After visiting his friend, Emile could barely sleep, getting up with the first rays sunlight. The streets were still quiet when he dressed and collected what little belongings he had. You can never have many things when you're constantly traveling, or on the run. And Emile was both. He smiled to himself, remembering all the travels. Yet, now they gained a bitter aftertaste, after he saw what happened with Lanfor while he was away.

Lanfor said he'll wait in the morning. Emile looked out of the window again, noting the first people that went onto the streets. Most of them were shopkeepers, some servants rushing to their masters' homes and some guards switching patrols.

It's been a while since he last saw Uvlance City be so calm and peaceful. Usually the city was bustling with life. Even at nights people threw celebrations and festivals, filling the streets with music and voices.

After a while, Emile chose to move, picking up his bag, mostly filled with notes of his findings and only a few pieces of clothes he had. He looked back at the tavern's room for the last time, before leaving for good. It felt strange to realize that it will be a while before he ends up in a place like this again.

Road to the castle was a calm one, feeling almost as if he simply chose to take a stroll. Emile observed how streets started to slowly fill with people, going about their morning routine, it was getting busier. Shops were opening and their workers hurried to get to them. Lamplighters were finishing with turning the street lamps off before calling it a night. Guards walking towards the outer wall after finishing the patrol, talking about how uneventful the night was and wishing to go to sleep as fast as they get to the barracks.

He also noticed a few early bird Dragon Tower's workers, complaining about getting a degree in magic to now sit in office all day. Hearing that Emile couldn't help but laugh to himself. Afterall, that's what probably would've awaited him if he chose to stay in Uvlance, but instead he spent two years doing nothing but research and now was on his way to join the court. Although, he was also an international criminal and only managed to get in court thanks to his friendship with the Emperor.

He made a note to himself to also mention his criminal record to Lanfor. Having all the power of the Empire in his hands, he'd probably come up with something to let Emile travel freely again. But he quickly shaken off those thoughts, reminding himself of just the condition Lanfor was in, when he saw his friend yesterday. Mage's hand reached into the inner pocket, taking out the watch, before quickly putting it back and speeding up the pace.

The streets were already almost full by the time he reached the castle's wall, where he was stopped by the guards. Closing his path with their spears.

"The Castle is closed for civilians today." - One of them declared.

"It always is." - Emile sighed to himself.

It's been the first time he was taken for a regular civilian by the guards. Usually they asked him his name and why he chose to visit. But, looking at his clothes now, Emile did look a lot less dressed up than what he used to when he lived with his parents. Only distinguishing trait would be his state mage capelet.

"My name is Emi- ...le." - He almost used his pseudonym, which is associated with his crimes, before correcting himself. - "Emile Muong"

"Muong?" - The guard who spoke earlier said with surprise, before sharing a look with his partner. - "Do you have proof?"

Of course his last name would catch attention. Emile couldn't help but cuss internally, reaching into his inner pocket. He wondered if Lanfor would be able to change the name on his record so he wouldn't have to face those weird looks in the future.

"I have an invitation." - He handed the watch to one of the guards.

Guard closely inspected the watch, to make sure it was authentic, before nodding at the other man and handing it back. They removed their spears and signalled to open the gate. Emile simply waited, having put the watch to its usual place.

A wave of nostalgia overtook him, as he made his way through the gardens. He remembered the way him and Lanfor were running around those as kids, and also how they trained in swordsmanship.

But what caught his attention even more were the exotic trees and plants that now he knew looked almost nothing like they do in the wild. The ones in royal garden went through many rounds of selection to be able to survive in Uvlancian climate. He wondered if there is a way he could actually get the real deal to survive in the same environment by using magic. But, realizing he was slowing down again, brushed those thoughts aside, before hurrying yet again.

As he approached the palace's entrance, he noticed a figure standing in front of it. Closing in, Emile figured that this was Lanfor's butler - Altair. Emile smiled, coming closer to him, however, he didn't see the usual hospitality in man's eyes. Instead, Emile felt somewhat threatened by his presence. Mage stumbled.

"Altair… Did something happen?" - He immediately assumed the worst.

However, the man didn't answer, giving Emile a judging look. Only then did it click for him. And then he also noticed the looks other servants gave him. He sighed, feeling a sting to his ego.

"So you think i'm an imposter?" - Emile felt somewhat insulted. - "Do you really think that someone other than me would know all of castle's surveillance blind spots? Or that Lanfor would refuse to move into Monarch's bedroom? Or-"

"Enough." - Altair finally spoke, interrupting Emile. - "I was assuming that His Highness might've dreamt of your arrival, however, the doubt disappeared when i laid an eye on you, Sir Muong."

He started walking down the stairs, towards Emile. And while his face remained calm, there were clear notes of hostility in the usually gentle voice.

"But even if that is true and you did indeed come back…" - The butler finally leveled with Emile, now looming over, making mage realize just how short he actually is. - "You still have to explain yourself."

"… What?"

"Do you know what His Highness went through?" - The hostility was now apparent. - "And more importantly, do you have any idea of the sheer audacity you have to show here now and ask to be by his side? After years you've spent doing who knows what?!"

That was the first time Emile saw Altair enraged by something. He couldn't help but feel somewhat scared, but he had to admit that the butler's rage was justified. If anything, it's been a miracle that Lanfor chose to not simply forgive, but grant him a place in the court. Emile looked down, ashamed at his own actions.

"I do… I know. I've seen what had happened… I've seen what he suffered through with my own eyes yesterday." - But his voice was clear and hard as ever. - "And i have no excuses. I do not deserve to be forgiven. Nor do i expect to be." - He looked up, determined to get to the throne room where he was awaited no matter what. - "But i made a promise. And i cannot leave ever again."

Emile stepped forward, making Altair back up ever so slightly.

"Especially now that i have a solution."

"A… solution?"

Much to Emile's surprise, there were no more traces of previous rage left in the man's voice, so he continued, now a lot quieter than previously, making sure that no one else would hear him speak.

"I know what kind of an illness Lanfor suffers with. If i did everything right, he should've felt a lot better today." - Emile recounted the events of the past night and specifically the condition Lanfor's magic was in.

Altair's eyes narrowed, as he seemed to think of something, before sighing and turning back to the mage with a much more familiar soft smile.

"Very well then. But… Don't make me doubt your words." - He led the way towards the entrance to the palace - "I do not wish you to cause His Highness any more trouble."

"Well, i can't guarantee anything. You're way older than me, should already know how unpredictable life gets." - Emile joked, now feeling a lot more relaxed, before quietly adding. - "But i'll do my best…"

Lanfor couldn't help but pace back and forth next to the throne, wondering what takes Altair so long and if Emile came in the first place. As much as he wished for everything to be true, he couldn't help but to think of Altair's words about how it could've been just a simple dream. Still, it felt far too real. Besides, there is no way his weakness went away almost entirely overnight without any intrusion.

Magic Council Leader watched worriedly as Lanfor walked back and forth, consumed by his thoughts.

"Your Highness, are you sure you don't want to sit down? Or, perhaps, use your cane?" - Elderly mage asked carefully, still, disturbing Emperor's thoughts.

"Ah?" - Lanfor, now aware of the surroundings, stopped his pacing. - "Oh, no. I feel fine. Don't worry." - He waved at the mage.

"I with to believe your words, but you should understand that it is hard to believe that you recovered overnight."

"I guess that is true." - Lanfor smiled, before thinking for a moment. - "Azil, what are soul mages capable of, exactly?"

Such a sudden question from the Emperor surprised the Council Leader, who had to try and quickly recount the few soul mages he knew throughout his life and their abilities. Sadly, it was somewhat hard and he could only say a few things.

"Well, soul mages are not capable of much, i believe. They might posses an ability to sense magic on a much deeper level than anyone else, even looking into people's souls, but they don't seem to be able to interact with any type of elemental magic… Not even "life". They're only good for alchemy, i'm afraid." - He recounted, not without a hint of sadness. It seemed he considered soul mages to be quite unfortunate. But not even a moment later his expression changed, now being more wonderous. - "But, if i may ask, why such a sudden interest?"

"You'll see."

Lanfor nodded with a slight smile, looking at the door which opened almost as if on command, letting in Altair and Emile. Upon seeing them, Emperor's smile grew wider, as he exhaled in relief, while eyes of the Council Leader narrowed, looking at the mage who'd just entered.

"State mage Emile Muong." - Altair announced, letting Emile go forwards, staying behind himself.

"It's an honour to make your-" - Began mage, with a bow, before being interrupted.

"The honour is mine, Emile! You can stand up." - Lanfor stepped off the podium, barely containing his excitement, but still being forced to abide by the rules. - "Please, let me introduce…" - Lanfor gestured at the elderly mage, who followed the Emperor off the podium, before being stopped by a somewhat slow gesture.

"That wouldn't be necessary, Your Highness. I am… somewhat familiar with Sir Muong." - He smiled at the Emperor, stepping forward, before giving Emile a cold look. - "It's good to see you alive and well, Emile."

"It's good to see you too… professor." - Although his mouth spoke formally, Emile's face expressed nothing but shame, not daring to look at Azil and giving Lanfor only fast glances.

Lanfor was somewhat surprised and quite taken aback by such a sudden revelation, but couldn't bring himself to say anything, before being addressed directly.

"Your Highness, i am afraid he is not suited to be your court mage." - Azil said calmly. - "Emile barely graduated from the Academy. His final project didn't even utilize any magic. And on top of that, his license had long been revoked."

"My license…?" - Emile subconsciously grasped onto his cape. A symbol of his status as a mage.

It only made sense that he would lose it. He disappeared without a trace for over two years. He did not submit any reports of his findings or even let anyone know he's still alive, not to mention the fact that he completely ignored his duties. It was stupid of him to assume that he'd still be welcome as a country's mage after that.

His grasp tightened, as he looked at Lanfor, wishing only to apologize. Yet, the Emperor only looked at the Council Leader with a thoughtful expression.

"But you can overrule that decision, Sir Sanid, can you not?" - Lanfor asked, somewhat rhetorically. - "Doesn't Dragon's Tower, which controls the Academy, obey the Magic Council's decisions?"

"It does, Your Highness, and i could, but Emile barely graduated. He does not posses the magic skill required to serve you." - Azil pleaded. - "Besides, it is not as easy as you make it sound… "

"I do not see how restoring a single state license would be a problem."

"Are you absolutely certain that you would want him as your right hand?" - Council Leader kept talking. - "I've taught him. He's unreliable, and is only interested in breaking the rules and doing whatever comes to his mind. There's a variety of skilled and smart mages that serve the state that would serve you much better than he ever could."

Much to Emile's surprise, Lanfor did not seem phased by anything that old mage said. He kept standing his ground, disregarding all the words of the Council Leader. Emile was never on good terms with Azil when he was studying, and seeing old mage being pushed back like that made Emile even more confident in what he was about to do.

"Professor, if you're so worried about Lanfor…" - Emile unclasped his coat and threw it to Azil's feet. - "Why in the world didn't you treat him!? If you think you're better than me - prove it by action!"

"Emile!" - Lanfor hissed, surprised at his friend's actions, but it was already had been too late. Emile simply smiled at his friend, reassuring him that he got it covered.

"It's a duel. If i win - you obey Lanfor's orders, as you should, and let me do what i have to. And if not…" - Emile's smile disappeared, as he considered what he could offer in return. - "… And if you win - i'll do as you want. I'll leave… again."

Azil looked at the cape that laid by his feet, then on the young mage in front of him, before slowly picking up the cape and handing it to the Emperor that stood by his side.

"In that case, let His Highness be the judge. And, since i choose the rules, we will not use any weapons or artifacts. Just our own magic." - Council Leader spoke, a lot calmer than Emile anticipated, but still not without a trace of irritation at the blatant insult from his ex-student. - "Your Highness, would you be so kind as to lend us the Palace's garth"

Lanfor simply nodded, giving Emile's cape to Altair. Although Emperor's face was clearly letting everyone around know that he was not happy about his friend's idea, there wasn't anything that he could do about it if both sides agreed to the terms of the duel. But, just a moment later, he thought that maybe there is.

"But under two conditions." - He spoke, lifting two fingers. - "One, there is no destruction in the Palace's grounds or going outside of the garth. And two… The battle will be until the first blood. Try to make it as minor as possible."

"I was hoping for the first one to fall… But, oh well, whatever you want." - Emile said nonchalantly, earning a displeased look from his friend.

"First one to fall is too vague. I cannot allow for either of you to get injured beyond something that can be healed naturally in less than two weeks."

"Very well then. I will do my best, Your Highness." - Azil nodded.

Letting out a deep exhale, Lanfor looked at Altair, gesturing at him to lead the way for the two mages, while he himself chose to follow in the back, letting him think about everything that happened so far a little more.

Surely Emile wouldn't do something like this without a plan, right? But the Council Leader was no simple mage either. Lanfor couldn't help but feel worried about his friend and his future. If only Emile did not step in, he could've persuaded Azil to give up and follow an order. Emperor sighed quietly, not to draw any attention to himself. Of course, what's done is done and he couldn't have possibly changed anything about the duel at this point, beyond the two conditions.

Dueling over such a matter… He once again thought of just how different mages' way of thinking is compared to everyone else. And that is why he needed a mage he could trust by his side, and not someone suggested to him. Lanfor decided that no matter the outcome, he will do everything that is in his power to keep Emile by his side.

When they reached the garth, the sun was almost in its peak, casting a bright light on everything and everyone, as two mages took their positions.

Emile knew exactly why Azil would choose this place, glancing at the fountain that stood in the middle of the garth, only being surrounded by a few bushes and benches, making it look more like a middle of a park. Of course, an elemental mage cannot conjure an element out of nothing. Only air mages who mastered fire could. And, much to Aizil's own dissatisfaction, he was gifted with water magic, having to always struggle to find water sources.

Emile couldn't help by feel good about himself. It felt good not to have to struggle with looking for something. Afterall, magic is everywhere. He scoffed.

"If both parties are ready…" - Altair raised his hand, making sure both mages gave a signal that they're ready, before making a chopping motion, that indicated the beginning of the duel. - "Begin!"

Azil immediately took a stand, making a flowing motion to gather water from a fountain, not even giving Emile time to react, before a stream headed his way. It seemed as though he did not wish for this duel to last any longer than in absolutely had.

However, much to his surprise, the stream of water didn't even touch the target, splashing around as if it hit a wall and not a human being, only slightly wetting Emile's clothes with a few drops.

"Not even a talk before the fight?" - Young mage sighed with exaggerated disappointment, before his face changed.

Emile's eyes seemed to sparkle for a moment, when suddenly, Azil felt as if his whole body turned to stone, being unable to move, speak, or blink, it felt as if even his heart had stopped beating for a split second, before it kept going as usual, only then did his opponent's relaxed expression changed.

Lanfor's eyes widened, when he realized that the Council Leader was completely immobilized, he wanted to call off the duel immediately, however, was stopped by Altair, who managed to somehow keep his composure after Emile's showcase of power.

"Professor, you never trusted that we - soul mages - can do anything, regardless of how hard i tried to prove otherwise." - Young mage began, seemingly enjoying the fact that Azil could not answer. - "I was not a bad student. It was you who refused to be a good teacher. But i have made my decision. I learned, unlike you. I learned about just how much me and other soul mages can really do."

He closed in on the "living statue", looking Azil straight in the eye, his voice now filled with aged hatred, that long since burnt out, but became poison.

"And thanks to that, i now see just how little you actually care about the one you dare claim to serve. You could've asked any soul mage to take a look at him and they would've told you everything." - Emile's face hardened, as a small cut appeared on Azil's cheek. - "He would've died if you let him stay like that any longer. The empire, you claim to love would've been in chaos. You should thank the Twelve i came before it was too late!"

"Enough!" - Finally cried Lanfor, unable to bare witness this any further, but proceeded talking a lot quieter. - "You've… done enough, Emile."

Emile had released his grip on the elderly mage without any further words, making him fall on the grass, gasping for air, trying to grapple with what had just happened. He raised his eyes to look at his ex-student. His eyes expressing nothing but horror.

"W-what was that…?" - He finally asked on the edge of hearing. His words barely legible with how shaky man's voice was. - "… What kind of a monster…"

"Ah, it's just a little trick i learned, while i was travelling. Human soul is a lot more malleable than one would like to think." - Emile pretended not to hear that last part, turning to Lanfor instead. - "Pretty sure he won't be able to keep fighting anytime soon. And he is injured."

However, Lanfor did not respond, unsure of what to say, he simply looked at Altair, who nodded and went over to help Azil up.

A silence fell between the two, as the Emperor was still trying to understand what he had just witnessed. After a while, he turned around and walked away, gesturing for Emile to follow.

Walk through the halls of the Palace, much to Lanfor's surprise, ended up being a quiet one. He expected Emile to say at least something after all that happened, and yet did not hear a single thing, being left to observe mage's expression.

He always knew that Emile was no regular person. But Lanfor would've never assumed that he was able of doing something as terrifying as that. he could only imagine how Azil must've felt, being unable to move or even breathe. Were all soul mages capable of something like that? What other abilities does Emile possess? How did he manage to find this out in the first place? Questions swarmed Emperor's mind, every possible answer only making him question what he knew of this person even more.

Finally, they reached a door to one of the guest rooms.

"You can stay here for as long as you want." - Lanfor handed Emile a key to the door. He wanted to say something more, but couldn't bring himself to do it.

"A room in the palace… Now that's some good treatment." - Emile smiled, taking the key, yet failed to conceal that he too felt uneasy about the situation.

Putting the key into the keyhole, he hesitated to turn it, instead turning back to Lanfor.

"Listen, i'm.-"

"How did-"

They spoke in unison, causing a surprised pause, which was then followed by a quiet laughter.

"You go first." - Emile said, letting go of the key.

"… How did you do that?" - Lanfor hesitated before asking. - "Or, rather, how did you figure out that you can in the first place?"

"Hm… Well, it's a bit hard to explain to someone who's far from science… Do you know how everyone has magic inside them? The soul? It's actually spread throughout one's body like a giant system of streams." - Emile tried to explain, gesturing with his hands. - "And if you put a block to a stream, then the "water" in it will stop flowing. It might still be there, but it won't move. I thought that… since we already do that inside our own bodies, surely there's a way to do the same externally... It's… not a particularly good sensation, however… And it is also quite draining, unless you know what you're doing."

Much to Emile's surprise, Lanfor seemed to understand the river stream analogy, making him exhale with relief and finally say what he was going to from the start.

"But… I'm sorry. About all of that. I could've ended the duel without it, i just… I don't know what came over me." - He averted his gaze. - "I should've at least warned you."

He would've kept apologizing if he didn't feel a light hand on his shoulder, making him look up once again, to see Lanfor's smile.

"I'm glad you're back."

Taking a moment, Emile brushed away Lanfor's hand with a lighthearted exhale.

"Well of course you are. Who else would've kept you out of trouble." - He said, despetrately hiding how relieved he was to hear his friend's words, which only made Lanfor laugh.

"This room is yours. I made sure it will always be waiting for you." - He said, still keeping a smile. - "That being said, if you ever want to leave again. I just hope you'll at least warn me next time."

"Well, i might've gotten my license back this time, but if i want to stay as your court mage, i'd have to actually do my job, so…" - Emile shrugged lightheartedly, before turning the key and opening a door.

"Oh, and… We're having a ball soon. To commemorate your arrival. I'll try to settle everything regarding your license and other formalities before then. But you should rest for now. I'll get someone to bring you food."

Lanfor finally took a good look at his friend, only now noticing that Emile didn't go unscathed in those two years either.

His clothes were all heavily worn, ripped and fixed several times over in a few places. Even his beloved hat needed repairs. Not to mention how long his hair got and how much weight he seemed to lose.

Emile nodded goodbye to his friend, entering the room to get some rest. This was the same room that him and Lanfor used to play in as kids. He would've never guessed that it was one of the guest rooms, but in the hindsight it made sense to let kids roam in an unoccupied room.

Quite expectedly so, his bag was already in the room, being brought here by one of the many servants. What did surprise him, however, was a piece of cloth, which was carefully folded and laid atop the table in the middle of the room. Taking a closer look, he realized that it was a cloak. Made out of an expensive, very thick and sturdy fabric, dyed in deep blue and decorated with sheep's fur, it was sure to withstand any type of weather and climate, providing protection and warmth. Golden clasps were made into a shape of pentagons - a symbol of the soul mages.

It didn't take a lot of thought to realize that this cloak was meant for the new court mage of His Highness.

And after putting it on, Emile couldn't help but smile, realizing that it was always meant for him.