Chapter 004: Did You Ask Me First?

This astonishing killing aura, like frost, enveloped the entire area in an instant. Even with so many experts present, they were unable to react in time. Edward, who was about to strike, sensed this killing aura and suddenly sneered before stepping back several steps. Francis slowly retracted his blood-red rose, his expression growing increasingly grim. Yet he didn’t leave immediately but stepped back beside Ampere, remaining silent.

After a moment, a voice devoid of any human emotion slowly spoke, “Very good! Francis, if you had run away just now, I guarantee you’d be nothing but a corpse by now!”

Then, a tall figure slowly descended in front of Francis. As he landed, about a hundred more people came down from all directions. The tall figure glanced in the direction of Prince Fischer and, seeing that the prince was unharmed, he said solemnly, “Your Highness Fischer, I arrived too late to save you. I truly deserve death!”

It was only then that Du Fan clearly saw that the tall figure was a man, around forty years old, quite handsome, with exquisitely groomed facial hair. Yet the killing aura on his face could not be concealed. He wore a magic robe, but it was more form-fitting than ordinary magic robes. Du Fan could tell that such a design improved mobility, unlike traditional magic robes, which were somewhat loose and flowing but could hinder movement when fighting.

His hands were covered with rings embedded with magic stones from various elements—probably no fewer than twenty. Yet wearing them didn’t give him an air of nouveau riche; instead, it only intensified his killing aura.

Among those who descended with him, about a dozen also wore similar attire, but with fewer rings. As for the rest, Du Fan quickly recognized them as members of the inner court.

It seemed these people in magic robes were the court magicians!

Hearing these words from the tall figure, Prince Fischer smiled faintly and said, “Master Abraham, this attack was due to my own carelessness. How could Master be at fault…”

Upon hearing this name, Du Fan was slightly stunned and couldn’t help but glance at Prince Fischer. This Master Abraham seemed to be the leader of the court magicians… No wonder Prince Fischer treated him with such respect.

Upon hearing Prince Fischer’s words, Abraham nodded slightly and said, “If Your Highness is fine, I’m relieved. But as for the culprit, I must deal with him as well!” At that, Abraham made a gesture, and several of the court mages immediately stepped forward to Prince Fischer’s side, offering a gesture of invitation. Prince Fischer frowned and pointed at Du Fan, saying, “Take Lord Du Fan with you.” The court mages were stunned and couldn’t help but glance at Abraham. Abraham’s gaze swept over Du Fan, who felt a chill run through his body and almost collapsed… Abraham’s killing intent was almost tangible… Was this the leader of the court mages? No wonder the Gavin royal family had remained strong over the years—having such a powerful force at their back made it difficult to overthrow them. After glancing at Du Fan a few more times, Abraham seemed to frown and said, “Your Highness, this man isn’t one of us. If he…” Before he could finish, Prince Fischer shook his head impatiently and said, “If it weren’t for Lord Du Fan blocking Ampere just now, you would be here to collect my body!” Hearing this, a hint of surprise flashed in Abraham’s eyes, but he quickly replied, “In that case, take him with you!” He then gestured to the court mages. Those mages quickly approached Du Fan and made an invitation gesture. Du Fan frowned but still followed their gesture and walked over. After stepping back a few meters, Du Fan and Prince Fischer stood together, while the court mages stood in a corner, each waving their hands. In moments, a faint light barrier appeared around them. Seeing this, Prince Fischer seemed to sigh in relief. He waved his hand to dispel the barrier surrounding him and, looking somewhat weak, said, “This is a protective magic array created by court magic—among the best in the continent. As long as we’re inside, even a holy-grade expert attacking head-on won’t be able to harm us… It’s just that Master Abraham…” He shook his head helplessly and sighed. Du Fan frowned slightly—it seemed Prince Fischer was also a bit afraid of that Abraham. The relationships here were quite strange.

Given his status, he shouldn’t have been entitled to interfere in such matters, but at that moment, Du Fan inexplicably asked, “Master Abraham, what’s wrong?”
Prince Fischer sighed and said, “Although Abraham is my subordinate, I have always respected him and rarely go against his wishes. Moreover, those who practice the secret magic texts of court mages tend to be hot-tempered and full of murderous intent. From Master Abraham’s appearance tonight, it seems he’s truly enraged because of the ambush… I’m afraid Master Ampere and Lord Francis are doomed… As for my elder brother…”
At this point, Prince Fischer glanced at Du Fan and said, “Du Fan, do you understand what I mean?”
Du Fan’s heart skipped a beat as he quickly lowered his gaze and said, “I… don’t understand…”
Fortunately, Prince Fischer didn’t notice Du Fan’s expression. He sighed again, glanced at Abraham in the distance, and said, “If Francis and Ampere are killed, my relationship with my elder brother will be completely ruined. With my current strength, I’m far from being his match… When our father was still alive, he could somewhat restrain my elder brother, but now that we’re fully at odds… I’m afraid… my elder brother might kill our father to seize the throne… It’s a pity that Master Abraham definitely won’t stop tonight, unless…”
With that, Prince Fischer sighed once more.
But Du Fan felt a chill run down his spine. How could he listen to such things given his status? Every struggle for the throne had resulted in bloodshed in the capital!
What did it mean for Prince Fischer to whisper such heart-wrenching words in his ear?
Was he planning to kill them to silence them? Or force him to side with him?
Under these circumstances, Du Fan believed that even if he and Chenchen joined forces, they probably wouldn’t stand a chance against those court mages and secret guards…
Seemingly noticing Du Fan’s expression, Prince Fischer chuckled lightly and said, “Lord Du Fan… you needn’t worry. You saved my life today. Even if I’m useless, I won’t do anything to you. What I said earlier was just something I’ve been holding back for a long time. Consider it just a sigh of regret. Just pretend you didn’t hear anything, Lord Du Fan.”
Du Fan nodded repeatedly in agreement.
Seeing this, Prince Fischer said nothing more, only letting out a soft sigh.
In the scene, Abraham stood there with a cold expression, watching as the remaining court mages stood a few meters away from Francis and Ampere, while those in the inner court also wore murderous looks.

Abraham glanced a few times; it seemed only then that he noticed the others. His gaze swept over Edward, and suddenly he sneered, saying, “Honorable Grand President, what brings you here today?”
This court mage and the mage guild belonged to different factions and had always been at odds, so it wasn’t surprising for Abraham to have such an expression.
Upon hearing this, Edward simply hummed lightly and said, “I want that Ampere’s head. Hand it over to me later.”
Abraham’s expression turned strange. “Although he attacked Prince Fischer, he’s still part of our royal family. It’s not your place to kill him… But don’t worry. I know you care about face. After I kill him, I’ll give you his head… You can put it in your office to look impressive!”
“You…” Edward seemed about to explode, but suddenly he laughed and said, “Then thank you, Master Abraham!”
With that, Edward stepped back a few steps.
Abraham’s gaze fell on Anthony again. He said indifferently, “Lord Anthony, what are you people from the Holy Church doing here again? Praying?”
Anthony smiled slightly and said, “Prince Fischer is the pope’s godson. It’s only right for us to protect him.”
Abraham frowned but said nothing more, only replying coldly, “If you dare get in the way when I act, hum…”
Anthony smiled slightly but said nothing further.
After glancing at Anthony once more, Abraham’s gaze shifted to Ampere and Francis. Suddenly, he slowly stretched out his hand and said grimly, “A waste and a holy warrior? It seems I can have some fun today. Francis, don’t blame me after you die. If you must blame someone, blame yourself for opposing Prince Fischer!”
Just as he finished speaking, soft applause was heard. Moments later, a voice with a hint of laughter came from afar, “Master Abraham… You’re truly impressive… But before you touch my man, did you ask me first?”