Red Tide Castle, within the main building's third-floor conference hall.
The brazier burned brightly, driving away the chill brought by the early snow outside.
Several mages wearing gray-blue cloaks were seated around the round table, sipping tea and engaging in a hushed conversation.
A few aged yet vigorous faces mixed with a few young, composed accompanying apprentices, exuding an undeniable demeanor.
Beside the main seat, an elderly man with gray hair, gentle eyes, and a somewhat rounded figure was taking out a clean handkerchief to wipe the crystal lens on his nose.
It was the Grand Mage leading this team—Herman Elwood.
Upon seeing Louis and his group enter, he immediately stood up and warmly greeted them.
"Ahhh… Is this the Louis everyone in the Mage Forest has been talking about for a year? Even younger than I imagined."
