visiting the continent of Europa, and the Haynam Empire did not send me here, as you claim."

A mana oath was no simple promise. When a Magus swore one, it bound directly to their mana and spirit. Breaking it resulted in serious repercussions. In the worst-case scenario, the person breaking the oath would be unable to wield mana.

Because of this, mana oaths were taken when absolute trust was required. Once the oath was made, no one dared to lie or break it. The pact was absolute. It was not enforced by law or witnesses, but by mana itself.

The main reason why Duke Quin had invited Nilrem for dinner was to slowly guide him into taking a mana oath and proving that he wasn’t related to the Empire.

If Nilrem was truly who he said he was, then he would have no problems taking the oath. But if he refused, it would be reason enough to arouse suspicion and justify far stricter measures.

But he never expected Nilrem to take the initiative to make the mana oath!

Although Tostig Quinn had a stoic look on his face, his eyes betrayed his inner shock. Meanwhile, Nilrem displayed a righteous and innocent expression, hinting that whatever he said was the truth, and nothing but the truth.

But inwardly... Adam sneered.

Heh, of course, I’ll take the initiative to take the mana oath, he mused.

What if you ask me to prove my identity? At that point, I certainly wouldn’t have been able to lie. And some of what I just said was also a lie.

But I only used the mana oath when demonstrating that this is my first time in Europa, and that I wasn’t sent here by the Empire... which is the truth!

"Are you satisfied now?" Nilrem snorted in displeasure and downed all the wine in the goblet.

A few moments passed, and Tostig Quinn finally replied, "Magus Nilrem, you’ve taken my words a little too seriously. Please know, it wasn’t my intention to offend you."

"Well, I am offended." Nilrem waved his hand, a light frown on his face. "If it weren’t for the good wine, I might have stormed away from your manor."

Duke Quinn smiled apologetically. "You must understand, Magus Nilrem, the relation between the Empire and us is very rocky. They always have been, but now, the situation has deteriorated. I hope you won’t blame me for being cautious and looking out for the city."

"When you put it like that..." Nilrem curled his mustache as he observed a slave refill his goblet.

He took a sip, then continued, "Do you think it would be a bad idea to visit the Empire at this time? I really wanted to witness all the marvels of Europa and write them down in my book."

Quinn’s eyes flashed with a peculiar light. He suggested, like a wise, old friend, "They might take you for a Union spy, I’m afraid. And believe me when I say this, the people of the Empire are nowhere as friendly as we are."

Nilrem slipped into deep thought, his brows gradually furrowing.

"Very well." He nodded. "I’ll think about it."

He then looked at Duke Quinn with a dubious look in his eyes and said, "So you really invited me here to confirm whether I was an enemy spy, eh? I must say, I find that slightly disrespectful."

"Haha, of course, not!" The Duke forced an awkward laugh. "I invited you here to hear your tales. You see, I’m quite interested in the places you’ve visited. I hope you can share a few stories with me. Rest assured, the wine will keep flowing!"

Nilrem squinted his eyes, studying the Duke.

A moment later, he laughed.

"Well, as long as there’s wine, I will never run out of grand tales of adventure!"

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