Chapter 59: A Sudden Disturbance

    Sylvana blinked, momentarily caught off guard by Sephira''s piercing gaze.

    Her emerald-green tunic swayed lightly in the breeze, and her loose neckline shifted just enough to reveal the faint curve of her collarbone.

    Before Sylvana could respond, Sephira turned her attention to Arvel.

    "And why is she here, Advisor?" she demanded.

    Arvel raised his hands defensively, clearly uncomfortable under the weight of Sephira''s glare.

    "Lady Sephira, please, there''s no need for alarm. This is Sylvana, a trusted aide summoned by the Emperor himself to oversee the agricultural reform project."

    Sephira''s gaze snapped back to Sylvana, her eyes narrowing further.

    "Is that so?" Sephira asked icily, stepping closer. Her presence loomed over Sylvana, her proximity making the mage blush a bit.

    "And what exactly is the nature of your relationship with His Majesty?" Sephira asked with suspicion and a touch of jealousy.

    Her eyes began to size up Sylvana, like a predator sizing up its prey, or in this instance... competition.

    Sylvana blushed only for a moment, her cheeks turning a rosy pink that matched the tips of her pointed ears. She frantically waved her hands, her voice trembling as she stammered, "N-no! That''s not it at all! I swear, I have no such connection with the Emperor! I''m here solely as an advisor for the farming initiative. Nothing more!"

    Arvel, sensing the rising tension, stepped in quickly. "Lady Sephira," he spoke softly, his voice firm and respectful.

    "I assure you, Sylvana''s presence here is entirely professional. She is a gentle soul, beloved by the people for her work in improving their livelihoods. The Emperor entrusted her with this task precisely because of her expertise and dedication. There is absolutely no impropriety here."

    Sephira''s eyes lingered on Sylvana''s now calm face for a long, silent moment. She seemed deep in thought.

    Finally, with a reluctant sigh, Sephira stepped back, her arms lowering as she gave a small nod.

    Before he could say more, Sylvana struck her staff against the stone ground with a resounding CRACK! A brilliant emerald-green magic circle flared to life beneath her, glowing with intensity. The runes etched within the circle pulsed rhythmically, releasing waves of mana.

    The air around them rippled as a colossal figure began to emerge from the circle, its massive paws stepping onto the stone with a thunderous THUD. A towering silver wolf, its fur shimmering as it rose to its full height, dwarfed everyone in the courtyard. Its piercing, golden eyes locked onto Sylvana, filled with loyalty.

    It then lowered its head.

    Sylvana climbed gracefully onto the wolf''s head as it lifted her effortlessly, her staff now glowing faintly in her hand.

    She turned her gaze to Arvel, her expression calm yet resolute. "Do not worry, Advisor Arvel," she said confidently. "I will ensure the people of the capital are safe."

    She turned her attention back to the massive wolf beneath her. "Tebltan, forward!" she commanded.

    The silver wolf dipped its head slightly in acknowledgment, its voice deep as it replied, "Yes, Lady Sylvana."

    With a powerful push of its hind legs, Tebltan leaped high into the air, clearing the towering palace walls effortlessly. The rush of wind whipped Sylvana''s hair back, but she remained fixed atop the wolf, her staff glowing brighter as her focus sharpened.

    As Tebltan landed with a ground-shaking BOOM on the other side, the wolf broke into a sprint, its massive paws thundering against the cobblestone streets. Citizens scattered out of its path, their gasps of awe and fear filling the air.

    Sylvana''s eyes narrowed as she fixated on the rising dust cloud in the distance. Her thoughts raced. Whatever had caused the explosion, she would face it head-on and protect the capital at all costs.

    Tebltan''s voice rumbled beneath her as he ran. "The source of the disturbance lies near the western wall. Shall we proceed with haste?"

    "Yes," Sylvana answered firmly. "We must reach it before more damage is done."

    The silver wolf surged forward, its luminous fur glowing faintly under the afternoon sun.

    Meanwhile, in the magic tower, the tower master suddenly sensed a powerful magic aura, causing his eyes to widen with shock as he mumbled, "This magic aura... this purity... could it really be?"

    "An Arc Mage?"