Free Web NovelChapter 1097: Chapter 476: Bodric’s Request (3)
"Two thousand gold crowns and the friendship of our Duke Family," Bodric’s blue eyes were filled with sincerity, "along with my support."
"I think this condition is too vague," Laine shook his head. "I do plan to go to Estalia, but I believe that as an excellent Holy Grail Knight, Fidmund can handle the problem himself..."
"My support includes, but is not limited to, your future campaign against Musillon, as well as a statement in the king’s election," Duke Bodric began to up the ante.
"Also, shared trade routes. I need to share some of your family’s trade routes with Arabi and Lustria; of course, everything by the book," Laine continued to push. Sharing trade routes would open up maritime commerce for the Ash Legion that he and Fugen established, a trade paved with gold.
"Agreed," Duke Bodric nodded.
"Then... deal. After I handle affairs within my territory, I will set out the day after tomorrow," Laine nodded. "I also need to find a few people to go with me."
"My son, Fidmund, will be waiting at Manannan Dry Dock in Boldro with fifty Sea God Knights to depart with you."
After negotiating the terms, Duke Bodric hurriedly left.
"Laine, what did Bodric come by for?" Surya entered soon after Duke Bodric left, and the Countess sat down beside Laine.
"Well, I was already planning a trip to Estalia and helping out along the way," Laine nodded.
He indeed needed to go to Estalia after the spring plowing, which had nothing to do with the Duke of Boldro’s Family, but was related to Lilith the Lake Fairy.
Lilith, the High Elf Moon Goddess, once possessed three Divine Artifacts, each capable of deciding a race’s fate.
The Crown of Lilith, this Divine Artifact was destroyed during Witch King Malekith’s assault on Ossuan, shattered into many pieces, which Tygris and the Mage Council are striving to recover and reforge.
Lilith’s Moon Staff, this staff is currently in the hands of Supreme Grandmaster Tygris of the Safurios White Tower Mage Council.
The third is the Yang Fire Talisman, a Divine Artifact against Chaos corruption and capable of summoning Heavenly Fire to burn all.
The Yang Fire Talisman was lost during the reign of the Phoenix King, the Foolhardy King Mowville. Mowville gave it to his son, Elf Prince Alarwell, who went to sea, only for Alarwell to be defeated and killed, and the Yang Fire Talisman went missing in the Great Sea.
Laine received word that the Yang Fire Talisman seemed to have been acquired by Estalian merchants and was taken back to Margaret as a Holy Artifact of the War Goddess Milmedia. As Lilith the Lake Fairy’s Divine Chosen Champion, Laine immediately received the Oracle—to reclaim the Yang Fire Talisman!
Surya knew, of course, that Laine must make this trip; the female knight expressed a bit of grievance, "Bodric really knows how to seize an opportunity."
"It’s not a big deal," Laine shook his head, holding his wife’s hand. "This isn’t anything major; you should stay and manage the territory. It’s not possible without you."
"Who do you plan to take with you?" Surya asked, her interest piqued.
"I plan to take Veronica and Ollica, as well as Alfred," Laine considered his list. This time the company should not be too large, yet needs to be exceptionally elite. Veronica excels in investigation and social events; Ollica is adept in interrogation and all kinds of Dark Magic; Alfred is righteous enough—the Temple Knight can easily convince others they are on a leisure trip, while the Justice Church backing the Temple Knights will make those in the Southern Realm cautious.
"Indeed, Lady Teresa’s Wizard Tower is in the critical phase of acceptance, and she truly doesn’t have the time to accompany you," the female knight acceded to Laine’s decision, albeit somewhat wistfully, "Come back soon..."
Amelia already is, but as the Countess, she still...
"You should depart the day after tomorrow with your team, but tonight you must come and be with me, as this too is the Lady’s Oracle." Surya blushed. She wanted a successor, very much wanted one!
"Alright!"
