Published at 28th of February 2026 7:17 am

Chapter 1543 Proud Member

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High Ward, Springdale.

As the sun dipped toward the horizon, its fading light gently washed over the City Hall.

Delegates from every member state exited the building as the Sovereign Conclave drew to a close. The day's former proceedings had ended, policies debated, compromises struck, and decisions made that would shape the Union's future.

The city itself showed no signs of slowing. Music, lights, and crowds still filled the streets, and the festivities promised to last well into the night.

But inside the hall, the serious work was done. Some delegations left satisfied, having secured the alliances or concessions they sought. Others departed in subtle frustration, forced to accept outcomes they hadn't hoped for.

Prince Marlow Fireborne emerged among them, surrounded by his retinue of Ignisra nobles. His posture was relaxed, his expression composed. By his measure, the Conclave had gone well.

As he walked down the stairs, smiling faintly at the praises of other nobles about how well he had represented the Ignisra Kingdom and its interests within the Conclave, his mind was somewhere else entirely.

I leave tomorrow at sunset, yet I still haven't been able to meet up with that man, he thought to himself.

He turned to glance at his trusted aide, Gillian, who simply shook his head with a faint, wry smile.

Marlow heaved a helpless sigh.

I guess it can't be helped, he thought with slight disappointment.

Suddenly, a familiar voice echoed behind him, carrying with it a mischievous tone.

"Did the Conclave not go according to your expectations? Or perhaps, you missed being in the presence of your favorite author."

Marlow's eyes lit up. He quickly turned around, his gaze settling on the old man in bright, ostentatious clothes.

"Nilrem!" He beamed.

Meanwhile, the other Magi surrounding Marlow were startled. They hadn't even realized that someone had just appeared among them out of nowhere.

"Hohoho! My dear prince, did you truly miss me?" Nilrem said, curling the tips of his mustache.

Marlow snorted. "Don't flatter yourself. I was just wondering where you went missing over the past month."

Some of the Ignisra nobles recognized the wandering Magus Nilrem from his visit to the Amberfall a few years ago. Still, they were quite surprised at how friendly he and the Prince seemed with one another.

They quickly gave way, allowing the old man to walk side by side with their Prince.

Nilrem sighed. "Apologies, My Prince. This old man had some important work to… ah… ah… achoo!"

As the eccentric old man wiped his nose with a napkin, Marlow couldn't help but feel the side of his lips twitch.

A mighty Mana Core Magus like you has caught a cold? He thought in amusement.

"Are you okay?" He asked with an arched brow.

"Ah, it's nothing." Nilrem waved a hand. "Old age is catching up to me, I suppose. Anyway…"

He paused as he glanced at the Prince with a gentle smile. "When are you returning home?"

"Tomorrow." Marlow smiled. He hesitated for a brief moment, then asked, "Do you wish to travel with me to Amberfall? I'm sure Mother would be delighted to see you again."

"I'm afraid I can't." Nilrem smiled apologetically as he gently patted the red-haired Prince's shoulder.

At the same time, a tiny red serpent that had been hidden among Marlow's hair quietly slithered away and slipped back into Nilrem's sleeve.

"I still have important matters to tend to," he added.

"Ah, that's a pity." Marlow smiled faintly, quietly disappointed in his heart.

He had wanted to spend some more time with the old man. He had a lot he wanted to talk about, after all. Especially about Adam Constantine.

"Are you going to resume your travels?" he asked.

"Yes," Nilrem said with a smile, his blue eyes flashing with a warm light. "I suppose it's time I return home."

"I see." Marlow nodded. He then asked with a faint smile. "I suppose this is goodbye, then?"

Nilrem deeply looked at him. "I suppose it is."

He then retrieved a book from his inner robe and gifted it to the Prince. "The first copy of my new book."

Marlow curiously glanced at the title on the cover. "Nilrem's Guide to Springdale?"

"Hohoho!" Nilrem curled the tips of his mustache. "It's my greatest work yet. Or, uhm… I think it is."

Marlow chuckled. "I'll be sure to read it."

The pair finally descended the stairs and paused.

Nilrem turned to him and smiled warmly. "Send my best wishes to your family."

"I will," Marlow said with a faint smile.

The old man deeply gazed into Marlow's ruby eyes. He gently clasped his shoulders and said, "Take care of yourself, my prince."

With that, he turned around and walked away.

Marlow's lips opened and closed several times. There was a lot he wished to say to the eccentric old man, but in the end, nothing escaped his lips.

His lips curled into a faint smile, and he whispered into the air:

"Goodbye… my friend."

***

Nilrem stopped by the Westview Archive and handed the storekeeper the manuscript of his latest book.

After collecting the earnings from his previous sales, he left without a second glance, unconcerned with how much his new work — or the old ones — might earn in the future.

Money was the least of his concerns now. He needed to quickly get somewhere safe and quiet.

As he crossed the broad avenue toward the northern gates, he sensed a familiar presence in the distance. Nilrem slowed his footsteps and turned his head.

On the balcony of a nearby building stood a gnome, a black puppy perched on his shoulder. Both were watching him in silence.

The moment their gazes met, Berger offered a nod in acknowledgment. Nilrem was momentarily surprised. But soon, he offered a nod and a smile.

He continued to walk down the avenue.

Soon, he found another familiar face emerging from the shadows of an alley. Nilrem turned to him and smiled warmly.

Lebu, with tears in his eyes, placed his hand on his chest and offered a deep bow. When he straightened his back, he saw Nilrem still smiling at him.

"Thank you… for everything," Lebu whispered.

Nilrem nodded at the man and then continued on his way.

His figure soon vanished into the crowd. By the time he passed through the city gates, Nilrem's face had already been replaced by another.

Nilrem had aided the Twilight Brotherhood as an outsider.

But he had never truly been one.

He was always one of them.

He had always been a proud member of the Twilight Brotherhood.

And so, the tale of the wandering Magus Nilrem and his adventures in Springdale came to an end.

Now…

It was time for the Dark King to reemerge.

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