Empire of Shadows

Chapter 9: Xue

Several weeks had passed from the beast hunt event, but the younger Fei brother didn't seem to notice. Each of his days was roughly scheduled from top to bottom. He was busy as hell.

Running around the residence with enormous number of tasks and problems, he reminded palace servants of a squirrel in a wheel. The youth himself took the, so generously provided by Huang, burden of a Clan Leader. Xue Fei nor complained, nor raged, nor showed any joy in his fate. Purely accepting the fact, he did what was expected of him.

The mage replaced his older brother on meetings, audiences, and events within their clan. The young master had to answer the letters by imitating Huang's handwriting and signature, read many reports of generals and scouts, correctly distributing the resources and maintain the vague appearance that everything was in order in their clan.

So, even now, when his body and mind desperately needed silence and rest, Xue Fei had to sit straight on the silver carved throne and with an empathetic look on his pale face listen to people's pleas.

"Young Master Xue, I speak as a head of agricultural society. I fear, this summer drought is going to affect our annual harvest. Crops are dead, leaving behind only insignificant remnants."

"How many plants have suffered the consequences?" queried the dark-haired youth.

"As of now, it's just sowings of peas, beans and some vegetables," recalled the middle-aged man, bowing. "It's not such a big problem at this day, but later, when the wintertime comes, we may be short of some foods."

This shouldn't affect common folk, especially the poor, who will have nothing to eat. I must act.

"I heard your request, Master Farmer. I will send mages who shall take care of the plants. We will retain water in the soil so that even in the heat the plant could continue to bloom on its own," concluded solemnly the younger Fei.

"Heavens bless you," blurted out the man and with a joyfully stupid face began to praise the lad before was led out of the throne room and after the doors closed once again Xue Fei was able to quietly breathe a sigh of relief. I'm almost done, just a little more.

"Young Master Xue," addressed the guardian on the entry, "there's only one visitor left for now. The rest are scheduled for the next day."

"Good, bring them in," cleared his throat the dark-haired mage.

Old and wrinkled woman set her foot in the long hall of the throne room. She was well past her sixties, but the eyes still sparkled with delight and smile was bright on her sun-tanned face. Bowing in respect to the younger Fei, she immediately acknowledged her presence. "I made a long way to deliver blessing tidings from your friends."

"I might want to ask who you are talking about?" the youth curiously leaned closer to the old dame.

"I am a servant to Tero Clan, Young Master. I was told to give you an invitation to the upcoming wedding anniversary of Clan Leader Serena. She and her husband, Master Remus, would warmly welcome you and Clan Leader Fei. And besides, our Young Master Adrian misses you a lot. He is still travelling back home; however, it was his idea for me to bring you a letter of invitation."

A warm and sweet feeling poured into his heart. Ad wants to see me. He still cares about our bond.

Xue Fei and Adrian Tero firstly met at the beast hunt several years ago. The golden boy and the younger Fei brother got into a duel for a desired dark energy wisp. Both were amazing and unmatched in their movements and techniques. Eventually, they had to stop the combat and agree for a dead heat. After the fight, both young masters respectfully shook hands and got to know each other.