Wizard starting from shoeing donkeys Chapter 1423 - 486: Trena’s Mission (Part 3)

"As for you..."

"This... very well, I shall give it a try." Trena gave a reluctant nod after a brief silence, her cheeks flushing with a hint of red.

During her previous journey to the Empire, she had spoken of Rein to her daughter, Rebecca.

It seemed that Rebecca had developed a significant interest in the young man.

Had that not been the case, Rebecca likely would have declined to participate in this particular mission.

"Excellent. I shall await favorable tidings from Councilor Trena." A faint smile touched the lips of Vice Speaker Bertrand.

In her youth, Trena was celebrated as the finest flower of the Heidelberg Duchy. Even Bertrand himself had once entertained thoughts of wooing her.

...

Trena walked out of Bertrand’s office with a heart full of inner turmoil.

It wasn't that she harbored any dislike toward Rein. On the contrary, during her diplomatic visit to the Dragan Empire—the same trip where they faced the Corruption Dragon Agnes—she had formed a favorable opinion of the man who stood alone against such a beast.

The issue lay elsewhere... Rein was actually younger than her own daughter, Rebecca.

If she truly pursued a relationship with him...

Good heavens! What a predicament!

"Perhaps maintaining a vague, flirtatious connection with Rein is the better path for now."

"It might convince Rein to abandon the Empire for the Federation, all while keeping my own reputation intact," Trena whispered to herself.

...

That same night.

Within the grand banquet hall of Westin City Hall.

A lavish reception was being hosted by the Federation to honor the Empire Delegation.

Because their first collaborative strike had ended in a resounding triumph, the scale of this welcome gala was immense. Both the Federation’s Vice Speaker and Prince Menia of the Empire were in attendance.

Consequently, Rein—who had intended to remain in his airship quarters to grind his levels as a Skinning Master—was forced to attend the festivities.

Rein had tucked himself into a secluded corner of the hall, hoping to avoid the spotlight, yet a relentless parade of noblewomen kept approaching to offer him toasts.

"My, Lord Rein, your fame is even greater than I imagined. With so many charming ladies vying for your attention, is there truly not one who catches your eye?"

Clad in a shimmering white evening gown, Rebecca sat down beside Rein and teased him with a lighthearted laugh.

"It isn't a lack of beauty on their part; I simply find the prospect of discussing the creation of Demon Statues with Miss Rebecca far more captivating."

"Oh, Lord Rein, you certainly have a way with words. Should I take that as a clever compliment?" Rebecca giggled, instinctively covering her mouth.

There was a natural, enigmatic charm to this powerful young man that seemed to draw the opposite sex toward him like a magnet.

Rebecca found her gaze drifting toward Rein more often than she cared to admit.

Just then, a woman of mature beauty and commanding presence approached them with effortless grace, needing no flashy attire to stand out.

"Mother, what took you so long to arrive?"

At the sight of Trena, Rebecca jumped up happily and linked her arm with her mother's.

"Eh?"

Rein’s eyes widened in surprise as he looked from the young girl to the stunning woman at her side.

"Rebecca, Councilor Trena is your mother?" Rein asked, visibly taken aback.

"She is! Tee-hee, Lord Rein, did you really not notice the resemblance?"

Rebecca struck a playful pose next to Trena. Indeed, their features shared a seventy-percent similarity; standing side-by-side, they looked more like a pair of sisters than mother and daughter.

"This... I truly did not expect this."

Rein had never made the connection before, so the realization hit him out of nowhere.

At that moment, the beautiful Trena lifted her glass, offering Rein a polite smile as she toasted him.

"Lord Rein, on behalf of the Federation, I offer my gratitude to you and the members of the Crown for your role in slaying the Ice Sea Giant Demon."

"I find myself wishing that a talent like Lord Rein had been born within our Federation instead of the Empire."

Trena wore a light purple silk button-up shirt designed in a corset style, paired with tight black hunting trousers. The outfit emphasized her bountiful curves and slender waist, perfectly highlighting the allure of a mature woman.

Upon closer inspection, the gold-threaded embroidery on her clothes spoke of immense wealth and exquisite craftsmanship, marking her high social standing.

Even when surrounded by countless young debutantes, Trena’s aura remained peerless.

"I thank you for the kind words, Councilor Trena. However, the credit for slaying Gazrian, the 'Ice Sea Giant Demon,' belongs mostly to Prince Menia, Lord Reginald, and your own Sword Saint, Lord Terrio."

"I merely provided support and struck when the final opening appeared."

"Lord Rein, you are far too modest. Lord Terrio spoke very highly of your bravery on the battlefield." Councilor Trena’s eyes sparkled with genuine interest as she looked at him.

Since Rein hoped to learn more about the Sawtooth Ring from Trena, his tone was exceptionally polite.

On the other side, Trena was focused on her mission to win Rein over, making her equally charming in her responses.

As the two became engrossed in their conversation, Rebecca found herself feeling like a third wheel.

Wait?

Standing nearby, Rebecca began to eye Rein and her mother with growing suspicion.

There was something strange about the atmosphere between them.

Not only were they getting along far too well, but there seemed to be an unsaid tension hanging in the air.

Sensing the moment was right, Rein smiled and lowered his voice: "By the way, Councilor Trena, there is a private matter I was hoping to discuss with you, if you have the time?"

...