NO_NAME
patreon
Chapter 273: A Common Goal
🕑 Added 2024-10-01 05:35:49 +0000 UTCThe late spring wind blew freely, causing the willow branches on both sides of the street to sway. The natural atmosphere was at its peak, with colorful orioles and swallows flying across the sky, bringing the world’s vibrancy to its zenith in March.
As Aura stepped out of the carriage, her skirt and hair fluttered in the breeze, enhancing her already striking appearance. It was early morning, and the knights who had just finished their morning training were orderly filing out. However, many of their gazes lingered on the youthful beauty before them, unable to look away. The sight of her left the passionate young knights blushing.
Riley teased, "Miss Aura, it seems your charm is quite captivating. Next time you visit, we might need to come at a different time. Otherwise, I’m afraid they won’t be able to focus on their training."
“Thank you for the compliment, Riley. By the way, did Lord Rhett agree to what I mentioned yesterday?” Aura asked as she stood by the carriage, gently tucking a strand of hair behind her ear with a bright smile.
Yesterday, Riley had arranged to meet with White Hat to discuss the painting they planned to commission today. Seizing the opportunity, Aura had made a request: could Lawrence be transferred back to Dark Hawk City? She was even willing to offer something in return.
Though Riley had the authority to handle most matters, he hadn’t agreed immediately and instead consulted his father.
Having already learned the result, Riley adjusted his collar slightly and smiled. "Miss Aura, I spoke with my father about it yesterday. You’ll be pleased to know that your request was granted. My father does plan to bring Lawrence back to Dark Hawk City. You’ll see him in just a few months!"
“Really?” Aura’s eyes widened in disbelief, the surprise catching her off guard.
“Aura, Riley wouldn’t joke about something like this. But it’s clear you couldn’t resist seeking out Lawrence,” White Hat remarked with a hint of exasperation as he stood beside Riley. “I’m genuinely curious what’s so special about that boy that has captivated such an elegant young lady like you.”
Aura pretended not to hear, her mind still buzzing with the joy of Lawrence’s imminent return.
Coincidentally, at that moment, a girl with wine-red hair was passing through the estate gates. It was Unica, fresh from her morning training. Hearing the name that had been tucked away in her memories, she froze for a moment before quickening her pace into the estate.
Riley noticed the brisk pace Unica was keeping, raised an eyebrow, and stroked his chin thoughtfully. "Hmm, something’s off…”
Shaking his head, he turned to the others. “We should head inside. My father is waiting.”
With a group of knights escorting them, they entered the Green Estate, just in time to meet Rhett coming from the opposite direction.
“Father, didn’t you say you’d wait inside the castle? Why come out to greet us?” Riley asked instinctively.
Rhett, looking relaxed and dressed in his usual black coat, replied with a chuckle, “Oh, nothing in particular. I just remembered there were a few details about the painting I wanted to discuss with White Hat in private. Riley, why don’t you take Miss Aura into the castle? I’ll join you shortly.”
“Understood.” Riley turned to Aura. “Miss Aura, please follow me.”
“Of course, Mr. Riley.” Aura, still elated by the news of Lawrence’s return, walked alongside Riley, her bright mood reflected in the glow of her expression. As they walked through the Green Estate, the morning light seemed even more radiant than noon.
Once they were out of earshot, White Hat sighed. “Lord Rhett, bringing Lawrence back might be a mistake. Could you reconsider and let him stay at the Firecrest Mine for another couple of years to temper his character?”
“Why do you say that?” Rhett asked with a smile.
“Because I’ve heard Lawrence is a genius. And a genius shouldn’t be distracted by such matters. I’m also worried that Aura might get hurt. Karina won’t take this lightly,” White Hat said, frowning slightly.
“No need to worry. I’ll keep an eye on that boy,” Rhett assured him. “And Karina has already tacitly approved of the situation.”
“Well, if you say so, Lord Rhett, then I’m relieved. I trust you’re serious about this.” White Hat nodded, then changed the subject. “So, what kind of scene would you like for the painting? If you’re not sure, I have some suggestions: a rooftop at sunset, a garden in the afternoon, or perhaps a view with the castle in the background?”
“We can discuss that later,” Rhett said, stroking his chin as he led White Hat down a stone path towards a different part of the estate.
“Later? Does that mean there’s another reason you called me here besides the painting?”
“Indeed, the painting is important, but there’s something even more crucial. Follow me, Mr. White Hat.” Rhett gave a mysterious smile.
White Hat fell silent, his curiosity growing as he followed Rhett. They passed the Dark Rock Fortress and entered a garden where the air was still, with only the soft buzz of insects and the gentle sway of flower petals.
“Lord Rhett, what’s this about? Can you tell me now?” White Hat finally asked, his curiosity and confusion reaching their peak in the tranquil surroundings.
“It’s nothing too complicated. Dark Hawk City is in desperate need of talent, and I’d like to personally invite you to join my territory,” Rhett said straightforwardly.
Hearing this, White Hat frowned slightly and carefully chose his words. “Lord Rhett, while I truly do like this place and feel a special attraction to it, I must admit I have no intention of joining any particular power.”
“Why is that? Since you like it here, joining us might offer you a different experience,” Rhett said, smiling. As he spoke, he let his aura fully unfold, his vast spiritual power radiating outwards like ripples in a sea of flowers.
White Hat had been searching for a more tactful way to decline when he suddenly felt a suffocating pressure. His weathered face showed a look of shock as his eyes widened, and his skin seemed to tighten as if in disbelief. His trembling hand pointed at Rhett.
“This… This is the spiritual pressure of an Archmage! Lord Rhett, you’ve broken through to become an Archmage?”
He drew in a sharp breath, taking a moment to reappraise the man before him. The more he looked, the more astonished he became. Such rapid progress could only be the work of a historical-level genius. Even though White Hat had traveled to many places and heard countless stories, he had never encountered a contemporary mage with such talent. Perhaps only in history had such individuals existed.
Faced with an invitation from someone of this caliber, White Hat found himself hesitating for the first time.
“Mr. White Hat, I hope that the future stage of Dark Hawk City will include you,” Rhett repeated his invitation.
“This… Sigh!” White Hat hesitated for a moment, then sighed deeply. “Lord Rhett, your sincerity has indeed moved me, but there’s something difficult for me to speak about. I’ll share it with you today, and after you’ve heard it, you can decide whether you still wish to persist…”
“I’m all ears,” Rhett said, feigning curiosity.
White Hat took a moment to compose himself, then spoke in a somber tone. “I was born in the Grayrue Kingdom. Though I wasn’t of noble birth, my family was well-known as artists. We lived happily, making a living through our paintings. I thought I would spend my entire life in peace.”
His face took on a wistful expression, though it quickly darkened as he continued. “But misfortune came. On one of my trips, I returned to find my entire family had been slaughtered.”
Now that sounds like the work of the Blood God Cult—cruel and merciless, Rhett thought to himself, though outwardly he showed appropriate shock and anger. “Who would do such a thing? Such depravity is beyond words. Tell me, and I’ll help you exact revenge. We’ll hunt them down and destroy them!”
“I’ve already found them, but not entirely…” White Hat’s voice grew cold and filled with barely contained rage. “It took me decades to discover that the culprits were a minor noble family from a neighboring province, likely part of an evil alchemist organization. When I finally caught up with them, I learned that they were only following orders from their superiors.”
“So, you’ve caught the culprits, but they’re just small fry, and the true mastermind is still out there?” Rhett mused. “Your story reminds me of a group of evil alchemists I wiped out a few years ago…”
“Maybe it’s just a coincidence. The Grayrue Kingdom is far from the Kingdom of Gillon. It’s probably not the same group,” White Hat shook his head, dismissing the thought. “Later, I continued my investigation in Grayrue and discovered that several other nobles seemed to have ties to that evil alchemist organization.”
“Do you have any evidence?” Rhett asked seriously.
White Hat replied with regret, “No, but there were too many strange coincidences during my investigation—nobles linked to massacres, the mysterious disappearances of Transcendents in certain areas… It all seemed too unusual.”
Rhett stroked his chin thoughtfully. “Mr. White Hat, what you’re describing reminds me of those evil alchemists I mentioned. They were indeed connected to the Grayrue Kingdom, and some even fled here from there. Unfortunately, they weren’t involved in any massacres.”
White Hat’s eyes lit up at first but then dimmed as he listened. He smiled bitterly, “Well, I suppose it was too much to hope for…”
He then seemed to remember something and pulled a pouch from his robe, retrieving a blood-red pearl. “This is something I found in the murderer’s house. It’s said to be a product of evil alchemy that can enhance spiritual power but with severe side effects. It’s the only clue I have.”
Rhett glanced at the pearl, feigning nonchalance, but his expression quickly turned serious as he looked back at White Hat. “A Blood Source Pearl…”
“Hm? How do you know it’s called a Blood Source Pearl?” White Hat’s face changed suddenly, and he met Rhett’s gaze, holding his breath.
“Because I have some of these myself…” Rhett took a deep breath and pulled out a Blood Source Pearl from his pocket. “I found them when I took down those evil alchemists.”
“Lord Rhett, do you still have any of them captured?” White Hat’s heart pounded in his chest, and though he tried not to get his hopes up, he couldn’t help but ask.
“I’m afraid not. They’re all dead,” Rhett shrugged. “To be honest, I’m investigating the headquarters of these evil alchemists, just like you. But I have more clues than you do.”
White Hat’s face lit up with excitement, his body trembling slightly as he asked with hopeful eyes, “Lord Rhett, could you share those clues with me? They mean everything to me!”
“I’m afraid that’s not possible,” Rhett paused for a moment before replying, frowning.
“Why not?” White Hat asked, his expression anxious, then suddenly realizing. “I understand now. I’m willing to join your territory, and I have only one request—give me the information on those evil alchemists and help me destroy them!”
“That’s not it,” Rhett shook his head. “You’re misunderstanding me. I don’t want to use these conditions to coerce you because the headquarters of those evil alchemists is hidden in a much more secretive place. I don’t know its exact location. But what I do know is that the leader behind it is terrifyingly powerful. If I told you now, I’m afraid you might do something rash!”
“No, please believe me. I’ll be cautious!” White Hat insisted, still excited.
“You should trust me!” Rhett raised his voice, looking directly at White Hat. “If you’re truly cautious, then you should bide your time and act carefully. The situation between me and that organization is one of life and death. Trust me when I say that my determination to eliminate them is no less than yours! When the time is right, I won’t hesitate to strike!”
White Hat fell silent at Rhett’s words, locking eyes with him. After a long moment, he spoke softly, “I understand. When the time comes, please take me with you.”
Rhett nodded seriously and placed a hand over his heart. “This is our shared goal. I swear on the name of the Green family that when the time comes to destroy that organization, I will do everything in my power to bring you along.”
“Whew…” White Hat exhaled deeply, a flicker of emotion crossing his eyes, though he looked much more at ease than before. With a sigh, he said, “I trust you, Lord Rhett. Following you might be the right choice…”
“I’m honored, and I believe inviting you was the right decision!” Rhett said with a smile.
White Hat chuckled and looked down at the vibrant flowers. “Lord Rhett, I hope to continue living in Dark Hawk City. Maybe it’s my old age, but I’ve come to enjoy the hustle and bustle, the presence of people. Watching others live their lives is now my greatest pleasure besides painting.”
“That’s no problem at all. Your studio is close to the administrative office, so if you need anything, just speak to Riley.”
“Thank you!” White Hat exhaled deeply, as if shedding a great burden. With a renewed spirit, he said, “Lord Rhett, let’s talk about the painting now. What scene would you like? Sunset on the terrace, the garden in the afternoon, or with the castle as the backdrop?”
Previous Chapter | | Next Chapter
