Chapter 342: Two Tribes (1/2)
”How about you try convincing him instead?” Arthur felt a headache. He didn't mind using the Submission Art to get what he wanted, but only to protect himself, not to enslave others.
”I always do stuff for you; can't you do this for me?” Gala pouted as if she asked him to lend her some copper, not to enslave a person.
”Where's the fun in that?” Arthur smiled. ”How about we have a bet as to who would convince him? Whoever wins can order the other person one thing.”
”Fun, deal!”
”I'll keep her away from you and give you all the resources you need for your work.” Arthur turned to the young alchemist.
”I accept.” The young man nodded like a scared kitten. Gala's face froze as her mouth gaped.
”I win.” Arthur smiled at her. ”As for my order, stay away from him.”
He left afterward, leaving Gala speechless at him. Arthur knew what kind of person this man was as there were many like him in Jerano: the type that only cared about doing what they love.
Arthur left the workshop and walked back toward Gruen. He found that the crates were loaded to the carriages, all neatly sealed. The young dwarf seemed tired now.
”Done?”
”And dusted.” Gruen wiped away his sweat. ”Boss, I felt so many eyes on me as I was loading them.” He warned with a cautious face.
”Don't worry, that's why I'm here.” Arthur smiled. ”We can't have these materials destroyed by them.” As he said so, he ran his finger on the crates as they began disappearing one by one.
”This... this...”
”I'll keep everything with me. I just need you to make sure that no one knows these carriages are empty. Employ our people to keep an eye out.” Arthur said as he patted Gruen. ”It's better to make them think that they won.”
”Yes, boss!” Gruen nodded with awe.
”Now, it's time to set off.”
***
”Are you going?” King Solomon asked Arthur with a frown in the hall. ”I apologize for not doing anything more to help you.”
”There's no need, your Majesty.” Arthur placed down his tea with a thin smile. ”I know that throwing my crimes under the rug was tiring on its own. For that, I'm thankful.”
”It was in self-defense, so it wasn't without reason.” King Solomon smiled. ”Tell me one thing before you go, Seika. Why do you want to be my advisor so much that you'll create a city just to prove it?”
”The idea was in spite of the Duke of Contracts, to be honest. It went out of proportion before I realized it. Nonetheless, I think a neutral trading hub needs to exist in the kingdom.”
”Does that mean you'll be selling artifacts to other kingdoms?” King Solomon's eyes were probing.
”Well, of course.” Arthur smiled. ”Artificial ones, but we won't refuse anyone who has the money.”
”They call me the Inheritor of The Scholar Guardian, but even I can't create that number of artifacts so quickly.” King Solomon sighed.
”I believe that the Ghost Runemaster has hoarded these artifacts until now rather than creating them on the spot.” Arthur held his chin. ”Are you truly his Inheritor?” Arthur asked, feigning calm.
”Maybe,” King Solomon didn't give him an answer. ”I wish you well on your travels.”
”Thank you, Your Majesty.” Standing up to leave, Arthur said. Asking anymore would be suspicious. He would have to wait for Solomon to trust him before he can know the truth.
”Oh, by the way,” King Solomon called out as Arthur reached the door of the workshop. ”Maybe you should visit Lady Dia before you leave.”
Arthur's body went stiff when he heard the words. However, he nodded silently and left the workshop, walking through the empty corridors.
'It has to be done.'
Arthur knows.
'It has to be done.'
He walked toward her room.
'Don't be a fool like you did with Emma.'