Chapter 42: Dilemma

Chapter 42: Dilemma

The task was swiftly handled. While Suan Hazer was responsible for organizing the lawless port, Karyl gave Dushala some instructions before leaving Tatur.

"Gaining favor from Baron Beryl, a figure even the kingdom has forgotten, shouldn't be too difficult. Take some of the elemental stones from the black market and seek him out."

"Even if they are low-grade stones, you know how much an elemental stone costs, right? You're suggesting that we just give them away?"

"Think of it as an investment. The black market only has minor stones like triangular stones at best. We'll be able to acquire far more valuable ones in the future, so much so that we'll be tripping over them eventually."

"..."

"And give him some gold as well, but make sure to exchange it for current coins to avoid suspicion."

Dushala looked at the heavy pouch on the desk. The amount in there was more than enough to purchase the neglected land.

"Why not just buy it with money?" She wondered if it was necessary to go through all this effort to deal with an old sorcerer who had squandered what little wealth he had over the years.

Karyl smiled lightly. "It's for the future. He may be old now, but he was once considered a prodigy, even a genius. The nobles might have forgotten him, but the sorcerers hadn’t."

The presence of this old sorcerer played a significant role in the plan Karyl was devising. "Just do as I say."

***

With her face concealed behind a veil, Dushala did as instructed. She gently pushed forward a triangular piece of lapis lazuli imbued with the power of wind, which was Baron Beryl's element.

"Ha... What do you want?" The old sorcerer’s eyes sparkled with greed as he swallowed, glancing at the lapis lazuli and the gold coins.

"It's an honor to meet you. We represent the Ravat Guild. We've come to extend our greetings in hopes of establishing a friendly relationship with the Baron."

"Hahaha, with me?" The old sorcerer laughed as if the notion itself was ludicrous. "Are traders blind nowadays? What's the point of keeping a good relationship with a has-been like me?"

"A has-been? Please don’t sell yourself short. Our master says among the sorcerers of the three kingdoms, Baron Beryl is second to none." Even as she spoke, she felt disgusted inside.

A sorcerer who missed his training period due to overindulgence in pleasures could hardly be called appealing.

"It's merely accumulated experience. Moreover, our master supports you, Baron Beryl. From the Melbron Battle to the defense against the principality... The Kingdom of Istan's continued existence owes much to you," she continued.

"I don't know who your master is, but they seem to have good judgment. Indeed, had I not led those battles to victory, the kingdom would have been lost."

"Indeed." She bowed her head slowly. "This is simply a token of trust. Please feel free to use it without burden. Furthermore, if you enter into a contract with us, we can provide you with more elemental stones. What do you say? Won't you consider making a comeback with us?"

Even a single elemental stone would fetch an astronomical price. To offer more? This was something not even the empire's sorcerers could dream of. Baron Beryl's gaze wavered.

Dushala had dealt with many nobles before and she knew the look in the old sorcerer’s eyes, for nine out of ten visitors of the black market, had such an eager look in their eyes when they decided to make a purchase.

"Ahem... Well, you didn’t have to..." The greedy baron's wrinkled hand swiftly grasped the lapis lazuli.

***

It should be finished by now.

Karyl hadn't considered the possibility of failing in his deal with Baron Beryl from the very start.

To begin mining at the site, we'll need to deceive not only Baron Beryl's territory but also the surrounding five nobles.

Well, they were not a significant concern; after all, they were all disciples of Beryl. Despite wanting to erase their association with their disgraced master, they wouldn't dare defy him. As for the rest, it will be managed by Baron Beryl himself.

However, merely securing the land was not enough to operate the mine.

Soon, Karyl would leave this place. Yet, there was one more matter to conclude before departing. It's about time for him to make a move.

The hall of the inn was empty except for Karyl. Whether it was Dushala's doing or because the rumors had spread, the crowd had disappeared, leaving behind an eerie silence.

A place where barbarians can with pride.

All of this might be due to his stubbornness. Making those two, who have ties to Olivurn, report to him about Karyl‘s accomplishments was a manifestation of Karyl's will to break free from Olivurn’s control.

"Or you could follow me."

"Excuse me?"

It was a bait. Aidan Hamil, in his previous life, would not truly shine until a few years later. This meant that Aidan's relationship with Olivurn might not be one of complete trust.

Karyl contemplated advancing Aidan's future as he had Suan's. However, keeping him close might not yield favorable outcomes.

What I must consider is his talent. Karyl’s mind filled with thoughts suddenly turned to Kuwell, and a smirk crept across his face.

“Considering your wit at the lawless port, I believe you're quite capable. The wound you had when we first met... you inflicted that upon yourself, didn't you?"

Of course, Karyl avoided revealing too much. Playing along to some extent would help avoid suspicion from the astute pair.

"It’s nothing... I don’t think I could possibly be of help...?"

"You don’t think so?"

Aidan didn't bite the bait Karyl offered. His existence must have already been reported to Olivurn. Despite wanting to investigate more about him, Aiden Hamil remained cautious.

Perhaps it's a natural response.

Concealing his true intentions, on the surface, Aidan just appeared to be an ordinary man who had been looking for his sister.

"It's a pity. Talented individuals are always welcome. It would have been delightful to continue our relationship from Tatur, but it can't be helped." Karyl didn’t dwell on the rejected bait, so as not to raise any suspicions.

"Besides, I have quite an interesting place in mind." Karyl accepted Aidan’s response in stride, then casually mentioned, "The Guidance Mercenary Gang."

"Excuse me?" Aidan’s gaze trembled slightly.

Though silent, Zouk de Holde, who stood beside him, wouldn't let this slip go unnoticed.

"Why? Are you Interested in the mercenary gang?"

"No, not at all," Aidan hurriedly replied, correcting his expression at the mention of the gang’s name.

The Guidance Mercenary Gang was known as the strongest on the continent.

"I'm considering starting a small business, and thus will require some security."

What? You want to hire the Guidance Mercenary Gang as guards? Aidan couldn’t believe what he was hearing.

It was an idea unimaginable to an ordinary person.

To seek out the Guidance Mercenary Gang, when their current whereabouts are unknown, is no easy task. They were known to wander and accept various jobs regardless of their danger. They were extremely confident in their abilities.

If it weren’t for their presence after the descent of Oracles, even the empire would have been in danger.

Though weakened after their leader, Gordon, died from a disease prior to the descent of the Oracles, their contributions during the war were significant.

But that's a story for another time.

Karyl had a reason for mentioning the gang. After the oracles and Gordon's death, the new leader of the Guidance Mercenary Gang aligned themselves with Olivurn.

The implications were quite clear, and it was the reason Aidan trembled at the mere mention of their name.

The power that Olivurn seeks.

Karyl slowly lifted his head, looking forward with determination. This time, he would claim that power for himself.