Chapter 42: Dilemma

The task was swiftly handled. While Suan Hazer was responsible for organizing the lawless port, Karyl gave Dushala some instructions before leaving Tatur.

"Gaining favor from Baron Beryl, a figure even the kingdom has forgotten, shouldn't be too difficult. Take some of the elemental stones from the black market and seek him out."

"Even if they are low-grade stones, you know how much an elemental stone costs, right? You're suggesting that we just give them away?"

"Think of it as an investment. The black market only has minor stones like triangular stones at best. We'll be able to acquire far more valuable ones in the future, so much so that we'll be tripping over them eventually."

"..."

"And give him some gold as well, but make sure to exchange it for current coins to avoid suspicion."

Dushala looked at the heavy pouch on the desk. The amount in there was more than enough to purchase the neglected land.

"Why not just buy it with money?" She wondered if it was necessary to go through all this effort to deal with an old sorcerer who had squandered what little wealth he had over the years.

Karyl smiled lightly. "It's for the future. He may be old now, but he was once considered a prodigy, even a genius. The nobles might have forgotten him, but the sorcerers hadn’t."

The presence of this old sorcerer played a significant role in the plan Karyl was devising. "Just do as I say."

***

With her face concealed behind a veil, Dushala did as instructed. She gently pushed forward a triangular piece of lapis lazuli imbued with the power of wind, which was Baron Beryl's element.

"Ha... What do you want?" The old sorcerer’s eyes sparkled with greed as he swallowed, glancing at the lapis lazuli and the gold coins.

"It's an honor to meet you. We represent the Ravat Guild. We've come to extend our greetings in hopes of establishing a friendly relationship with the Baron."

"Hahaha, with me?" The old sorcerer laughed as if the notion itself was ludicrous. "Are traders blind nowadays? What's the point of keeping a good relationship with a has-been like me?"

"A has-been? Please don’t sell yourself short. Our master says among the sorcerers of the three kingdoms, Baron Beryl is second to none." Even as she spoke, she felt disgusted inside.

A sorcerer who missed his training period due to overindulgence in pleasures could hardly be called appealing.

"It's merely accumulated experience. Moreover, our master supports you, Baron Beryl. From the Melbron Battle to the defense against the principality... The Kingdom of Istan's continued existence owes much to you," she continued.

"I don't know who your master is, but they seem to have good judgment. Indeed, had I not led those battles to victory, the kingdom would have been lost."

"Indeed." She bowed her head slowly. "This is simply a token of trust. Please feel free to use it without burden. Furthermore, if you enter into a contract with us, we can provide you with more elemental stones. What do you say? Won't you consider making a comeback with us?"

Even a single elemental stone would fetch an astronomical price. To offer more? This was something not even the empire's sorcerers could dream of. Baron Beryl's gaze wavered.

Dushala had dealt with many nobles before and she knew the look in the old sorcerer’s eyes, for nine out of ten visitors of the black market, had such an eager look in their eyes when they decided to make a purchase.

"

Ahem...

Well, you didn’t have to..." The greedy baron's wrinkled hand swiftly grasped the lapis lazuli.

***

It should be finished by now.

Karyl hadn't considered the possibility of failing in his deal with Baron Beryl from the very start.

To begin mining at the site, we'll need to deceive not only Baron Beryl's territory but also the surrounding five nobles.

Well, they were not a significant concern; after all, they were all disciples of Beryl. Despite wanting to erase their association with their disgraced master, they wouldn't dare defy him. As for the rest, it will be managed by Baron Beryl himself.

However, merely securing the land was not enough to operate the mine.

Soon, Karyl would leave this place. Yet, there was one more matter to conclude before departing.

It's about time for him to make a move.

The hall of the inn was empty except for Karyl. Whether it was Dushala's doing or because the rumors had spread, the crowd had disappeared, leaving behind an eerie silence.

Well, the silence is nice and all, but...

It might seem strange for him to be idle when he needed to train his body and study magic, but this moment was crucial.

Aidan Hamil was a subordinate of the Second Prince, Olivurn. So, it was somewhat unexpected when he just vanished, as Karyl had assumed he would be accompanying Olivurn.

What's he thinking?

The door to the quiet inn opened.

Speak of the devil...

Turning his head, Karyl offered a faint smile at the person entering. "So, it seems you found your sister." Despite his thoughts, Karyl spoke naturally.

"Yes, thanks to you, Karyl. I’ll always be grateful to you for saving me at the port."

Karyl nodded slowly, his eyes fixed on Aidan. "That's good to hear. No trouble then," he said, his gaze shifting to the girl beside him.

It was Zouk de Holde, her blue hair no longer in its familiar short cut, but somehow she looked even younger.

Don't be fooled by that face.

From the moment Aidan mentioned his sister, Karyl had struggled to contain his laughter.

She's at least a decade older than me.

The technique called shapeshifting allowed one to manipulate muscles and joints, and it could be mastered regardless of race, the only requirement being a unique constitution,.

Thanks to this ability of hers, her appearance was ever-changing, transforming to suit the situation.

I've never actually seen her real face.

"Th-thank you!" Zouk’s voice sounded young.

Knowing her true identity, Karyl couldn't help but chuckle.

"This is all thanks to Sir Karyl for taking care of us."

"So, what are your plans now?"

"Umm, well... We have nowhere to go, so... We plan to stay here. The Golden Lion is gone... And all anyone in Tatur talks about nowadays is you."

"Is that so?" Karyl nodded impassively at Zouk's words.

No one is interested in my movements just yet. But soon, news of Tatur will reach him.

Or it might have already reached the Second Prince, Olivurn Shutean. Karyl observed the two in front of him. They had been supporting Olivurn from the shadows and would continue to do so and much more in the future. Especially Zouk de Holde, who had silently assassinated numerous nobles, leaving no trace of her existence in history, existing only in the shadows.

Clearly, Karyl knew they could hinder his path. Yet, here they were, standing before him. Karyl sighed deeply as he faced a kind of dilemma he had never faced before.

Should I kill them here?

But before he could even finish the thought, as if sensing his gaze, the duo instinctively looked up at him. "Never mind."

"Hmm? Did you say something?" Aidan asked, puzzled by Karyl's soft voice, but Karyl simply offered a slight smile.

Hah... Damn it.

Aidan remained confused, unable to grasp the meaning behind Karyl’s smile.

It’s preferable to persuade them, if possible. It's a pity to waste such talent. Aidan did indeed kill a lot of people for Olivurn, but after the descent of the Oracles, he saved a lot too.

However, their accomplishments came after the descent of the Oracles. Before that, in their efforts to support Olivurn's ascension, they might have caused as much harm as many lives they saved.

Maybe it’s better to observe them for a little longer. In the first place, what path they chose won’t be determined until that event takes place.

Karyl made a rational judgment. He knew not all talented individuals would align with his intentions.

Discard what must be discarded and obtain what can be obtained.

With such an approach, Karyl had remained undefeated in his previous life.

"If you wish, I can provide you with accommodation. If you have nowhere else to go, staying here with your sister and witnessing the changes in this place wouldn't be a bad idea."

𝐟𝚛𝕖𝚎𝕨𝗲𝐛𝚗𝐨𝐯𝐞𝕝.𝐜𝗼𝗺

Because even Olivurn couldn't do it.

He had made Tatur into the sole refuge for the remaining barbarians. But Karyl, he had greater ambitions.

A place where barbarians can with pride.

All of this might be due to his stubbornness. Making those two, who have ties to Olivurn, report to him about Karyl‘s accomplishments was a manifestation of Karyl's will to break free from Olivurn’s control.

"Or you could follow me."

"Excuse me?"

It was a bait. Aidan Hamil, in his previous life, would not truly shine until a few years later. This meant that Aidan's relationship with Olivurn might not be one of complete trust.

Karyl contemplated advancing Aidan's future as he had Suan's. However, keeping him close might not yield favorable outcomes.

What I must consider is his talent.

Karyl’s mind filled with thoughts suddenly turned to Kuwell, and a smirk crept across his face.

“Considering your wit at the lawless port, I believe you're quite capable. The wound you had when we first met... you inflicted that upon yourself, didn't you?"

Of course, Karyl avoided revealing too much. Playing along to some extent would help avoid suspicion from the astute pair.

"It’s nothing... I don’t think I could possibly be of help...?"

"You don’t think so?"

Aidan didn't bite the bait Karyl offered. His existence must have already been reported to Olivurn. Despite wanting to investigate more about him, Aiden Hamil remained cautious.

Perhaps it's a natural response.

Concealing his true intentions, on the surface, Aidan just appeared to be an ordinary man who had been looking for his sister.

"It's a pity. Talented individuals are always welcome. It would have been delightful to continue our relationship from Tatur, but it can't be helped." Karyl didn’t dwell on the rejected bait, so as not to raise any suspicions.

"Besides, I have quite an interesting place in mind." Karyl accepted Aidan’s response in stride, then casually mentioned, "The Guidance Mercenary Gang."

"Excuse me?" Aidan’s gaze trembled slightly.

Though silent, Zouk de Holde, who stood beside him, wouldn't let this slip go unnoticed.

"Why? Are you Interested in the mercenary gang?"

"No, not at all," Aidan hurriedly replied, correcting his expression at the mention of the gang’s name.

The Guidance Mercenary Gang was known as the strongest on the continent.

"I'm considering starting a small business, and thus will require some security."

What? You want to hire the Guidance Mercenary Gang as guards?

Aidan couldn’t believe what he was hearing.

It was an idea unimaginable to an ordinary person.

To seek out the Guidance Mercenary Gang, when their current whereabouts are unknown, is no easy task.

They were known to wander and accept various jobs regardless of their danger. They were extremely confident in their abilities.

If it weren’t for their presence after the descent of Oracles, even the empire would have been in danger.

Though weakened after their leader, Gordon, died from a disease prior to the descent of the Oracles, their contributions during the war were significant.

But that's a story for another time.

Karyl had a reason for mentioning the gang.

After the oracles and Gordon's death, the new leader of the Guidance Mercenary Gang aligned themselves with Olivurn.

The implications were quite clear, and it was the reason Aidan trembled at the mere mention of their name.

The power that Olivurn seeks.

Karyl slowly lifted his head, looking forward with determination. This time, he would claim that power for himself.