Chapter Thirty-Four: Family

There was much work to be done in the Mage Tower, and now Patrick, as the chief mage, shouldered all the responsibilities alone, his hands full with tasks. His pen moved lightly, and two sets of alchemical formulas appeared on the paper.

Formula for Defense Potion: Wild Steel Flower - 1, Bramble Algae - 1
Formula for Agility Potion: Bramble Algae - 1, Golden Thorn Grass - 1

These two potions were bestsellers among the ranger troops, but Patrick had modified some of the base ingredients. When the primary materials dissolved, he added Mana Dust to the alchemical base liquid, allowing the herbs’ effects to be fully unleashed. Though a minor change, it yielded unexpected results. He compiled the formulas into a booklet and placed it in the library.

Patrick received an arcane message: “Chief Patrick, a lady named Lassia who claims to be a messenger sent by the Cabron family requests to see you.”

“Very well, I’ll wait for her in my office.”

Soon, someone pushed the door open. As before, Lassia wore a light black blouse, a skirt of red with gold embroidery along black edges, and a golden leather belt at her waist. She was the longtime steward of the Cabron family, having served them for nearly seven centuries. Lassia had been an instructor to both Patrick and his brother; Melaris managed the family’s external affairs, while Lassia was in charge of internal administration. Nearly all the family’s day-to-day matters were handled by her.

Patrick hadn’t expected Lassia to come and greeted her with delight, “Sister Lassia? Why did Father send you?”

“What’s wrong? Don’t you like me here?” Lassia sat casually in a nearby chair, not treating herself as an outsider at all.

“No, not at all. It’s just, is the family not busy? It’s rare to see you with free time.” Patrick looked at the elven lady who had watched him grow up and poured her a cup of red tea. Lassia was just as she had always been, her dress unchanged in style. Elven beauty untouched by the passage of time remained pure and refined.

“Free time is hardly the word for it. But you—this time, your exploits in the Forest of Life have made you shine, defeating the trolls’ schemes one after another. The council praised you in their announcement. All of Silvermoon is watching you, the dazzling new mage.” Lassia smiled as she sipped her tea.

“Honestly, I didn’t expect it. I’d planned to travel and study in the human city of Dalaran. Passing by the Eastern Sanctuary, I ended up joining Aurelia’s battalion by coincidence, fought the trolls, but truly, I didn’t do much.” Patrick scratched his head, embarrassed, expressing his humility.

“You certainly know how to be modest. Now, Pat, have you really reached the sixth circle?” Lassia’s smile faded, her tone turning serious.

“Yes, I’ve indeed reached the sixth circle. I explained it clearly in my magic correspondence to the family—I broke through during battle with the trolls.”

“That is truly joyous news. Pat, your father asked me to deliver this to you personally.” Lassia handed him an arcane scroll.

Patrick unrolled it and found it was the arcane key to the family’s Mage Tower, along with the spatial node for the tower’s teleportation chamber. The arcane key to the Mage Tower was the family’s highest secret; with it, he would have the highest authority in his father Phil Cabron’s Mage Tower, leaving no secrets between father and son.

“What is this? Why is Father giving me the arcane key?” Patrick looked at Lassia, perplexed and astonished.

“This is Lord Phil’s intention. Now that you have reached the sixth circle, unless something unforeseen happens, you will inherit the position of head of the Cabron family and lead us into the future.”

Patrick understood well that “unforeseen” referred to his elder brother. Unless his brother surpassed him in arcane mastery, the headship would inevitably shift. But Patrick cared little for the family headship; his worries lay further ahead—the destructive march of the Scourge Legion upon Quel’Thalas and the mass deaths of the high elves.

“Also, your proposal in your letter has been approved by Lord Phil. Though he doesn’t quite know why you’re interested in that stretch of troll territory for development, he still sent Nasalan to prepare the groundwork. Nasalan reported recently that the land is suitable for plant growth and could be used for cultivating economic herbs. Preparations for reclamation have begun, and she is working with a ranger commander named Hawksbill, who is currently in the Forest of Life as well.”

Lassia summarized the current situation in the family, everything proceeding according to Patrick’s expectations. He had nothing further to add.

“I intend to teleport home and see Father. Will you come with me?”

“Hm? Of course.”

Patrick and Lassia proceeded to the teleportation chamber and teleported directly into his father’s Mage Tower.

He returned to the familiar place where his journey as a mage had begun. Upon arriving home, his first action was always to visit his parents and inform them of his return—a tradition inherited from five thousand years of Huaxia civilization, deeply ingrained in his bones.

As he approached his father’s office, an arcane glow flickered and the door slowly opened.

“Father, I’m home.” Patrick entered his father’s office and saw old Phil’s expectant gaze, his excitement barely contained.

“It’s good to have you home.” Four simple words, but they carried the weight of a father’s deep longing for his son.

“Our Cabron family finally has a mage who surpasses the fifth circle. You have exceeded me, my son.” Phil’s voice trembled with emotion; Patrick could see his father’s arms and ears shaking slightly.

“This is only the beginning. The sixth circle marks the start of my path as a mage.”

“This is how the men of the Cabron family ought to be.” His father sat back down and sent a message outward, announcing that tonight they would celebrate his younger son’s advancement with great festivity.

Patrick left his father’s office and returned to his old room, which remained perfectly intact and spotless, evidently well-maintained and cleaned. This familiar environment brought him peace of mind.

He took a simple bath, then donned the formal attire reserved for family celebrations. His father was delighted; tonight’s banquet was prepared with extraordinary grandeur. His mother, Anna Cabron, had begun preparations early. His elder brother Paterson Cabron and sister-in-law Nasalan had also returned home. The entire family was present, even Lassia and Melaris, usually busy with affairs, sat together at the dinner table.