Bear's Dance

The conflict between Hudson and Baron Ciss cooled down, and the newly arrived Baron Cayo remained indifferent, so the chaotic two counties suddenly fell silent.

After a long period of noise and bustle, a sudden quiet can always feel unsettling.

This was the mindset of the nobles in Huaidun this was the last calm before the storm, they lived in constant anxiety.

Some weaker noble lords, unable to withstand the turmoil, have already begun to stir up trouble, inquiring about what has happened.

As one of the most influential figures in the world, Lord Hudson naturally had no shortage of guests. However, if he wanted to inquire about the development of the situation, he had clearly come to the wrong person.

Hudson had originally prepared for chaos, actively expanding his military, trying to ease tensions with his adversaries, and also trying to recruit people from all sides.

The preparations were thorough, but the situation suddenly changed. The newly arrived Baron Cayo, unaware of what was happening, remained unmoved despite everyone's attempts to persuade him.

Without this leader, the nobles who originally wanted revenge were naturally greatly disappointed.

As insignificant people, their voices carry little weight. No matter how disappointed they are, as losers, they have no right to make a scene.

Unable to leverage the influence of the Dalton Family or drag more local nobles into the conflict, their own strength alone would only lead to a repeat of last year's crushing defeat against the Northern Aristocrats.

Losing once is bad enough; to go through that again would be unbearable for anyone. Left with no other choice, I had to forcefully suppress my anger.

As an observer, Hudson could only roughly deduce Baron Cayo's motives. It was simply a matter of kingdom politics, and the Dalton Family couldn't easily intervene to expel the Northern Aristocrats.

The local nobles would wholeheartedly support the idea, but they wouldn't allow themselves to participate.

Since it involves family interests and it's inconvenient to take action, the only option is to remain silent for now. After all, small-scale skirmishes are no match for the Northern Aristocrats.

These are things we should keep to ourselves. To reveal them would only cause trouble for the Dalton Family.

It's like someone else has extended a tentacle into your own backyard, clearly indicating that you've temporarily lost ground in the high-level political struggle.

If this scandal gets out, it won't just be a disgrace for the Dalton Family; it could also weaken their control over the Southeast Province.

The guys in the Northern Frontier didn't publicize it, not because they didn't know, but more likely because they were worried about provoking the Dalton Family and incurring a swift and severe blow.

Those with powerful backers should be more cautious. Those like Hudson, who lack political support, need to be even more careful.

Seeing everyone's anxious faces, Hudson felt helpless.

If you're close to someone, give them a reassuring look; if you're not so close, offer a few words of comfort and send them on their way.

That's all we can do. Whether you can grasp the deeper meaning depends on your own abilities. If you're not politically astute enough, you deserve to live in fear.

"Sir, Baron Cayjo-Dalton has arrived! He's in the drawing room right now; please go and greet him!"

Seeing the old butler's excited expression, Hudson was speechless. They were all barons; was it really necessary to make such a fuss...

Despite his inner complaints, his body betrayed him as he walked out. A baron was nothing special; Lord Hudson was one of the most important figures among the barons of the Southeast Province.

But when the baron's surname included "Dalton," things changed. At the very least, everyone in the Southeast Province had to give him some respect.

Regardless, they've taken the initiative to visit, so we have to give them face. Otherwise, word will get out that he, Hudson, is impolite.

As Hudson sized up the newcomer with the magic wand, he felt a bit like a fake meeting the real deal, and his intuition told him that trouble was brewing.

"I've long heard of Baron Cayo's reputation, and seeing him today confirms his extraordinary bearing. I've been busy with affairs of the territory these past few days and haven't been able to pay him a visit..."

Hudson felt hypocritical even as he offered excuses he himself didn't believe, yet his enthusiasm remained undiminished.

Other nobles visited Baron Cayo to curry favor and curry favor, hoping to secure preferential treatment in the future.

Hudson neither cherished nor needed these hidden benefits, so there was no need for him to make himself unhappy.

Wherever there are people, there are cliques, and Hudson is now the leader of a small clique. When doing things, one must also consider the impact.

At this critical juncture, going to visit Baron Cayo might be politically interpreted as bowing down.

Without a doubt, this was something that couldn't be done. As the most prominent figure among the local nobles, Hudson also had another responsibility—to check and balance Baron Cayo.

This is not a matter of willingness or unwillingness, but rather that the local nobles hope for this balance of power to exist, and it is also what other noble factions in the province want to see.

On the surface, there may seem to be no benefit, but the support you can gain behind the scenes is definitely substantial. At the very least, when trouble arises, there will be people who will stand up for you.

If the mission is accomplished well, then at the right time, someone will extend an olive branch, and Hudson will most likely join a certain noble faction.

Although these aristocratic factions were relatively weak, they were able to act as a check on Dalton in the Southeast Province, indicating they had connections in the central government.

"Lord Hudson, you are too kind. I have come here mainly to exchange ideas on magic. The great magician Kaimberyn once said: 'Communication makes one progress.'"

Magic is not prevalent in the Southeast Province. In the counties of Leyte and Huaidun, there are only the two of us magicians; we'd better get to know each other better in the future.

..."

Hearing Baron Cayo's words, Hudson could only groan inwardly. What was bound to happen would happen eventually, but he hadn't expected it to come so soon.

Hudson originally considered himself knowledgeable (having read all the books in his own collection), and even if his professional knowledge was limited, he could still manage to get by by rambling on and on.

In terms of theoretical knowledge, minor flaws can be attributed to a lack of systematic learning.

At least during my last conversation with Miss Melissa, I managed to get through it all and even learned a lot of basic knowledge about magic.

I never expected the slap in the face to come so quickly. "Kaimberyn"—the greatest alchemist in human history, a name known to every noble in the entire continent.

Small Bookstore

His family's history books only emphasized his contributions to alchemy, making no mention of magic whatsoever. He never imagined that this guy was actually a great magician.

The tragedy of minor nobles is that their ancestors, in their carelessness in recording history, left behind common-sense errors.

"Baron Cayo, you're too kind. Compared to you orthodox mages, a mage like me who relies on luck is far inferior in terms of knowledge in all aspects."

"It would be a great learning opportunity for me to exchange magical knowledge with you, and I hope you won't find it inconvenient."

Hudson humbly admitted his ignorance. While it was possible to cheat using bears, the magical principles of the Earth Bear race did not necessarily apply to humans.

At least after spending so much time together, he hadn't noticed the Young Bear using any spells. When they fought, it usually just involved a slap.

Magical attacks always occur without God's knowledge or Hudson's awareness.

If this were a human, without incantations, casting magic so smoothly would be nothing short of a dream.

Perhaps a high-level mage can achieve that with low-level magic. But to think you can unleash every spell you know at will, like Young Bear, is just wishful thinking!

The difference in talent cannot be bridged by hard work alone. The same theories that apply to geniuses are like casting pearls before swine in the hands of fools.

When the discussion turned to magical knowledge, Baron Cayo pontificated with great enthusiasm, while Hudson would occasionally offer an insight, only to be met with a barrage of criticism.

When ideological clashes occur, there are never any warm and friendly moments. Even in a brief conversation, Hudson learned that a fierce ideological debate was now raging within the wizarding community.

No one can say for sure who is right and who is wrong; in any case, everyone insists that their own school of thought is correct.

The fact that they didn't fight over ideologies was mainly because there were just too many different factions within the magical ideology.

Because of differing beliefs, you might argue with one person today and another tomorrow. You've argued with so many people that you gradually forget them all.

Almost every time a Holy Domain mage is born, a new school of thought emerges, and there are never any two.

The Magister and Great Sorcerer below each have their own magical philosophies, and none of them can convince the others.

Even between master and disciple, when it comes to magical philosophies, neither side will give in.

Those who walk different paths cannot make plans together. After each parting of ways, a new magical philosophy is born.

In any case, before magicians form their own philosophies, they all listen to their teachers. Once they develop their own philosophies, there's no question about it—they go their own way.

Nobody thinks it's wrong; everyone's been having this much fun ever since magic was invented!

If it weren't for the fact that the organization was too fragmented and unable to be effectively integrated, it wouldn't have been so severely suppressed by the Church hundreds of years ago.

It was precisely because of this dispersed nature that mages gained the support of various countries across the continent. How could a ruler not like a high-level enforcer who posed no threat to their core interests?

They talked for an entire morning, and even their lunch was brought by servants and consumed during the discussion.

"Baron Cayo, our discussion has been purely theoretical. To determine its accuracy, we must ultimately examine the spell's effects."

"How about we go somewhere else and try out the magic according to our own ideas, and see what the effects are?"

Hudson suggested, feigning nonchalance.

It's great to learn about magic, but it's no fun if you keep getting criticized.

Even if we're going to have an in-depth discussion, it should be with a beautiful female mage! What's there to talk about with the same big, burly male mage?

"I've heard there's a swamp in Baron Hudson's territory. I've recently learned a reinforcement technique, so why don't we go and try it out?"

After hearing Baron Cayo's words, Hudson cursed himself for being stupid for actually believing that the other party had come to discuss magic.

But he couldn't refuse now; a refusal that only served to cover up the truth would only arouse deeper suspicion from the Dalton Family.

"No problem!"

Hudson answered without hesitation.

If it can't be hidden, then just openly show it to them. Anyway, the development progress of the swamp is, well, a long story.

The initial attempt at open channel drainage failed in less than a month. The surrounding terrain was higher than the swamp, and after the several ponds that had been dug were filled with water, they had to be abandoned.

The effort wasn't entirely wasted; at least the pond water can support fish. And in the event of a drought, it provides an extra source of water.

The bamboo and wood fence project is also not progressing smoothly. The silt in the swamp is too deep, and after digging to a certain depth, landslides occur on both sides, requiring a great deal of effort to build supports.

It would be a good opportunity to take Baron Cayo over to see the difficulties of developing the swamp and dispel the Dalton Family's doubts.

"Master, something terrible has happened! Lizard Beast have appeared in the swamp, and several slaves have been dragged into the mud by them."

Upon receiving the devastating news from the butler, Hudson was not angry at all; on the contrary, he was secretly pleased. The outbreak had come at just the right time.

The Lizard Beast had already been spotted. However, the exploration team had only been active on the edge of the swamp and hadn't encountered them yet.

If there hadn't been prior preparation, only a few Beastfolk slaves would have been sacrificed.

"Soothe the slaves, I'll be right there."

After saying that, Hudson glanced at Baron Cayo and tossed him the choice of whether to continue.

"Let's go take a look! Lizard Beast are a relatively rare magical material. If we can encounter a Lizard King that has become a magical beast, then this trip will be worthwhile."

Clearly, Baron Cayo completely ignored the slave casualties. His only concern was whether he could obtain some magical materials.

With a bow and arrows on his back, a magic wand in hand, and a knight's sword at his waist, his bizarre equipment combination would make anyone who saw it cringe.

However, Hudson didn't care. If it weren't for the fact that the Lizardmen lived in the swamp and had no room to use the knight's lance, he should have added another knight's lance.

Anyone who has been on the battlefield knows that when safety is at stake, manners are completely insignificant.

If it's just a regular Lizardmen, that's fine. But what if a few monsters suddenly appear? If we don't prepare some equipment, we'll suffer a great loss when we start fighting.

I initially thought that having a fragile mage by my side meant I'd have to slow down. I never imagined that the gentle and refined Baron Cayo was actually a knight.

This once again proves that popular rumors are unreliable. While pure mages are indeed relatively physically fragile, there's no rule stating that a mage cannot become a knight.

If a knight like Hudson can change his class to a mage as a secondary profession, then a mage can naturally change his class to a knight. As long as you have the resources, these are not problems.

Seeing the mess, Hudson was furious. He took off his bow and arrow and fired at the frolicking Lizard Beast.

"Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh..."

Arrow Feathers the air, and each emerging Lizard Beast bore an Arrow Feathers mark on its forehead. Upon closer inspection, these Arrow Feathers had all pierced through the throat from the skull down.

"Aww, aww..."

A scream rang out, and the tenacious Lizard Beast continued to struggle. Awakened by the scream, its Lizard Beast tumbled through the mud as it charged toward Hudson, as if seeking revenge for its fallen comrade.

"Baron Hudson, be careful! These Lizard Beast are extremely vengeful; once you've been swayed, it's a fight to the death."

Hudson was initially quite grateful for the reminder. However, he didn't realize that the guy had distanced himself from him at some point, as if avoiding a plague.

They're just a bunch of wild beasts, how fierce can they be? Why are you so timid? Even if you want to leave, you have to wait for the monsters to appear.

Despite the complaints, Hudson still pulled out his trump card—releasing the bears!

Swamps are still land, and as long as it's on the earth, that's the home ground of the Earth Bear.

Awakened from its slumber, the Young Bear rubbed its big eyes with its paws, glared at Hudson with dissatisfaction, and then transformed into a three-meter-tall giant bear.

It charged straight into the swamp, kicking each of the charging Lizard Beast one by one without pausing, as if it were dancing.

If it weren't for the constant cracking and popping sounds of bones breaking coming from the swamp, one probably wouldn't know that a battle was taking place.

The scene before them not only shocked Baron Cayo, who was preparing to cast a spell, but even Hudson was stunned.

Even though they knew that it would be easy for Young Bear to bully Lizard Beast that wasn't even a magical beast, this was still too easy. This was a massive beast weighing over a hundred pounds, yet it didn't even have a chance to struggle.

A gigantic figure appeared in the distance, resembling the Lizard Beast King. However, the moment it showed itself, it turned tail and ran, showing no intention of avenging its lizard offspring.

Beldens, having started playing the head-stomping game, seemed to be addicted, continuing to kick the Lizard Beast one by one without any intention of giving chase.

Baron Cayo, standing to the side, was eager to try, but looking at the endless swamp in front of him, he dared not take a step.

The Earth Bear can roam freely in the swamp; that's a natural ability. Humans don't have that racial talent; if they recklessly rush in, the question is how long they can struggle.

"Baron Hudson, it's such a waste to let the Beast King go like this! We should still have enough time to send Earth Bear after him."

Encouraged by Baron Cayo, Hudson replied with feigned composure, "It's no use. This Lizard Beast King is too wary. It took off running the moment it sensed something was wrong, without even stopping."

The swamp is its home turf, and its speed far exceeds our imagination. Having missed the optimal moment, it's now very difficult to catch up.

Let's do it next time!

As long as one lives in this swamp, they will encounter it again sooner or later. If I capture this beast, I will send someone to inform you immediately.

Hudson would be more than happy to capture a Lizard Beast King. Buyers are readily available, and given Baron Cayo's high regard for it, there's no worry about getting a good price.

But when it comes to playing, even though Lord Bear is addicted to it, he's incredibly clever and quick-witted.

Selling the Lizard Beast King in front of it, Hudson the intention of profiting from the difference, is an insult to the bear's intelligence.

Although everyone is hundreds of meters apart, this distance does not affect Lord Bear's ability to eavesdrop at all.

Whether or not there's a profit margin is a minor issue; Lord Hudson isn't someone who's short of a few bucks. But commanding a bear that's in debt and commanding a bear that's free of debt are completely different things.

Beldens, though constantly avoiding the issue of debt, is ultimately bound by its debtors' demands. Despite its complaints, it still performed its duties admirably in response to Hudson's instructions.

Once this guy gets back on his feet, getting Lord Bear to do anything again will depend on his mood. After all, he's an extremely lazy bear.

If I can sit, I will never stand; if I can lie down, I will never sit. My daily hobbies are only two: eating and sleeping.

They will only come out to move around after they have eaten and slept enough. This time usually does not exceed two hours.

Working?

This was far too much to ask of the lazy Beldens.

If it weren't for the huge debts and the fear that its owner would stop supporting it, Lord Bear wouldn't be so easy to talk to now.

"Very well! If Baron Hudson captures the Lizard Beast King, whether dead or alive, please contact me immediately. Rest assured, the reward will be fair and secure!"

Baron Cayo said with considerable regret.

Using magical beasts for experiments is not something a junior mage like him can do. The reason he was willing to spend a lot of money to buy the Lizard Beast King was because a high -Magister at the Magic Academy was looking to purchase it.

Money doesn't matter; the key is the relationship. As long as he can establish a connection with that Magister, the Dalton Family will reimburse him for the cost of the magical beast.

For a large family, these connections are truly useless.

After all, no family is short of one or two strong individuals. But when the time really comes, it's too late to try and build connections.

Building connections isn't about fighting. There are other ways we can collaborate, such as exploring ruins, deciphering ancient texts, or creating unique Magic Array.