The Dark Mage Of The Magus World-Chapter 103 - 104: Elusha

"The one who took the task... is Lady Elusha, the ruler of Ryan City." Ward glanced around cautiously before lowering his voice.

"The city lord?" Hutson was caught off guard. He had never expected someone of such stature to take on his request.

He had heard of Lady Elusha long before arriving in Ryan City.

Tales of her were whispered in the streets, spoken in hushed tones in taverns and noble halls alike.

Elusha was born into one of the most powerful aristocratic families in the Doris Kingdom. Her father, Duke Barton, was a name that carried both reverence and fear. Eight years ago, she had been wed to the ruler of Ryan City—a political marriage meant to solidify the alliance between two powerful forces.

Yet, barely a month after the wedding, tragedy struck. The city lord fell gravely ill and, despite the desperate efforts of even the most mysterious of healers, he succumbed to his affliction.

Rumors spread like wildfire.

Some said his death was natural, others whispered of foul play. There were those who believed Duke Barton orchestrated the entire marriage as a ploy to seize control of Ryan City. After all, the city lord had been in his prime, healthy and strong.

For him to wither away so suddenly... it was too convenient.

Others speculated that it was Elusha herself—so captivating, so alluring—that had drained him to his death.

Regardless of the rumors, Duke Barton wasted no time. He leveraged his vast influence, ensuring his daughter was installed as the new ruler of Ryan City.

Opposition came swiftly, but it was just as swiftly crushed. The loyalists of the former city lord were removed—some quietly, others with blood.

Now, after eight years, every key position within the city’s administration belonged to Elusha’s people. She ruled with an iron grip, her authority unquestioned.

"Why would someone like her be interested in my request?" Hutson’s thoughts churned.

Ward noticed his expression and sighed. "I don’t know the details, but one thing is certain—Lady Elusha has information you need.

However, I cannot summon her to meet you. If you wish to speak with her, you will have to go to her."

Hutson nodded, understanding. "Very well."

He turned toward the courtyard.

"Ed! Prepare the carriage—we’re heading to the city lord’s estate."

Ed, ever efficient, appeared moments later with the horses, securing them to the carriage. As Ward had fulfilled his duty, he took his leave.

The City Lord’s Estate loomed at the northernmost edge of Ryan City—a fortress in all but name.

Its towering walls loomed high, shielding its secrets from the prying eyes of the common folk. Heavily armed guards patrolled the ramparts, their presence a stark reminder of the power that resided within.

Before the carriage could draw too close, a trio of soldiers stepped forward, weapons in hand.

"Halt! State your purpose!"

Without hesitation, Hutson pulled back the curtain of the carriage and spoke calmly, his voice carrying authority. "I am Gerant. I have business with Lady Elusha.

Announce my arrival."

The soldiers, hardened by battle, instantly sensed something different about him. The moment he pulled back the curtain, an invisible pressure weighed down on them—a force that tightened their chests and stole their breath.

For a fleeting moment, it felt as though an unseen hand had gripped their very souls.

Then, just as quickly as it had come, the suffocating presence faded.

The guards exchanged uncertain glances. He wasn’t here to force his way in—if he had been, they doubted they could have stopped him. One of them quickly turned and sprinted toward the castle.

The remaining two soldiers kept their weapons raised, their grip tight despite the sweat on their brows. Even if they knew they were no match, duty demanded they stand their ground.

Moments later, the runner returned.

"Sir Gerant, you are granted entry."

Hutson stepped out of the carriage, his boots meeting the cobblestone with deliberate calm. He followed the soldier toward the estate, while Ed remained behind to await his return.

The moment he stepped past the gates, he felt as if he had walked into a different world.

The City Lord’s Estate was a masterpiece of elegance—a sprawling garden of beauty and power intertwined.

Exotic flowers bloomed in vibrant hues, their fragrance carried by the gentle breeze. Crystal-clear fountains danced in the sunlight, and a network of small streams wove through the landscape, their waters whispering secrets as they flowed.

Yet beneath this beauty, Hutson sensed something more—a hidden weight in the air, a silent watchfulness.

The escort led him through two grand halls before stopping before a residential palace nestled deeper within the estate.

A long flight of stairs led up to its entrance. At the top, a stern-faced man, likely in his forties, stood with his arms crossed, his sharp gaze locked onto Hutson like a predator sizing up a threat.

The escort turned to Hutson. "Sir Gerant, this is where I leave you. Knight-Commander Levan will take you to see Lady Elusha."

With that, he departed, leaving Hutson to ascend the steps alone.

Another Grand Knight, Hutson mused.

Levan did not speak a word, his piercing eyes never leaving Hutson as he climbed the stairs. There was no mistaking it—the man harbored an unspoken hostility toward him.

Why? Hutson had never met him before. And yet, there was no mistaking the mixture of wariness and disdain in his gaze.

Still, Levan turned with a rigid motion and strode ahead, leading Hutson through a labyrinth of corridors. Twisting halls, turns upon turns—deliberate, calculated. A lesser man might have lost his bearings.

Finally, they arrived before a grand set of double doors.

Levan lowered his head slightly and announced, "Lady Elusha, Gerant has arrived."

A voice—smooth as silk, calm yet carrying a weight of authority—answered from within.

"Let him in."

Levan gave a slight nod and pushed open the heavy doors.

Without so much as a glance inside, he stepped aside, standing like a sentinel at the threshold.

Hutson took a deep breath and stepped forward, crossing into the domain of the most powerful woman in Ryan City.

As Hutson stepped inside, he barely had time to take in his surroundings before the heavy doors slammed shut behind him, sealing him in.

His sharp gaze swept across the room. Luxury dripped from every corner.

The furniture alone was a testament to wealth beyond measure—each chair carved from the rarest of woods, worth more than a common man could hope to earn in a lifetime. Gold accents shimmered in the dim light, and the air carried a faint, intoxicating scent of exotic incense.

Yet, his attention was quickly drawn to the farthest corner of the chamber.

There, upon an opulent bed draped in silken sheets, a woman reclined languidly. One arm propped up her head, while the other idly plucked grapes from a gilded tray before her.

She was Elusha, the ruler of Ryan City.

Hutson’s gaze flickered over her. She wore a loose, flowing robe, its neckline plunging deep, revealing smooth, porcelain skin. The fabric draped lazily over her form, hinting that she might not be wearing anything beneath it at all.

Long, elegant legs peeked from beneath the silk, their soft curves exposed in the shifting folds of her robe. Barefoot, her delicate toes rested against the cool marble floor, pale as ivory and utterly unguarded.

She picked up another grape, pressing it between her lips before swallowing it whole.

Then, with a voice as smooth as velvet, she spoke. "You stand before Elusha, Lord of Ryan City."

Hutson narrowed his eyes. "You know my name?"

It was not a question of curiosity—it was a question of caution.

Elusha’s lips curled into a knowing smile. "Do not be so wary, Lord Hutson. I hold no hostility toward you."

She leaned forward slightly, her gaze unreadable. "Like you, I have dabbled in the arcane arts. I am but a humble apprentice of the mystic path. My talent, however..." She let out a soft, almost self-deprecating laugh. "Let’s just say it leaves much to be desired. My uncle Dino tried many ways to aid my progress, but even with all his efforts, I remain but a first-tier apprentice."

Hutson studied her carefully, his instincts still sharp. This woman was no ordinary ruler—and certainly no ordinary apprentice of magic