The Most Arbitrary Wizard

Eve Mansion, the largest ballroom in Old Mundo City, exuded luxury and nobility from every corner.

Its decor wasn’t ostentatiously brilliant; instead, most of the materials featured a cool color palette.

The expensive Black Light Stone floor tiles had been specially polished to a tea-brown. They shimmered with a golden-brown hue under the bright lights, shifting to a more textured, linen-like shade in dimmer areas. This design eschewed gaudy, jewel-toned colors. Paired with the melodious piano music flowing from the performer’s dancing fingertips, it fostered an atmosphere of refined and understated elegance, a stark departure from common vulgarity.

The nobles held their wine glasses, their smiles reserved and their conversation gentle. They carried themselves with a blend of humility and confidence.

The main hall had limited seating, but it was generously furnished with an array of exquisite foods and drinks.

Sean, feeling no need to stand on ceremony with the Little Gista Family, went to get a piece of cake, having developed a sweet tooth recently. He was pleasantly surprised to find the frosting was exceptionally good—it melted in his mouth, sweet without being cloying.

He held the plate out to Eleanor. "Try some? It’s pretty good."

Eleanor quickly shook her head. "No, no, you have it."

Sean asked, "What’s wrong? Afraid of getting fat?"

"No." She clenched her fists slightly. "We’re about to see Mr. Blake. I’m nervous."

Sean thought, "..."

’The way she said that... Anyone who didn’t know better would think she was about to go to Heaven to meet Mr. Blake in person.’

’Besides, even though the painting was done by the First Saintess, there’s no guarantee the subject is actually Blake.’

’Until he saw it, Sean couldn’t be sure if this was the same painting hanging in his own bedroom.’

In truth, Eleanor was far from the only nervous person in the hall.

Don’t be fooled by the nobles chatting and laughing on the surface, or swaying gently with their partners on the dance floor. In reality, they were all distracted. Their eyes kept darting toward the closed curtains on the stage, their minds entirely preoccupied with the painting about to be unveiled. They had no interest in seriously networking as they would at other balls; nearly all conversation revolved around the artwork.

And yet, the ball’s organizers, the Little Gista Family, were masters of building suspense. They deliberately delayed unveiling the curtain and hadn’t even provided a host, simply leaving the guests to chat amongst themselves.

"I heard the First Saintess’s painting is miraculous. They say she used water from the Spring of Enlightenment as ink. If you can discern the secret hidden within the painting, you’ll instantly become a Wizard."

"Is that so? Then we absolutely must seize this opportunity."

"Believe in yourself. You can do it."

"Mm-hmm, and I’m sure you can, too."

A nobly dressed couple encouraged each other affectionately as they danced.

This ball wasn’t segregated; common people and Wizards mingled together. Many in attendance were people who had once drunk from the Spring of Enlightenment but failed to awaken their powers. They had pinned all their hopes on this painting, traveling great distances to Old Mundo City just to chase the slim possibility of becoming a noble Mage.

In the Empire, a family without a Mage could never become true nobility. They could be wealthy, but they could never hold real power. They were barred from many places open only to Mages and were thus unable to witness the true, breathtaking scope of the world.

From ancient times to the present, the history of every era has been written by Wizards. Mortals are not worthy of inclusion.

Having been exposed to Mysticism, no one was content with a narrow, ignorant existence.

And so, nearly everyone who came to the ball tonight was here for the First Saintess’s painting.

They were all eager and anxious, but since the hosts were the Little Gista Family, they didn’t dare to press the issue.

For commoners, the very title of "Baron" was an insurmountable mountain.

But while they didn’t dare, others did.

The First Saintess’s painting didn’t just offer mortals a chance to gain Magic Power. Wizards below the rank of Grand Mage could also gain enlightenment from it.

Among the attendees tonight were plenty of nobles whose status far exceeded that of a Baron.

And they had no intention of indulging the Little Gista Family.

"What is this nonsense? Is this how you treat your guests?"

"When is this going to start? At least give us a time! Have you no sense of hospitality?"

"You couldn’t possibly think we’re actually interested in your family’s pathetic little ball, could you?"

Every social class has its own circle. A ball hosted by a Baron Family might attract a Viscount or two at most. The majority of guests would be Knights or common families with no title at all. What networking opportunities could such a low-class ball possibly offer?

"Hurry and bring out the painting of Her Highness the Saintess!"

"Everyone, everyone... Please, calm yourselves."

Seeing things were getting out of hand, Agivis rushed onto the stage, his face beaded with sweat and plastered with an apologetic smile.

According to the original schedule, the painting was supposed to be unveiled an hour after the ball began. The idea was to let everyone chat, get to know one another, and make friends. It was also an opportunity for the Little Gista Family to connect with influential figures. Who would have thought the nobles would be so dismissive? Making them wait any longer would likely backfire, so Agivis had no choice but to take the stage and save the situation by bringing out the First Saintess’s painting ahead of schedule.

"Good evening, distinguished guests. I am Agivis, the director of Eve Mansion. On behalf of the Little Gista Family, allow me to welcome you all to our ball at Eve Mansion tonight."

Agivis held a microphone, his voice laced with Magic Power as it spread throughout the hall, swiftly silencing the chattering crowd. In the corner, the pianist stopped playing, ceding the floor to Agivis.

Seeing that the Little Gista Family was finally taking action, the nobles fell silent and began to applaud with a tacit understanding.

After all, this was the Little Gista Family’s territory. Agivis had shown them deference by coming out to address their complaints, and they, in turn, were willing to afford him the same courtesy.

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