Promises and Conspiracy

It's obvious that Li Lin is a tough nut to crack.

At least that was the case for the black-clad swordsman. From his perspective, he'd rather use force than risk this mysterious man's help in overcoming their difficulties. But in reality, even with force, the black-clad swordsman didn't know how effective it would be. Angela alone was completely beyond his control, let alone the two twin maids. When he first saw them, Dick had treated them like immature young ladies. But now, they seemed to have changed. Though he didn't know how to put it, the black-clad swordsman sensed a strange aura emanating from the two girls, like house cats transforming into ferocious cheetahs.

Not to mention the beautiful female mage accompanying Li Lin. As a swordsman wielding magical weapons, Dick understood the terrifying power of mages better than anyone else. Although he didn't know the exact extent of this female mage's strength, seeing how polite the vicious little girl treated her, he knew this beautiful, almost inhuman girl was no easy opponent. What frustrated Dick most was that Li Lin seemed to have no weaknesses whatsoever. He possessed power, strength, wealth, and even beautiful women. Judging from his association with the caravan of City of a Thousand Towers, this young man who called himself a scholar seemed to be a figure highly valued by City of a Thousand Towers. That city of mixed blood wielded considerable influence in the Northern Kingdom, and even his own forces and the Book's faction couldn't easily intervene. Therefore, the black-clad swordsman seemed to have no other options besides making polite and courteous requests.

In fact, Li Lin had no intention of getting involved in any trouble caused by the Caseli Magic Core. Although this magical item posed very limited danger, it was still a major problem. Originally created to capture dragons, the mages naturally imbued it with spells that only dragons could sense, making it easier for dragons to detect. Therefore, its appearance almost always meant the arrival of a dragon. After the mages signed an agreement with the dragons, these dangerous magic cores ceased to appear, and most were destroyed by the mages. They no longer relied on such evil magic, but instead obtained the dragons' assistance through mutually beneficial exchanges. Therefore, the Caseli Magic Core was no longer suitable for any occasion; otherwise, it would be considered a threat to the dragons.

Moreover, since the black-clad swordsman in front of him refused to reveal his identity, he must be a person of high status. Li Lin was unwilling to help those nobles—after all, their ancestors' achievements were obtained by invading their own country's land.

The black-clad swordsman was determined to wear them down completely. Although he didn't act in an unusually annoying way, his persistence was astonishing.

However, some people do not appreciate this.

"To be honest, sir swordsman."

Finally, Li Lin stepped down from the carriage again and stood in front of the black-clad swordsman. He still spoke in that calm tone, but his expression carried a hint of dissatisfaction.

"You don't need to try to change my mind anymore. As a scholar, a free and unrestrained life is what I yearn for, not getting involved in troublesome matters. I really find it strange that you, a smart man, should understand that this is futile. You don't have any leverage to sway me, do you?"

"... Just as you said, sir."

The black-clad swordsman nodded helplessly.

"However, as intelligent as you are, you must understand that since I already foresaw the outcome, and still did it anyway, there must be my reasons."

"Perhaps you should be more flexible, toy."

Angela appeared beside Li Lin at some point, letting out a light, lovely laugh.

"Although I don't know what you want from your master, judging from your behavior, it's clear that things will only get worse, not better, isn't it? In that case, why don't you tell me? Anyway, if your master doesn't help you, it will just become gossip for others sooner or later."

"Angela is right."

Li Lin patted the little guy's head.

"Since we are both intelligent people, we should speak more tactfully, Mr. Swordsman. You should trust your own judgment, and I should trust mine."

Upon hearing this, the black-clad swordsman gave a wry, helpless smile. He didn't want to do this either, but now it seemed that what the other party said made some sense.

Moreover, just as Angela said, if Li Lin refuses to help, there will probably be no other way. At that point, no matter how much they try to cover it up, someone will inevitably spread rumors. Once it gets to that point, it won't matter how many people leaked the information.

Thinking of this, the black-clad swordsman coughed and then solemnly bowed to Li Lin.

"Then, sir, I would like to come with me alone."

"Of course, no problem."

Li Lin gestured for Angela to go play with the two sisters, while simultaneously keeping an eye on the group of noble youths. He then, led by the black-clad swordsman, slowly walked into the nearby woods. The black-clad swordsman was clearly very cautious, observing his surroundings carefully and sensing everything around him. Li Lin watched the swordsman's actions, secretly preparing his spell. Whatever the swordsman planned to do there, given his speed and strength, harming Li Lin wouldn't be easy.

After confirming that no one was paying attention and no one was approaching, the black-clad swordsman sighed deeply. In front of Li Lin, he seemed to have instantly dropped all his defenses, revealing only endless worry and sorrow.

"The facts are just as you suspected, sir."

He lowered his head dejectedly, revealing a helpless and desperate expression.

"That damned stone has once again harmed innocent people. We are helpless and can only beg for your help... In fact, the one who has suffered is my master, His Majesty Grand Duke Moore of Lalia. Please do not ask about the reasons; it is a shameful matter that cannot be spoken. In short, all I can tell you is that while leading his wife and daughters to inspect the border, the Grand Duke was unfortunately afflicted by that stone... Now, besides seeking help, the _books_ and I have no other choice."

That's surprising.

Li Lin narrowed his eyes, forcing himself to remain calm as he stared at the black-clad swordsman before him.

"As one of the Five-Nation Alliance, Lalia should have a good relationship with the Mages' Association. Isn't there any mage who can help you solve this problem?"

"It's not that we didn't seek help from the Mages' Association."

Dick shook his head helplessly.

In fact, the Caseli Magic Core was originally part of the collection of a court archmage. It was only because it was stolen that Dick went to search for it and retrieve it. However, even the person who possessed it knew very little about the Caseli Magic Core, aside from some of its characteristics. The Mages' Association had almost no information about this kind of magic core; even its name was only added after the black-clad swordsman brought it back. Before that, everyone simply called it the "Five-Colored Crystal."

The Mages' Association couldn't help, and while the Temple family had invited several high-ranking clergy to assist in treatment, citing the Grand Duke's poor health, it had no effect whatsoever. Li Lin, the only one familiar with the details of the magic core, was unreachable because the black-clad swordsman didn't recognize him. All leads seemed to have dried up, and after that, the Grand Duke appeared to have given up on treatment; after all, no one knew if the substance would truly be fatal. He also issued a strict order to keep the news under wraps; apart from a handful of people, even his children knew nothing about it. It was precisely because of this that, despite his concern for the Grand Duke's condition, Dick still... He had no choice but to pretend nothing was wrong and accompany these ignorant noble children on their outing. But as the saying goes, a chance encounter can lead to unexpected success; he never imagined he would run into Li Lin under such circumstances. Therefore, the black-clad swordsman would not give up this opportunity, no matter what, even if there was only a sliver of hope. After all, since Li Lin could divulge information that even the high-ranking mages of the Mages' Association didn't know, it meant he was likely very knowledgeable about this magical item and knew how to dispel it. The black-clad swordsman had seen what it looked like to Manipulator by that terrifying magic core; although the Grand Duke showed no change now, it didn't mean he would in the future.

Therefore, I request your assistance.

The black-clad swordsman bowed respectfully.

"Both I and the Grand Duke will thank you for what you have done."

Li Lin remained silent in the face of the black-clad swordsman's request.

In fact, the moment Li Lin heard the other man's name, Li Lin understood why the black-clad swordsman was so cautious. Currently, Lalia was embroiled in a border dispute with the southern nation of Kudel, and at this time, the Grand Duke of Lalia's unusual behavior would do nothing to improve the situation in his country. No wonder the Grand Duke was so tense, barely revealing the matter to anyone.

But before that, Li Lin thought of something else.

The name Moore stirred his memories; the figure in armor, wielding a longsword, once again clearly appeared before Li Lin.

"Since you are so sincere, I will grant your request and give it a try."

Li Lin nodded, but he quickly straightened his face and met the black-clad swordsman's ecstatic gaze.

"But I'm just a scholar. I want a peaceful life and don't want to be disturbed too much. Do you understand what I mean?"

"Of course, sir, we will not disclose your information to the Temple or the Mages' Association."

An agreement has been reached.

After returning to the carriage, Li Lin quickly told Angela and Nia what he had said to the black-clad swordsman. Unlike Angela, who showed no reaction, Nia frowned the moment she heard the name of Grand Duke Moore.

"Li Lin, you mean...?"

"That's right."

Li Lin revealed a cold, cruel smile.

"It appears that our patient is a descendant of the five 'heroes' who led those barbarians to invade our country."

As he spoke, Li Lin subconsciously nudged his shoulder.

"Now that his descendants have come to me of their own accord, how can I remain indifferent? After all, he once stabbed me in the back, and I cannot let this grudge go unavenged."

As he spoke, Li Lin looked at Angela and Nia.

"This time, I need your help, Angela, especially yours."

"Of course, Master."

Angela smiled happily.

"Revenge is always an intoxicating and tempting wine, how could I possibly not help you savor this exquisite brew?"