Chapter 387: Medical Visit

After enhancing Ridal and Macken, Luo Ning left Coastal City and settled in Red Mountain Town.

The Red Mountain Iron Mine’s operations had long stabilized, with modest but steady output.

After processing in the rear blast furnaces, picks, axes, and sickles were forged rapidly, far cheaper than elsewhere.

Luo Ning had planned to sell the tools himself, but since his last meeting with Philip and Thorstein, the two barons handled transport and sales.

Now, Red Mountain Town’s coffers filled steadily; soon, Luo Ning wouldn’t need to worry about its finances.

The barren land behind the mine.

Scorching flames melted ore into molten iron—the effect of Level Seven Fire Magic: Heart of the Earth.

As molten iron formed, Luo Ning shaped it with mental energy into Tang swords. At his feet lay a dozen.

Through practice, his skill in mental control and Heart of the Earth for forging had advanced rapidly.

Soon, intricate models would be no challenge.

Quickly, another blade was forged.

Luo Ning quenched and cooled it, then twirled it in his hand.

‘As mental strength grows, so does perception. Perhaps one day I’ll forge high-carbon steel from nothing,’ he mused.

He gathered materials and blades, planning to seek Feng Si for promotion.

Not that blades were better than swords, but for common soldiers, learning to wield them was cheaper.

...

Under morning mist, Miloslav’s carriage arrived outside Black Serpent City.

The old dean was strong, but mages’ physiques paled next to knights.

Had he not slowed and ridden the enchanted carriage, he wouldn’t have bothered.

Sometimes, he envied wind archmages soaring with Wind Wing Magic.

Unlike him, an earth mage, who’d need to become an archmage to fly via magic carpets—assuming he ever did.

Miloslav could buy griffins or dragonhawks, but distrusted tamed mounts.

Without knightly strength, if they went berserk midair, a few jolts would send him plummeting.

‘I hate this city,’

Bulev, his guard captain, muttered outside. ‘It always feels damp and wet here.’

Miloslav smiled. ‘Don’t worry, guard captain. We’ll stay but one night, then leave tomorrow.’

‘Yes, sir,’

Bulev grumbled. ‘Better to leave soon. I don’t like the city’s ruler either.’

Black Serpent City sprawled vast, its estates countless.

Except Golden Feather City, others neglected roads, leaving surfaces pitted.

Perhaps early hour, streets held few people.

House Hyde’s castle stood atop a northern mountain.

The grand castle loomed, black serpent banners fluttering, exuding ancient weight.

Black Serpent Castle was prepared for Miloslav’s arrival.

As the carriage arrived, House Hyde’s current head appeared at the gate.

Barington, tall and broad with squinting eyes, greeted warmly.

‘Pleasure to meet you, Baron Barington,’

Miloslav returned. ‘How is your father?’

‘Alas, no progress in relief,’ Barington sighed.

Barington looked troubled. ‘Father aged greatly. If you don’t help, I don’t know if he’ll survive until Rulans’s death.’

Miloslav raised an eyebrow, silent.

Bulev snorted behind him. ‘As vassals, speaking so openly of your liege seems inappropriate.’

Barington glanced at Bulev. ‘He begged us to join Ushan Domain. Now, no gratitude, stripped my father. Is that how a liege treats vassals?’

Bulev opened his mouth to argue, but Miloslav raised a hand.

‘Enough. We’re here to ease Count Auson’s pain. No pointless quarrels.’

He glanced at Bulev. ‘Mind your tongue, guard captain.’

Bulev lowered his head, silent, turning attention to guards and servants.

He frowned inwardly. Why did everyone seem so dull and lifeless?

Soon, they entered the hall.

Barington said. ‘Please wait here. I’ll fetch my father.’

‘No need. Take me directly to his chamber.’

Miloslav smiled. ‘It’ll spare him the trouble.’

‘That won’t do!’

Barington insisted. ‘Father said you’re our honored guest. He wishes to meet you, not in that foul sickroom.’

Reluctantly, Miloslav agreed, sitting quietly on the sofa.

‘Sir, something feels off,’ Bulev muttered, frowning.

‘Off?’

Miloslav glanced around, extending senses, finding nothing amiss.

‘What feels off?’

Bulev shook his head. ‘Can’t say. Everyone seems strange. We should be cautious.’

Miloslav smiled faintly. He knew Bulev disliked Auson; this was psychological.

‘We have no feud. We’re here to help. Why would they turn on us?’

Behind him stood Silva Magic Energy Guild. With that standing, no noble dared provoke lightly.

Footsteps echoed. Three figures entered: Auson, Barington, and Nigen, Black Serpent’s knight commander.

The black-robed man was Count Auson. A sly smile curled his lips.

Miloslav’s brow furrowed. Something was wrong.

Auson strode with vigor, not a trace of Soul-Eater’s agony.

Barington claimed Auson was dying. This was deception.

‘Long time no see, Dean Miloslav!’

Auson boomed, striding to the main seat and sitting down.

Barrington and Nigen remained by the door, though it stood ajar, like sentinels barring all comings and goings.

"Are you recovered?" Miloslaw asked in a low voice.

Auson spread his hands. "As you see, I've not only shaken off my affliction, but grown stronger than ever before!"

A foreboding surged within Miloslaw; he guarded himself silently and cast a glance at Bulev.

Yet his itinerary was public knowledge; he couldn't believe the other would dare such an outrageous act.

"Ah, then I must congratulate you! How did you cure yourself?"

He inquired: "And since you're well, why did you invite me here in your letter to treat you?"

"You foolish Archmage," Auson said, eyes narrowed with hatred. "Had I not said so, would you have come to my castle in person?"

Auson squinted, his voice thick with loathing.

"When I once knelt to beg you, you'd only give your magic potion to Rulans. This hatred I shall never forget!"

Miloslaw was an Archmage after all, respected wherever he went; who had ever dared point a finger and call him foolish?

"Oh? And what do you intend?"

He said coldly, "In your castle, stake the future and lives of all House Hyde to kill me?"

Auson sprang to his feet; a meteoric aura erupted from him.

He grinned savagely. "You'll know soon enough!" (End of Chapter)