Chapter 225: Welcome Back, My Master!
The moment I stepped back into the Great Hall, dozens of gazes carrying different 'colors' immediately focused on me. Time seemed to freeze, and everyone's movements were suspended in Mid-air.
"Oh—"
After a good while, the Mercenaries on our side finally cheered loudly, as if ill-behaved fans were celebrating their team's victory. They hooked arms and slapped each other's backs. If they had glass bottles in their hands, I believe they would have thrown them without hesitation.
This was a duel that determined their life and death. Although they had long since cast aside thoughts of life and death, the duel between Experts, especially under the disparate circumstances of one against three, still made them involuntarily focus on the battle and thus generated a strong Resonance with their own Destiny.
"Haha, good, well done..."
Prince Az kept rubbing his hands, making a move to step forward, but seemed to recall my cold Attitude and could only retract his gesture, pacing excitedly in place. Even the Organizer let out a huge sigh of relief, his tense 'colored' face instantly relaxed. It seemed he had also been on tenterhooks about this bizarre duel. After all, it was one against three at the same Level; anyone with a bit of Brain wouldn't think there was the slightest Chance of Victory.
In contrast, the eight Mercenaries on Jerhyn's side wore expressions of Incredulousness and Despair. Having spent some Time with Took and the other two, these Mercenaries had a rough understanding of their Strength/Power. The three Experts, whom they saw as invincible, were actually dealt with by a Mysterious person wearing a Cloak in less than the Time it takes to eat a meal.
"Prince Az, I don't think now is the Time to be happy yet."
Seeing them looking overjoyed and forgetting themselves, I couldn't help but say in a low Voice.
Reminded by me, Prince Az and the Organizer seemed to remember that even if the Throne was secured, it wasn't necessarily stable. There were transition matters to handle. Appeasing the Civilian population, suppressing the Royalists... every piece of follow-up work was no less difficult than tonight's Battle.
Prince Az did have Ability. He quickly sobered up from his ecstasy, smiling sheepishly with his round, chubby face, and gave me a grateful Gaze. Then, he 'revealed' a solemn expression. The rest would depend on these people's Politics. I couldn't help much.
During the Time I spent resting my Spirit, Prince Az first appeased the other eight restless Mercenaries. These High-Level Mercenaries were valuable Resources, how could he bear to give them up? Next, he announced the rewards for the participants in this operation, which was met with another round of enthusiastic cheers from the Mercenaries.
In stark contrast to the joyful Atmosphere here, not far away, Jerhyn sat Dumbfounded on the Throne, watching everything unfold like an idiot...
Supported by Marisa, they were escorted out of the Great Hall by a few Mercenaries. As they passed by me, Marisa paused slightly. Turning her Head to look at me, her thin, wing-like cherry lips moved gently. Although no Sound came out, I could guess the meaning from her lip movements.
"You worked hard. And, thank you."
Then, the two silently walked out of the Great Hall under the Mercenaries' supervision, their declining figures supporting each other gradually swallowed by the darkness. According to the Agreement with Three-No Princess, Jerhyn would spend his later years peacefully in a certain Small Courtyard, accompanied by his wife, sons, and daughters. Perhaps, this outcome was the most perfect for both Jerhyn and Three-No Princess.
Under Prince Az's coordination, the Mercenaries in the Great Hall were orderly assigned various tasks. Even the original eight Soldiers from Jerhyn's faction were boldly given quite important Quests by Prince Az, who easily put these eight Mercenaries at ease with his trust, gaining their gratitude and temporary loyalty. As expected of a Politics Expert, I was increasingly optimistic about this Prince Az's Ability.
When I came back to my senses, I didn't know when, but the entire Great Hall was empty except for me, Prince Az, and the Organizer.
"I think, Prince... no, I should call you King Az now. I think you should already know my Status."
I no longer had any reservations and took off my hood. It was no Secret that an Elder of the Adventurer's Guild had come to Lut Gholein. The ministers who welcomed me with Jerhyn in the Great Hall that day all knew. Prince Az, being ambitious and a Prince, couldn't possibly not know. Considering everything, I think this shrewd King Az must have guessed my Status.
"To receive such strong assistance from Elder, Az is truly grateful."
As expected, he placed one hand over his Chest without surprise, bowing slightly to me with the Etiquette used to express gratitude in the Western Kingdoms.
"Your Majesty is too polite. What I did was merely for the entire Adventurer's Guild." I returned King Az's gratitude with a smile.
"Elder is too modest. Without your Adventurer's Guild, I fear the entire Sanctuary would have long since turned into Hell on Earth."
"Your Majesty exaggerates. In fact, most Adventurers in the Alliance are just fighting for their own Interest, there's nothing particularly praiseworthy about that." I 'revealed' a smile I had just learned from that Merchant Old Man Ryan, and changed the subject.
"However, at least in the process of being selfish, we Adventurers have indirectly done a Single Point of good deeds. Although we don't expect people's gratitude, if our actions are still met with constant obstruction and difficulty, then we would feel too Wronged. This operation was also for the future of the entire Western Kingdoms. After all, our Alliance's Bind on Adventurers isn't strong. If a 'riot' were to truly break out, then we would be ashamed. I hope King Az can understand."
"Not at all, not at all. It was my cousin who was too ignorant, which led to such a great mistake." Prince Az seemed to imagine the scene of Adventurers rioting, surging in crowds towards the Palace, and Cold Sweat dripped from his ball-like Head.
"If King Az can understand, that would be great. I hope you can keep this operation a Secret for us."
"Of course, of course."
"Your Majesty has many affairs to attend to, so I won't bother you further. I implore Your Majesty to handle the follow-up work properly, so that the entire Western Kingdoms can be spared from 'turmoil' and disaster. Otherwise, our Alliance would be guilty."
"Three days, at most three days from now. I will let Elder see a stable Lut Gholein." Saying this, Prince Az's eyes sparkled with Confidence.
"Since Your Majesty says so, I can relax. By the way, regarding Jerhyn's family, I hope Your Majesty can guarantee their Safety according to the prior Agreement." Marisa's figure flashed In One's Head, and I couldn't help but blurt it out.
"Please rest assured, Elder. After all, he is my cousin, I will take good care of him."
"Then I shall take my leave." Feeling that this Quest was finally completed, my Tone lightened a bit.
After bidding farewell to Prince Az, that Organizer also retreated successfully and followed behind me. He had to report to Ryan, so he quickly said goodbye and left once we were outside the Palace.
The next day, the News of Prince Az's usurpation quickly caused a huge uproar. Looking outside, the streets and alleys that were usually bustling with 'crowds' were much quieter now. Doors and Windows of every household were tightly shut, everyone felt unsafe, and the Atmosphere was lifeless. Only the Adventurer's Paradise remained noisy, with some Taverns even singing loudly to celebrate Jerhyn's downfall—these Adventurers were fearless individuals. If it weren't for the Alliance's regulation, they would probably have already organized themselves and quietly gotten rid of Jerhyn.
However, by the third day, the expected 'turmoil' did not happen. Not even the number of Soldiers patrolling for the King increased; everything appeared peaceful and stable. Most people couldn't help but poke their Heads out of their windows, curiously observing the familiar Soldiers patrolling back and forth. Some bolder ones even started venturing out to gather information. The continuous good News made the Civilian population breathe a sigh of relief. Most people didn't care who was King; they just wanted to know if they could live their lives peacefully and securely.
Thus, on the last day of Az's confident guarantee, which was the fourth day, Lut Gholein, known as the Commercial Kingdom and the City of Jewels, began to bustle again. Although it hadn't reached its previous Standard, being able to achieve this Degree in just three days was something we couldn't be too demanding about. We believed that with the Ability of Prince Az, no, King Az, the entire Western Kingdoms would gradually stabilize.
Feeling at ease, I was preparing to leave Lut Gholein, undergoing Trial while also completing the Quest Akara had assigned.
What? The Quest isn't finished? Come on, I just took care of three Fallen Ones, at most that's clearing out three big Fish. There are still plenty of small Fish causing 'trouble' outside. The Quest completion is probably less than 10%. I just pray that none of those small Fish are mixed with big Fish, meaning Class-Changed Ones.
However, just as I was haggling with an Auntie stall owner selling Jerky by the roadside, I was informed that King Az, who had finally managed to spare a Single Point of Time from his busy schedule, wanted to see me.
Curiously following the Soldier to the Palace, my Head was full of fog, constantly pondering what else he could possibly want from me.
After not seeing him for a few days, this chubby King had lost a lot of weight. There were two large dark circles under his eyes, making him look even funnier than a panda. It seemed he had been so busy these past few days that he barely slept. Being King truly is the best Law for weight loss; I recommend ladies who want to slim down give it a try.
Although his Body was tired, his Spirit was quite good. His two eyeballs, embedded in fat, rolled around. Seeing me arrive, he immediately came over with warm greetings, his enthusiasm as if we had once sworn brotherhood by cutting a chicken's Head and burning yellow paper.
As the saying goes, "An unsolicited favor suggests either malice or theft." I immediately raised my Spirit to the highest degree and chatted with him about irrelevant things. Strangely, after saying a lot of Nonsense, he seemed reluctant to 'reveal' his Intent. This Fat Pig King was really cautious enough?
We talked about everything under the sun for a long Time. My only Gain was that Az's Brain was proportional to his Body; the things stored In One's Head were no less than a Learned Scholar's. He even dabbled in Magic and close combat, but he lacked the Talent and could only stay at the theoretical stage.
Compared to his extensive knowledge, the things In One's Head were quite inferior. Fortunately, the other party was good at observing expressions, so there wasn't an awkward scene. Just as I was getting a bit impatient, Az finally spoke as if casually.
"Ahem, Elder, having graced our Kingdom with your presence, I presume you don't have a suitable residence yet?"
"Although I don't have a House, my High-Level suite at the Hero's Inn is already quite good." I was a bit curious, why was this Fat Pig talking about this for no reason?
"How can that be? Although a High-Level Inn can barely be inhabited, how can it compare to the comfort of home? As the ruler of a Kingdom, how can I let a distinguished guest stay in such a place?"
Az's eyes widened like a thief's, looking resolute and generous, as if my continued stay at the Inn would be losing Face for the Western Kingdoms, affecting the people's peace and harmony, and hindering the prosperity and development of society.
Seriously, am I Godzilla?
"Therefore, ahem. We naturally know that Elder is a person of integrity, viewing Money as dirt. However, for the Face of the entire Kingdom, and to prevent outsiders from slandering This King as stingy and shabby, and neglecting an Emissary, please, Elder, you must accept this Single Point of small Intent."
Saying that, he took out a copper key chain from his pocket.
"Huh?" I stared Dumbfounded as he stuffed the Key into my hand, then stared at him Dumbfounded again.
"This is a small House I bought before. I don't need it anymore. I hope Elder can accept it." Az explained with a smile.
"Oh, then I won't be polite. Is there anything else?" I put it into my pocket without thinking.
"..."
Az stared at me Dumbfounded as I accepted the Key without hesitation, feeling quite speechless. In his opinion, whether out of sincerity or hypocrisy, the other party would desperately Decline it. He had spent a lot of Effort preparing foolproof words of persuasion, but he didn't expect me to accept it so readily, which gave him a Feeling of powerlessness, like punching the Air hard.
"Nothing... nothing else."
After a good while, Az said with Helplessness and a wry smile. Looking at my receding figure, he shook his Head helplessly—this Elder really had 'personality', but he wasn't annoying.
I swung the Key in my hand Dumbfounded, unable to understand why Az would give me a House for no reason. Did he want to bribe a high-level figure? That's unlikely. He should know that he had nothing on hand that could Attract me. Even the Throne he was sitting on now wouldn't be a Difficult Matter to obtain if I had the Intent.
Moreover, even if he wanted to give it, there was no need to take Time out of his busy schedule to hand it over personally. He could have just sent a Soldier to deliver it.
"Can't figure it out, can't figure it out." I muttered, shaking my Head.
Led by the Soldier, I soon arrived in front of a white two-story Arabic-style Building.
This Villa wasn't large, with a bit of a Western countryside Villa Style. It was surrounded by a two-meter-high iron Enclosure, painted white. Through the Enclosure, you could see a Small Courtyard inside, with a Stone Fragment path in the middle leading directly to the Villa's Door. On both sides of the path were lush Gardens. The Garden wasn't big, and there were no expensive fountains or Statues, but it was surprisingly warm and tranquil, giving one the urge to lie on the Grassland and take a nice Afternoon Nap.
The main Body of the Villa, that white two-story Building carved from Marble, had a bright and grand Style. Although it appeared quite small and exquisite compared to the luxurious Buildings of other Parvenus nearby, it didn't feel cheap at all.
It seemed Az was quite considerate. If he had given me a huge luxurious Villa, I might have felt more awkward living there. This size was just right; it didn't feel empty and left room for leisurely strolls within the Villa.
From the bottom of my heart, I fell in love with this exquisite and elegant Small Villa. Now, even if Az wanted to go back on his word, it was too late. I would definitely not return it to him. Hehe, looking around, I suddenly noticed that the Surroundings looked a bit familiar. Sweat, it was less than a thousand steps away from Ryan's Villa. Was it a coincidence? Or Az's careful arrangement?
After dismissing the Soldier, I walked around the place. The more I looked, the more satisfied I was. The only slight flaw was a tall circular Building that had suddenly appeared on the Grassland behind the House for some reason, like a landlord's granary. Compared to the elegant and tranquil Atmosphere of the Surroundings, it seemed very out of place. Upon closer inspection, this circular Building looked very new, with even some undried marks on it. It must have been newly completed in the past few days.
Forget it for now, I shook my Head. After walking around the Villa, I returned to the main Entrance. I took the Key out of my pocket, 'inserted' it, and twisted. With a crisp "click" Sound, I gently pushed, and the thick solid wood Door slowly opened.
"..."
Opposite the Door, a white figure stood quietly. Her two small hands were clasped below her abdomen, her feet together, her Body held straight, just like a Maid welcoming her Master home.
"Welcome back, Master."
She bowed elegantly, her Gaze indifferent.
"Bang—"
I slammed the Door shut forcefully. Illusion, this must be an illusion, I groaned, leaning against the Door with my hand covering my forehead. I readjusted my Mood and pushed the Door open again.
"Welcome back, my Master. Would you like to eat first—"
"Bang—"
I closed the Door again, then walked around the Villa, muttering to myself. This was an Exorcism Incantation I learned from an Old Man Monk in the Rogue Encampment, and I sprinkled some Holy Water on the Wall, which was said to have the effect of expelling Evil Spirits (a certain Ghost sleeping soundly in a Necklace gave a small Sneeze) and suppressing the residence.
When I opened the Door again, full of Hope, it was still that white figure, with emotionless bright yellow 'colored' eyes, and a Maid posture so Standard it looked like it had been measured with a ruler.
"Welcome back, my Master. Would you like to eat first, or bathe first, or perhaps—"
"Bang—"