Chapter 2506 Contract <TOC> Chapter 2508 Princess Town
Translator: SumTLMan
After listening to Aubrey’s account, Angel finally understood the whole process.
The urgent intelligence from Old Potter involved a guide from the Savage Grottoes.
After accepting the guide mission, this guide began traveling overseas in search of talented individuals and later returned to the continent, planning to cross through Guman Kingdom to see if there were other talents in the Arelle Principality.
Unexpectedly, near the Princess Town of Guman Kingdom, the guide found a young man who was injured and unconscious.
The guide saved this young man and, after testing, discovered that he too was a talented individual.
However, this young man seemed to have some unspeakable worries. Although he agreed to follow the guide into the Wizarding World, he was always silent, and his brow never cleared.
The guide, assuming it was just youthful sorrow, did not pry but learned that he was an orphan and then took him on the road.
While passing through Princess Town, the guide planned to stay overnight at Old Potter’s place.
However, shortly after they entered Princess Town, trouble occurred.
The guide was attacked by a squadron of the Guman Kingdom’s royal knights. Although the knights, being mere hounds of the Guman King, were not very strong, their numbers were overwhelming. The guide, still an apprentice, was ultimately captured.
Indeed, the guide’s abilities were much stronger than Aubrey’s. If she had really wanted to escape, the knights might not have been able to stop her. However, at that time, the guide was not alone; she had talented individuals from various places with her, some of whom had a very close relationship with the guide. Hence, during the attack, the guide did not abandon them, which unfortunately led to their capture.
After their capture, Old Potter, through various channels, finally confirmed that among those talents, there was one who had offended the Grand Princess’s daughter.
And that person was the previously rescued young man.
Due to his unique identity, Old Potter could not expose himself, so he could only secretly try to negotiate through various connections, but even knowing that the opposition was a guide from the Savage Grottoes, the princess showed no fear and had no intention of releasing them.
With no other options, Old Potter could only send urgent intelligence, hoping to get help from the organization.
Angel: “Old Potter’s approach was correct; notifying the organization to resolve it was the simplest and most effective. Why then did you break into the princess’s castle, thinking you could save the guide with your abilities?”
Indeed, Aubrey was chased because she had broken into the princess’s castle and was discovered.
This began her journey of escape.
Eventually, when there was no escape left, she sought help from Angel.
Aubrey looked somewhat embarrassed and explained: “No, I didn’t overestimate my abilities. I… I just wanted to check on their situation.”
At this, there was no need for Angel to criticize, as the Crowned Parrot had already started mocking: “Are you stupid, or dumb, or just foolish? Going to check on their situation is just like breaking into the enemy’s stronghold to rescue someone. Oh my, I regret ever signing a contract with such a foolish woman!”
Aubrey was well aware that her explanation was filled with oddities, to say nothing of the Crowned Parrot, even Daus beside her heaved a sigh while holding his forehead.
Shame-faced, Aubrey lowered her head and stuttered: “That guide… actually, she’s a friend of mine. That’s why I acted impulsively…”
“Your ability to make friends is evident to all, and your impulsiveness only highlights your foolishness,” the Crowned Parrot commented mercilessly.
Angel was somewhat at a loss for words, Aubrey’s actions could very well be nominated for the “Most Baffling Human Behavior Awards.”
But since this matter involved the guide of the Savage Grottoes, it would be one thing if Angel did not know; now that he was aware, he naturally had to think of a solution.
“That guide, your so-called friend, what’s her name?” Angel asked.
Aubrey looked up: “Ms. Melo.”
Ms. Melo? Angel recalled for a moment and then dredged up some details about this name from the depths of his memory. By seniority, she was a senior of Shalem, having been apprenticed to “Manji,” Chilledin, thirty years ago, and at that time she had received a golden flier invitation.
Shalem would sometimes mention Ms. Melo in conversations, always with sincere respect. She was an elegant, classical witch who was both principled and rule-abiding.
Shalem had once confidently stated, though Nanaki and Bass were acclaimed as the contemporary shining stars of the Savage Grottoes, it was only because they chose to be high-profile, whereas the low-key Ms. Melo could definitely have become a formal wizard before them.
All things considered, Shalem’s praise for Ms. Melo was substantial.
Who is Shalem? A pure bookworm, but he also had a keen observational ability towards others, and Angel trusted Shalem’s judgment.
“So it’s her, it seems you do have some reliable friends.” Angel murmured softly.
Aubrey’s face flushed: “Lord knows of Ms. Melo.”
Angel: “I’ve heard.”
With that, Angel did not continue discussing Ms. Melo but stood up and said lightly: “Since this is about the organization’s guide, I’ll go have a look.”
The capture of a guide was no small matter for any organization. Moreover, the close relationship between Ms. Melo and Shalem, and of course, even if not for this connection, Angel would still intervene.
Angel looked towards the direction of the Guman Kingdom, his gaze steady.
After all, it wasn’t far from Princess Town.
Deciding to intervene, Aubrey breathed a sigh of relief. She dared not say more and followed closely behind Angel.
Angel then turned to Daus: “Thank you for showing the way, I might not be able to go back to see Kael for a while, but I’ll handle things here as soon as possible. I hope you can pass a message to Kael for me.”
Daus, however, seemed as if he hadn’t heard, instead asking another question: “Are you from the Savage Grottoes?”
There was no need to answer this; Aubrey had already made it quite clear.
Daus also knew that when he asked this question, he was merely speculating about Angel’s identity. He continued: “Do you really think that the famous Red Sword Daus would back down because it involves the matters of the Guman Royal Family?”
Angel frowned, meaning Daus was also going? What for?
Angel didn’t think having an extra person would simplify things, but rather make him feel restrained.
Daus didn’t wait for Angel to reply, and added: “I think, rather than my departure, what you should be dealing with right now is that group of people.”
The ‘group of people’ Daus referred to was naturally the royal knights of the Guman Royal Family.
Previously, Angel had only used mirage and sound illusions to make them pass out through a fantasy, not killing them.
Now, since they were preparing to go to Princess Town, it was natural to first deal with these people.
But, how should this be done?
While Angel was pondering, Daus suddenly said: “How about I handle them for you? I’ll provide you with a satisfactory return.”
Though Angel didn’t know what Daus meant by ‘return’, he thought it over and didn’t stop Daus, signaling him to proceed.
Daus approached the unconscious group, knocking each awake, and by some method, extracted information about the princess from them.
After they had spoken, Daus simply whistled, and a huge Gold Ring Sandworm, about thirty meters long, surged from the ground and swallowed them whole.
Daus, using this method, interrogated them one by one, and then fed them to the sandworm adorned with a gold ring.
Soon, not one of these lackeys remained.
Daus walked over, while Angel remained calm and undisturbed, Aubrey, however, stepped back in fear; the scene of Daus summoning the sandworm to devour people was terrifying.
Of course, Aubrey’s retreat also inevitably led to the Crowned Parrot’s criticism. The Crowned Parrot was now exhausted; after all, it had signed a contract, Aubrey’s well-being meant its own well-being. But given Aubrey’s temperament, it was truly a headache for it, looking like a long and arduous training road ahead.
“Based on the intelligence gathered and eliminating the false, the real information is right here.” After coming over, Daus extended a finger and lightly tapped on Angel.
A not-too-long stream of information was thus assimilated by Angel. This information included all that Daus had extracted from the mouths of the royal lackeys about the princess and her castle, even why the princess had captured that young boy was crystal clear.
“Is this what you call a return?” Angel raised an eyebrow.
Daus shrugged: “Of course not, you saw that Gold Ring Sandworm, he’s my pet, Little Gold. Having devoured these transcendents, Little Gold has extra energy for reproduction now. When it produces baby Little Golds, I’ll give you one as a return.”
Gold Ring Sandworms are extremely valuable sandworms. Their shed skins can be used to practice earth and metal spells; their replaced teeth serve not only as earth spellcasting materials but are also prized alchemical substances——Sandworm Gold. Besides, they have many other uses, and one could say every part of them is a treasure. Moreover, they are largely recyclable, not only valuable but also capable of continuously creating value.
Larvae are already quite expensive, and adults are priceless.
Daus mentioned giving the offspring of Little Gold as a return, an offer not even Angel could resist.
Although it is difficult to raise mature Gold Ring Sandworms, he had —Iscariot’s Manuscript— from Nisi! Iscariot was the “Heart of the Swarm,” and it was with this manuscript that the morphing softworms were raised initially.
Angel hesitated several times to say “no,” but ultimately, the lure of a Little Gold offspring was too tempting to refuse.
Daus, unaware of Angel’s inner thoughts, had planned to give an offspring of Little Gold from the start. Although the Gold Ring Sandworms are very valuable, the larvae are still purchasable, which, compared to a group of hounds of equivalent strength to a mid-level apprentice, is even more valuable overall.
Thus, the gift of Little Gold’s offspring to Angel was somewhat an equivalent exchange, especially since those hounds were subdued by Angel.
“Alright, that trash is taken care of; we should move on now, next stop, Princess Town,” Daus said nonchalantly, hands clasped behind his neck.
Angel: “Are you really coming along?”
Daus, smiling cheerily: “I wouldn’t miss it for the world.”
“I don’t think it’s going to be very interesting.”
Daus: “That’s because you haven’t seen it with interesting eyes. Don’t you think the eldest princess’s daughter is interesting? At such a young age, she has developed so many varieties and methods of play. Tsk tsk, youth is formidable, the future is promising.”
Angel: “…Are you being serious?”
Daus: “Of course, I’m serious. Don’t you find it interesting?”
Angel, not bothering to respond, turned and summoned the Gondola, signaling to Aubrey to come aboard.
Although he didn’t invite Daus, Daus, thick-faced as he was, jumped aboard and sat opposite Angel. Angel didn’t drive him away; if Daus wanted to spectate, he might as well let him… especially for the sake of that Little Gold offspring.
After boarding the Gondola, Daus didn’t stop chattering.
“Could the eldest princess’s daughter be a regular at Bliss Pavilion? Or perhaps, she’s outright one of Bliss Pavilion’s people,” Daus mused with longing. “You know, she likes to use whips for enhancement; could she be a student of the ‘Whip Witch’ Lexa?”
Angel ignored Daus.
Aubrey quietly asked the Crowned Parrot: “What is he talking about?”
“If you were under eighteen, no, thirteen, and asked this question, I would think it a sign of youthful ignorance. But you’re not a young girl anymore. Hearing the name Bliss Pavilion, you should have some understanding, yet you still ask such a question; no wonder Guina could spin you around so easily,” the Crowned Parrot scoffed mockingly.
“I’ve heard of the Bliss Pavilion, but it seems to involve nefarious activities, so I never delved into it,” Aubrey stated matter-of-factly. As a homebody, she chooses to read only what she likes. Things she dislikes, or those deemed sinful, she often glances over without much thought.
“It’s not like I’m asking you to enter the Bliss Pavilion. You simply retreat from understanding simply because you think it involves bad deeds. Locking yourself in your own little world, no wonder you are so naive,” the Crowned Parrot finished, raising its head proudly. “I absolutely won’t allow such a fool among my servants. I’ll start transforming you 360 degrees starting today!”
“What?” Aubrey looked puzzled. She had just asked a question; how had the conversation suddenly turned on her, and now a transformation?
Aubrey, looking overwhelmed, sought help from Angel with her eyes. She had observed earlier that Angel seemed capable of controlling the parrot.
However, when Angel saw Aubrey’s pleading eyes, he simply glossed over it lightly.
The Crowned Parrot taking the initiative to transform Aubrey was precisely what Angel had hoped to see, so there was no chance he would intervene. Aubrey should be grateful that he didn’t exacerbate the situation.
In Aubrey’s bewildered and helpless gaze, and supported by Speedling, the Gondola shot into the sky, speeding so fast that it left only an arc of light in mid-air.
Soon after, they saw the sand barrier forest of the Guman Kingdom.
Beyond the sand barrier forest lay lush forests and rolling highlands.
And within a certain gorge in this region was White Goose Town.