novelraw Chapter 212: There Are Still More Experts?
Chapter 212: There Are Still More Experts?
"Only one can exist between Lawrence and Morin."
As these words were spoken, the entire royal court immediately fell into deathly silence, so quiet you could hear a pin drop.
Duke Side's face instantly turned rather unpleasant.
He hadn't expected that the Oxivis Family would actually intervene in this matter, and with such importance that they sent their next family head in person.
He was even more surprised that the other party would take things to such an extreme.
Annoyed, he couldn't help but mutter, "Young lady from the Oxivis Family, we've all heard of the Oxivis reputation and have always held your family in high regard. But this matter is ultimately our Doria Kingdom's internal affair. For you to interfere like this, aren't you overstepping your boundaries?"
It was clear he was trying to be polite - after all, he wasn't stupid and knew the Oxivis Family's power. But being accustomed to his high position, his words still carried a bit of a sting.
Under normal circumstances, when facing people within the kingdom, even the kingdom's king had grown accustomed to his attitude and wouldn't bother arguing with him.
But now, he was facing a future imperial royal duke.
Upon hearing this, Nuolun gave him a cold glance. "Meddling in others' business?""Are you saying I should sit back and watch while your subordinates bully my sister and aunt, and that wouldn't be meddling?"
"..."
Duke Side was left speechless, unable to respond immediately.
How could he have known that damned Lawrence woman would be so insane as to provoke someone from the Oxivis Family? He was even more surprised that a major family like Oxivis would be so sentimental - caring so much about someone who had abandoned their surname and left the family.
"So what must I do for you to let this go?"
Speaking these words indicated Duke Side had already conceded and wanted to settle matters peacefully.
But he still didn't want the Lawrence Family completely destroyed. At this point, it wasn't just about interests anymore... The Lawrence Family knew too much. If he completely abandoned them, who knew what they might reveal? Moreover, if the Lawrence Family he had supported for so long just disappeared like that, where would he put his face?
He wouldn't be able to hold his head up in the kingdom anymore.
So by saying this, he meant to negotiate further with the other party.
"Didn't I already say? Only one can exist between Morin and Lawrence. Whether it's Morin or Lawrence that disappears is your choice."
However, Nuolun just gave him a cold glance, showing no intention of backing down.
Duke Side glanced at the surrounding ministers - those who had supported him earlier were now silent.
Including the king, who was putting on a helpless expression, watching from the sidelines.
And those who had earlier stepped forward to criticize him were waiting to see him make a fool of himself!
Humiliated and angry, Duke Side could only play his final card again: "Your Majesty, if you make your subjects feel so disheartened, then I'm afraid I can no longer remain in the Doria Kingdom!"
The king frowned slightly and was about to speak when Nuolun spoke first: "By the way, aside from resolving some family matters, I also have business to discuss with the king during this visit to the Doria Kingdom... The Oxivis Family intends to develop new markets in the Doria Kingdom. I wonder if Your Majesty is interested in this?"
Compared to Duke Side, her words to the king were clearly much more polite.
Kaeo was momentarily stunned. He had thought the other party was just here to settle scores, but there was such good news too?
Aside from being royal dukes of the Violet Empire, the Oxivis Family's Oxira Chamber of Commerce was one of the continent's largest alchemical chambers of commerce, with business spanning the three great empires and numerous kingdoms. Conservative estimates placed their share at 20% of the continent's total alchemical business!
This was a true alchemical giant. The Morin Family before them wasn't so much a drop in the ocean as a small pond at best.
"Is this true?"
"Naturally true. I'd say this is actually the main purpose of my personal visit..."
As she spoke, she subtly glanced at Duke Side nearby, implying he wasn't even worth considering.
Duke Side was both shocked and furious. Not only did the other party want to force him to abandon the Lawrence Family, they even wanted to destroy his livelihood!
He clearly understood the Oxivis Family's influence in the alchemical industry. Once this family's business extended to the Doria Kingdom, within ten years at most, they would occupy at least nearly half of the kingdom's market share, with most of it likely taken from his own hands.
By that time, it wouldn't just be about profit loss. Once he lost his pivotal position in the kingdom, the negative consequences of his years of arrogance and tyranny would come back to haunt him.
This wasn't about making him choose between two options - it was clearly about destroying both Lawrence and Morin!
So he immediately panicked and said hurriedly, "I can abandon the Lawrence Family! There's no need for the young royal duke to go this far..."
"I'm speaking with the king. Who gave you permission to speak?"
Nuolun snorted coldly. "Old dog, keep your mouth shut."
Duke Side had never been so insulted before, his face turning beet red. He could tell the other party was serious, and the king clearly intended to cooperate. So he could no longer hold back and completely lost his composure.
"Little girl, aren't you afraid of mutual destruction if you act like this?!"
"If you think you can do it, feel free to try..."
But Nuolun showed no fear, just sneered. The maid beside her immediately tensed up, ready to fight at any moment.
Duke Side clenched his fists, his feet already stepping forward, but ultimately didn't dare to actually attack.
This young girl wasn't very old. Even with a solid foundation from childhood and resources from a major family, she was probably at veteran level at most, maybe elite level at the very highest. And the maid beside her probably just reached transcendent level at best. With his strength, he shouldn't fear them in theory.
The problem was, outside there was still a dragon-blooded griffin - that half-step epic magical creature wasn't something he could handle.
Moreover, if he really attacked, that old fool Elvish, even the king, wouldn't stand by idly.
Furthermore, the Oxivis Family heir definitely had life-saving treasures on her...
If he attacked, the fish would definitely die, but the net would almost certainly remain intact.
Between immediate death and dying a few years later, he could only choose the latter. Maybe he could still find room for maneuver later.
"Hmph!"
So he could only snort coldly, too ashamed to remain here any longer, and turned to leave directly.
But just as he reached the outside, a sharp claw came straight at his face. Duke Side couldn't avoid it in time, leaving bloody marks on his face.
The dragon-blooded griffin before him cried out triumphantly. Duke Side almost gritted his teeth to pieces but didn't dare fight back, could only slink away disgraced, filled with intense resentment.
He hated that foolish Lawrence woman for inexplicably provoking the Oxivis Family, hated himself for momentarily giving in to desire and entrusting important matters to such a fool, hated the king for taking so much money from him yet not speaking up for him.
But he didn't dare hate the Oxivis Family.
Because this was an existence he could never possibly overcome, and he didn't have the courage to challenge the Oxivis Family's authority.
He knew that after today, his glorious days in the kingdom were over.
Some dignity, once lost, is hard to regain.
Within the royal court, King Kaeo looked somewhat gravely at the future imperial royal duke before him. He could now confirm that the other party was indeed truthful - her main purpose in coming to the Doria Kingdom was indeed to open new markets.
And the matter with Duke Side and the Lawrence Family was the perfect entry point.
Using seeking justice for her sister and aunt as an excuse, she could effortlessly overthrow the local powerhouse Morin Family and gain more support from him, the king.
Just imagine - if this incident hadn't occurred, and the Oxivis Family suddenly said they wanted to enter the Doria Kingdom's market, what would his view have been?
Most likely cautious. Even if he hoped to use them to balance against the Morin Family, he wouldn't offer much help.
And the Oxivis side wouldn't have an excuse to use force or pressure. Although imperial royal duke families were powerful, they still had to be reasonable, especially business-oriented families like Oxivis. If they used violence to solve every problem, their reputation would suffer and business wouldn't go as smoothly.
If that were the case, the Oxivis Family wanting to occupy the Doria Kingdom's alchemical market would undoubtedly be much more difficult.
It would take at least over 10 years to completely replace the Morin Family's leading position, and their market share wouldn't be too large, certainly not reaching the Morin Family's current exaggerated 50% proportion.
But after the incidents in Lania City and Silverstream City, many ministers in the kingdom, including himself as king, had growing issues with the Morin Family and didn't want them maintaining their current power.
The Oxivis Family entering at this time could undoubtedly gain maximum support from these kingdom nobles.
Plus, they could use the excuse of their nominally "bullied" aunt in Silverstream City who had left the Oxivis Family to openly and covertly suppress the Morin Family. This way, within five years at most, or even just three to four years if faster, they could completely replace the Morin Family's position, even surpassing it.
His relationship with the Morin Family was already broken, and he couldn't not support the Oxivis Family. And once he gave support, it wouldn't be easy to control later.
But Kaeo wasn't actually that worried, because for the Oxivis Family, the market of a small kingdom like Doria Kingdom wasn't that important.
Later, they wouldn't try to control court politics like Duke Side had.
More likely, they were using this opportunity to give their future family heir some practice.
At least from what he could see now, this future young royal duke was indeed quite skilled...
"Well now, the annoying fellow has left. We can properly discuss our future cooperation."
Nuolun wore a bright, relaxed smile, but this smile made many kingdom ministers shudder.
After that, the royal court meeting continued for quite some time.
Aside from finalizing cooperation between the Oxivis Family and the Doria Kingdom, they also passed judgment on the Lawrence Family as Elvish had wished...
"Well then, following everyone's opinion, I declare: strip the Lawrence Family of their viscount title and immediately arrest relevant personnel to be sent to the royal capital for trial of crimes."
"Additionally... regarding the situation in Lania City... follow Archmage Elvish's suggestion - issue orders for surrounding cities to send troops for support, suppressing this goblin siege disaster as soon as possible to avoid a tragedy like years ago."
"Your Majesty is wise."
Elvish immediately bowed slightly, and the ministers followed in agreement.
...
The royal court meeting concluded, decisions were quickly issued, and Elvish conveyed these messages to Flora via communication.
After receiving the message, Flora immediately split up with Shaya, each heading to a nearby city to assist the city lords and reinforcement troops in rushing to Lania City as quickly as possible.
But armies marching takes time, so they couldn't arrive during Lania City's first day of goblin invasion.
However, traveling day and night, they finally arrived on the second night, just as Lania City was about to completely collapse.
Lin Mo, seeing the fiery red hair suddenly appear on the battlefield, immediately felt his spirits lift.
It was Flora!
"Miss Flora!"
He immediately waved to her and jogged over.
Hearing the familiar voice, Flora was momentarily stunned. Turning and seeing Lin Mo, she became even more surprised. "It's you? Why are you in such a dangerous place?"
In her memory, Lin Mo's strength was quite good, but he seemed to be just a beginner-level professional, right?
If she remembered correctly, when she left him in Beixi's care and departed Silverstream City, he was just a level 2 warrior?
And had only started learning magic a few days before.
Although Flora clearly remembered his astonishing talent that had once rather discouraged her, and he must have grown stronger recently, after such a short time, even at the most terrifying growth rate, he'd probably be at most a level 5 warrior, level 2 or 3 mage?
That was already quite terrifying - even the empire's top geniuses, with royal-level resources, could only achieve that much in the same time.
Of course, such strength couldn't be called weak, but it was still relatively dangerous on such an intense battlefield.
"Never mind, we'll talk later..."
Now wasn't the time for chatting. Flora didn't continue asking and turned back to join the battle.
Compared to Lin Mo, this elite-level mage's destructive power on the battlefield was clearly more than a step stronger.
And not long after she arrived on her hippogriff, massive movements came from the distance.
Lin Mo activated [Eagle Eye] and looked carefully, vaguely making out a large group of troops approaching.
Reinforcements had finally arrived!
Lin Mo immediately felt a weight lift from his shoulders and could now charge into battle without restraint, freely displaying his abilities.
This was the perfect opportunity to grind skill proficiency.
Lin Mo immediately activated his [Shadow Split] skill, simultaneously controlling both his main body and clone to kill enemies.
Since the clone couldn't use skills, and as an epic-level skill, the [Shadow Split] clone killing ordinary goblins provided limited proficiency, Lin Mo simply had the clone seek out relatively higher-level targets among the goblin army.
Like mutated goblins, quasi-bronze and bronze goblins, etc...
If this was shortly after obtaining the skill, with Lin Mo's attributes at that time, his clone might have struggled against enemies like bronze goblins. But now Lin Mo's status panel attributes were monstrously strong. Even with the clone inheriting only 65% of his main body's attributes, dealing with these foes was completely effortless.
Meanwhile, Lin Mo's main body began using large-area skills as much as possible, grinding proficiency while quickly clearing surrounding ordinary goblins.
The mage profession's [Blizzard] and [Flame Chain Star] skills, and the knight profession's [Earth-Rending Slam] skill, were undoubtedly quite suitable choices.
[Taunt]!
Of course, after discovering the combined uses of the taunt skill and tasting its benefits, Lin Mo began using this skill more frequently to gather monsters.
After gathering enough goblins around him, Lin Mo used the [Blizzard] skill to clear them out.
Fierce ice elements transformed into numerous hailstones falling down. Immediately, the goblins within the skill's range fell like harvested wheat, row after row.
Flora, fighting at the front, felt this powerful ice element and looked back in surprise.
"Does Roland Town have such a powerful ice element mage?"
Why hadn't she encountered them earlier...
Judging by the spell's power, it should be an exceptional-grade skill, and the caster's magic attribute was very high, likely reaching elite level!
But this was good news. Even when reinforcement armies arrived, half would prioritize dealing with goblins that had already broken into Roland Town. The remaining half might not effectively block the current goblin army. After all, although orders came from above, those two city lords couldn't send all their guards.
The two cities split into four routes total. The route she led had only about 1000 troops.
The main force heading directly to Lania City had slightly more, but only about 3000. The total reinforcement guards from both cities numbered less than 6000.
This was actually quite substantial - each city sending 3000 guards showed considerable commitment, as they didn't want the goblin disaster to spread further.
Their previous reluctance to send troops was because the royal capital's situation remained unclear. If they accidentally chose the wrong side, the consequences for the lords themselves would be far more serious than suffering goblin disasters.
Anyway, 1000 troops, while relieving some of Roland Town's pressure, was far from sufficient to directly solve the problem.
Although her own strength was powerful and she could play a significant role on the battlefield, she wasn't confident about handling so many goblins.
Having such a powerful helper undoubtedly greatly reduced her pressure.
But before Flora's shock subsided, the next moment, countless shining fireballs suddenly appeared on the battlefield, followed by roaring explosions.
"Fire element mage?"
Flora was stunned again, and also an expert, seemingly comparable to the earlier ice element mage, even slightly stronger!
Wait... such a small Roland Town actually had hidden talents - two entire elite-level mages?
If she'd known Roland Town had such strength, she wouldn't have needed to come personally.
No...
If Roland Town had two elite-level mages, why was the city's situation so critical when she flew over on her hippogriff earlier?
Flora's confusion grew increasingly stronger, her attention drawn to the area continuously releasing elite-level mage magic.
Come to think of it, wasn't Lin Mo over there earlier?
She remembered this talented youth she hadn't seen in a long time. When she saw him earlier, he seemed quite clean and tidy, probably having just arrived. Those two elite-level mages must have come with him from elsewhere, like Silverstream City, as reinforcements?
Of course, while thinking this, she didn't stop her actions.
Flora raised her staff, casting another spell downwards. Brilliant fire rain fell, making the goblins within range cry for their parents and scatter in all directions, but they couldn't escape the magic's vast area. Soon hit by the fire rain, their bodies almost instantly melted.
[Spiral Wind Vortex]!
After casting several blizzards and flame chain stars consecutively, Lin Mo remembered he had another blue exceptional-grade magic skill that was also quite useful in such chaotic battlefields.
He channeled mana, wind elements gathering in his palm, transforming into powerful winds forming a huge vortex that pulled nearby goblins into it.
Howling winds raged fiercely, easily tearing apart goblins affected by the vortex. For a moment, the massive vortex seemed dyed blood-red.
What, there are still more experts?
Although clearly weaker than the earlier ice and fire magic, it wasn't far from elite level - roughly peak level 10 standard!
Just how many powerful mages had arrived?
Even Silverstream City didn't have that many strong individuals... Could they be from the Oxivis Family?
Regardless of Flora's astonishment, Lin Mo was currently ecstatic.
The goblin numbers before him were extremely dense. Even though exceptional-grade magic experienced proficiency decay when killing these ordinary goblins, facts proved that when numbers were truly sufficient, even with decay, proficiency growth still skyrocketed upwards like a rocket...