Although Lilly only whispered. Esther, Ashton and the white haired woman heard it clearly. Ashton looked at Lilly approvingly while Esther just sighed 'I don't if her excessive love for him is good or bad.'
The white haired woman's expression twisted when she heard what Lilly said and she looked at Max hatefully. "You should know that her future wouldn't be any better than a commoner is she stayed with you and who know what might happen when you aren't even strong enough to protect yourself."
When Ashton heard this, his expression sunk as he remembered his wife's fate. She was right. If you are powerful enough, no one would dare to try anything dodgy with you. But when he looked at Max and Lilly to say something, nothing came out of his mouth. He knew what love is. In front of love no reasoning works. He also just sighed and didn't speak.
The white haired woman continued "If she goes with me, I guarantee that she will become strong. Stronger than this kingdom's Kings or even stronger than me. And while she is there she will be safe." This time her cold voice had a hint a pride.
Lilly heard this and suddenly thought 'If I can become this strong then I'll be able to live with him and accompany him everywhere without any problem.' She became excited as she thought this but her excitement vanished the next moment when she remembered that she will not be able to see him a least for a few years if she went with this woman.
Max took a deep breath and looked at Lilly and gently said "I think you should go with this woman and join the Ice sovereign mountain."
He finally decided that it would be best if Lilly became strong as soon as possible. A few years of separation doesn't matter if she could become at least four or five star mage and this Ice sovereign mountain must have the capabilities to raise their disciples to this level. If she doesn't go with her then she would always be weaker than him as he has the cheat system to become strong.
The white haired woman nodded slightly and thought 'At least he isn't as stupid and can use his brain.' But in the next moment expression become slightly awkward.
"No!" Lilly shook her head resolutely, her eyes become slightly misty. "I don't want to. I will join a magic academy with you and work hard. I can become strong there too."
Max sighed. He also didn't want her to go away from him but he knew this would be best for her. But seeing her firm attitude he was also helpless so he could only turn to the woman and ask "Can you give us time to discuss?"
The woman also noticed Lilly's reluctance and said plainly "I'll give you one day. Tomorrow morning I need her decision no matter if she wants to go with me or not."
Max was about to nod when he noticed that she has already disappeared, only leaving frosty air behind.
Max turned around and said "Father let's continue the feast. I will discuss this matter later with Lilly." Then he led her to the dining table and sat down with her.
Ashton also came to his senses and smiled at his guests "Friends, Let's continue the feast." Everyone nodded and started eating but their mind wasn't focused on it anymore only Hangchi ate with pleasure.
Timon had a twisted expression on his face. Although he didn't know what Ice sovereign mountain was but by studying Ashton and others' expression when it was mentioned, he knew it wasn't something ordinary. If someone from Garfield family made connection with it. His father may not be able to realise his goal.
After the feast, Madam Mari, Hangchi and others bade thier farewell and went to their respective destinations. Timon also went away with Madam Mari. He didn't dare stay there.
...Night time, Max's room...
Max and Lilly were lying on the bed. Lilly was leaning on his body with her head on his chest. Max caressed her hair and said softly "Lilly, I think you should go and join the Ice sovereign moun-"
Before he could complete his sentence, Lilly interrupted him and shook her head "No I won't leave you."
Max cupped her face and kissed on her forehead. "Let me explain something to you. After that you can decide, Okay."
"Mhm." She nodded and put her head on his chest again.
"Tell me, you haven't heard of Ice sovereign mountain right?" He asked and after Lilly shook her head he continued.
"The best magic academy in the Green leaf kingdom is The Royal magic academy even so, it is classified in the lower graded..."
Max took his time explaining what Ice sovereign mountain entails. After completing his explanation, he stayed silent for a few minutes to let her digest all the information.
He then asked "So what do you think about joining the Ice sovereign mountain now? You should know that even the emperor level mages aren't worth much in front of it. It's a heaven sent opportunity."
Lilly raised her head to look into his eyes and seeing that he was serious about sending her there, she said "I know it's very good opportunity but I-I don't think I can live without seeing you for years. Wouldn't it be better if we both join Royal academy, we can become strong there too. W-Won't you also miss me if I went away?" At the end, she was almost sobbing.
Max hugged her in his arms and wiped her tears. He raised his head and said "Of course I'll miss you. But I also know that without strength, I, you, all of us are like a sheep in Wolf's den that can lose its life in the next moment without putting up any resistance.
He then looked at her and smiled "I need you to know that I also love you as much as you love me. I was prepared to go and join an academy with you and increase our strength slowly, but now you have such a good place to go and train in, so I want you go there." Seeing that she still wanted to say something he said in teasing tone "if you can become as strong as that woman in these few years, won't we be able to roam the world without any worry of being bullied and have fun all our life?"
Lilly closed her eyes. After a long while she opened them again and as she snuggled deeper in his arms she said in a faint voice "Okay I'll listen to you but on one condition."