novelraw Chapter 425: To Everyone's Delight
Chapter 425: To Everyone's Delight
"Owl-kin, I didn't expect there to surprisingly be such a Demi-human Race?"
"Indeed it is so."
"Slime? You mean a semi-transparent, slimy mass of a creature like a Water Spirit that also possesses intelligence. Aiya, this is truly... Mr. Fisher, have you tried touching them? Have you ever entered their bodies? How does it feel?"
"...No."
Within the grand hall, Marquis Hiiragi's 'regretting meeting so late' appearance dissolved the previously quite solid atmosphere. Naturally, this occurred at the requisite cost of sacrificing Fisher. He largely found it somewhat difficult to converse with this Marquis Hiiragi, because he could distinctly sense the bizarrely-acting Elf-kin before his eyes harbored an even thicker interest in Demi-human Races than himself.
Moreover, exactly as Kuin previously stated, exceptionally lecherous. This point frequently rendered Fisher unable to pick up his words. Of course, Hiiragi additionally wasn't disappointed.
He seemingly treated Fisher as a like-minded enthusiast. In his view, Fisher not being such a thorough pervert regarding the issue of Demi-human Races needed improvement. He would exchange insights with Fisher while drinking alcohol.
Overall, the atmosphere at the scene was good; it was a win-win situation for everyone.
Kuin and Tsubaki Earl didn't have to choose in the dilemma between the Deer Species Lu Ming and ceding territory; Hiiragi was also very satisfied because he gained a soulmate who understood him like Fisher. While conversing with Fisher, he consecutively drank quite a bit of alcohol yet it wasn't enough, the Mythical Species coercion upon his body gradually becoming amicable; Fisher was perhaps identically satisfied, because he obtained a lot of information regarding the three newly bound Demi-human Races from Hiiragi free of charge, as if wringing information out of him.
Fisher intentionally steered the topic towards the previous Demi-human Races. The Kuin, Tsubaki Earl, and Gou Wen aside him also made quite a few supplementary remarks, allowing Fisher to reap a bountiful harvest.He seemingly discovered a method to obtain Demi-human Race knowledge without needing to personally conduct research. It was like a textile worker finally opening a textile factory, finally escaping labor to sit and collect money. Naturally, this was merely an analogy for this single situation. Fisher couldn't possibly do this frequently. Opportunities to act according to circumstances like this weren't numerous; it was perhaps better for him to still personally handle matters.
"Mr. Fisher and this Angel are going to the Royal Capital beneath the tree to celebrate the King's longevity?"
According to general conversational patterns, topics always Proceeded Step by Step. When the topic of "Demi-human Races" was broadened bit by bit, and Hiiragi's favorable impression of Fisher had elevated considerably, after three rounds of drinks, he abruptly thought of a matter he hadn't cared much about previously, and that was the objective of Fisher's group.
Fisher solely drank a few sips of alcohol. The Elves' skill in brewing fine wine was no inferior to later generations' Naris. This clear liquor looked like water but the alcohol content was surprisingly high. Fisher merely drank a few bowls and didn't continue, hence his consciousness currently remained extremely clear,
"Correct."
"...Um, you guys are probably also just going to deliver some gifts and congratulatory words, it's not a troublesome matter either. But even if you go there, nobody will pay attention to you. How about after delivering the gifts and returning, you return to the Hiiragi Fiefdom along the way? I will definitely entertain you well, allowing you to experience the several unique Demi-human Races within our Hiiragi Fiefdom, how about it?"
Facing Hiiragi's profound hospitality, Fisher stroked his chin, calmly asking,
"Trouble? Is there any troublesome matter within the Royal Capital?"
He inquired about intelligence regarding the Royal Capital. After all, the purpose of their trip was to find out whether the World Tree Teardrop within the Jianmu Palace had been stolen... He had heard Gou Wen mention previously that the place the Elf King lived was right in front of the Jianmu Palace, and the Jianmu Palace was the place Elves used for sacrifices, right at the base of the World Tree...
"No trouble, it's just that our King has already lived for so long, his lifespan is about to reach its end. But no Elf knows exactly what day that will be. You know, for us Elves, a few years or a few decades are all considered very minor deviations... it's just there are rumors saying that half a year ago the King's body rapidly deteriorated. Not only the Jianmu Palace, but the entire Royal Palace was closed, forbidding outsiders from paying respects. Even other Elves aren't permitted to return to the Royal Capital either."
Pinching his wine cup, Hiiragi spoke thus. But as he spoke, he seemingly thought of something again. He turned his head to look at the quiet Tsubaki Earl beside him, asking,
"Yi, I suddenly recall, weren't you in the Royal Capital half a year ago, Tsubaki? The Deer Species only exists in your Tsubaki Fiefdom, and alongside the 'Tan' (Sandalwood) Fiefdom's White Crane Species and the 'Zhang' (Camphor) Fiefdom's Golden Toad Species, they are known as the 'Three Great Auspices'. Half a year ago, you and quite a few Elves were in the Royal Capital presenting gifts to the King. Did anything happen there?"
Every cycle of sixty years, the Elves enfeoffed by the Elf King had to pay tribute to him. Of course, different noble titles necessitated different frequencies of tribute. An "Earl" had to pay tribute twelve times a cycle, a "Marquis" had to pay tribute ten times, and a "Duke" only paid tribute six times. Therefore, many times Elves entered the Royal Capital at staggered times.
Half a year ago happened to be the time point for the "Earl" and "Baron" noble titles to pay tribute. Therefore, Hiiragi suddenly recalled this matter, asking the Tsubaki Earl thus.
Tsubaki Earl was rendered speechless. Just now when people arrived you completely ignored them, and when I said I wanted to discuss this matter you were too lazy to pay attention to me. Now that there's someone whose foul smell attracts yours, you wish you could tell them everything you know...
Tsubaki Earl looked young, but his voice was quite steady and magnetic. He pondered for a moment, shaking his head and saying,
"Nothing special happened, merely presenting treasures and congratulatory words according to convention like that. I met the Great King once within the Royal Palace at that time. His mental and physical state remained sufficient, devoid of signs of demise. Afterwards, upon completing the process, I didn't stay long in the Royal Capital before returning to the border. Nowadays, the Jianmu Palace and Royal Capital shut their doors tightly, yet no news has transmitted out for a long time, inevitably inviting our speculation. This time for the King's longevity, an order was also issued early on, forbidding any Elf from entering the capital to celebrate longevity."
Hearing this, Hiiragi stroked his chin, chuckling and saying,
"Right ah, 'all Elves', but guests originating from the Sanctuary don't know this matter ah. This time, not only the King, the attitude of the several Grand Dukes is additionally quite ambiguous. For the King to remain behind closed doors for so long, the several Grand Dukes surprisingly haven't clashed yet. I heard previously that the relationship between them is even worse than my Previous Incarnation and Tsubaki Earl; it shouldn't be like this."
Tsubaki Earl smiled awkwardly, not responding. Merely looking at Fisher who was deep in thought, he opened his mouth,
"Therefore, the situation is largely like this. Both Marquis Hiiragi and I are unable to outwardly assist you in proceeding towards the Royal Capital. After all, the Royal Capital already issued an order forbidding us from proceeding there. Even guests from the Sanctuary ought to notify the Royal Capital, but..."
"But we can pretend we completely haven't seen you guys. Raise any demands you have; Angels from the Sanctuary arriving uninvited, even the King can't do anything to you guys. If the people of the Royal Capital drive you away, your Sanctuary will subsequently also gain another point of leverage... Merely, if there's any news about the Royal Capital, absolutely do not forget me. We are soulmates ah, you understand."
Looking at Marquis Hiiragi helping his group scheme against his own King, Fisher temporarily didn't know what to say. Or rather, they and all other Elves were extraordinarily curious regarding the Royal Capital's current state. The King's Reincarnation was imminent. Setting aside whether his Resurrection still needed to adhere to the old Li, just the four-year vacuum period of Reincarnation alone was enough for them to cause a ruckus.
Fisher guessed that the majority of uninformed Elves were observing from the sidelines, waiting for definitive news of the King's demise and Reincarnation. He turned his head to glance at Helaire. She was still AFK "Aba aba"-ing, showing not a speck of intention to agree or disagree, completely adopting a hands-off boss appearance. This left Fisher with no alternative but to make the decision himself, speaking to Marquis Hiiragi,
"Alright, sorry for the trouble to you two."
"Then let me make the arrangements. For you to proceed to the Royal Capital, you can only travel by land. Even we Elves of the Mythic Rank cannot fly over, otherwise we would identically be shot down by the Universe Square Axis Artifact upon the trees, making it extremely dangerous. I will plan the route and baggage for you; it's very fast, you can reach the Royal Capital in two days."
The one who spoke was Tsubaki Earl. He proactively took on the job of aiding Fisher's group. Beside him, Hiiragi additionally didn't refuse. Fisher recalled the terrifying lethality of the Universe Square Axis Artifact and very swiftly agreed.
But pondering to this point, he again thought of how they were once pursued by the Universe Square Axis Artifact, wondering if the Royal Capital knew of their arrival. He inquired with Hiiragi. First, he shot an astonished glance at Helaire Angel who only knew how to "Aba aba," subsequently smilingly shaking his head and saying,
"So the ones pursued by the Universe Square Axis Artifact last night were you guys ah. Being able to escape from the pursuit of the Universe Square Axis Artifact, you guys aren't simple either... But no need to worry, the Universe Square Axis Artifact frequently misfires. Even birds flying a little higher frequently trigger the Universe Square Axis Artifact, let alone the Dragon God from the distant opposite shore frequently flaunting his might and flying past above our heads. At that time, the Universe Square Axis Artifact was like setting off fireworks smashing towards him... Of course, it was useless."
"The Dragon God would fly over?"
"Mm, he came to visit Lord World Tree. The two of them are siblings, frequently quarreling, reportedly cursing each other very harshly. Of course, we can't hear their voices... Merely, every time after a quarrel, when performing sacrifices in the Jianmu Palace, the Bone Fragments of Fate burned out are all 'Ominous' and 'Greatly Ominous' and whatnot... Later, as long as the Dragon God came, the King stopped performing sacrifices."
"..."
Bone Fragments of Fate were extremely similar to the divination methods of ancient humans. The sole difference from them querying the air to obtain methodology was that Elves were definitively seeking operational advice from that Lord World Tree. If she completely agreed, it was Greatly Auspicious; if she completely disagreed, it was Greatly Ominous. And the World Tree in a fit of pique would disagree no matter what her children said. Consequently, the Elf King simply stopped asking her later on.
Next, they discussed some arrangements. Tsubaki Earl proactively assumed all the work of aiding them in proceeding to the Royal Capital. Yet comparatively speaking, Fisher indeed additionally felt this Tsubaki Earl was more reliable, rather than this "soulmate" Hiiragi being more reliable; the moment these matters were brought up, he appeared very lacking in energy. Speaking a few sentences and drinking a few mouthfuls of alcohol, he very swiftly became dead drunk, insisting on dragging Fisher outside to find Demi-human Races to sleep with.
Resultingly, after dragging Fisher outside for a few steps, he fell asleep, rendering the entire crowd quite speechless.
"Tapir-kin... trunk..."
Tsubaki Earl looked at Marquis Hiiragi lying on the ground completely devoid of consciousness, helplessly heaving a sigh. Waving a hand at the Kuin below, he gestured for him to call the army Hiiragi brought outside to carry him away to rest elsewhere. Given that they sat for an entire afternoon, the sky outside was also gradually growing late. Without Hiiragi this troublesome ghost, the Gou Wen and Asuka Karasawa over there whose butts ached from sitting correspondingly rubbed their waists and stood up.
"This time, I must truly thank you, Mr. Fisher."
Watching dozens of armored soldiers carry the drunken young Marquis Hiiragi out, the dancing girls and Kuin inside the grand hall additionally sequentially departed. Temporarily, solely Tsubaki Earl and Fisher's group remained here. Right as Fisher identically rubbed his shoulders and stood up, he first cast a glance at Fisher, subsequently imperceptibly sweeping a glance at Helaire behind Fisher, then retracting his gaze, sincerely bowing to Fisher in thanks.
He was a Mythical Species, but unlike Marquis Hiiragi's deliberate restraint, he seemingly completely lacked airs, adopting a modest and polite appearance, very easily inciting trust within people. No wonder Helaire chose to land within his borders previously.
"No need, I didn't suffer any losses either, and our objective was achieved as well."
Fisher walked back to Gou Wen's side. Beside him, Asuka Karasawa invariably watched him. Resultingly, when he walked back and drew close, she averted her line of sight. It was difficult to guess what she was thinking in her heart.
Tsubaki Earl identically didn't mind. He discerned that Fisher lacked the intention to converse excessively with him. Therefore, he additionally looked outside the grand hall, broaching proper business,
"That's good too. Today the few of you arrived both opportunely and inopportunely, exactly running into Marquis Hiiragi, this headache-inducing fellow. Although the Reincarnated Marquis Hiiragi appears bizarre, compared to other Elves he can already be considered exceptionally kindhearted. Later on, when everyone encounters any Elven compatriots, you must be extra careful, otherwise there will be great perils. Today, everyone please temporarily rest here and eat some food. Wait until tomorrow morning to see off Marquis Hiiragi, then I'll discuss matters pertaining to the Royal Capital with everyone in detail."
Fisher nodded. Gou Wen correspondingly cupped his hands to thank this amicable Tsubaki Earl. He additionally returned a greeting. Tsubaki Earl ordered the other attendants within the palace to step forward, telling them,
"Make proper arrangements."
Following that, he departed the grand hall alone, heading in the direction Marquis Hiiragi was carried away in previously.
Waiting until he left, Gou Wen finally additionally stretched his waist, looking at Fisher beside him somewhat sympathetically. Patting his shoulder, he said,
"Thank you for your hard work, Fisher. This afternoon was all thanks to you... That Marquis Hiiragi is simply a pervert, able to lay hands on so many Demi-human Races. Having to wrong you to forcefully agree and exchange opinions beside him, truly... Even I couldn't bear to watch!"
"Pfft!"
Beside them, Helaire finally stopped "Aba aba"-ing. Unknown whether she recalled some happy matter, she suddenly chuckled.
"..."
Fisher remained silent, unanswering Gou Wen's words, identically unspecifying whether the afternoon passed well or poorly. He merely looked at the waiting attendants beside him; conversely, Asuka Karasawa behind him secretly pursed her lips again upon hearing Gou Wen's words, yet ultimately no words exited her mouth.
Seeing Helaire finally stop playing dead, Gou Wen was furious. He rubbed his temples, speaking to her,
"Um, Helaire Angel, shouldn't you at least say something? Relying on us to maneuver among Elves probably isn't too proper, right? Or perhaps, is this Lord Sariel's arrangement?"
Helaire innocently spread her hands, stating,
"It hasn't reached the point where I need to take action nah. Relax, I won't be ambiguous at crucial moments. It's mainly because I have a clumsy mouth, I don't really know how to speak ah. Besides, I think you guys spoke these diplomatic pleasantries quite well. The process and outcome were both good, harmonious and delightfully happy. Not bad, not bad, worthy of praise."
"..."
Gou Wen ignored her further. However, Fisher rather approved of the summary Helaire made. Because before his eyes, several lines of illusory text were impressively written,
【Moth-kin Creature Research Progress: 17%】
【Tapir-kin Creature Research Progress: 22%】
【Mantis-kin Creature Research Progress: 25%】
【Tapir-kin, Mantis-kin First Stage Creature Research Progress Rewards have been unlocked】
Thank you非常感谢您的支持！
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(End of this chapter)