THREE months had passed since Ed’s successful Magic Sigil was unveiled.
Aristocrats had come from all over to attend the King’s Special Assembly.
Ed stood in the middle of the assembly hall. I was seated behind Daddy, my eyes firmly fixed on Ed. His short black hair was smoothed back and his face was tense.
“Step forward, Edoile Licht La Boulacherie.”
Ed walked forward upon Daddy’s summons and paused in front of the throne. Then he knelt, lowering his head. Daddy ordered him to lift his head and Ed did so.
“Your research is truly remarkable! The name of Najir will be celebrated across the world as many other countries benefit from your incredible invention. As a reward for your efforts for our country, I hereby appoint you Senior Royal Magician and bequeath to you a large estate located not far from the palace.”
Daddy was bestowing a new title and lands upon Ed as a reward for his invention.
Senior Royal Magician was a high title indeed, as there were only a few, and they were considered the absolute magical elite. In this era, where the title of Magic Count was legendary and seemingly unobtainable, Senior Royal Magician was the highest title the king could bestow on a magician.
Ed listened intensely to Daddy’s words, motionless. Daddy paused then, having come to the end of the list of lands and properties Ed would receive.
“I thank you for this honor, Your Highness.” Ed bowed low before Daddy.
I watched in solemn, stunned silence.
It can’t be…? It’s not happening, after all?
Yes, Ed had received a high title and lands and riches and all that. But what we wanted most of all was for him to get that special title of Magic Count.
I was so sure it’d all work out fine… I was shocked with dismay.
“And there is one more item to discuss.” Daddy was speaking again. “I bestow upon you the title of Magic Count.”
The crowd erupted in excited cheers.
Everyone knew that a Special Assembly had been called, and there was a lot of gossip about why. But no one could’ve expected that a new Magic Count would be announced. After all, there hadn’t been one in a hundred years, not since the great magician Longile.
The title of Magic Count was on par with that of a real count.
It came with no lands, but it was a title that would rank Ed at the top of the peerage.
“Thank you, Your Highness…! I am most pleased to accept. As Magic Count, I swear to…I swear to serve the land of Najir for as long as I live…!”
The tension seemed to have left Ed’s body suddenly, and he trailed off, as if overcome and lost for words. Daddy looked down at Ed and broke into a big smile.
“I consider myself blessed to rule a land with a magician like you to call our own. We’re all excited to see what you do next.” Then Daddy lowered his voice a few octaves. “We can discuss the other details elsewhere. Later.”
Then Daddy raised his hands high to signal that the Assembly was over.
All of a sudden, Ed was surrounded by people wanting to shake his hand, clap him on the back, and be among the first ones to tell him “Congratulations!”