Chapter 81: Choice
Sebastian came holding a tray over his hands, the wine glasses clinking as he shuffled his way to the chairs, looking like a stuck-up fellow from a high-standing family who got offended in a way he had never experienced before. He placed the tray gently over the table, waited for a few seconds to hear a word from Master Archibald, and removed himself from the hall when none came.
Actions and consequences, Sebastian. We’ve all been through the same.
Valens sipped the wine he was offered after Sebastian’s silent departure. He gave himself time to think through the matters they’d discussed with Master Archibald.
On the surface, it looked good. More than good, in fact, which made him suspicious if he would be limiting his options by accepting this invitation. But then, the man told him there were no restrictions for the members of the Magi Guild. Being a member was free of charge.
There’s no such thing as a free lunch in any world. Something’s not right here.
“You’re questioning my motives,” Master Archibald said. “Thinking perhaps there’s a secret agenda here that you’re not aware of, a sort of plot that involves the bright minds of the world. Something is not right, you must be asking yourself. Surely there has to be a purpose shrouded behind all these fancy walls and golden lights. Well, allow me to offer a word to you.”
“I’d be glad to hear it, Sir,” Valens nodded.
“These walls,” Master Archibald waved a hand around them. “These glasses,” he took his own wine and swirled the wine inside. “These floors,” he tapped a foot down, and the marbled ground answered with a rich thump. “And mostly, the land we’re given by the authorities, even if some of them hate our guts. Tell me, what do you think is the reason why we’re granted these things for free?”
Valens narrowed his eyes. He had a few guesses, but he wasn’t sure enough to speak them out.
“Let me rephrase it,” Master Archibald smiled deeply. “What do you think is the most expensive thing in this world?”
“Information,” Valens answered without giving it a second thought.
Master Archibald blinked at him. Slowly, he leaned back in the chair, peering into Valens’s eyes as though he was seeing him for the very first time. “You’re right,” he muttered, much more silent than his initial confident voice. “It’s information.”