Chapter 398: Dianne's Request

Rhonin returned to Marsh Keep.

Reasonably speaking, after reviewing the correspondence, Elrond could have dispatched a messenger to carry the spell scroll of Greater Healing to Mount Hill Town.

However, considering the exorbitant value of such a scroll, he had refrained from making the decision on his own authority.

In any case, it would take two or three days to ride hard to Mount Hill Town, so it seemed far better to wait those couple of days for Rhonin to return and carry it himself, as the latter’s speed would likely prove swifter.

Rhonin received the spell scroll and, at the same time, learned from Elrond the recent outcomes of the fief's knights consuming the magical elixirs.

Following Rogner’s successful ascension, his wife, Clamy, had also smoothly attained the rank of senior knight.

Beyond them, David had relied on his own merits to become an intermediate knight.

Rees had spent a bit of his own coin to purchase two bottles of bronze-tier supplementary enhancement elixir, though the specific results remained yet unseen.

Judging by their chance encounter at the docks, however, Rhonin estimated that the man had not yet broken through.

"My Lord, the outside world now knows we possess elixirs capable of elevating strength, and many are hoping to purchase some."

There were no walls in this world tight enough to keep a secret forever, and since Rhonin had never demanded absolute secrecy from his people, it was entirely normal for outsiders to learn of the advancement and awakening elixirs.

"According to our prior discussions, we can sell a batch of the awakening elixirs to the public. As for the advancement elixirs, that depends on the circumstances; if the buyer maintains good relations with us, we can sell a few at our discretion when the time comes."

The primary constraint remained the low production capacity.

If the supply of magical materials became sufficient and the Northern Mist territory possessed an ample number of mages to ramp up production, any variety of elixir could be offered to the market.

While the two were conversing, a knock sounded at the door, and Jialun entered to report, "Master, Lady Dianne heard that you have returned and wishes to see you."

Rhonin felt a touch of surprise, wondering if she sought him regarding the porcelain of Northern Mist or because of Black Python City.

"Show her to the parlor to rest for a moment, I shall be along shortly."

"Very well, Master."

Next, Rhonin informed Elrond of the affairs between Mount Hill Territory and Black Python City.

In the face of the impending war that might erupt, Northern Mist would not need to raise its banners to participate this time, but as a descendant of the Mount Hill family, Rhonin himself still had to join the fray.

Thus, during his absence, Elrond would have to oversee the affairs of the fiefdom once more.

Of course, routine matters would be resolved by Wilson, Chahar, Rigg, and the others; there would be few occasions requiring Elrond to intervene personally.

With his instructions delivered, Rhonin finally made his way to the parlor.

Dianne sat upon a chair, turning over sheets of drawing paper in her hands; ever since she had agreed to elevate the artistic quality of Rhonin’s porcelain, she had been occupied entirely with this endeavor.

"Have you grown accustomed to living in Marsh Town, My Lady?" Rhonin greeted her.

Dianne set down the paper and offered a gentle smile. "Quite well, thank you. Life here is far more fulfilling than my days in Mount Hill Keep."

She now led a group of people in Marsh Town, having established an art class to impart techniques to the painters who would soon work in the porcelain workshop.

The foundational skills of those artisans were mediocre at best, so she could not demand too much of them, choosing instead to teach the simplest flora and fauna to begin with.

Furthermore, painting upon raw porcelain clay differed vastly from their artistic pursuits; this was a commodity destined for mass production, where the key lay in practicing until skill became second nature.

"Rhonin, I have seen many novelties within your fief."

She tapped the drawing paper in her hand. "Take this paper, for instance. Though it lacks the exquisite refinement of parchment, it feels excellent to use, and I hear its manufacture is much simpler. If you were to sell this paper to the outside world, I imagine it could fetch a great fortune in gold coins."

She had gained a brief understanding of the territory, realizing that although Northern Mist had only recently been developed, it possessed too many commodities with immense potential.

Ironwood, porcelain, silk, and paper—these were all novel goods, and compared to Marsh Keep's water buffaloes and aquatic products, their value was many times greater.

This place was destined to become a land of abundance.

"Production is limited at present, though I believe it will soon be available for external sale."

Dianne nodded, knowing Rhonin would not let such a business opportunity slip by, which was only reasonable.

"I heard from your administrative director, Wilson, that you are currently improving the quality of this paper. I think very highly of it."

"I believe it shall one day rival parchment," Rhonin replied with a smile, shifting the conversation to its proper course. "May I ask what brings you to see me?"

Dianne hesitated for a moment, but ultimately steeled her resolve to speak. "I am aware of the recent movements of the Mount Hill Keep Knights. They are marching toward Black Python City, and it appears a war is inevitable."

As the Countess of Mount Hill City, she was privy to such matters, and Rhonin found no cause for surprise in her knowledge.

"I am sorry, My Lady, but if you wish for me to mediate this conflict, I cannot do so."

He shook his head. "Your father, Earl Orson, has crossed the line this time. Assassinating Dean Miroslav is a crime of such magnitude that it is not something we can easily mediate."

Dianne’s mouth parted slightly, her delicate lips accentuating her astonishment.

She had guessed that something momentous had occurred, but she had never imagined the situation to be so grave.

She could not understand her father and brother; it was as though they had lost their minds, capable of committing any madness.

A bitter look masked Dianne’s face. "I did not come to ask for your mediation. They ought to pay the price for their recklessness and crimes."

She paused, slowly voicing her true petition. "If things truly reach that extremity, I hope you might spare the lives of Kalima and Tomris. I know your relations with the Hyde family are strained, but those two have nothing to do with it."

Kalima and Tomris were Orson’s granddaughter and grandson, and the latter, in particular, was still young.

Truth be told, the crimes of Orson and Barrington did not implicate these two children.

"I heard you intended for Kalima to marry Breton?" Rhonin inquired, then shook his head. "I advise you against it. Marrying close kin bodes ill for future generations."

Dianne froze, understanding his implication; put simply, Rhonin opposed such an alliance.

"That was a past notion. I shall not interfere overly in Breton’s marriage now. I only wish to preserve a sliver of the Hyde family bloodline."

"That would be for the best, and Breton will be glad for it. However, as for how the Hyde family will be dealt with, the decision does not rest with me."

Rhonin pondered for a moment. Since Rulance had already arrived in Mount Hill Town, it signified he had already revealed his recovery to the world, meaning there was no longer any need to conceal it from Dianne.

"You may not yet know, but Grandfather has fully recovered. Mount Hill Territory answers to his word now."

Dianne’s eyes widened. At this moment, she finally understood why the knights of Mount Hill Keep had been mobilized on such a grand scale—Rulance had been healed!

"This is truly... a matter of tremendous joy!"

Even as Dianne rejoiced over the Marquis's recovery, a sense of bewilderment crept into her heart.

With Rulance’s return, the prestige of Mount Hill Keep would be re-established.

At such a juncture, what would become of Black Python City?

It would likely march down the very path she least desired to see.

Her mind was in disarray; though Barrington had banished her, she had grown up there after all, and she could not help but feel a lingering attachment.

"Be that as it may, I believe your words still carry weight."

She looked directly into Rhonin’s eyes, a pitiful expression upon her face. "Will you help me?"

Rhonin looked back at her. Caught in the middle, Dianne was indeed in a difficult position, yet at least for now, she was considering matters from the perspective of Mount Hill Keep and had offered no defense for Black Python City.

Moreover, that imploring gaze was truly difficult to refuse.

"I shall speak on your behalf," Rhonin comforted her. "But I believe that given Grandfather’s character, he will not utterly exterminate the Hyde family. Kalima and Tomris should be safe."

Diane rose to her feet, a smile blooming across her face as she bowed slightly toward Luoning. "Then I am truly grateful."

"We're family now—no need for such formalities."

A wave of emotion stirred within Luoning.

He had once believed their paths would end in fierce conflict, but after Austen was cast aside by Rulans, Diane’s demeanor had undergone a complete transformation.

Such a change could only have come from deep resolve. Had this woman possessed talent rivaling her brother Barrington's, she might well have set the world ablaze. (End of Chapter)