Chapter 100: A Request For A Visit To The Empire
Not only had Zik become as rigid as stone at Euclids words.
The Seven Guardians as well, and even Ray, had frozen over.
Especially for Ray, it was something he had never even considered.
Euclid sighed at their reactions.
Haah This is why I didnt want to tell you yet.
How could our familys mission be so troublesome?
Her single statement was enough to perplex the Seven Guardians as well.
That, thats the mission given to our family?
At Soyoungs words, Euclid returned to her expressionless state and answered.
Yes, it is.
Now that it was all out in the open, there was no hiding it.
Her plan to build a rapport and approach him had been shattered.
Euclid took Rays hand.
Now that its revealed, I will no longer hide.
Eh!?
Why do you think I offered to be a servant?
As Euclid asked this, there seemed to be countless possibilities.
Zik covered his mouth with his hand and spoke with a look as if he was seeing a monster.
Could it be you aimed for all this?
Yes.
Good heavens!
The familys mission was absolute. It was something that could not be defied.
But, how could a nobles heir volunteer to be a servant!
Indeed, one must not be picky about the means for their goal!
Ray withdrew his hand and spoke.
Wait! Im not planning to get married yet!
The image of him fighting the necromancer boldly was instantly replaced by a face colored with confusion.
However, Euclids voice remained flat and unchanging.
Im not intending to marry immediately either. Theres no hurry; we can take our time. Above all, you are still fifteen years old. You have two more years until you are an adult. Dont be too hasty.
Two years is still too soon for me!
In time, you may change your mind.
No words seemed to get through.
Seeing Zik and the Seven Guardians reaction, it seemed the familys mission was too important to dare say otherwise.
Interfering with another familys mission was clearly crossing a line, so they could not speak recklessly.
Zik stopped eating his meat and suddenly knelt down.
Please forgive my inability to prevent this, Saint.
I said Im not planning to get married!
Ray shouted out loud.
He merely wanted the three families to come together and cooperate.
No, he had achieved that goal. They had gotten to know each other and followed his opinions.
But he had never expected this unexpected complication.
Marriage? At a time when he was too busy thinking about the future!
Ray shook his head vehemently. It would have been a disaster if Aira had heard that.
What is it?
Everyone has their own difficult circumstances to speak of
Ray responded weakly to Iriels words.
She looked down at the three before her.
Euclid, who clung close by without any intention of separating, Ray, who had given up, and Zik, who was restlessly pacing like a legitimate wife whose husband had been stolen by a concubine.
What on earth had happened to them, not returning for more than two days?
Iriel looked at Euclid, who had her arms crossed in front of Ray.
Somehow, that sight was irritating.
Could you step back a little, Lady Euclid?
A servant must always be by their masters side to assist.
It was a valid point, but she seemed to be a little too close.
At this rate, it would be more accurate to say that she was not assisting but rather restraining the person she served.
Iriel furrowed her brows.
Looking at you now, no one would think youre assisting.
Indeed, that seems to be the case. My apologies.
Euclid unfolded her arms without any fuss.
However, the distance between them remained unchanged.
She was still close enough that their shoulders could touch, just without the crossed arms.
Iriel let out an awkward laugh.
Ho ho ho Dont you think youre too close?
I tried to listen quickly to whatever the saint might need, so please do not mind it too much.
I hadnt realized. Lady Euclid, you indeed were the model example of a servant. Ho ho ho.
Zzzt-
Their tense standoff could not continue.
This was because several nations, having heard of Rays return, were waiting for him.
Gregory slightly bowed his head towards Ray.
Greetings to the two saints. Saint, please forgive my previous indiscretion.
Ray shook his head at Gregory.
Dont worry about it.
Thank you. And this is a token of our apology.
While speaking, Gregory handed over a small jewelry box.
Ray couldnt help but smile at the mention of a gift.
Ah, what need is there for apologies You dont have to give me anything like this
Even as he spoke, his hand moved slowly towards the jewelry box.
Upon opening the box, there was a single black earring inside.
The earring, steeped in a deep shade of black, was strangely without its pair.
Ray tilted his head in confusion.
Werent earrings usually a pair? Did someone exchange the other half for a treat or something?
Gregory explained at the sight of his confusion.
Its rare, but sometimes a small crystal forms at the tip of a wyverns tail. This earring was specially crafted from such a gem. Normally, we would present a pair, but the material for the other earring is unknown to anyone. Legend has it that the other half awaits its destined partner somewhere.
A legend?
An earring with a legend?
As he thought this, Iriel recognized the earring.
The Eye of Cecily!
What eye?
These were all unknown words.
Iriel looked at the earring with admiration.
Centuries ago, there was an elf named Cecily. Among the elves, who live incredibly long lives, she was a renowned artisan. Her name is still passed down among humans to this day! That earring is one of her creations!
How renowned must one be for a single earring to carry a legend?
Ray sensed something was not quite right.
Youre giving this to me It seems like you want something, doesnt it?
Guessing his intentions, Gregory burst into laughter and said,
Dont feel pressured. Its merely a token of apology from the Lesian Empire.
Im not feeling pressured at all.
Rays words were genuine.
Because he truly felt no burden at all.
Hahaha. Anyway, there is something the Lesian Empire wants to say to the saint
Just as Gregory was about to broach the topic, individuals from another kingdom arrived.
They were keeping the Lesian Empire, their biggest competitor, in check.
They interrupted Gregorys words,
We cant let the saint be snatched away by the Lesian Empire here.
Greetings to the holy ones. I am Geiman from the Beibon Kingdom. We of the Beibon Kingdom would like to
Greetings to the sages. I am
Because of them, several stories got jumbled up.
Ray shook his head amidst the chaotic scene, trying to organize the conversation.
Calm down. I will listen to everything, starting with the Lesian Empire. What were you saying?
Ahem. Thank you.
Gregory discreetly shot glances around him.
The Swordmasters slight release of murderous intent made the individuals from the other kingdoms unable to utter a sound.
Even if they were commanders of knight orders, they were merely high-ranking aura users.
They were no match for Gregory, who had already become a Swordmaster.
He continued,
The Lesian Empire wants to strengthen our relationship with the Holy Kingdom, and we would like to invite the saint to visit our empire. Would you consider accompanying us to the empire?
Ah
A sigh of regret spilled from many lips.
In this issue, it was crucial which nation spoke first.
If the first nation to speak was rejected, then it was certain that the next nation to speak would also be rejected.
This was because, if the previous nations request had been declined and the next one accepted, it created an unfair situation of who was favored and who was not.
Such inequality at a gathering of multiple kingdoms could later potentially become a poison to the Holy Kingdom.
Ray was also aware of this fact.
The Lesian Empire wants me?
Perhaps to test the military power shown during the conference?
Since Ray didnt know what had been discussed after he left the previous meeting, he could only guess.
In reality, Rays military prowess was proven true.
There were plenty of witnesses to prove it, and he even possessed the heart of the true dragon.
Ray pondered the future for a moment.
The Lesian Empire is the strongest nation on the continent. It wouldnt be bad to establish a diplomatic relationship with such a nation.
Besides, he had considered visiting the Lesian Empire someday in the distant future.
The Lesian Empire was known for less distinction in the status of information, and there were quite a few people who focused primarily on medical knowledge.
At the very least, the medical standards were expected to be different compared to the Holy Kingdom or other kingdoms.
Unlike his earnest thoughts, the empire was full of ulterior motives.
If Ray visited the empire, they would do whatever it took to keep him there.
Realizing that he was somewhat positive, Gregory added,
Ive heard rumors about the saint these past few days. They say you have tripled the harvest of crops with the farming methods you developed. And the mercenary priest system was also your suggestion, wasnt it?
It was with Iriels help though.
Ray said, glancing at Iriel.
Then Iriel winked.
At that moment, Euclids beautiful eyes slightly fluttered.
Gregory continued.
Your Holiness, if you would visit Lesian, I would like to discuss that matter as well, he said.
Ray pondered for a moment upon hearing his words.
The Lesian Empire seemed to be preparing some venture but I couldnt figure out what it was. Tsk
He couldnt help but click his tongue in anticipation.
If only he had known what it was, the Holy Kingdom would have had a lot to do.
After all, it wasnt a small matter when the mightiest nation moved.
Yet, there was something he didnt know.
This venture wasnt about the Holy Kingdoms farming methods or the mercenary priests.
It was simply about drawing the saint to their nation.
And to bind him with the toughest of ties, that of bloodline.
That was the business the Lesian Empire had in mind.
Gregory thought quietly to himself,
If the saint truly killed the Bone Dragon, then being called the strongest nation on the continent could become a mere boast From now on, the place with the strongest individual will become the strongest nation.
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