Ascension To Divine Throne

Chapter 109 -109: Testing Joyce

Chapter 109: Testing Joyce

In the following days, William’s daily routine remained quite consistent.

Every morning, he would attend classes with Teacher Apollo Stephens at the First Magic Workshop. During any spare time, he’d collaborate with Bernie at the Fifth Magic Workshop to explore new runes and enchanting techniques.

At times, William would also encounter Josef seeking advice from the headmaster. It was during these interactions that he realized his teacher’s versatility extended even to runes, surpassing Josef.

It seemed that arcane mages truly had no weaknesses, didn’t they? William was resolute in advancing in this direction, determined not to disappoint his “Jack-of-all-trades” talent.

After concluding a day of learning, William seldom continued his research in the underground laboratory.

Don’t ask why; it was just that the laboratories in the First Magic Workshop were too enticing!

During these times, William would peruse magic tomes or spend moments in the library, sitting alongside Lisa and reading together.

Of course, there were absolutely no ulterior motives.

Perhaps due to increased interaction, Lisa gradually grew more accustomed and less timid.

At such times, Angela found herself rather torn. Should she sleep on William’s head or Lisa’s head? She rather liked the scent of both.

Even little bats had their fair share of dilemmas!

September 1st, in the morning.

The Cain Family Manor.

Today marked the first day of autumn in the Dawn Calendar. Families across the Kingdom of Fis would prepare delicious feasts in anticipation of the upcoming autumn harvest.

Although the Cain family had no concerns regarding the autumn harvest, Joyce, the steward, had nonetheless instructed the kitchen to prepare a plethora of delicacies. It was a day where even the servants could take a brief respite.

In the dining room, William sat at the table, indulging in the sumptuous spread before him.

Roasted ribs, Fis roasted chicken, Canlight sashimi platter, apple black pudding, onion soup, and more. Angela was so engrossed in the food that she hardly had time to speak.

Observing Joyce bustling about, William’s eyes sparkled, and he spoke up:

“Joyce, don’t trouble yourself for now. Join us and partake in the meal. I have something I wish to discuss with you.”

Joyce complied without objection. He approached the dining table, respectfully saluted, and seated himself beside William.

Yet, instead of reaching for any food, Joyce sat with poise and composure, awaiting William’s inquiry.

For some inexplicable reason, although William had previously held Joyce in high regard, he now felt a slight pressure when meeting the steward’s gaze.

Enough of these musings; let’s get to the matter at hand!

William shook his head, adopting a tone akin to earlier, as he queried:

“Joyce, are you aware of my recent apprenticeship to Dean Apollo Stephens?”

“Yes, young master. Word of this development has spread among the nobility of Canlight City. The volume of invitations you’ve received for recent gatherings has increased exponentially.”

Joyce responded meticulously.

“Very well. I’d like you to recollect something for me.”

William collected his thoughts before continuing:

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“Teacher Stephens mentioned that he accepted me as his apprentice at someone’s behest. I’ve been unable to discern who that individual might be.”

Pausing momentarily, William proceeded with his inquiry:

“Joyce, given your longstanding service within the Cain family, are you acquainted with any senior members of our household?”

This old guy sure is nosy!

Joyce couldn’t help but secretly scoff at this legendary mage.

He had explicitly been told not to mention himself to William, yet he still let it slip.

It’s not like it was accidental; the guy just has a twisted sense of humor! 𝒇𝒓𝒆𝒆𝙬𝒆𝒃𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝙡.𝒄𝓸𝒎

Although Joyce inwardly criticized Apollo, his expression remained unchanged.

“Well, um… I don’t think so. I haven’t heard from the master about any other elders in the Cain family.”

“And, the master mentioned that the Cain family lineage stops with him.”

William nodded, pretending not to care, and said casually:

“Oh, is that so? Joyce, did you have a good relationship with my father before?”

Joyce glanced up at William, a rare smile appearing on his face.

“Yes, I was adopted by the Cain family when I was young and grew up with Master Brandon.”

Brandon was William’s father, the former Viscount Cain.

“Oh, I see.”

William got the answer he wanted, and his suspicions gradually became clearer.

Changing the subject, William asked about other matters.

“Do you know the librarian Lisa in the library, Joyce?”

“I do. She was brought back by the master and has been living in the mansion ever since, though she rarely ventures out.”

Joyce replied indifferently.

“Does she have good mage talent?”

“Yes, that’s also why the master adopted her.”

Just as expected!

William nodded, indicating that he had finished asking what he wanted to know. Joyce, seeing this, rose to leave, but a smile lingered a bit more on his lips.

After Joyce left, William sampled the food before him absentmindedly, his mind not on the delicious spread.

It was unlikely that his teacher was jesting when he said he accepted someone’s request. Besides family elders, William couldn’t think of anyone else who could owe him such a big favor, perhaps not even the king! The fact that a legendary mage valued someone else’s request indicated that the person making the request was at least of the same level.

Coincidentally, William had a clue in his hands.

The “Shadow Talisman” from the legendary Shadow Dancer!

The steward had given him a talisman imbued with legendary power, and now a legendary mage had accepted him as an apprentice at someone’s request. Something was definitely off!

All these events, all related to his steward, and all occurring after his breakthrough to the Silver Rank.

Moreover, judging from his response and reaction just now, there were likely no more elders in the Cain family, leaving only this steward who could be considered.

His relationship with his father was very close, and even his words just now seemed to deliberately disclose this information to him.

His steward Joyce seemed to have a lot of problems!

So, was Joyce the legendary Shadow Dancer?

William hadn’t expected to have such a big figure in his household and felt a bit restless.

It wasn’t that he wanted to rush up and cling to the steward’s leg; it was just that William was feeling a bit guilty.

He knew that he wasn’t actually William Cain, but rather a soul from another world occupying this body.

Recently, all the changes in him might have been noticed by this big shot, but would the steward notice that something was off?

However, this big shot had given him a life-saving talisman and even found a legendary mage to be his teacher. He probably hadn’t noticed anything wrong.

Forget it, since the big shot didn’t mention anything directly to him, it’s better to pretend not to know anything for now.

As William thought this, the system panel suddenly made a notification sound in his ear.

Summoning the system, William was somewhat surprised.

The “Forum” button, which had previously been grayed out and unselectable, was now shining brightly again!