Chapter 370 - Chapter 370: Chapter 350 Lorne Envoy (2/2)
Even if you were to speak to some uncultured Lorne citizens and say that you are a Cyart person, it’s very likely they’d express confusion, wondering in which part of Lorne exactly is Cyart?
“It was because of Mr. Kano’s invitation that I came to the Fischer family…”
Viscount Johnville had just gotten this far when he was interrupted by Kano shaking his head.
“That is a lie.”
“Viscount Johnville, out of respect for our friendship, please don’t deceive me any longer. How could such a significant matter of state be decided just because of our personal dealings?”
After he had spoken, he stared intently at the other man. Viscount Johnville coughed once, showing no embarrassment, and continued to say:
“Heh heh, indeed… it’s because of our sovereign’s command that I came here. It’s just that because of our relationship, I managed to secure the opportunity to become the Imperial Emissary to Cyart.”
Viscount Johnville said, smiling.
“But just as you said, regardless of whether or not we have a personal relationship, the Empire has long had its designs on the situation in Cyart. Many people here need help.”
Kano nodded slightly and said, “Then for Fischer, this is indeed not a bad thing.”
Soon, Viscount Johnville and Kano arrived at Fischer Manor and entered the drawing-room.
Kano saw his family, whom he had not seen for a long time. His father, Chris, nodded with a calm demeanor, showing not the slightest intention of blaming him, and his aging mother Vanessa suddenly came over and embraced him.
“Karno, you’ve finally returned. That’s wonderful. We’ve missed you so much… What happened to your hair and face? How many times have you used Precise Prophecy?”
In Vanessa’s words, there was surprise; Karno managed a wry smile, confident that he had used his prophecies at the right moments, with absolutely no regrets.
In his mother’s eyes, he would always be a child, wouldn’t he?
Those signs of aging would definitely cause his mother immeasurable heartache.
Byrne stepped forward, looking at the visitor from Lorne, and extended his hand politely, saying:
“Welcome, Viscount Johnville of Lorne. I am Byrne Fischer, the Fischer family patriarch.”
Viscount Johnville paused, a bit surprised, and asked, “You know my name?”
“I’ve heard of it by chance.”
Byrne smiled and nodded gently.
In reality, he had not heard of Johnville before, but he had just activated the power of the “Ancient Researcher,” the “Past-Peeking Eye.” As Johnville was a high-level Transmutation Extraordinary Exponent, Byrne had glimpsed quite a bit of his past.
That was very useful information, and Byrne suddenly found himself with a better understanding of many matters concerning the Lorne Empire.
Good, even more useful than the knowledge known from books.
Viscount Johnville said:
“I’ll get straight to the point. His Excellency Bain, the people of Lorne would like to offer you some assistance.”
He had a righteous expression on his face as he continued loudly:
“We’ve heard about the Words of Tranquility and the affairs of the Adley Royal Family, and we’re aware that your nation has reached a crucial moment of life and death. Now, as people favored by the True Gods, it is imperative for us to stand united on the same front.”
“Our respected sovereign has decided to provide ample assistance to both you and the Romann family to help you win this war, and all for the sake of Cyart’s people and the great gods! Without a doubt, we are on the side of justice!”
Byrne nodded and responded:
“I understand. Firstly, I am very grateful to the Emperor of Lorne, and his intentions move all the people of Cyart. Secondly, I would like to know how we are to repay this generous assistance?”
Viscount Johnville’s smile grew more pronounced, seemingly pleased by Byrne’s directness. He nodded and took out a list from his bosom, saying:
“It’s quite simple; we merely require some of Cyart’s ‘local specialties’ and also to lease some land, that’s it—necessary costs… Here’s a list compiled by the Lorne Imperial Congress, which will give you, His Excellency Bain, a clear and immediate understanding.”
Byrne, with a smile, took the list and looked over the array of resources and land on it, falling into a long silence.
He eventually shook his head and said, “I am very thankful to the Emperor of Lorne and your Congress, but my answer, or rather, the answer of the Cyart people is… no.”
Viscount Johnville paused, his eyes narrowing as he said:
“His Excellency Bain, you choose to refuse? Heh heh, I don’t think that’s the right answer. You know that everything in the world comes at a price. The Empire’s support is like the power of a Forbidden rare artifact; it will provide you with enormous assistance…”
“Perhaps, you are giving up on using the most powerful Forbidden rare artifact in the world!”
“You might feel the cost is great, unbearable even. But these matters, we can still negotiate. Indeed, all Extraordinary Exponents know one thing…”
“Those who are too timid to use Forbidden rare artifacts, those Extraordinary Exponents, often end up being the first to die.”