Chapter 866 Lady Silai <TOC> Chapter 868 The Plant-Fused Feathered Woman
Translator: SumTLMan
Shark Disciple, for the first time, felt as if he were a helpless puppy surrounded by a pack of wolves. What was worse, he was mistaken for one of them.
He could tell that both Captain Piers and Rosam were under the impression that he was part of Angel’s team, possibly a bodyguard or a subordinate. Their gaze upon him was filled with a strange mix of scrutiny and concern.
Only he understood the depths of his predicament, yet it was too complex to explain.
He didn’t dare clarify the situation here. Instead, he wore a facade of stoic acceptance, portraying himself as a mere servant. He was hoping that his initial “big fish”, now “master”, Angel wouldn’t reveal his true identity.
As Shark Disciple was swamped by his unease, Piers, on the contrary, seemed to be having an enjoyable conversation with Angel.
Piers was deliberately downplaying his status, his words brimming with flattery. Although Angel held some doubts about their overly enthusiastic approach, he wasn’t one to snub a friendly gesture, especially when the attitude was presented with humility. Angel didn’t mind making one more acquaintance.
After some casual chatter, Piers finally said, “The goods for Lady Silai have been packed into disposable spatial capsules. Would you like to inspect them?”
As he spoke, Piers produced three small capsules and handed them over.
Angel glanced at the design of the spatial capsules. The red top and white bottom pattern was a standard model from Mechanical City, each having approximately the volume of a small log cabin.
Piers had used three spatial capsules, which made Angel wonder, “What on earth did Eureka buy?”
“Let’s inspect the goods!” It was Blaire who spoke.
Angel looked at Blaire and asked, “Do you know what’s inside?”
Blaire lifted her chin, “Of course. The master has instructed me to personally verify the goods.”
Since Blaire had stated this, Angel followed suit, nodding in agreement. He was genuinely curious about what Eureka had purchased.
“For inspection, please follow me here.” Piers gestured towards a stone house in the distance, a rare intact structure amidst the ruins. A few peculiar looking beasts of burden were tethered next to it, laden with goods.
There was indeed a lot of stuff in the three capsules, and if there were valuable items inside, they could potentially attract unwanted attention in the crowded surroundings. Piers’ decision to inspect the goods inside the stone house showed some consideration for Angel’s security.
As Piers led the way, Angel followed suit.
As he passed the pale golden cage where Piers was previously seated, the wind gently lifted the black cloth on the edge of the cage. Through the gap, he saw a hand as white and tender as lard.
The fingers were slightly bent, indicating that the “person” inside the cage was still alive.
In Angel’s eyes, there was not a trace of surprise. Upon his initial encounter, the sight of those iron cages, each cloaked in black fabric, provided him with a plausible explanation. This arrangement was strikingly similar to the enslaved merchandise he had seen during his Twilight Auction visits.
Thus, the so-called Ashen Time Merchant Group was likely a syndicate of slave traders.
Slave trading was, in fact, not uncommon in this world. In a world where power dictated status and there were no constraints, whether in the mortal realm or among the transcendents, where there was demand, there would inevitably be a market. However, slave traders were not exactly esteemed, hence many preferred to present themselves as business associations, caravans, or merchant groups of sorts.
Despite the usage of such generic terminology, the nature of their business was undeniably murky.
As Angel followed Piers, Shark Disciple was hesitating, contemplating whether he should seize the opportunity to depart. Yet when he caught the gaze of Rosam, a sudden chill ran down his spine.
Though Rosam remained silent, his eyes seemed to question: Your master has entered, why are you still lingering outside?
After a lengthy period of uncertainty, Shark Disciple decided to follow Angel in silence. However, he chose not to enter the house. Instead, he waited at the entrance of the stone house, assuming the demeanor of an obedient servant.
Once Shark Disciple departed, a member of the merchant group approached Rosam and whispered, “I overheard from the buyers that the man is known as Shark Disciple, a notorious figure from the Abyss Zone known for robbery and murder. The previous buyer was likely targeted by him; they’re not in cahoots.”
Rosam responded with a faint smile, “The group leader and I are aware. However, since our esteemed guest seems to be enjoying the situation, we decided to play along.”
After a brief pause, Rosam added, “This young man’s quick wit is impressive, immediately playing the part of a servant. However, he seems to have overlooked his own status – does he really qualify to serve our guest?”
The member donned in a black cloak broke into a cold sweat upon hearing this. Had they been feigning ignorance all along?
“Vice captain, who exactly is this guest? Why are you and the group leader treating him so…”
“Courteously?” Rosam finished the sentence nonchalantly, “It’s simple, because he’s worth it. Let me put it this way – the value of this man exceeds that of everyone in Rhodes, including the wizard seated on the Ocean Throne.”
Upon hearing this, the black-cloaked member’s pupils constricted. Although he was still clueless about Angel’s identity, it undoubtedly highlighted his esteemed status.
“If our Ashen Time Merchant Group can earn his favor, the benefits to us in the future are boundless…” Rosam ordered, “You go and inform the other members, ensure they do not offend this distinguished guest. Otherwise, they can brand themselves as slaves, crawl into an iron cage, and become merchandise!”
“Understood.”
“Right, let’s not dwell on that. Could you judge for me, who performed better between me and that Shark Disciple? Did my eyes carry a greater depth of emotion?”
“Ah, yes…”
On the other side, Angel was leaning against the wall of the stone house, his eyes darting over the pile of materials that filled the space to the brim, leaving him slightly dazed.
The items Eureka requested were mainly crafting materials, primarily magical plants. These included Water Chestnut Pearls from the Goy Province, Alligator Incense Fruits from the Mire Marsh, Insect Flowers from the Western Highlands… even materials from other dimensional planes.
Many of these materials were used in crafting healing potions, a large portion of which were for healing mental injuries.
Remembering how Eureka couldn’t even exert her aura previously, Angel could essentially confirm that these materials were for his own use.
“If Eureka’s mental injury were to improve…” Angel’s gaze darkened slightly. Currently, he had one advantage when dealing with Eureka — he could escape.
Once Eureka’s mental strength was restored, and her aura returned, escaping under the pressure of a wizard would be almost impossible.
And his relationship with Eureka might not always remain peaceful.
Considering this, Eureka’s injury absolutely couldn’t heal, or at least, it couldn’t heal this quickly.
Angel squinted, pondering if there was a way to surreptitiously tamper with these magical plants, ideally to nullify their effects?
While Angel was lost in his thoughts, Blaire was growing increasingly frustrated with the materials. After inspecting the last spatial pouch with suppressed anger, she turned to Piers and roared:
“Captain Piers, why is there so little potion?!” Blaire pointed at the edge of the stone house, where over twenty bottles of various potions were stored, and shouted, “And they’re all low-level potions, not a single intermediate-level potion!”
Facing Blaire’s interrogation, Piers first glanced at Angel.
Noticing that Angel was indifferent to Blaire’s rage, even immersed in his own thoughts, he pondered for a moment, then said tentatively, “Weren’t you present when we made the agreement with Lady Silai? It was mentioned earlier that problems have arisen all over the continent, and many wizarding organizations have entered a state of readiness. Potions are scarcer than before. Considering our identity is not the same as that of the large auction houses, being able to obtain these potions is already quite good.”
“Moreover, Lady Silai did agree that if there were no ready-made potions, the corresponding materials would suffice.” Seeing that Angel remained indifferent, even seemingly pleased with the situation, Piers felt a sense of relief.
Blaire stomped her foot in anger, “We clearly asked for potions, not materials! The master meant that if there were not enough potions, materials could be used as a substitute. But that doesn’t mean when there aren’t enough materials, we can make do with potions!”
In fact, this is like the difference between “clam chowder” and “clams in soup,” or “stir-fried pork with green peppers” and “green peppers looking for pork.”
Piers, of course, was well aware of the situation, but he had truly done his utmost. The continent of Feran had entered a tumultuous period, making potions difficult to procure – this was an undeniable reality.
“In any case, Lady Silai promised that materials could substitute for potions. We’ve fulfilled that condition, and the price difference has been compensated as well,” Piers stated, gesturing towards the small mountain of magic crystals. They hadn’t skimmed a single penny from the price difference between potions and materials. “If it’s not available for purchase, then it’s not. Unless Lady Silai wants to source it from within the wizarding organizations herself.”
Blaire was at a loss for words. Given Eureka’s current situation, even making a public appearance wasn’t advisable. Moreover, Redhead hasn’t returned yet. Even if he did, it was uncertain whether he could procure enough potions from Storm Valley. Most importantly, Eureka didn’t want to be overly indebted to Suis.
However, the current scenario was indeed hard to manage. The bulk of their supplies were materials, with just a smidgen of potions. This was a stark contrast to Eureka’s original intention. There was no justifiable reason to refuse the delivery. Blaire could see that Piers had indeed done his best, and Eureka had indeed agreed to the substitution of materials for potions…
Blaire really wanted to refuse the delivery, but it didn’t dare to overstep its bounds and make decisions on Eureka’s behalf.
In this conundrum, Angel suddenly said, “If your master has chosen to accept materials, then surely she must have a method for crafting. Why are you worried?”
Blaire initially didn’t want to respond. However, considering Angel’s behavior on their journey – which was not as disappointing as it had anticipated, and the fact that Angel had given it the Mermaid Shell, it hesitated for a moment, then said:
“My master doesn’t know alchemy. The alchemist is someone else, but he’s not home now.”
Someone else? Angel arched an eyebrow, “Are you referring to my elder brother’s guide?”
“That’s right. But that person doesn’t excel in alchemy either. Even the failure rate of basic potions is high, let alone others…” Blaire sighed in resignation.
Upon hearing this, a wave of relief washed over Angel. He had been worrying about how to prevent Eureka’s wounds from healing too quickly. However, reality had shown him that he didn’t need to do anything, just let nature take its course.
What he didn’t know was that if he hadn’t thought of unleashing the Nightmare Queen to destroy the world during the Twilight Auction, there wouldn’t have been the manifestation of the Fox Harpist and Frog Chanter. This wouldn’t have triggered the chain of events between the Eternal Night Kingdom and Fairytale World, resulting in the current scarcity of potions.
Indeed, the looming specter of the Demon God is a contributory factor to the scarcity of the potion. However, one cannot deny that Angel has made a significant contribution to this situation, even though he doesn’t dwell on it at this moment.
“Are you planning to accept or decline?” Angel, casting his gaze on Blaire, cedes the decision to her.
Regardless of whether she chooses “accept” or “decline”, Angel is indifferent. Of course, his preference would be for her to decline, for the absence of even a chance of recovery would be his ideal scenario.
Blaire is also deliberating; if she opts to decline, would Piers offer a refund?
Looking at the overflowing materials and Piers’ power, which is as terrifying as the Abyss itself, Blaire dares not outright refuse.
Eventually, Blaire nods faintly, “I’ll accept.”
As for what consequences may befall upon Eureka’s knowledge of this, she cannot presently predict. However, she assumes that once the situation here is explained, her master should understand, right? This thought timidly echoes in Blaire’s heart.
Chapter 866 Lady Silai <TOC> Chapter 868 The Plant-Fused Feathered Woman