Chapter 347: I don’t want to lose you too
"City Lord, why have you summoned us?" the elders asked as they took their seats.
Setan leaned back thoughtfully before speaking.
"I recently received a proposal. Someone from Spirit Stone City wishes to obtain our sacred relic and claims they are willing to offer other treasures in exchange. What are your thoughts on the matter?"
He kept his tone casual, disguising the true purpose of the question.
In reality, he was testing their attitude toward relinquishing the artifact.
The sacred relic was heavily guarded. Taking it by force would be nearly impossible.
The moment the elders heard his words, the hall erupted into discussion.
"Absolutely not."
One elder immediately shook his head.
"The sacred relic strengthens the cultivation of our people. How could we possibly hand it over to another city?"
Another elder quickly agreed.
"Our younger generation depends on the fire energy released by the relic. It plays a vital role in their growth and directly affects the future of Blaze City. We cannot lose it."
"I agree."
"The relic is simply too important."
"It must remain in Blaze City."
The overwhelming majority voiced their opposition.
The sacred treasure of Blaze City was known as the Blazing Flame Stone. It continuously emitted pure fire elemental energy, making it invaluable to fire elemental warriors.
The stone was housed within the Sacred Grounds, where promising warriors were regularly allowed to cultivate under its influence.
For Blaze City, it was not merely a treasure. It was the foundation of generations of strength.
Setan listened patiently before asking another question.
"What if the offer were exceptionally generous? Under what circumstances would you consider an exchange acceptable?"
He understood better than anyone how important the artifact was.
The moment he learned Nina needed the sacred relic, he had known the task would be difficult.
Still, if Nina wanted it, he would find a way.
The vault containing the relic was protected by an ancient formation. Access required not only the City Lord’s token but also the authorization seals held by the elders.
If negotiations failed, he might eventually need those tokens.
For now, he wanted to know whether any room for compromise existed.
The elders began debating once more.
"I still don’t agree. No matter how generous the offer, can it compare to the endless benefits provided by the relic?"
"Exactly. Material wealth can be spent and exhausted. The relic continues providing value forever."
"Even vast resources would eventually run out."
"I oppose the exchange."
Most of the elders maintained their stance.
A handful, however, offered a different perspective.
"If the other party possessed something equal to the relic, or perhaps even superior, then negotiations might be possible."
Another elder nodded.
"If they offered a treasure of similar value along with additional compensation, I would consider it."
Several elders exchanged doubtful looks.
"But does such a treasure even exist?"
"I’ve never heard of anything superior to a sacred relic."
"Neither have I."
"And if they already possess something better, why would they want our relic in the first place?"
"Exactly."
The discussion continued.
"Ordinary resources won’t work either."
"The value of a sacred relic cannot be measured in simple goods."
"Any equivalent compensation would likely require sacrificing half a city’s wealth."
"What city would ever agree to such terms?"
The debate gradually settled.
Finally, the elders turned back toward Setan.
"City Lord, after careful consideration, we do not believe there is any acceptable condition under which this exchange should take place."
Setan slowly nodded.
"I understand."
A faint crease appeared between his brows.
The elders clearly had no intention of surrendering the relic. That meant he would need to find another solution.
"Do you have any other business for us, City Lord?" one elder asked.
"Give me your reports regarding the city’s recent affairs."
The meeting shifted to ordinary matters.
One by one, the elders presented updates on city operations, resource production, patrol activities, and regional concerns.
When the reports concluded, they gradually departed from the hall.
Soon, Setan was left alone.
Silence settled over the vast chamber.
Seated upon the high platform, he stared into the distance, his gaze fixed on nothing and everything at once.
His thoughts revolved around a single problem.
How could he obtain the Blazing Flame Stone for Nina?
No matter how many possibilities he considered, each path seemed blocked.
Yet surrendering was never an option.
If Nina wanted the relic, then somehow, some way, he would place it in her hands.
Alone beneath the towering ceiling of the hall, Setan remained seated for a long time, quietly plotting and searching for a path that did not yet exist.
Unable to think of a viable solution for the sacred relic, Setan decided to set the problem aside for the moment and seek out Nina.
The moment she saw him, Nina asked, "Have the elders returned yet?"
He had mentioned earlier that they were expected back today, and she was eager to resolve the matter of the relic as soon as possible.
"They’ve returned," Setan replied. "I gathered them earlier and brought up the subject of the sacred relic. Unfortunately, because the relic is extremely important to our people, we’ll need more time to discuss it."
A trace of apology flickered across his face.
"Nina, could you stay a few more days?"
He still hadn’t figured out a way to secure the relic for her.
Nina understood their position.
"It’s alright. I can wait."
She smiled reassuringly.
"Once you’ve discussed it and decided what kind of compensation you’d want, let me know. I’ll do my best to provide it."
A peaceful exchange would be ideal.
If negotiations failed, however, she might have to resort to less conventional methods.
Whether for the divine power she sought or to break the curses afflicting Momo and Idir, obtaining the relic was nonnegotiable.
The moment she arrived in Blaze City, she had already dispatched Viann and the others to gather intelligence about the relic. Unfortunately, they had not yet uncovered anything useful.
Setan nodded.
"As soon as we reach a decision, I’ll tell you."
Then he added with a hopeful smile, "If you get bored these next few days, feel free to explore the city. Just let me know whenever you want to go out. I’m familiar with every corner of Blaze City. I can accompany you."
"Thank you."
Nina meant it sincerely.
Throughout this entire matter, Setan had done everything he could to help her.
Even though she was asking for one of Blaze City’s greatest treasures, he had never shown anger or resentment. Instead, he had been actively negotiating on her behalf.
"You really don’t have to be so formal with me," Setan said softly.
What he truly hoped was that one day she would stop thanking him altogether.
Nina smiled.
Then she purchased a fire attribute cultivation crystal from Little Bun and retrieved a piece of Flame Crystal from her storage.
Holding both out, she handed them to him.
"These are for you."
Setan blinked in surprise.
"The advancement crystal should be useful for your training. I don’t mean anything special by it. Consider it a small gift between friends."
She simply wanted to thank him.
Setan accepted the items carefully, unable to hide the joy that lit up his face.
"Thank you, Nina."
If she had called it payment, he would have refused without hesitation.
But a gift was different.
A warm sweetness spread through his chest.
This was the first gift Nina had ever given him.
He carefully tucked the crystals away, already deciding that he would carry them with him at all times.
Nearby, Phar lay quietly watching.
Lately, he had noticed something strange about himself.
Without realizing it, he was always choosing places where he could see the little female.
Whenever she disappeared from sight, an inexplicable emptiness would settle inside him.
He didn’t understand the feeling.
Yet he didn’t dislike it either.
His gaze shifted lazily toward Setan. The lion was clearly hiding something.
Blaze City relied heavily on the Blazing Flame Stone for training. There was no way the elders would surrender it willingly.
The relic was protected by an immensely powerful formation. Obtaining it would be far from easy.
Phar found himself unexpectedly curious.
What would Nina do when negotiations inevitably failed?
If she truly couldn’t get the relic... Perhaps he would secretly help her.
After sharing a meal with Nina, Setan reluctantly forced himself back to work.
The city still required his attention.
Only late that evening did Yian learn from several elders about the meeting Setan had held earlier that day.
More importantly, he learned that his son had questioned them about the sacred relic.
His instincts immediately sensed something wrong.
Without delay, he headed straight for the City Lord Manor.
Once again, he found himself stopped at the gates.
"Go inform your City Lord that I want to see him," Yian said.
That brat had barred him from entering again.
Not that he intended to cause trouble for the young female.
By now, he understood that Setan was the one hopelessly infatuated.
Nina herself had done nothing wrong.
If anyone deserved scolding, it was his stubborn son.
The guard hurried off to deliver the message. When Setan heard his father had arrived, he came out to meet him.
"Father." His expression immediately soured. "What are you here for this time?"
Yian’s eyebrows shot upward.
"What kind of question is that? Am I only allowed to see my own son when I have business?"
"Then tell me what you want."
Setan had no interest in arguing. He had only just finished handling city affairs. What he really wanted was to spend time with Nina.
Yian snorted. "Come with me."
He led Setan into a small room nearby and erected a soundproof barrier before speaking.
Then he got straight to the point.
"Why were you asking the elders about the sacred relic?"
His eyes narrowed.
"And don’t give me that nonsense about Spiritstone City. I know Drago. He’d never approach the matter like that."
Drago was far too calculating.
If he wanted another city’s relic, he would negotiate aggressively and look for every possible advantage.
He certainly wouldn’t invite the other side to set the terms.
Setan remained calm.
"I was only asking questions. Is that a problem?"
"You’re doing it for that female, aren’t you?"
Yian stepped closer.
"She came to Blaze City because of the relic, didn’t she?"
Setan’s brow furrowed.
"This has nothing to do with Nina."
"Stop lying." Yian folded his arms. "I raised you. Do you really think I don’t know how your mind works?"
He stopped directly in front of his son.
"The sacred relic is vital to Blaze City. Don’t even think about touching it."
His voice hardened.
"If you do something reckless, the entire clan will turn against you. Even being City Lord won’t protect you."
He was genuinely worried.
The Setan of the past would never have concerned him. The current Setan was another matter entirely.
His son’s feelings for Nina had clearly gone far beyond simple affection.
Yian feared those feelings might eventually cloud his judgment.
"Father, I only asked a question."
Setan’s expression remained composed.
"You’re reading too much into it."
Yian’s face softened slightly.
"Setan." His voice carried an unusual gentleness. "I’m saying this because I care about you."
A shadow crossed his eyes.
"You know what happens to those who tamper with the sacred relic."
He paused.
"Your brother has already..."
The sentence trailed away unfinished. Pain flickered briefly across his face.
"I don’t want to lose you too."
Then he continued quietly.
"And that female doesn’t even love you. If she did, she would have accepted your mating bond long ago."
His gaze was filled with helpless frustration.
"Why would you risk your future for someone who doesn’t even want you?"
He had already lost one son. He could not bear losing another. Especially not the son who had always been his greatest pride.
Setan remained silent for a moment. Then he met his father’s eyes calmly.
"Father." His voice was steady. "I’ve already told you."
A faint smile touched his lips. "You’re imagining things."
