Chapter 81: Senior Bansaini

"Princess Kaivilyn has returned!"
King Hudson of the Kingdom of Layton suddenly perked up, standing at the gates of the palace with a middle-aged man at his side.

The middle-aged man's eyes were deeply sunken, his face devoid of wrinkles, yet he exuded an air of agedness. The wizard's robe he wore marked his identity: he was Banseny, the Shadow Forest's emissary wizard in Layton.

Lin Wei and Kaivilyn's figures slowly appeared before the assembled crowd.

"Greetings, my lord!"

Hudson hurried forward, bowing deeply to Lin Wei, who sat astride his horse.

Lin Wei glanced at him, dismounted with a swift leap, and raised his eyebrows lightly. "You are the King of Layton?"

"Yes, that's me. My name is Hudson," Hudson replied quickly.

"I am Banseny, the academy's emissary wizard," Banseny said, stepping forward with a slight smile.

Even without activating the intelligence sphere core, Lin Wei could easily sense the magical fluctuations radiating from Banseny—a typical second-level wizard apprentice.

"Hello, Senior Banseny. I am Lin Wei," Lin Wei bowed slightly. Wizards were equals among themselves; there was no reason for arrogance.

Banseny seemed quite pleased with Lin Wei's humility and stepped forward to pat Lin Wei's back, a gesture of friendliness. Lin Wei did not hide his strength here, and Banseny could sense it, clearly stronger than himself. Moreover, he felt the vitality unique to youth emanating from Lin Wei.

Though Banseny appeared only middle-aged, he was in fact already ninety years old. He had lived in Layton for over forty years, settling and enjoying life, so much so that even the king treated him with deep respect. In such an environment, his combat strength had decayed considerably; he was well aware of this fact. As a second-level apprentice, he knew he could never match Lin Wei.

"Lin Wei, I remember it was Orien who went to the border to escort you to the capital, wasn't it?" Banseny inquired.

Lin Wei nodded. "Yes, it was Orien."

"And where is he? Why isn't he here?" Banseny asked, and Hudson, whose legion commander was Orien, subtly pricked his ears in concern.

Lin Wei clenched his teeth, his brows furrowing. "Dead. He died."

"What?!" Hudson blurted out instinctively.

Lin Wei stared at him coldly.

Hudson finally realized his mistake and hurriedly apologized. "Lord Lin Wei, please forgive my rudeness."

So-called equality only existed among equals. Lin Wei and Banseny were both wizard apprentices, but Hudson was just a mortal, even if he was the king.

Lin Wei turned his gaze to Banseny and continued, "On the way, we were ambushed. Orien died in the attack."

"An ambush?" Banseny's pupils contracted.

Lin Wei nodded. "Yes. We couldn't ascertain the attackers' exact identity, but we suspect their connection to the disappearances of royal family members."

Lin Wei chose not to disclose the possibility that the masked woman might be a palace maid, nor did he allow Kaivilyn to speak of it. Regarding the mysterious royal disappearances and the involvement of the second-level apprentice masked woman, Lin Wei was extremely cautious. Some secrets had to be kept.

Banseny subconsciously rubbed his fingers, lost in thought for a moment.

After a pause, Banseny managed a somewhat embarrassed smile, "Forgive me, Lin Wei, I was momentarily distracted."

Lin Wei shook his head, indicating it was of no concern.

"My lord, you must be weary from your journey. Please, allow me to lead you inside—I have ordered the servants to prepare a sumptuous luncheon," Hudson said, forcing himself to smile despite his regret over Orien's death.

Before Lin Wei could speak, Banseny warmly beckoned, "Come, Lin Wei. The cuisine of Layton will surely leave you longing for more!"

"To abandon the pursuit of eternity and truth and wallow in mortal pleasures—is it not a mistake?" Lin Wei sighed inwardly.

But he showed nothing of this, instead responding cheerfully, "Then I shall follow your lead, Senior."

Banseny's smile grew broader. Before Lin Wei's arrival, he had worried that the academy's wizard apprentice would be arrogant and domineering, but now he realized his concern was unfounded.

Banseny walked ahead, leading the way for Lin Wei. Hudson followed behind Lin Wei, Kaivilyn trailing him.

Just then, a guard hurried over.

He approached Hudson, cast a furtive glance at Kaivilyn, then whispered something in Hudson's ear.

Kaivilyn stiffened, instinctively sensing the report concerned her.

As expected, the moment the guard finished, Hudson turned to look at Kaivilyn, his gaze carrying a deep, enigmatic meaning.

"I detest it when people whisper my name behind my back," Lin Wei suddenly halted, speaking without apparent cause.

In the next instant, the guard reporting to Hudson's head exploded like a shattered watermelon, spraying red blood and white brain matter all over Hudson.

Lin Wei had clearly heard the guard's report—it was about the scene when he had helped Kaivilyn gain influence in the capital.

Hudson was momentarily at a loss.

"Kaivilyn," Lin Wei called to the confused girl, beckoning her, "Come, stay by my side."

With this action, Lin Wei was warning Hudson.

Kaivilyn nodded woodenly and quickly moved to Lin Wei's side.

Banseny displayed a subtle, knowing smile. As a second-level apprentice, though not as strong as Lin Wei, he had also heard the guard's report clearly.

"It seems my junior has quite the interest in little Kaivilyn..."

Banseny cast Lin Wei a peculiar look, evidently mistaking him for one of those who brought their noble habits into the Shadow Forest Academy, infatuated with women.

Lin Wei knew Banseny misunderstood him, but he offered no explanation.

Banseny turned to the stunned Hudson, speaking lightly and with humor, "Go clean yourself up. I will personally see to Lin Wei's reception."

"Yes, Lord Banseny..." Hudson's expression was dark and conflicted, but he forced a smile.

Kaivilyn's gaze was evasive, following behind Lin Wei, never daring to lift her head.

"Let us proceed," Banseny said, gesturing invitingly.

As Banseny and his companions moved away, anger burned in Hudson's eyes. "Kaivilyn...!!"