Chapter 435: Choosing Griffins

After the meeting of the high nobility concluded, the nobles gathered in the Golden Feather City began returning to their own territories in succession.

How things would unfold next depended on the maneuvers of the major nobles, but the era of peace was visibly shortening anyway.

Rowland and his grandson Rolin did not leave immediately; they still had matters to attend to in Golden Feather City.

Following the arrangement of this marriage alliance, a group of officials would enter the Mount Black territory to collaborate with Mount Black Fortress on developing the large iron mine, along with many other matters that needed finalizing.

Rolin's main task was to travel under the guidance of the deputy leader of the Griffin Knights, Broll, to Griffin Town north of Golden Feather City, to receive the fifteen adult griffins and five young griffins gifted by Bruner.

Normally, such matters should wait until the iron mine was formally settled, or until the grand wedding at the end of the year for the handover.

However, griffins were not like other goods; they couldn't simply be transported on the wedding day. At least, a nest had to be built for them in the Northern Territory.

Thus, considering that everyone involved was a noble who valued face, the royal family allowed this batch of griffins to be sent to the Northern Territory ahead of time.

Upon arriving in Griffin Town, Rolin realized that the claim that the royal family possessed only a Griffin Knights team of thirty-six was false information, as he saw at least a couple hundred griffins.

He couldn't help asking, "Broll, how many Griffin Knights does the royal family actually have?"

"That's a secret."

Broll shook his head with a smile, unwilling to reveal the exact number.

However, given his favorable impression of Rolin, he divulged a little.

"The number of griffins actually increases slightly each year, but the Griffin Guards don't grow in sync. After all, becoming a Griffin Knight requires not only ground combat ability but also adaptability to riding at high altitudes."

He shrugged helplessly. "Some people become dizzy as if drunk once they're airborne—such individuals are destined not to bond with griffins."

"Of course, besides these factors, selecting Griffin Knights also considers their background; generally, they're chosen from among noble descendants."

Rolin understood: these combined factors resulted in fewer Griffin Knights than griffins.

Nevertheless, the royal family's Griffin Knights certainly numbered more than thirty-six.

Next, under Broll's guidance, he spent the entire morning selecting the griffins.

Although Bruner had imposed restrictions, allowing only adult griffins equivalent to two- or three-level magical beasts to be chosen, Rolin still picked those with larger size and better vigor.

Also, for easier breeding later, most of the griffins he selected were female.

Broll had his assistants mark and register the chosen griffins.

"As per His Majesty's words, you may select one Griffin Knight to go to the Northern Territory for a two-year guidance period."

Broll handed Rolin a roster of his Griffin Knights. "Here are the individuals I listed—see who suits you best?"

Rolin took the roster, which listed over ten people, including details like name, gender, strength, and background.

He had already decided on the candidate.

"Missy Cox, I choose her."

Broll laughed heartily. "I knew you'd pick her! So, is this about finding a partner for your subordinate, Carada?"

Rolin smiled. "The Northern Territory is entirely unfamiliar to Blanche; she'd feel bored without familiar people after she marries and moves there. Missy is not only Blanche's good friend but also someone I'm familiar with—having her come to the Northern Territory is the most suitable choice."

Of course, that was the stated reason; choosing Missy also had the intent of connecting Carada with her.

"You're thoughtful. If Princess Blanche learns how considerate you are of her, she'll surely be deeply moved!"

Broll retrieved the roster with a smile. "Since you've decided, I'll report it to His Majesty. After you return to the Northern Territory and prepare the griffin nests, I'll bring Missy along to deliver the griffins."

He reminded, "Additionally, Crown Prince Gareth hopes you can prepare the first batch of enhancement potions and awakening potions; he wants to see their effects."

This Gareth was very earnest about this matter, but speaking like this made him seem like Rolin's client.

"Potions aren't a problem, but remember to provide the corresponding magical herbs. Without those, we can't produce these two potions."

Loyalty was loyalty, cooperation was cooperation.

Without the royal family providing materials, he wouldn't provide magical potions.

"I'll convey that truthfully."

Broll highly regarded this young man under twenty years old; Rolin would definitely hold a place in the future Orlant continent.

"Rolin, there's a question I've always wanted to ask you."

Broll signaled his assistants to leave, conversing with Rolin as they returned.

Rolin observed his actions, curious about what he wanted to say.

"Was what Sophia said in Auduin Hall yesterday true or false? Is Hessus really a Soulwitch?"

Broll had experienced the battle between Mount Black territory and Black Serpent City, personally sensing the madness and horror of Soulwitchs; he understood their dangers more than Bruner, Gareth, and others.

If Hessus truly was a Soulwitch, yet the royal family defended him, turmoil would inevitably arise in the future.

Rolin didn't know if this was Broll's own question or the royal family inquiring about his stance through him.

He replied, "His Majesty already asked Master Mage Fasley to investigate; Count Hessus is normal. Perhaps Sophia sensed wrongly, as Soulwitch power somewhat resembles dark elemental supernatural energy."

Broll frowned, puzzled by Rolin's answer; he felt Sophia didn't seem mistaken.

Moreover, she possessed Master Mage-level strength—such a formidable figure would normally be treated respectfully by the royal family as a distinguished guest; even if not recruited, relations would be maintained.

Unlike this time, where the royal family ignored this Master Mage entirely?

"Iben conveyed some intelligence from the Kingdom of Trelisha about the suddenly risen 'Sacred Storm' organization, whose members possess special abilities."

Iben Torrance was the leader of the royal Griffin Knights, the border Twin Peaks Earl.

Broll and Iben were old friends acquainted for years, communicating privately via letters.

"Oh?"

Rolin became interested. "What abilities?"

"The Sacred Storm organization has two types of people. Normally, they look no different from ordinary people, but upon activating their abilities, some can grow black wings from their backs, capable of flying in the sky."

"The other type has golden sunspots on their foreheads; after activation, they gain formidable strength briefly!"

Broll looked at Rolin, speaking gravely. "I suspect these two types, like Soulwitchs, belong to the category of anomalies."

This was Rolin's first concrete intelligence on the Sacred Storm organization; previously, he'd only heard that this organization had repelled several counterattacks by the Trelisha royal family.

Broll's guess was correct; these two types were, besides the Shadow Lord mentioned by Sophia, the wind slaves and fire slaves created by the servants of the Storm Lord and Flame Lord.

Though their creation and manifestation differed from Soulwitchs, like Soulwitchs, those becoming wind slaves and fire slaves would become claws of the Storm Lord and Flame Lord.

Flying, fighting, rapidly expanding scale—these were the abilities of the three servants of the three Lords.

Currently, Soulwitchs were still contained, not fully expanded, but the wind slaves and fire slaves in the Kingdom of Trelisha had already gained momentum.

"Looks like the days of great chaos in Trelisha are not far off." (End of chapter)