Golden Mage - Chapter 95
Volume 4, Episode 5
I might not know exactly what it is, but a person as strong as Aynnes, who’s capable of matching the power, isn’t someone to take lightly. Moreover, the task of strangling someone’s throat isn’t as simple as it may seem, and the goal itself isn’t an easy one.
Yet, even though everyone walks their own path, finding someone with a matching heart is a difficult task.
El spoke to Aynnes.
“Whenever you have the time, please come visit the Golden Tower. The door to the Golden Tower will always be open for you, Aynnes.”
“Thank you. I will make sure to drop by when I’m in the vicinity.”
In response to Aynnes’ words, El nodded.
“Please do so. Well then, I’ll take my leave now. Aynnes and I have our own tasks to attend to. It’s best if this meeting only lasts until today for what we both have to do.”
Aynnes also nodded as if in agreement.
“Indeed. I momentarily forgot about that. Well then, let’s meet again later.”
Saying that, Aynnes brushed past El.
El, in turn, moved in the opposite direction.
When the distance between the two had grown so far that they couldn’t see each other anymore, Devell cautiously addressed El.
“Who exactly was he just now? Based on your attitude towards him, he seemed far from ordinary…”
Devell, who was no mage or swordsman himself, had seen his fair share of people, and he felt that Aynnes was far from ordinary. Moreover, he had observed how El had treated him courteously, confirming his suspicions.
In response to Devell’s inquiry, El gave a brief answer.
“The continent is truly vast. To think there are hidden experts completely unknown…”
Devell could sense that El’s words were truthful.
Then, when El asked if he knew something about Aynnes, El smiled and replied.
“If he intended to reveal his identity, he would have disclosed it along with his name. But the fact that he hasn’t means he still wishes to conceal his identity. Therefore, I cannot reveal what I know about him.”
With those words, El closed his eyes.
And a gentle smile formed on his lips.
He whispered softly.
“The legendary inspector who defeated the Demon King…”
El was greatly satisfied with the unexpected connection he had formed here in Carmine.
The next day, El and Devell headed towards the Astor Kingdom’s royal palace. When the palace guards at the main gate blocked their path, Devell revealed his identity.
“I am Devell, the top disciple of the Troll’s Lair. I have come to meet his Majesty, the King of the Astor Kingdom.”
As Devell revealed his identity, the guards’ eyes widened.
Considering that the Troll’s Lair had strong ties to the Ode Shrine through the sale of Troll’s Blood Elixir, they held significant influence over the commercial aspects of the continent.
Although Devell’s title was not officially recognized, his position was powerful enough to rival that of a duke in some countries.
The deputy commander of the guards, who received the report, approached Devell while catching his breath.
“Are you really the top disciple of the Troll’s Lair?”
Devell nodded, then took out a medallion made of magic metal from his pocket.
He showed it to the deputy commander and said, “You might not know this, but this is a medallion symbolizing the top disciple of the Troll’s Lair. If you have any discerning eye, you would feel the presence of magic metal. Please inform His Majesty that the top disciple of the Troll’s Lair has come to meet him.”
The deputy commander, with a keen eye for recognizing marks that symbolized various factions, promptly recognized the authenticity of the magic metal Devell held.
“I understand. I will report to His Majesty immediately. Please wait a moment.”
Devell nodded complacently.
“Of course.”
“Then I will make the report.”
With that, the deputy commander quickly entered the palace.
After about 30 minutes, he returned with brisk steps.
Gasping for breath, he addressed Devell.
“He wishes to see you.”
Devell broke into a bright smile.
“You’ve worked hard.”
As he said that, he took a small pouch from his pocket and handed it to the deputy commander.
Receiving the pouch, the deputy commander looked at Devell, puzzled.
“This is a token of my gratitude for your efforts. Since you seem to have had a lot to do, enjoy yourself with your subordinates today.”
“Uh, well…”
Accepting gifts from nobles was strictly forbidden in the kingdom.
But then again, wasn’t Devell technically a noble? Moreover, it wasn’t a bribe, just a token of gratitude. How could he withstand the cold glares of his subordinates if he didn’t accept it?
In a moment of judgment, the deputy commander quickly made up his mind. Then, he bowed his head to Devell.
“Thank you.”
Devell inclined his head.
“It’s not a substantial amount for me. Please don’t make a fuss. Well then…”
Devell disappeared into the palace along with El.
As Devell vanished, the deputy chief of the guards opened the pouch, revealing a glint of gold!
Not just him, but the guards’ eyes widened as well.
Seeing the gold nugget in the pouch, the deputy commander couldn’t help but burst into laughter.
“Ha-ha! As expected of someone rivaling the top ten on the continent! Their generosity is truly something else! Cheers to them! Today, we’re having a feast! I’ll cover everything! Ah-ha-ha!”
All the guards cheered in response.
“Long live the chief! And long live the top disciple of Devell! Ah-ha-ha! Let’s drink!”
Devell’s visit had begun auspiciously, from the very start.
El and Devell smoothly met the King of the Astor Kingdom.
The grandeur was on a completely different level from the grand tournament of the Tollyan Kingdom, and for a moment, there was a fear that it might appear modest and unsophisticated. But as soon as they saw the King of the Astor Kingdom, such thoughts flew out of their minds.
Upon seeing the king, El and Devell’s eyes lit up.
The prayer that involuntarily emanated from the majestic figure seemed capable of overwhelming others with mere presence, a quality not just anyone possessed.
At that moment, El could see through the king’s strength with a single glance.
“Only in his thirties, yet he’s a Sword Master. It’s the same with Aynnes. The continent truly harbors hidden talents.”
This feeling wasn’t exclusive to El and Devell alone.
The King of the Astor Kingdom also felt the presence of extraordinary individuals when he laid eyes on El and Devell.
He, too, realized that El and Devell were not ordinary individuals.
Although the king was speaking to them with his eyes, it was an unbelievable sight.
Given his mature age, he would not be easily impressed. But the power that emanated from El seemed as if he were standing before a formidable mountain.
While not a mage or a swordsman himself, the king had reached a position where he could sense the strength of others. He could feel El’s power emanating directly.
El was not trying to hide his abilities. After all, negotiations were like a duel of sorts. In such fundamental matters, El was playing by the rules.
And this intention was clearly understood. The somewhat relaxed king’s gaze toward El quickly turned serious as he met El’s gaze.
“Nice to meet you, Devell. Yes, I understand you have business with me, but what might that be?”
In response to the king’s words, Devell stepped forward.
He bowed respectfully and said, “It’s an honor to meet His Majesty, the ruler of the Carmine Kingdom. I am Devell, the top disciple of the Troll’s Lair.”
Devell’s greeting caused the king to regain his composure quickly, and he responded calmly.
“Pleased to meet you too, Devell. Yes, what might have brought you to seek an audience with me?”
Devell smiled and replied, “Well, I’m here because I wish to invest in the Carmine Kingdom.”
“Investment?”
The king raised an eyebrow.
But as he listened, the king’s expression turned uncomfortable.
Devell seemed to be mocking him.
Given the circumstances, it was understandable. Devell must be well aware of the situation. In such circumstances, who would even think about investing?
The Gold War Top was the source of skepticism towards traders. And Devell knew that well.
The king responded with a tone of displeasure.
“It’s quite bold of you to say so. I understand it myself, but we have nothing of value to invest in here in our kingdom. What could we possibly invest in to benefit both the Carmine Kingdom and me? Are you perhaps of the same ilk as those Gold War Tops?”
It was clear that by “those,” the king was referring to the Gold War Top faction.
Devell’s current situation made it possible for him to speak out in this manner. But it wasn’t his intention to approach them for that reason. In this situation, it was best to be straightforward and honest.