"Is this the Holy Festival? There are a lot of people here...and a lot of presences. My instincts are not calming down."

Iris complained as she looked around the people-filled place.

The only other time she had been in such a place was when she was in the gladiator ring, so her instincts must have been associating this place with danger and staying alert.

But she was not the only one who was at such a huge festival for the first time.

Leon and Seraphina were looking around with wide-eyed innocent expressions, taking in the atmosphere around them.

"You can go and check out the stalls and other attractions. Just make sure not to go too far away from me."

Kael told the kids and they nodded before heading toward a gaming booth which was sure to be a scam.

In the end, the kids did not win (as he expected) and they realized that the game had been a scam as well.

"We’re sorry for wasting your money."

Seraphina sounded guilty as she apologized and Kael just patted her on the head.

"It is alright. Money is not an issue here (it was, but this much was pocket change for him). You can play as many games as you want."

Kael told the kids as he watched them have fun for a while. But unfortunately, as much as he wanted to let these kids have fun, it was also time to confront the reason they were here in the first place.

Cardinal Flux took the stage and everyone instantly turned toward him.

"Everyone, welcome to the festival. I hope you are all having fun. I know it is a surprise for you all to see me address the opening ceremony of the festival, but it is because this is the goddess’s will. And according to her will, I also invited the hero and his teacher to the festival. But unfortunately, a reply has yet to come and their presence here is also-"

Kael waved his hand and activated the runes he kept on him.

He watched Cardinal Flux’s eyes look his way and it took a few seconds for the Cardinal to recognize him.

The Cardinal’s speech stopped midway and he became too stunned to even speak. But he controlled himself quickly before backtracking and correcting his words.

"I meant, fortunately, it seems like they have decided to grace us with their presence today. I would like to call them up here-"

By the time the Cardinal decided to address Kael, he was gone from his position, making the Cardinal gesture toward a random person with an awkward expression.

People watched this exchange with keen eyes.

No one laughed out loud, but the ridicule was visible in everyone’s eyes.

It was aimed at the Cardinal who was being made fun of by Kael.

’This feels nice. But I doubt the Cardinal would keep quiet for much longer. I better not antagonize him too much.’

Kael’s aim during this festival was to make sure it passed quietly and that he was able to take these kids back home safely.

But he had a feeling that things were not going to be that easy for him.

__________

Cardinal Flux paused mid-speech and his rhythm was thrown off as soon as he saw Kael and the hero in the crowd.

’What are those two doing here? Didn’t my assistant tell me that they did not come? Was he mistaken...? Or...did he try to screw me over?’

Cardinal Flux was a paranoid man who did not believe in anyone. He gave his assistant a glare, causing the poor man to immediately bow and apologize to him.

"Sir, I apologize for my mistake. I promise that I checked for their presence, only to find it missing when I informed you. Maybe they arrived after I made that check?"

The priest asked, causing Cardinal Flux to force himself to relax.

He knew that it could have been the case. But there was another possibility. 𝚏𝕣𝐞𝗲𝐰𝕖𝐛𝐧𝕠𝕧𝚎𝚕.𝐜𝚘𝗺

Kael could have also concealed his presence using magic. It should not have been possible, but anything was possible when one was the Grand Magician.

Not that it mattered to the Cardinal. He had already been humiliated by that kid and he was going to get his revenge one way or another.

For now, he needed to show that he was a merciful person so that he still had the people’s support.

"Hmm, I am sure that it was all a mistake. Grand Master Kael is a strong person, so I am sure he must have been trying to play a trick on us all."

Cardinal Flux felt his mouth rotting even as he said those words of praise. He wanted to tear his own mouth apart, but decided to stop himself at the last second.

His assistant looked touched that such a huge mistake on his part was being overlooked.

"Thank you, Cardinal! I promise I will never forget your mercy."

The priest bowed in front of Cardinal Flux to show his loyalty and Cardinal Flux smiled at him in his usual way. But little did the priest know that these would become the last words he shared with the Cardinal.

Cardinal Flux watched his assistant leave, and he knew that it was time to carry out his own plans.

First, he needed to sacrifice the aide. He would become the reason the hounds were let out.

And once the hounds were out, it would be the end of Kael.

’Once Grand Master Kael is out of the picture, I can take control of the hero temporarily and slowly make sure it becomes permanent.’

This all was only possible due to the anti-magic charms that were laid around the Holy Festival’s celebration site. It restricted the use of magic and he was sure the Grand Master would not dare try to break it for public safety.

Not that he cared either way.

Even if Kael did break the barriers and decided to use his full power, he would become a criminal and be thrown into jail. And everyone knew that someone with a criminal record (even a false one) could not become the hero’s teacher.

’Hmm, am I a genius? My plans seem flawless, no matter what I do. But anyway, I am one step closer to my goal of attaining eternal glory as the hero’s teacher. This will help me get closer to the goddess as well.’