Oliphant's Good Intentions

Oliphant ignored Sezga, moving like a nimble shadow around the pillars as he approached Ye Wei'an in silence.

As he stepped within three feet of Ye Wei'an, a subtle chill suddenly crawled up his spine to the back of his head.

Oliphant instinctively halted his steps.

"Since you've already drawn near, why stop now, Mr. Oliphant?"

Ye Wei'an suddenly opened his eyes and spoke.

Oliphant felt a jolt in his heart; the frustration of being instantly seen through caused him to raise his estimation of Ye Wei'an once again.

As a Lv.4 Rogue, Oliphant prided himself on his stealth, believing that lower-level spellcasters would never be able to detect him.

Yet, he did not know that on the minimap in Ye Wei'an's mind, that yellow dot was as conspicuous as a torch in the dead of night.

Oliphant took a deep breath, stepped out from the shadows, and spread his hands to show he meant no harm.

"By Sharess, your perception is breathtakingly sharp, Mr. Ye Wei'an." He offered a friendly smile. "I simply wanted to take advantage of this long vigil to get to know the Summerstar Family's new spellcaster."

Seeing that Ye Wei'an did not rebuff him, he took a few more steps closer. "My apologies; having spent so long in the wild, I am more accustomed to using actions rather than calling cards to make interesting acquaintances."

"If by 'interesting' you mean sitting here keeping vigil, then I'm afraid I'll have to disappoint you."

"No, my intuition tells me that you are indeed an interesting person."

The two exchanged a few pleasantries, and Oliphant took the initiative to strike up a conversation.

Ye Wei'an happened to be bored on his own and was interested in getting to know this intriguing noble.

Their topics ranged from the distribution of monsters in the Hurek Forest to the ancient history of Cormyr.

Oliphant was an adventure enthusiast and an expert in the field, while Ye Wei'an, possessing knowledge of the world of Faerûn from his past life, could often reveal secrets that this "native" had never heard of.

"...I never imagined the legendary Yuan-ti civilization truly existed."

The more they talked, the more compatible Oliphant felt, so he simply extended an invitation: "Honestly, Ye Wei'an, it's a pity for someone with your abilities and insight to remain in Firefall Valley. Since you're a bastard, you aren't bound by those stuffy formalities—why not come adventuring with me? I happen to be short a spellcaster companion."

Ye Wei'an shook his head: "I appreciate the offer, but I must decline."

"May I ask why?" Oliphant was somewhat surprised. "In Cormyr, few people can refuse an invitation from the Silverhunt Family."

"I have my own goals." Ye Wei'an replied calmly. "In fact, I have already submitted an application to the College of Heraldry to become a pioneering lord in the western wilderness."

"A pioneering lord..."

Oliphant was stunned for a moment, then his expression shifted to one of sudden realization: "No wonder! No wonder the Baron left a full twenty thousand gold coins in his will. That wasn't just an inheritance; it was the startup capital to buy out your right of succession, and also the death trap—or the lifeline—the old Baron chose for you."

His tone carried a hint of admiration. "My apologies, I was being intrusive."

"I'm afraid you've had a wasted trip." Ye Wei'an responded politely.

"No, this is even more interesting." Oliphant smiled amicably and reached out his hand. "Perhaps one day, when the ruins in eastern Cormyr no longer hold my interest, I'll come to your territory for an adventure. I hope you won't treat me as an illegal trespasser then."

"I will have the finest wine ready to host you." Ye Wei'an shook his hand.

Just then, the heavy sound of leather boots broke the atmosphere between them.

The tall figure of Count Wulfred appeared from behind the pillars. He cast a cold glance at Oliphant before fixing his gaze on Ye Wei'an, speaking in a stiff tone.

"I will handle the matter of the pioneering decree in the name of the Warden of the East. As for your noble status and the corresponding legal documents, the College of Heraldry will verify them as soon as possible." Wulfred's tone was filled with undisguised rejection and disgust. "Once you have what you are owed, depart immediately. Ye Wei'an, remember your status; since you have chosen this path, never again harbor any unrealistic thoughts about a single blade of grass in Firefall Territory."

Ye Wei'an looked at the imposing Count and sneered inwardly.

From Wulfred's "victim-like" arrogance, he quickly reached a conclusion:

Selina was indeed a clever woman; she had not told Wulfred that he held the evidence of the Amarisk Family's smuggling.

"Of course, my Lord Count." Ye Wei'an bowed politely. "I, Ye Wei'an, keep my word. Once I have what I want, I will leave. I will cause no trouble for Firefall Territory."

"You had best remember your words; I will be watching you."

Wulfred pointed at his own eyes, then at Ye Wei'an, before turning to leave.

Watching Wulfred's retreating back, Oliphant shrugged and offered a lighthearted comfort: "Don't mind that old man; he's just heartbroken that you walked away with so much gold, yet he can do nothing about it. By the Goddess Sharess, there are always people in this world who treat their territory as everything, never realizing that the wind on the wilderness is the freest thing of all. Good luck, future Lord."

The rest of the night passed in pleasant conversation.

Ye Wei'an had no interest in the various social etiquettes of the nobility, and Oliphant was a "wild child" with a singular craving for adventure.

In a sense, the two were kindred spirits.

As time passed, the darkness gradually faded, and dawn finally arrived.

When the first rays of light pierced the morning mist, Bishop Orion stepped onto the dais. Though he looked slightly haggard from a sleepless night, he appeared exceptionally solemn bathed in the morning light. He raised his arms and proclaimed to the brightening sky:

"The night has passed, the dawn is reborn! Baron Harandir Xiaxing has followed the Morninglord into eternity. May his soul be as dazzling as the rising sun, and may the radiance of Lathander forever dwell in Firefall Valley!"

As the Bishop's blessing fell, the long vigil was declared over.

The two knights, Morse and Hilt, led several silent attendants toward the tomb, carrying shovels.

Amidst the dull thuds of impact, the damp earth was shoveled in, eventually covering the casket.

Immediately after, Saville from the College of Heraldry stepped onto the stage.

He unfolded a document and read it in a flat, emotionless tone:

"Witnessed by the College of Heraldry and the Warden of the East, it is confirmed that Lucas Xiaxing, son of Baron Harandir Xiaxing, formally inherits the territory of Firefall Valley and the title of Baron. May he be loyal to the Dragon Throne and protect the land and its people."

Lady Selina breathed a sigh of relief. She supported the dazed Lucas as they bowed to the herald, then pulled him forward to accept the signet ring that symbolized his authority.

The observing nobles offered a smattering of half-hearted congratulations before beginning to take their leave one after another.

Sezga Huntercrown was the first to leap into his carriage, not even bothering to look back as he urged his servants to get moving. He could hardly wait to escape this tedious countryside.

"Off we go, future frontier lord." Oliphant winked at Ye Wei'an and hopped onto his horse. "If you discover any ruins in your territory, remember to call for me!"

In the blink of an eye, the once-bustling space in front of the temple was left with nothing but the fading clatter of carriages.

Most of the nobles chose to return to their own estates, and even Count Wafred departed after giving a few final instructions.

Only a few minor lords with distant marital ties to the Xiaxing House remained, preparing to attend the private luncheon that would follow.

Ye Wei'an prepared to leave as well.

As he reached his carriage, two figures blocked his path.