stjorthotic Chapter 177 The Only Way to Form an Alliance
Chapter 177 The Only Way to Form an Alliance
Chapter 177 The Only Way to Form an Alliance
Inside the rented warehouse, Old Jack bandaged his wounds as he said, "Those two traitors escaped into the Duke of Eisenberg's trading company—that's a bit of a problem now, but the wounds aren't a big deal."
Kane nodded, starting to make plans in his mind.
Back in Twin Harbor, Duke Eisenberg's merchant guild kept about four Wax Demons.
The royal court is now more important than Twin Harbors, and there may be even more enemies there.
Although he was confident that he could use a dust explosion to perish together with others and then be resurrected, this would inevitably cause uncontrollable chaos.
Unlike Twin Harbors, Royal Court's creation of such a large-scale explosion in the capital of a nation would even put it at odds with the Mage Academy and the Noble Council.
But if his secret of "coming back to life" is exposed as a result, the trouble will be even greater.
He pondered for a moment and then suppressed his suggestion to avenge the other party.
Now is not the time to alert the enemy for the sake of two "little bugs"; it would be a losing proposition.
Old Jack seemed to have seen through Kane's thoughts.
"This was my oversight."
"If you hadn't changed our route at the last minute, we might all be in jail by now."
Kane's eyes flickered slightly, and without saying anything more, he took out a letter from his pocket.
"Make plans early, as there may be further turmoil in Sussas."
"Unrest?" Old Jack frowned as he took the letter. "Does Nord really intend to take action against Susas?"
Kane shook his head: "It's more troublesome than that."
"Still troublesome?"
Old Jack's lips twitched; he couldn't think of anything more troublesome than war.
He quickly scanned the names and information on the letter, his tense expression easing slightly.
Kane nodded slightly upon seeing this, indicating that the temporary deal between the two was nearing its end.
Just when Kane thought the conversation was over, old Jack spoke again, lowering his voice slightly: "Then—in your opinion, sir, would you suggest I stay, or leave?"
Kane scrutinized the strong features of Nord's face before him and said slowly, "That depends on you. Crisis and opportunity are always two sides of the same coin."
Old Jack grinned, revealing a smile: "What I fear least is danger."
He stood up, pushed open the creaking iron door of the warehouse, and stepped into the dim light outside.
Before leaving, he turned his head and said, "If there are any more missions, I can still take them."
But next time, I'll want even more.
He waved the letter in his hand.
Kane's eyes flickered, and he instantly understood the other party's subtext.
Old Jack wanted more than just a way to leave Sussas; he was also testing and demanding access to what was "behind" him.
In the eyes of this old mercenary, Kane was probably Nord's spy.
Old Jack's figure disappeared outside the door, and the warehouse returned to silence.
Not long after, the side door on the other side was pushed open, and Arundel walked in.
"Is the letter to the mage academy finished?" Kane asked.
"It's written down, and the detailed address is attached."
Arundel answered, but his face showed doubt.
"But I still don't understand why we don't just go back to the academy?"
Even though they encountered the Wax-Melting Demon in the passage last time, that level of threat is nothing to the Mage Academy.
"As long as we return to the academy, the dean will guarantee our safety."
Kane shook his head, not mentioning the perilous encounter he faced with an entire squad of Molten Wax Golems on his second return.
They certainly wouldn't explain how they used a dust explosion to perish together with others.
He simply looked at the mage and said in a calm yet unquestionable tone: "Aren't there enough high-level spellcasters who died in 'accidents'?"
Verifying the situation is simply a necessary precaution for the spellcaster.
"————Alright then."
Arundel was persuaded, or rather, he chose to follow the judgment of his temporary companion.
"Tomorrow morning, I will send out the address of our current temporary base."
Barring any unforeseen circumstances, the people from the academy should arrive around noon.
The group did not stay at Ashlan's manor, but rather in a few houses they temporarily rented next to the warehouse through her connections with the merchant guild.
The other party accepted the deposit readily, which suggests that this type of short-term rental is common practice.
Kane remained alone in his room, continuing to analyze the current situation within the Susas Royal Court: "The Mage Academy's stance is unclear, and its strength is formidable. The most troublesome issue right now is that we don't know how many traitors are hidden within it—"
"That duke is still lurking in the shadows, accumulating power through the Stigmata Ritual. How many demons does he still have under his command?"
"If Prince Grayson wants to ascend the throne, patricide may be the only way—"
"Has the adjutant in the legion delivered the intelligence? And what judgment will the gentlemen of the Noble Council make?"
A series of questions and possible scenarios intertwined in his mind.
He brought up the system panel, which only he could see.
In the taskbar, the status of the second-round task, "Stop the Conspiracy," remains a blank "To be completed."
His gaze fell on another available effect—"Perfect Spell Meditation".
Just as he was deep in thought, there was a gentle knock on the door.
"Please come in."
The door was pushed open, and Ella walked in.
After meeting Ashland, this noblewoman from the Finafine family seemed to gradually regain some of her former composure and poise.
It was no longer the same panicked state they had when fleeing Twin Harbors.
"Lord Kane," Ella began softly, looking directly at him, "what are your plans for the future?"
Kane did not answer immediately.
His plans were complex and intricate, and it was impossible for him to reveal them all to her.
Seeing that he remained silent, Ella continued, "Although you walk in human form, the Spiderblade family needs allies."
Now you are so deeply involved in the vortex of Susas.
Could I assume that the will of the Dark Forest desires to seize greater benefits from this chaos?
Kane met her gaze, his voice calm and even: "Madam, please speak frankly."
Ella took a deep breath, as if she had made up her mind: "Ashland's plan is in line with mine."
She hoped that this turmoil would help the royal court stabilize the situation, and if successful, the Crimson Gold Merchant Guild could truly establish itself in Sussas and even obtain exclusive rights to certain key goods.
As for me, I want to clear the Finafen family of the stigma of assassinating royalty.
She paused, then took a step forward, suddenly shortening the distance between them.
"But there's one thing I feel I must make clear to you."
Kane awaits further developments.
Ella moved closer, a faint fragrance emanating from her.
Her skin was so white it was almost translucent, and her delicate, half-elf features had a breathtaking, exotic beauty in the dim light.
She gazed at Kane, her voice lowered, with a barely perceptible tremor: "Lord Kane, so far, it has always been you who has paid the price and taken the risks."
This is not a solid foundation for long-term cooperation.
I hope you will ask me for something in return.
"I'd give anything in return—even this body, even just being your mistress in secret—I wouldn't mind."
She suddenly reached out and gently grasped Kane's wrist, guiding his hand to rest against the soft curves of her chest.
"If this relationship were established..."
Her breathing was slightly rapid, but her words were clear.
"Then, as long as you help the Finafenne family return to the royal court, I and my family will become your most loyal and reliable allies."
Kane's eyes flickered slightly.
Ella's words touched upon a thought he had never articulated.
After entering the city, he did consider settling her with Ashran, since it would be inconvenient to move around with a half-elf noble who had no fighting ability.
But her suggestion at this moment made him think more deeply.
Even if the Duke's plot is thwarted this time, the lurking Patriarch remains a huge threat.
He needs more leverage, and a noble family whose interests are deeply intertwined with his and who is eager to turn his life around may be one of them.
Although detailed cooperation will be discussed after the current crisis is over, the bargaining chips that are tied up in advance are certainly worth considering.
Kane sighed almost inaudibly.
He looked into Ella's eyes, where ambition, resolve, and a hint of deliberately provoked desire intertwined, and said, "Is this—the only way for us to form an alliance?"
Ella Finafine's lips curled into a complex smile: "Of course not. But right now, it's the most direct and convenient way."
The fabric of her dress slipped off her shoulder, revealing a large expanse of fair skin.
She gripped his hand tighter, her voice almost a whisper: "If you accept—the Finafenne family has been operating in the royal court for many years, and they still have some influential friends."
Afterwards, I will persuade them to fully assist you with any activities you may have here.
Kane stared at her intently for a moment, but ultimately did not withdraw his hand.
Inside the room, the whispers and the rustling of clothes were gradually replaced by another sound.
Suppressed soft breaths, uncontrollable low moans, and a seductive atmosphere quietly permeated the air.
Outside the door, Risa, who was biting into half an apple, had just raised her hand to knock when she heard the sound and froze.
She listened intently for a moment, then her face quickly revealed undisguised contempt.
She let out a soft snort and turned to leave without hesitation.