Chapter 102
Chapter 102
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 102
Chapter Title: Chapter 35: Records of the Spirit King (2)
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The Ominous Veil was the only magic artifact capable of generating an aura armor that could block even high-tier spells, but due to its heavy infusion of dark magic's black mana, no suitable user came to mind right away.
"The continent's perception of dark magic is still poor."
Dark magic offered immense power, but it was a double-edged sword—one misstep, and even the fiercely loyal subjects of the Philius Empire, who showed unwavering devotion to the emperor, might turn their backs. That was why Raymond refrained from using powerful dark magic artifacts or spells, even though he knew about them.
"Elder."
"Yes, Your Majesty. What are your commands?"
"It might be best to store this Ominous Veil in the vault."
"I agree."
Risefield Dior slowly nodded in response to Raymond's words. The two saw eye to eye, and despite its unique-grade status, the Ominous Veil was destined for the depths of the imperial vault.
"Elder."
Watching Risefield Dior carefully tuck the Ominous Veil back into his subspace, Raymond spoke up again.
"Yes, Your Majesty."
"Elves make sure to settle their debts and favors. Do you know that?"
"Of course."
Risefield Dior nodded slowly. Raymond smiled with satisfaction.
Non-human races like elves and dwarves were closed off to outsiders, but they were steadfast about favors and grudges. That was why elves and dwarves were popular as allies in the setting.
"When do you think the elves will offer their repayment?"
It was direct—bordering on mercenary. Yet Risefield Dior's expression didn't change. His loyalty was absolute; such trivialities wouldn't sway it.
As Desia Heli and Gestain remained silent, Risefield Dior quietly spoke.
"As early as tomorrow, Lord Rainkio of the Golden Leaf Clan will likely request an audience with Your Majesty."
Risefield Dior said. He didn't know the worldview and settings as well as Raymond, but as the lord of a tower and a high mage, he had studied elves enough to possess a decent depth of knowledge.
"That's fast. I was expecting three days..."
"I'm certain, Your Majesty. You can bet on it."
"A bet?"
Raymond's eyes sparkled at the word.
"Y-You're actually thinking of betting?"
Seeing Raymond's positive reaction, Risefield Dior stepped back, showing a hint of weakness. The young emperor grinned at him.
"Shall we bet?"
"Your Majesty, the Azure Tower has no more secrets left."
Risefield Dior pretended to squeeze out tears, whining. It wasn't a lie—Raymond had stripped the tower bare.
"Then we'll bet something else."
"Oh dear! Your Majesty! What more do you plan to take from this old man?"
"Pfft."
Desia Heli covered her mouth, chuckling softly at Risefield Dior's dramatic flailing.
"Don't take it so seriously."
He had no intention of squeezing more from the Azure Tower Lord.
'I've already taken plenty. There's nothing left.'
It was regrettably true. The Crimson Tower had a few secrets left, but its lord, Berenus Kyle, unlike Risefield Dior, wasn't the type to gamble them away. He was hot-tempered but serious.
"How about the winner gets one favor from the loser?"
After a brief moment of thought, Risefield Dior suggested cautiously. A favor was broad, but not a bad deal.
"Not bad."
Raymond nodded readily, and the bet was on. The next day arrived.
Raymond slept in to recover the life force depleted from using the Spear of Sacrifice. No sooner had he woken than he encountered Risefield Dior.
"Lord Rainkio of the Golden Leaf Clan requests an audience with Your Majesty."
Risefield Dior was smiling. Raymond let out a short sigh and shook his head. He'd lost the bet fair and square.
"Let him in."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
Risefield Dior bowed with a radiant smile—the brightest in recent memory. It was a welcome sight, bet or no bet.
Shortly after Risefield Dior withdrew, Rainkio entered the reception room. He looked the same as yesterday, as if he'd pulled an all-nighter. The high elf in light armor approached with indifferent steps and bowed politely.
"Your Majesty."
"What brings you so early?"
It was obviously about repayment, but Raymond played dumb.
"You already know why I'm here."
"Quick on the uptake. Not bad."
"If that's praise, I gratefully accept."
His tone was light, but no smile graced Rainkio's lips. Just yesterday, his clan's king had died here, and the city had seen a massacre of undead. It was a natural reaction.
"Then let's cut to the chase."
"Just what I want."
"I want the Records of the Spirit King."
"For the high elf bloodline of the Platinum Leaf Clan?"
He meant Sylvia. Rainkio had seen her.
Raymond didn't deny it. The high elf who had lost his king closed his eyes calmly.
"She is blessed."
"Let's get to the point. Things are busy with riffraff stirring up trouble in Philius Empire territory lately."
"We can provide it."
It was a cleaner answer than expected.
"You can decide that easily?"
"Your Majesty saved our clan from annihilation. The Records of the Spirit King may be a unique-grade magic artifact, but how can it outweigh our clan's fate?"
Raymond liked the response.
"I'll retrieve the Records of the Spirit King by tonight."
Rainkio confirmed. True to his word, Raymond had the Records of the Spirit King in hand that evening.
With his goal achieved, he planned to return to the hunting party's camp the next day.
But right before departure, a grim-faced Rainkio arrived, canceling the schedule.
"Your Majesty, I have urgent matters to discuss."
The repayment issue was settled. So what remained? After a fleeting moment of thought, Raymond guessed what Rainkio wanted.
"You want to entrust your clan to the Philius Empire?"
"How did you know?"
"It's because of the orc warlord, right?"
"Yes. The Death Knight's sword corrupted the World Tree, shattering the barrier. The city is no longer safe from the orc warlord. And with our weakened forces, surviving an all-out war against them is unlikely."
So he meant to leave their fate to the Philius Empire. Raymond could mobilize the imperial army and knight orders to subjugate the orc warlord if he wished, but he kept quiet.
No need to kick away a pumpkin rolling right to him.
"What do I gain by accepting the Golden Leaf Clan?"
"We'll provide our clan's military strength."
Elven rangers—the most feared existence in forests and mountains. This gave him the forces to counter the ranger legions in the inevitable war with the Highfel Empire.
Raymond barely suppressed a smile.
"We'll accept."
"Thank you, Your Majesty."
Rainkio bowed.
"How much time do you need to prepare?"
"Three days."
Over half the city was destroyed. With minimal packing, it shouldn't take long.
"I'll provide support from the imperial army and Azure Tower mages. Their help should save you time."
"Thank you."
"You're dismissed."
Rainkio bowed politely and withdrew. True to his word, the entire Golden Leaf Clan finished preparations in three days.
On the third day, they held a small farewell gathering for the city. The whole clan attended, along with Raymond and Philius Empire representatives.
"Your first elven farewell party, right?"
A female elf guiding them to the plaza asked in a soft, gentle voice. Blessed by the Blessing of the Eternal Forest and saved from annihilation, her gaze was friendly.
"It's modest, but please enjoy."
They arrived at the plaza. The guiding elf quietly withdrew. The wide plaza was filled with elves.
Raymond and the Philius Empire guests—humans except for Sylvia—drew intense stares from the elves.
Some eyes sparkled with curiosity, others with goodwill. A few approached cautiously, offering heartfelt thanks.
The quiet gathering ended, and early next morning, the elves departed with the Philius Empire army toward the hunting party's camp.
"Baronette Rakiss?"
Baronette Pertson, scribbling on parchment in his tent, sensed a familiar presence and set down his quill.
"Yes, it's me, Senior."
The reply came from outside. Only then did Pertson tuck the parchment into a drawer and speak.
"Come in."
The tent flap opened immediately. Baronette Rakiss, dressed in black formal attire, entered and bowed slowly.
"We've located the emperor."
"Really?"
Pertson brightened at Rakiss's words. During the hunt, the emperor had vanished mysteriously, prompting him to dispatch the stealthiest Hashashin from the envoy.
Of course, they had no idea Shade was watching their every move from the shadows.
"So, what has the Philius Empire's emperor been up to?"
"He appeared in the northern part of the Southern Central Forest with elves, so it seems related to them."
"No details?"
"Yes. The Philius Empire's Central Intelligence Agency was deploying detection spells aggressively, making close reconnaissance difficult. Going deeper risked exposure."
Rakiss replied. In truth, Shade had been observing and reporting directly to the emperor, but neither Rakiss nor Pertson knew.
"He appeared with elves?"
"Yes. Nearly 10,000 of them."
"Are they an army?"
"Some are armed, but more are not."
It was fairly accurate, but Pertson frowned. He couldn't fathom the emperor's intentions. For a member of the shadowy Noble Society, expert in espionage and intel warfare, this helplessness was new.
If not for the envoy, he'd deploy more Hashashin for deeper intel, but restraint was necessary.
"Oh, there's one more piece of intel."
"What?"
"The elves seem to have the Records of the Spirit King."
"The Records of the Spirit King?"
Pertson's eyes widened at Rakiss's words. It was a familiar name. He recalled Baron Sidington and several senior shadowy nobles once searching for it on royal orders.
"Baronette Rakiss."
"Yes, Senior."
"We must send a magic communication to His Majesty the King immediately."
"I'll prepare it."
A top-tier mage arrived soon, connecting to King Kalbern of Edriger Kingdom.
"Your Majesty. We've located the Records of the Spirit King."
-Is it reliable?
"Yes."
-Then the envoy's mission ends now. Move to secure the Records of the Spirit King. I'll support you with nearby Hashashin.
"Understood."
The reason didn't matter or pique curiosity. What mattered was the king's desire.
After the communication ended, Pertson summoned Rakiss again.
"You called?"
"Assemble all available Hashashin. His Majesty has issued a royal command."
"May I ask the details?"
"Secure the Records of the Spirit King."
"As expected."
Rakiss nodded in understanding.
"I'll summon the Hashashin immediately."
Rakiss hurried out. Pertson retrieved his night suit and assassin's gear from a double-concealed chest.
One of the watching black shadows slipped from the tent toward somewhere.
"Urgent report."
At the shadow's murmur outside the camp, space tore open, revealing a noble in red uniform.
"Count Potas. They've made their move."
"News His Majesty will be pleased with. I'll deliver it personally."