Preparations

"Them? You mean those two idiots?"

Angela both curious and puzzled.

"What do you need them for? Those two idiots can't do anything right, they can't even serve others properly, what use are they? They'll only hold you back, you might as well not go."

"I have my own reasons, don't worry, I'm not asking you for food."

Li Lin offered a brief explanation, and Angela didn't ask any further questions. Although she was cruel and ruthless, she was still fundamentally law-abiding and knew that some things couldn't be resolved simply by killing. This was one of the reasons Li Lin didn't take her along. Angela's proud nature made it absolutely impossible for her to "tolerate" any kind of "offense" in her eyes. However, since Li Lin didn't intend to confront him with force, Angela naturally happy to remain calm and avoid being humiliated.

As for Nia, Li Lin had originally planned to take her with him. However, when he went to find Nia, he discovered she was engrossed in the Dark Elf's library, and it seemed unlikely she would recover for at least three to five days. Since Nia had indeed done well, Li Lin decided not to disturb her further and give her a few days to rest. Therefore, after much consideration, the only people Li Lin could bring were the twin maids the little guy had taken in. Adding the twenty Dark Elf responsible for deterrence, this number should be sufficient for communicating with the Duergar.

Mina remained the same as before, lost in thought all day. Fina, after her conversation with Li Lin that day, was also preoccupied, even neglecting her magic lessons. Angela clearly had no intention of training them; in her view, if these two maids didn't meet her standards, she could simply kill them—why bother with all that trouble? However, Li Lin still felt the sisters were of good quality; even if they weren't his potential bed partners, they would be invaluable assistants. Both Mina and Fina were well-educated, especially Mina, whose education as Divine Chosen far surpassed that of ordinary people. There's a lot more to it than that. You see, in this world, the foundation of education is relatively weak, and many commoners don't even know how to write. It's already a miracle that they can understand what's written on those signs. Besides, the two sisters' manners are actually quite good, but they are priestesses, not maids, so their way of dealing with people is a bit different from ordinary maids. On weekdays, the two sisters basically follow Angela around, helping her change clothes, comb her hair, put on her shoes and socks, and put on her jewelry after she gets up. Then they guard her side, while also making her some black tea or serving her some desserts.

Of course, Angela wasn't so easy to please either. Li Lin also picked up on some strange constraints from the sisters' conversation and complaints. Things like having to comb your hair all the way through, not being able to touch the rim of a teacup when holding it, and not being able to make requests when changing clothes... In short, they were all things that would give anyone a headache, and it was really a wonder that these two sisters could stick to them. It seems that the priests have quite a lot of patience.

Considering that dealing with dwarves requires neither being too lenient nor too harsh, Li Lin ultimately chose the sisters. A priest's duty is to preach; in other words, the sisters are also quite adept at persuasion, although Li Lin hasn't seen much of them...

In fact, the two sisters were also very surprised when they heard about Li Lin's arrangements.

"Just the two of us? Miss Angela and Miss Nia...?"

"They're on temporary leave, and I need your help."

"Got it, little ones."

As always, Angela followed Li Lin's words and uttered a chilling threat.

"If you do anything that would tarnish my reputation or be disrespectful, then when you return, you will be prepared to be punished by me."

The routine announcement was the same; although Angela smiled as innocently and adorably as a pure and innocent girl, there was absolutely no hint of joking in her eyes.

Thanks to the efforts of the Dark Elf, the Kasos City was gradually improving. Li Lin strolled among the rubble and ruins, gazing at the stone pillars that hadn't collapsed in the previous earthquake. Dark Elf society was currently relatively stable. Although Maya reports indicated that the male Dark Elf initially sought to seize power and overthrow the long-standing matriarchal system, they ultimately failed against the matriarchs who had mastered new divine magic. Like the Spider Queen, the Dark Maiden also upheld the ideals of female rule and naturally wouldn't allow the male Dark Elf to arbitrarily change the dynasty.

Perhaps, there is no difference between elves and Dark Elf.

Li Lin shook his head, banishing the strange thoughts from his mind. He looked at the fairly intact tavern in front of him, pushed open the door, and went inside.

The tavern wasn't crowded. Originally a high-class establishment reserved for Dark Elf, almost all those entitled to such a place had perished in the previous battle. Now, it housed a caravan and a group of mercenaries. They were heeding Li Lin's warning, staying inside and drinking. Although a few of the more Dark Elf tried to sneak out for some fun, the mercenary captain knew the situation was unsuitable and refused their requests.

"It seems you're doing quite well."

Li Lin pushed open the door and walked into the tavern. He glanced at the fine wines laid out on the table and spoke.

"Indeed excellent, Master..."

The portly businessman devoured the sweet pastries, but his expression was far from pleasant. His distressed look made him resemble a prisoner locked in jail.

"When will we ever be able to leave this awful place? Ugh, there are so many Dark Elf out there, just thinking about it..."

"It'll be soon."

Li Lin sat in front of him, watching with amusement as the fat businessman coughed violently because he had choked.

"But before that, I need to leave for a while."

"Why?"

Upon hearing this news, the fat businessman immediately stopped what he was doing. He stared blankly at Li Lin, seemingly not understanding what he was talking about.

"Where are you going after you leave...?"

I have some personal matters to attend to.

Li Lin, of course, wouldn't tell him exactly what he was going to do.

"But, but if you leave..."

The portly merchant stood up excitedly. He knew that their current safety in the city was largely thanks to the powerful mage before him. The merchant was unaware of the changes and impacts on Dark Elf society, so he immediately tensed up at Li Lin's words.

"If you leave, those Dark Elf..."

"The Dark Elf won't do anything to you, as long as you maintain the respect you deserve."

Li Lin stood up and pushed away the wine glass beside him.

"Also, Angela and Nia are staying here. If you need anything, you can talk to Angela."

Looking for Angela?

The portly merchant's face immediately turned deathly pale. He stared blankly at Li Lin, at a loss for words. He even wondered if the mage had made a slip of the tongue and misspoke. Asking Angela for help? What a joke! They had witnessed the little guy's sharp tongue and ruthlessness these past few days. Although Angela usually maintained a gentle and docile lady-like image, this contrasted sharply with her cruel and terrifying actions. No one had forgotten the bizarre deaths of the Kudel soldiers. Naturally, no one wanted to oppose Angela —nor did they want to get close to her.

"Well... if we were to discuss this with Miss Nia, I don't know..."

"While it's not impossible, I must remind you first."

Li Lin walked to the tavern entrance, and after hearing the merchant's low question, he turned around and said.

"Nia hates being disturbed when she's reading. If you want her help, be prepared to lose your life."

Although Nia is usually very gentle, she becomes completely absorbed when reading. Anyone who dares to disturb her during that time is considered an obstacle and is subjected to indiscriminate attacks. Once, a subordinate barged in to report during Nia's reading time, only to be promptly wrapped up in a web by her Web. The unfortunate fellow was only released after Nia finished reading the book; if it had been a few minutes later, he might have been sent to the other world with the intelligence report.

Upon hearing Li Lin's seemingly joking threat, the fat businessman involuntarily shrank back.

"Life...!"

"Oh, right, there's one more thing."

As if the merchants hadn't suffered enough misfortune, Li Lin continued speaking.

"In the next couple of days, Dark Elf will come to your door to trade. They are excellent clients, and we might even have long-term dealings in the future... It would be best if you could entertain them."

"Dark Elf... coming to my door... for a trade... a long-term relationship..."

The fat merchant rolled his eyes. Dark Elf were inherently evil and cunning; even a single transaction with them would be enough to give him a heart attack. Now they were suggesting a long-term deal? What was he to do? Should he just give up? No, no, the Dark Elf's viciousness was well-known. If he failed, they might use it as an excuse to plunder the entire caravan's property, or even enslave the merchants... The fat merchant was lost in thought, while Li Lin paid him no further attention and turned to leave the tavern, leaving behind only the nearly unconscious merchant and a large group of bewildered mercenaries.

It seems there's no other way but to leave it to fate.