"The gathering of the Merredith Royal Family?" Colin asked aloud.
"Uh..." Hosone's face flickered with a scarcely detectable embarrassment before he paused and explained:
"It's more accurate to say it's a gathering amongst merchants, hosted by the royal family, primarily inviting major merchants from throughout the nation of Fabados.
However, since it's hosted by a member of the Royal Family… usually it's either a Prince or a Princess."
Colin's attitude was more temperate than he had imagined.
But the calmer he was, the harder it became for Hosone to handle him like those business associates, fluidly and with ease.
Controlling the rhythm of the conversation became a task he couldn't master.
Colin nodded slightly, listening patiently as Hosone spoke, then shook his head, declining politely:
"Sorry, I'm not particularly interested in gatherings."
"Lord Nade, along with every gathering there is also a small auction," Hosone, as if having anticipated this, said promptly:
"I've learned that amongst the items at this auction, there is a token from the Ranti School in Meredith City.
Possessing it allows one to join a genuine Wizard School."
'So that's how it is.'
At that moment, Colin suddenly realized.
No wonder Hosone was confident enough to invite him to some gathering.
He had taken him for a Wandering Wizard.
For a Wandering Wizard, a token that enables joining a Wizard School is naturally an enormous temptation.
However, for him, who had already joined the second-tier School in Neustadt City—the Tin Saint School—the so-called Ranti School token seemed rather insignificant.
But Hosone's purpose… Colin's thoughts spun, speculating—
Perhaps… he wanted to use this as leverage, or, maybe, to form a good connection?
After all, if he were to attend the auction, it would certainly be through Hosone's channel.
He would naturally bear the mark of Hosone's influence.
Beyond that, there should be no other intentions.
The gathering itself shouldn't pose any risks… Hosone did not strike him as a fool.
Colin pondered quietly, not feeling particularly concerned.
If he were a Wandering Wizard, this might have been a win-win opportunity.
Unfortunately… he was not a Wandering Wizard, with no such necessity.
"Sorry, but I have no intentions of joining a School."
Colin looked at Hosone and declined again, then after pausing he added:
"Is there anything else, Mr. Hosone? If not, I have some matters to attend to soon..."
Upon hearing his words, Hosone's expression visibly stiffened.
He had not expected that Colin in front of him had no interest in a token for joining a School...
Could it be that he already had a token?
"The Ranti School is ranked among the top hundred Schools in Meredith City, and it's known for its relaxed admission conditions," Hosone emphasized again somewhat unwillingly.
As for Colin already being a member of a School… he'd considered the possibility, but ultimately felt it was unlikely.
Whether it was the way Colin conducted himself or his performance since arriving in Nanao, he seemed more like a Wandering Wizard.
Those School Wizards always carried themselves with an air of superiority.
Even the most amiable among them could only convey their arrogance through their genteel demeanor.
They would never be as unassuming as Colin.
He surmised that the greater likelihood was either that Colin already had a token to join a School or that he truly didn't intend to join one.
"Sorry."
After listening to Hosone, Colin's smile disappeared, and he shook his head calmly again.
His refusal was made abundantly clear.
Seeing this, Hosone tensed internally, sighed quietly, then decided to take his leave:
"Since Lord Colin has no such inclinations, I will not trouble you further."
"Mmhmm."
After Hosone's departure, Colin rose and went over to the study window, silently watching Hosone walk out of the villa entrance, pass through the courtyard, and leave.
Hosone had the sense to know when to advance and when to retreat, not lingering unnecessarily.
If this trip had been purely for leisure, he might have had the free time to accompany Hosone to see what a Royal gathering in this world actually entailed.
To gain some knowledge, to experience the culture and customs.
However, time was now too precious for him.
The war was still ongoing; he couldn't afford to waste time elsewhere.
Withdrawing his gaze, Colin silently made his way towards the Meditation Room.
The Knight had already successfully advanced, and there was no need to spend as much time on the Yi Guang Breathing Method for now.
Even without waiting for his bodily transformation to be complete after some time, he already more than met the requirements for strengthening his body.
What he needed to do now was to strengthen the connection between his body and soul...
This was also the final step in strengthening the foundation of his body.
Of course, he also needed to meditate to improve his Wizard Level.
Once all this was done, it would be time for him to return to Neustadt City.
By the Leibo River.
Hosone walked out of Villa No. 5, his face as calm as still water, though his step lacked its previous lightness.
"My lord?"
The Great Knight, his close bodyguard, stepped forward and asked in a low voice.
Beside him stood a young man and woman, a pair of siblings.
"Dad! What did you call me here for? I had an appointment with Carl to go hunting today!" complained the younger of the two, clearly discontent.
"Father." The girl, about fifteen or sixteen years old, greeted softly, her demeanor serene.