Chapter 674: Chapter 420 Return to Golden Barley
The inheritance ceremony started at noon, but by the time Colin left, it was nearly evening.
Nois had spoken a lot with Colin in the corridor, almost exhaustively passing on everything he thought needed attention.
After seeing off Colin, Nois went to the study.
Sure enough, just as he expected, the elders of the Family Council were already waiting for him in the study.
"Good afternoon, Nois," greeted the old wizard with snowy white hair.
"Good afternoon, Elder Vincent," Nois walked over and sat down behind the desk.
"You should know why I am here," Vincent said. "You can’t continue to use the family’s resources to help Colin unless he joins the Tate Family. This is the demand the Family Council has tasked me to convey to you, understand?"
Nois calmly nodded. "I understand. Is there anything else?"
"You know, and that’s good. The once-in-a-century opportunity for promotion has been used, and the Tate Family won’t miss one councilman."
"But you are Nois, Nois of the Tate Family. Everything should be for the benefit of the family. Something like this, damaging the family’s interests to help a half-blood wizard without compensation, cannot happen again."
Old Vincent adjusted his glasses and prattled on before pausing and then advising Nois with a steady gaze:
"Otherwise, the Family Council might have to consider initiating an impeachment ceremony against you, and that would cause another period of turbulence... Alas, keep this in mind, Gerard."
Hearing this name, which he hadn’t been called in a long time, Nois suddenly felt a bit faint and after a moment of silence, he sighed:
"I understand, Uncle Vincent."
*
*
*
"Phew—!"
The speeding carriage slowed to a stop in front of the grand archway. Colin alighted and, looking at the familiar carved giant doors with the figures of Left Ao and Right Ao on them, felt an inexplicable surge of emotion.
Years ago, after a difficult journey, he finally managed to step through these doors, and today he had chosen to leave on his own accord... The vicissitudes of life are always unpredictable.
He stepped inside and headed in the direction of Black Castle.
However, he hadn’t gone far when a figure cut ahead to greet him.
"Councilman Colin." The newcomer was a Third Rank Wizard, his face showing extreme respect.
Colin was sure he had never seen this wizard before, but he was evidently known to him.
"...And you are?" asked Colin. In the past, when facing a Third Rank Wizard of the School, his tone should have been respectful, but times were no longer the same, the roles had switched.
"Rich... Rich Hidosh," the wizard replied.
A wizard of the Hidosh Family... Colin’s brow furrowed slightly.
"On behalf of the Hidosh Family, I want to apologize for past matters," Rich hastily said, while handing Colin a delicately prepared wooden box.
"This is a gift from the Hidosh Family to congratulate you on becoming a councilman. Please accept it."
Colin hesitated, but accepted the wooden box.
Rich breathed a sigh of relief, then continued: "Moreover, the School has prepared a celebration party for you. I was about to go look for you to inform you about it, but unexpectedly met you here."
"A celebration party?" Colin looked at Rich and, after a pause, said: "Actually, I’ve returned to withdraw from the School."
"Ah, that’s not a problem, Councilman Colin. The School had already anticipated this. The celebration is mainly to honor you becoming a councilman. It won’t affect your withdrawal from the School when the time comes."
Rich showed no surprise and kept smiling as he said:
"The School has prepared many gifts for you. As for the timing of the celebration, it’s up to you. If you’re in a hurry, it can be held immediately. Everything is already prepared."
Colin’s expression was uncertain, but Rich, seeing this, continued to persuade:
"Councilman Colin, you have to deal with the withdrawal from the School anyway. It might as well be at the party - it won’t take up more of your time."
Colin pondered for a moment and finally nodded. "Alright, then without delay, let’s hold it shortly."
...
The sunset disappeared below the horizon, and night fell like a curtain.
Deep within the Tin Saint School, Colin was holding a wine glass, coping with one unfamiliar wizard’s congratulations after another.
Fortunately, most did not come empty-handed, so he didn’t feel annoyed.
"Colin... Councilman," a familiar face approached.
"Lady Nancy," Colin’s eyes lit up, and he greeted her.
The woman in front of him, a witch and an Inspector of Black Castle, had led him to rescue his mentor and school sister after he sought help from Nois.
"Congratulations on becoming a councilman." Nancy had a complicated look in her eyes. It didn’t seem that long ago when that ordinary boy had now become a personage she had to look up to...
"Thank you," Colin smiled, "and I’m also thankful for your help in rescuing my mentor and school sister back then."
"No need for thanks," Nancy shook her head.
"Congratulations, Colin. Our Tin Saint School hasn’t had a councilman for a long time!"
At that moment, a burly wizard with a beard came over laughing. He wasn’t wearing a wizard robe and had no badge on.
But seeing him, Nancy by his side quickly bowed and greeted respectfully:
"Sect Leader Leopold!"
"Hmm." Leopold nodded, giving Nancy a look. She immediately smiled apologetically at Colin, then turned and left.
"Sect Leader Leopold," Colin also greeted the newcomer respectfully.