Chapter 751

Chapter 751: The Advisor’s Duty

Jesse Seso had spent a week at the Storm Altar. After acquiring the demonic enhancement magic from Demisette Cloyce, he promptly returned to Stormwind with his demon servants, excluding Kallez.

He needed to report to the king about capturing the Tower of Ilgalar. Being absent from Stonewatch Keep for a week or two could be excused by claiming he’d lingered in Lakeshire or Goldshire, but a longer disappearance would raise suspicions—especially given his identity as a warlock.

Though the king’s court publicly trusted him, suspicious behavior would stir private talk.

Returning to Stormwind at dawn, Jesse stashed his belongings at home, changed from his robe, and rushed to Stormwind Keep as guards changed shifts.

Guards saluted upon seeing him. After Jesse stated his purpose, the captain escorted him into the palace.

Walking up the long ramp amid announcements of his name and title—"Court Mage Advisor"—Jesse straightened his collar, striving to live up to the role.

The captain led him to a side hall, where Jesse had last met the king after confronting Teron Gorefiend. Back then, Varian Wrynn seemed youthful, still forging his kingly image. Now, nearly five years after Stormwind’s liberation, he’d grown into the crown.

Beside the king stood an older woman. Though wrinkles and white hair revealed her age, her posture and expression radiated vitality, defying any label of frailty.

"I’ve heard about the Tower of Ilgalar, Jesse," Varian said, glancing at her before continuing. "Not one soldier lost. We haven’t seen such a flawless operation in years. So what if black magic was involved? Hard facts will silence the critics."

"Handing you the tower faced no opposition. You surpassed our hopes tenfold. I never doubted a champion who saved the Red Dragon Queen would fret over gnolls."

"Visit the Wizard’s Sanctum when you can. Master Andromath will give you the land deed and paperwork. Sign them to claim the tower officially. Having someone trustworthy there means more than I can express, Jesse."

"My deepest thanks, Your Majesty," Jesse replied.

Varian smiled. "Now, meet the kingdom’s true Guardian." *This woman?*

Varian used the feminine form—"Guardian"—making Jesse wonder if she was Medivh’s mother, Aegwynn, the sorceress who’d claimed the Tirisfal Guardian title for eight centuries.

But though wed to Stormwind’s court mage Nielas Aran, she hardly qualified as *this* kingdom’s protector. Besides, Aegwynn magically preserved her youth despite white hair—she wouldn’t look this aged.

"Lady Pasionia Shaw, founder and leader of SI:7," Varian introduced. *Pasionia Shaw?*

Jesse didn’t know her, but the surname stood out—especially tied to SI:7. In the game, its leader was Matthias Shaw. Their relation? Mother and son?

With the game’s timeline over a decade away, Matthias would be young then. This woman looked sixty or seventy—perhaps older, given her vigor.

*Grandmother?*

"Not for much longer, Your Majesty," Pasionia Shaw said gently. "Age and health bar me from this burden. With peace here, I fear I’ve lost touch with the young."

"At least guide the kingdom to a worthy successor, my lady," Varian replied respectfully.

"This is Jesse Seso, newest member of the court mages. No introduction needed."

"Indeed." Pasionia nodded at Jesse. "A pleasure, Mr. Seso."

"The honor is mine, my lady," Jesse said, bowing.

The king turned to him. "Though SI:7 operates in shadows, I gather you’ve heard of them, Jesse?"

Jesse nodded, uneasy that admitting this might reveal too much before Lady Shaw. Yet he’d likely overheard talk from Andromath or Malin—probably overthinking.

"I’ll leave you to talk, Your Majesty," Pasionia said, inclining her head. "Do remind Regal."

"Of course. My mind hasn’t slipped that far, Your Majesty."

With another nod to Jesse, she exited. The moment she vanished, Varian’s respectful smile dissolved.

He met Jesse’s eyes. "Lordaeron’s news reached me. King Terenas II’s illness. Lord Dalaran Prestor being Deathwing himself. Every Alliance court now questions who among them hides a dragon in mortal skin."

"You foresaw this—black dragons masquerading as humans to infiltrate us. Yet you claimed they’d retreat to their lairs, exposing themselves. Instead, Deathwing seized a noble title outright, using his Alterac manor as cover! SI:7 moved too slowly. Without Kirin Tor’s warning, Lordaeron—and we—might still be blind."

"But it *was* Deathwing," Jesse said.

Varian nodded. "True. No blame here—Lordaeron isn’t our soil; investigations falter. Still, I’ll purge our court. Who knows what those damned black dragons plot? As the court’s black magic advisor, aid Lady Shaw in this, Jesse."

"Understood, Your Majesty."