This was Ronan, who was on his way to Coldstone Manor to undergo the "Talent Transplant."
"They insist on us using their specialized carriage, arranged by the manor’s servants, refusing any individual visits..."
"The family has declined so much, yet still clings to such archaic etiquette..."
Ronan shook his head, gently closing the window.
Not long after Barisha had helped him get in touch with Coldstone Manor, he received a response from them.
However, the specifics about the "Talent Transplant" still needed to be personally discussed with the infamous Lady Livi upon his arrival at the manor.
Coldstone Manor was situated on a snowy mountain several dozen kilometers away from White Stone Castle. If he used a flying tool, it would only take about ten minutes, but they insisted that Ronan take the specially provided carriage. Perhaps it was to preserve the last trace of dignity of the former wizard family.
Sitting in the swaying carriage, Ronan casually flipped through the descriptions in his hand about the talent abilities of several second-tier magical beasts available at Coldstone Manor.
He already had a few initial choices in mind, waiting to learn more upon arrival to make his final decision.
The speed of the provided carriage wasn’t slow either. Pulling the carriage was a type of warm-blooded horse peculiar to White Stone Ridge, large in stature, almost two people tall.
Their hooves were broad, suitable for running on snow, completely white, with eyes and manes of light blue, and were very presentable.
After spending about three times the flying time, Ronan finally arrived at his destination.
Stepping down with his robe in hand, Ronan was surprised to feel solid frozen soil beneath his feet, and as he looked around, there was little snow accumulated.
The vast snow fog veiled the mountains, swirling around a nearby white manor, revealing the silhouette of a huge castle.
Outside the manor, there were various blue-gray stones, frozen by ice frost, of all sizes. Perched atop these stones were flocks of grayish-blue long-tailed pigeons, perhaps the origin of the Coldstone Manor’s name.
At the manor’s entrance stood a small patch of leafless gray woods adorned with icicles. Ronan noticed several carriages similar to the one he rode in parked at the edge of the woods.
"Are there others here to visit Lady Livi?"
Ronan inquired of the driver guiding him, who nodded and respectfully answered, "Yes, sir, three gentlemen arrived before you."
It seemed that Coldstone Manor indeed had a good reputation, and the monster rumors circulating nearby didn’t overly concern the wizard community...
Ronan nodded and proceeded into the manor.
A servant had awaited him at the manor’s gate, specifically in anticipation of Ronan’s arrival.
Following the footman, Ronan casually strolled towards a white, pointed-roofed castle ahead.
Everywhere within the manor, one could see desolation, with dead, decaying plant life faintly visible on the frost-frozen soil.
Ronan used his spiritual power to casually pull a plant to him, placing it in his palm and gently rubbing it.
A particularly cold-resistant variety of iris.
Unfortunately, the climate of White Stone Ridge was simply too cold. Without the maintenance of a rune formation, even cold-resistant varieties of iris would die rapidly in the ice and snow.
Strangely enough, the ice wizards didn’t have many who favored irises...
Ronan mused casually, unconsciously nearing the enormous white castle.
The tall footman leading the way opened the castle gate, pausing to gesture for Ronan to enter.
A light red carpet stretched from the castle entrance to fill the entire hall. Inside, the lighting was bright, though the temperature differed little from outside.
At a glance, the decor was of a very traditional wizard noble style.
A woman’s voice echoed from within the castle.
Ronan had long noticed several people seated in the castle hall, all instinctively looking his way as he pushed the door open.
Ronan replied. Before arriving, he had used a mirror magic tool fragment to replicate the aura of a regular Late Level 1 Stage Wizard to disguise the unusually great spiritual power emanating from him.
"We’ve all been waiting for you... you’ve finally arrived!"
The speaking woman quickly approached Ronan, her voice tinged with joy.
She wore an exquisite blue gown, with golden hair and green eyes, and faint crow’s feet at the corners, yet she looked mature and charming.
She exuded the aura of an intermediate Level 2 Stage Wizard, yet she displayed neither the restraint nor arrogance of an advanced wizard towards Ronan, instead displaying an unusual warmth, as if they were old friends reunited after years apart.
"The service attitude isn’t bad..."
Ronan silently evaluated, then politely inquired, "Is this Lady Livi?"
"Yes, you’ve guessed correctly."
The beautiful witch known as Lady Livi approached, naturally linking her arm with Ronan’s, affectionately leading him toward the meeting place in the castle hall where a few people had gathered.
"Sir, you’re quite robust, unlike most wizards..."
Lady Livi squeezed Ronan’s arm gently and let out a coquettish laugh. Her breath, warm and faint, lightly brushed Ronan’s earlobe, causing a slight discomfort he couldn’t quite shield against.
However, Lady Livi seemed to know her limits. After leading Ronan closer, she gently released his hand, and then simply introduced to those present, "Mr. Linus... has come to Coldstone Manor for the same purpose as you all."