Chapter 34: Mage and Noble

Zari's face darkened: "You are insulting the dignity of a knight and an official of the Empire."

Talk about shameless; Xu Feng was left speechless. This knight looked the part but had such low moral character. Knightly dignity? The knight's code was built on fairness and justice, yet he was blatantly lying. As for being an imperial official—just a small patrol captain—he was wielding a chicken feather as a command arrow.

Xu Feng didn't just think these contemptuous thoughts; he voiced them directly, to the crowd's great satisfaction. Zari, however, was so furious he was fit to be tied and shrieked, "Quick, arrest him now!"

Although the soldiers also found their captain shameless, orders were orders. They moved to act but stopped after just two steps. Xu Feng still wore a faint smile, but in his hand, he now cradled a massive fireball.

A mage!

This kid was actually a mage?

Zari's expression shifted rapidly. This situation had taken him completely by surprise.

Although Hailanxing was a world of magic, for ordinary people, magic remained remote and wondrous. Those with talent were exceedingly rare. For millennia, magic had been monopolized by a select few.

Mages were an awe-inspiring class, scarce even globally. They were part of the privileged class, just like the nobility.

Zari's expression turned ashen. He had been tasked by that gentleman to cause trouble for these two shops. Originally, Zari thought the owners were merely wealthy merchants—even if rich, they held no power in the capital and would have no choice but to take it. That lord had promised him a promotion if he handled this matter.

Zari had been overjoyed, thinking good fortune for advancement had struck. But now... hell, the shop owner was a mage.

That was also a privileged class of the Empire. How could a mere cavalry captain like him dare to provoke one?

How could this be? Weren't mages all obsessed with research and disinterested in money? Why was this one running a shop? Zari could only lament his bad luck inwardly. He should never have waded into these muddy waters. Now it was too late for regrets. And to make matters worse...

Xu Feng understood that if he didn't show a force that would make them think twice now, more trouble would follow. This shameless knight was just a pawn being used; the real backer was surely pulling the strings from the crowd.

Since things had come to this, Xu Feng decided not to hold back. He took out a badge and pinned it to his chest. "Captain Zari, you just accused me of disrespecting an imperial official. Look, what is this?"

"L-Lord Viscount!"

Zari was shocked, his legs going weak. It was a beautiful family crest—a blood rose reborn from flames. Though not a noble himself, as a minor official in the security bureau, Zari naturally recognized these symbols of honor. He wanted to cry. Offending a mage who was also a noble meant his career was finished.

The surrounding crowd looked at Xu Feng with awe and even admiration. In the eyes of commoners, nobles were lofty figures, many known only for indulgence and idleness. But this young man was also a mage—truly remarkable. On Hailanxing, mages were not only powerful but also synonymous with erudition.

The wretched knight hung his head, not daring to speak further, like a prisoner awaiting the judge's verdict.

"Captain, now, would you please take away the troublemakers who caused the disturbance?"

"What?"

Zari looked up and saw no malice in the Viscount's eyes, only a smile directed at him. A surge of wild joy rose from his heart... Could it be that he wasn't going to punish him?

"What, not moving? Do you want to stay here for a drink?"

"N-No, of course not. I'll handle it right away. Thank you, my lord. Thank you, my lord."

Overjoyed and grateful to the point of tears, Zari nearly knelt to kowtow to Xu Feng. He quickly ordered his soldiers to chain up Moke and his men, then left in disgrace.

The young man smiled. He did this not out of softness but for another purpose. Zari was just a pawn; there was no point in holding a grudge against him. After today's events, Xu Feng believed the other side wouldn't act recklessly again and might even seek negotiations.

Sure enough, that very afternoon, while Xu Feng was enjoying tea in the villa's back garden, Steward Mortan walked in. "Young Master, Marquis Luoxiqi has sent an invitation, hoping you will attend a banquet at his residence."

"Marquis Luoxiqi?"

Xu Feng nodded. It seemed this Lord Marquis was the mastermind behind the scenes. Otherwise, with no prior connection or even having met him, there would be no reason for such an invitation.

Although Xu Feng had no interest in power, living in the capital and being constantly exposed to its ways, he had gained some understanding of the Empire's prominent nobles.

This Marquis Luoxiqi was no simple figure. His family had a long history and was one of the Empire's established, famous, and extremely prestigious noble houses. In his early years, Loshiki had served as the governor of the Empire's southern province, reportedly performing quite well and earning the Emperor's appreciation. Later, Baphia XV recalled him to the capital, where he now held the position of Imperial Advisor.

One should never underestimate the Imperial Advisor. Superficially, it might seem to lack real power, but the reality was quite different. He served as the Emperor's personal advisor, able to directly reach the Emperor's ears and influence his decisions with suggestions. He was among the Empire's core powerholders.

No wonder even the capital's security bureau heeded his calls. Xu Feng hadn't expected the mastermind behind his shop's competitor to be such a significant figure.

Of course, Xu Feng wasn't afraid at all. In terms of rank, he was lower; in terms of power, he was also inferior. But he had another identity: a mage. Moreover, his teacher was one of humanity's only two remaining Archmages, a Saint Expert. With such an immense backing, whether facing a Marquis or an Imperial Advisor, Xu Feng had ample confidence.

Moreover, Xu Feng had a theory. Initially, the other side sent people to cause trouble at his shops because they didn't know who the new owner was. Now the situation was different. After all, having cured Princess Ailiya, he was also a rising star in the capital. It was unlikely the other side would antagonize him over a small restaurant and a cloth shop, as that would benefit neither party.

The Marquis's invitation might have other intentions.

Well, he would go and see!