novelraw Chapter 72 A Blank Experience
Chapter 72 A Blank Experience
Chapter 72 A Blank Experience
A banquet is being held at El Deer Manor.
Unlike the extravagant and elaborate banquets with complicated etiquette that I had seen in Nan'an in my previous life, the banquet personally prepared by Gu En had a rustic feel, and the open-air dining environment showed a free and unrestrained spirit.
This was the first time in Nan'an that a long table had been set up for a feast next to the vegetable garden on the ranch.
Not long ago, the cattle and sheep on the dinner table were licking the leafy greens in the vegetable garden.
Gunn has zero tolerance for "my ingredients attacking my ingredients," so he simply put them all on the table.
The dishes served to Nan'an Suiyue were mainly braised, roasted, and fried.
Gunn, the noble young master of the Parka family, has excellent barbecue skills. The ribs he cooks are smoky and juicy, and Suiyue takes a bite, her mouth bursting with juice. She shouts "It's hot!" as she eats and stuffs her mouth.
To entertain the two men who had performed meritorious service, Gunn specially tied his flowing blonde hair into a high ponytail today, revealing his angular forehead.
This centenarian looks as young as when he first came of age, with no trace of the passage of time on his face.
The elegance with which she cut the mutton for the two men with a knife at this moment was still enough to captivate the noblewomen of Solís.
"Bewildering told me that you used your cooking skills to make Catfan want to be affectionate with you." Gunn picked up a piece of meat with the tip of his knife, gently biting it, while his gaze lingered on Nan'an. "I spent a long time cultivating our relationship before we made any progress, but after just one meeting, Catfan took the initiative to cling to you. Tsk tsk ————"
Cat food is of great significance to the entire Nora community.
He was the first god-demon to be recorded and contained, and single-handedly changed the Nora people's long-standing approach to fighting gods and demons, turning them towards exploring the path of containment and utilization.
Having witnessed everything firsthand, Guen the Crow originally possessed the highest favorability rating from the cat food vendor.
"Need me to show you what I can do?"
Bewitching Crow pressed Nan'an down: "Sit still and indulge his little desire to show off your skills."
He casually opened a bottle of chestnut wine, poured four glasses, clinked glasses, took a sip, and then changed the subject.
"Does a church need a location where the erosion of the Sickle River accumulates?"
Sensing the implication, Nan'an said bluntly, "I originally thought that someone as deeply involved with the black mist as you would have long since abandoned your faith."
""
"The dream of divine mercy has indeed left me far behind," said the Raven, "but it is my old acquaintance, a member of the Church of Dawn."
Nan'an had no reason to refuse.
In the chaotic environment of clergy, their role far surpasses that of psychologists.
People who are empty inside need faith.
Religion can temporarily compensate for the lack of security and foster a sense of identity in people living in poverty.
"There's one more thing," the crow said, its eyes narrowing slightly. "The recent sighting reports at the entrances to the Scythewater Black Mist and the Kroro Mine are quite unusual. The gods and demons seem to have lost their uncertainty. In the routine exchanges between the exploration teams, the gods and demons are highly consistent in terms of appearance and abilities."
As they left the Sickle Water Black Mist, Nan'an overheard the conversation between the Angze Owls.
It was also mentioned during the meeting with the chief.
Now it's the Bewildering Raven.
Increasing information suggests that the uncertainty surrounding gods and demons is disappearing.
Experience-driven efforts have been given new value.
The attempt to develop a solution by relying on time and life is no longer meaningless.
The crow did not make a judgment immediately; he was about to visit the Kroro mine again.
The Lianshui area, which was neglected, was left to Nan'an.
"My lord, Chief Elder Tata is waiting outside the manor."
Without prior notice, and before the servants could even finish relaying the message, almost immediately, the group of people who were still eating and drinking around the long table saw a goblin in a red robe "drifting" from a distance.
Several goblin mages carrying staffs walked along, always keeping a distance of ten paces from it.
Chief Elder Tata is considered tall among goblins, reaching up to Nan'an's chest and abdomen.
Its skin tone is highly distinctive, leaning towards a bluish hue rather than the mossy green that Nan'an would casually harvest as a minor monster.
As a shimmering alternate art form belonging to the goblin race, it's highly likely that Gray Star nobles with a collecting obsession would be very interested in it.
Crow and Gunn quietly shifted their positions to make it easier for Tata to sit down.
Seeing that Nan'an didn't move, Suiyue didn't ask her to get up, and continued eating without even raising her head.
Nan'an's gaze had already fallen on Tata's hands.
Tata held two swords, one long and one short.
What he cared about was the short sword.
It is about 15 centimeters long, with a glossy black wooden handle that exudes a musty smell. The scabbard and blade have no obvious engravings or patterns, and the whole thing is unremarkable.
It belongs to the Gray Star Era and is a common product produced by ordinary workshops.
There are no specific templates, and the level of forging depends entirely on the craftsman's skill on the day. The lack of strict quality control results in each one being unique.
Nan'an reached out to touch her, but Tata pulled her hand back.
"This is a treasure of our ancestor Lagrag. It is simple in craftsmanship and materials, but he carefully maintained and preserved it throughout his life. He even carried it with him on the day he challenged Lord Dunakaron."
"Senior Nan'an, since you know our ancestor, could you tell me," Tata held up the short sword, "what mark is engraved on this short sword, and where is it located?"
Tata's eyes were sharp.
On the day the chief meeting ended, he excitedly told his people the news, but as he described it, his emotions gradually calmed down, and doubts began to surface.
He was well aware of the reputation of goblins during the Gray Star era; most of their conversations revolved around the weapons and magic of their enemies.
How could a friendship that transcends race have happened so coincidentally?
Tata tried to find clues in Nan'an's changing expression that matched his expectations, but he was disappointed.
Nan'an casually picked up a twig from the ground, parted the soft grass, and stroked out strange square characters.
"The inside of the scabbard."
"You truly are a friend of our ancestors!"
The words on the ground made him exclaim excitedly, and the magicians following behind him bowed to Nan'an.
"This matter concerns our ancestors, please forgive my intrusion—May His Excellency Nan'an explain the meaning of the mark for our clan?"
Nan'an pointed to the green grass on the ground: "Grass."
The powerful pronunciation startled Tata, who then beamed with delight.
"It's a continental language that Nora never recorded. No wonder our people have been searching through countless books since the Gray Star era without any clue."
"Damn it—damn it!" Tata repeated twice, his voice strong and clear.
Fortunately, despite the language barrier, Tata only felt that the word "grass," in its pronunciation and writing, had a mysterious and impressive quality.
Nan'an wanted to cover her face.
Had he known that the short sword he gave away as a parting gift would one day become the spiritual totem of one of the goblin lineages, he would have written something more serious.
He treated all members of the Red Rat Adventure Team equally.
Perhaps it's because they've never had a goblin teammate before, making the experience novel.
Or perhaps because he felt that he was indeed very hardworking and ambitious, like himself when Aslipan had just found him, Nanan did teach Lagrag in the same way that Aslipan had taught him.
For Nan'an, it was just something he did on a whim, since he had nothing else to do anyway.
Lagrag doesn't seem to think so.
To ensure the best possible preservation of the short sword gifted by Nan'an, it even enlisted the help of a master craftsman.
but----
In Tata's description, Lagrag's early life is completely blank.
He himself rarely mentions the story before he was admired by the siren and rose to fame so quickly.
Upon closer reflection, Tata also found it unbelievable.
He clearly held Nan'an in high esteem, and thus treasured the parting tokens with great care. Why didn't he take the initiative to mention the events of his adventures with the adventurer group?
Is it because of fame that you've become burdened?
Nan'an was immersed in Tata's description, her thoughts drifting.
The sudden sense of incongruity alerted him.
blank----
Yes.
Lagrag must have mentioned the experiences of the Red Rat Adventurers, but naturally he wouldn't have any memories of mentioning them.
The Red Mouse Adventure Team includes a bookworm.
No, that's still not right.
Outsiders simply cannot describe the information about nerds; when told from the narrator's perspective, nerds are smoothly glossed over without any association.
But he, Asripan, and the other members of the adventure party should not be affected.
unless----
After entering the Black Mist Era, the entire Red Rat Adventure Team was in an indescribable and unobservable state.
Lagrag's first self-trial was with the Red Rat Adventure Team.
Not long after leaving the team, he unexpectedly received praise from the siren.
The part of his life that should have been closely connected between leaving his clan and rising to fame is impossible to remember because of the existence of the Red Rat Adventure Team.
Nan'an pressed her fingers to the corners of her eyebrows and gently rubbed them.
If we assume that the people of the Black Mist Era knew nothing about the adventurers' experiences, then why would they be able to naturally accept the information that they were friends of Lagrag?
The memory hasn't disappeared; it's just been concealed.
When were those concealed memories unsealed?
Are these also effects of nerds?
Tata mistakenly thought that Nan'an was covering his face because he was reminiscing and was sad, and hurriedly explained.
"Your Excellency Nan'an need not shed tears for your ancestor. He passed away with a smile, content with everything he had experienced in his life."
Thinking of the little green-skinned boy she cared for back then, climbing step by step to the top and fulfilling the grand ambition she made in her youth, she still hasn't forgotten everything about him when she looks back in her old age.
Nan An couldn't help but wonder what the Red Rat Adventurers' reaction would be after his death.
Having witnessed so much life and death, the group should be able to let go of it quickly, right?
The chief goblin's ancestor, a genuine old friend, and a priceless treasure testifies to their friendship.
In the Tata lineage, Nan'an is already a VIP, even more so than the chief.
The way people address him is also a chaotic and incoherent switch between "sir," "senior," and "your esteemed one."
The original being had been dead for hundreds of years, and after his resurrection, he was surrounded by the descendants of his friends.
A rare occurrence.
"Your Excellency Nan'an, as the chief, I will not show favoritism in decision-making, but regarding your guards in Lianshui," Tata placed his hand on his heart, "I assure you, they will be the best."
Having a rough idea of what kind of goblins Tata would send him, Nan'an said politely and tactfully.
"It's just about maintaining basic order; having too many powerful clansmen is a waste of resources."
"No, no, no." Tata shook her head. "Since our ancestor Lagrag was able to forge his own path under His Excellency Nan'an's guidance and create unprecedented legendary feats for the goblin race—perhaps?"
Okay, Nan'an understands.
Tata wants to recreate the miracle, and the first step is to perform the role-playing method.
Search for goblins with potential by retracing the path of Lagrag.
Having no intention of staying for dinner, and knowing that she had disrupted the internal gathering of the Elru people, Tata, satisfied with the answer she wanted, led the team away.
He didn't float away; instead, he walked away with his hands behind his back, tiptoed lightly, and hopped away.
From behind, he looks like a child.
The crow gulped down its wine, in a good mood.
"You have very strong allies in the Senate now. You can not only kick the enemy's head like a ball, but you can also stack it up and collect it. I estimate that the chief senators will use the autonomy of the Sicklewater base to exonerate you."
Nan An said helplessly, "I'm not some bloodthirsty butcher. The reason for headhunting is efficiency."
"I also hope it's efficient, but—" Huoya clinked glasses with Nan'an and took a big gulp. "Hoo~~~ I was young once too, hating evil like poison. Killing to vent my anger and find peace in my heart was a common method. No need to explain, I understand and support it."
Nan'an knew that stereotypes were hard to change, so he could only smile and remain silent.
He glanced at Suiyue, who had lifted her clothes and was admiring her round belly.
Half a lamb, a whole beef leg, two large bowls of mashed potatoes with meat gravy, and a serving of corn chowder.
Suiyue's performance was amazing; she, who loves meat, didn't chew a single bite of vegetables.
Slide the plate, dip the greens in the meat gravy, and feed it to Niu Niu.
Open your mouth.
Suiyue didn't resist and forced a big mouthful of leafy greens into her mouth.
The scene of forcing the cow to eat grass made Guen the Crow unable to suppress his laughter.
"By the way, does the name Granty ring a bell?" Gunn asked casually.
"The Gray Star era?" Nan An shook his head. "I haven't heard of the era I was active in."
Have you ever been to the Crimson Wood Tavern?
Nan'an frowned and recalled for a moment, then shook his head.
"Are they related to gods and demons?"
Gunn responded with a smile: "It's not certain yet—everyone says that Erlu is very experienced, but in reality, we often feel confused when faced with strange and bizarre gods and demons."
Just as Nan'an was about to respond, a servant rushed over.
The dinner was interrupted twice, and Gunn was a little impatient, but he managed to suppress it well—he was a proper person and would not arbitrarily criticize his servants.
"Lord Gunn, it is Duke Vahedeen Riold."
Suiyue raised her eyebrows. She remembered the name. In the heroic battle that led to her meeting Nan'an, Wahdien's eldest son and daughter both died heroically in the battle. They were the most courageous among the nobles.
Wahedeen's eldest son was surrounded. Before retrieving his sister's body, he told Suiyue about his plan, instructing her to escape in the opposite direction.
If there's anything that prevents Suiyue from immediately developing strong stereotypes about nobles, it's probably the blood-tax nobles like Corella, Nilar, and Vahdion.
Compared to the incompetent fools in the underground sewer system, she really had no objection to them sacrificing their own blood to ensure a generation's stable growth, or even their extravagance and debauchery.
Upon hearing the servant's words, Nan'an noticed that Huoya and Guen looked inexplicably nervous.
When Gunn got up, he accidentally bumped the corner of the table, causing the meat soup in front of Suiyue to churn.
Once they were all alone, Huoya spoke to Nan'an.
"Regarding Vahedien Riod, you only need to know one thing—their family paid a heavy price in dealing with the god/demon you speak of as 'the one who grants your wishes.'"
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