The message from the Duke's family regarding the Soul Hall couldn't be said to shock Ian for an entire year, but it definitely left him stunned for at least a few seconds.
No way around it.
Anyone else would probably be as bewildered as Ian.
If one were to insist that the tale of Hogwarts is a fairy tale, it would be plausible. However, Ian never expected to hear the name of his uncle's old flame in this era.
Lily Evans!
A character who wouldn't be born for over a thousand years, the mother of the Savior Harry Potter, unexpectedly turned out to be a wizard in the Soul Hall, and active in this medieval era of sword and magic.
This is undoubtedly information that caught the Little Wizard off guard. It might also imply that the Soul Hall possesses the ability to travel through time and should have some method to negate the potential effects of time travel.
At the very least, they must be able to mitigate the impacts of time travel. Otherwise, a group of people constantly traversing the timeline would disrupt the original course of history, no matter how careful they are.
"The means to exempt or diminish the cost, is it that shadowy presence enveloping the whole body?" Ian first thought about the shadow shrouding the big gray wolf.
The big gray wolf he captured seemed to care quite a lot about this layer of disguise.
When Ian previously tried to disperse the shadow on it, the fear and panic exhibited by the wolf were quite evident. Perhaps this disguise, while providing benefits, also carried a cost.
"Hmm, it fits the alchemical principle of equivalent exchange." Ian had researched that type of shadow a bit before, and the information he could confirm was that the shadow wasn't purely magic. It seemed more like a "shell" crafted using alchemical means paired with magic, which is presumably why the Duke said all wizards of the Soul Hall are shrouded in shadow.
Compared to magic, the greatest advantage of alchemical creations is that they don't require extraordinary learning ability and talent. They can mass-produce things comparable to complex magic.
Obviously.
The shadowy "shell" worn by the big gray wolf is undoubtedly something akin to the "uniform" of the Soul Hall, a mass-produced creation of which every wizard or humanoid in the Soul Hall can have one.
"But even so, the idea of my uncle's old flame becoming a Soul Hall wizard is still somewhat explosive. I wonder what my uncle's reaction would be if he found out."
"His expression would surely be explosive... even his poker face would get cured." Ian couldn't help but imagine, a sense of mischief in his heart stirring restlessly. It would be best if he could get a photo of Lily Evans! By then, Snape's magic potion cabinet would be his to rummage through as he pleased!
Even if he emptied it! Snape would probably act like he doesn't know and just blame Harry Potter! The more Ian thought about it, the more eager he felt inside.
"Can you still contact the Soul Hall? Either Cinderella... or Lily Evans would be fine?" Ian couldn't help but speak up, his enthusiasm for the Soul Hall making the Duke ponder.
Of course.
The contemplation in his mind didn't affect his response to Ian's question. Nobles like him are fundamentally skilled at multitasking, so he took a moment to gather his thoughts before responding.
"I don't think I have such means. The Soul Hall has never provided a way to contact them. Most of the time, they reach out to me regularly on their own."
"Of course, their goal isn't me, but... my child." The Duke looked at Little Morgan, "They have an almost incomprehensible interest in my daughter."
At this point.
The Duke paused for a moment, giving his wife a meaningful look.
"Dear, it seems there's some sauce on your clothes. Let me take you to change." Lady Igraine received the hint immediately and used the excuse of Little Morgan needing to change her soiled clothes to take her away from the banquet, where she had been eagerly listening for information about wizards.
This was clearly an excuse to get Little Morgan out of the room.
"Uh, alright." Little Morgan looked at her dress and indeed found a small stain on the hem. She frowned a bit reluctantly and stood up.
Noble etiquette still had a slight hold on her at this age. Perhaps she wouldn't care so much if it were someone else, but the guest of the banquet was her teacher. Dining with her teacher in a soiled dress certainly wouldn't seem very polite.
"Be good, changing clothes will be quick, and we'll be right back." Lady Igraine smiled gently, took Morgan's hand, and coaxed her as they headed out.
Morgan looked at her father, then at Ian, and finally nodded, following her mother out of the banquet hall. After her figure disappeared at the door, the Duke's expression became more serious.
He took a deep breath, his gaze returning to Ian, "Mr. Prince, there are some matters regarding the Soul Hall I wish to discuss with you."
Ian raised his eyebrows, a hint of confusion in his eyes, and said with some surprise, "Duke, what matters need to be discussed without Miss Morgan present?"
It was clear he understood why the Duke had sent Little Morgan away.
The Duke pondered for a moment, his fingers gently tapping the table, as if contemplating how to begin. After a brief pause, he slowly spoke, "Morgan has had an extraordinary curiosity and interest in dangerous things since she was little. She always loves exploring the unknown and mysterious, even at the risk of adventure."