Chapter 124 (1/2)

“Oh right, Claire, the Intymen clan actually agreed to give us five percent of the profits without us doing anything. How unexpected.” Li Yuewen suddenly came back to her senses, smiling radiantly.

“Of course,” Claire said, a little displeased. This cousin of hers was so talented in many aspects yet completely incompetent at business.

“Claire, you’re formidable after all,” Li Yuewen praised sincerely. The more she knew about this younger cousin of hers, the more impressed she was.

“Oh right, has the weapons shop been opened yet? How about the clothing store? Has Camille selected anyone yet?” Claire sat down simply.

“It’s opened. Many people are paying attention. The first day it opened, there were many orders, all seeking the type of sword showcased at the donating convention. As for the clothing store, just as you instructed, we first sent a set of clothes for the princess and have changed the styles of the month accordingly,” Li Yuewen reported. “The effects of showcasing at the convention are evident. Camille has also selected a few people who are currently engrossed in work.

“Mm. Have those old foxes made any movements? Is there any chance of them resisting and fleeing to the Hua clan?” Claire stroked her chin. Of course Claire had the insight to see the possibility.

“Don’t worry about that. Claire, although those old fools don’t use their brains, they are extremely loyal to the clan and will never become traitors. And there has never been any traitors before either. This is the reason why they are so against your mother. Now…” Li Yuewen all sat down. Saying out of the corner of her mouth, “Now they all treat you as a savior and want to approach you and help at the weapon and clothing shop. The old things all want to meet you and talk to you, but you have kept on preventing them.”

“It’s enough to let them forge metal.” Claire looked up into the night sky. “Cousin Yuewen…”

“Mm?” Li Yuewen turned to Claire. Unexpectedly, she saw a trace of grief in Claire’s expression. “What is it?” Li Yuewen sensed something was wrong.

“I will achieve all of Mother’s dreams. Mother definitely would want to see the Li clan’s revival. But if the Li clan is revived, Lagark’s power will rise. Lagark and Amparkland’s relation will become more and more strained…

“Claire!” Before Claire finished speaking, Li Yuewen interrupted her. “Look at me, Claire.”

Claire turned. Facing Li Yuewen’s serious face, she grew puzzled.

“Claire, even if you said you wanted to go back to the Hill clan, I would not stop you. I will not stop you from doing anything. Of course I hope for your happiness. If the day Lagark and Amparkland become enemies arrives, I will try my best to…” Before Li Yuewen finished speaking, Claire was already smiling brightly.

“Cousin Yuewen, I’ve never regretted any of my decisions and I won’t in the future. If that day truly arrives, nothing will matter. I will try to protect the people I care about the most. So, Cousin Yuewen, don’t worry. I will become strong, strong enough to protect everyone.” Claire’s eyes glinted resolutely, her words powerful.

“I have total faith you will do so.” Li Yuewen stared unflinchingly at Claire. “The martial arts competition is in two days. Are you prepared? Has there been any changes with the Azure Ripple blade?”

“This stupid sword?” Claire retrieved the Azure Ripple blade from her interspatial ring and twirled it in the palm of her hand casually. “I haven’t noticed anything special about it. How useful is it supposed to be?”

Stupid sword? Li Yuewen’s mouth twitched. The artifact crafted painstakingly through the Li clan’s blood and sweat was being called a stupid sword?

Then something strange happened.

The sword started vibrating in Claire’s hand, as if it were protesting.

“What? Are you unsatisfied with my words? I’ve never seen you do anything particularly outstanding.” Claire gave the sword a hard flick, creating a melodious “ting” sound.

Li Yuewen was surprised for a brief moment before she started smiling. The Azure Ripple blade had a will afterall, so this behavior could not be considered unusual. But in any case, the sword and Claire seemed like two stubborn little children, one flicking “ting”s, the other vibrating more and more intensely.

As the sword started vibrating more and more furiously, CLaire finally realized something was amiss. The Azure Ripple blade wasn’t protesting, but warning!

But what was it warning about?

Claire stood up abruptly and looked into the vast night, frowning as she humphed. “Who is it?” A feeling of unease arose. Who could it be? Who was hiding? Unexpectedly, she couldn’t sense their aura at all. If it weren’t for the sword’s vibrations, she would have been completely unable to sense there was someone hiding.

Li Yuewen’s expression also changed. There was someone hiding in the area? If so, then their power was terrifying. She actually couldn’t sense them at all!

“Whooooosh…”

An attack shot towards Claire with a long, drawn out sound of the air being slashed. Claire lept out of the way lithely. Turning around, she saw a person draped in black hovering in the air. The person’s clothes was wrapped tightly about them. Claire could only feel a penetrating icy gaze. Li Yuewen’s entire body tensed as she stared at the person floating in mid air. She knew that the person before them was powerful, extremely so. She wasn’t their match at all.

Not waiting for Claire to regain her bearings, the person suddenly pounced, brandishing a sword. Claire parried with her own sword.

With a clang, small sparks flew, melodious and sharp in the quiet night.