343 Nicholas Reques (2/2)
”Didn't you work in Winterfell for Magic Stones? Lassie is the temporary Dungeon Lord of Winterfell. You can obtain this information anywhere.”
The gamers were enthusiastic in both words and actions.
The excited gamers were busy touching Nicholas' body. Once a gamer touched him and discovered there wasn't a problem, the rest of the gamers followed suit. Some gamers went for the purse, the sword, and the thighs…
”Welcome to Eternal Kingdom, Baron Nicholas. Please come to my office for a chat.”
As a diplomatic conflict was about to occur, Sherlock appeared and restrained the gamers who had lost control.
Nicholas felt relieved. What could he possibly do? Could he kill these green-skinned creatures who took advantage of him? That was his intention.
Nicholas followed Sherlock to the Dungeon Lord Main Hall, where Eggface brewed some bloody chrysanthemum tea for himself and Sherlock. Eggface then sat down beside Sherlock and gazed at Baron Nicholas.
”Please take a seat, Baron Nicholas,” Sherlock said as he pointed at an empty seat. Then, he looked at Nicholas and said, ”Congratulations on becoming the Winterfell Dungeon Lord.”
”How did Lord Sherlock know that I was assigned the formal post?” Nicholas was taken aback.
Sherlock quickly said, ”It's not hard to guess. After the setbacks in Winterfell, I'd be surprised if the Merchant Alliance trusted outsiders who invest large sums of Magic Stones in Winterfell. In this difficult time, Winterfell needs a capable Baron like you. If you weren't assigned the formal post, it would be beyond reason.”
”I'm greatly flattered. The Merchant Alliance has greater trust in long-time members. Thank you, Lord Sherlock, for recommending me for this post!” Nicholas said gratefully to Sherlock.
”My recommendation? No, no, no, I just told the truth. Without your wise support in raw materials, we wouldn't have been able to defeat Samael that easily. Your contributions were far more significant than you thought!”
Sherlock heaped praises on Nicholas since he didn't have anything to lose.
Sherlock said to Eggface, ”Quick, get a cup of underground water for Dungeon Lord Nicholas.”
Eggface finished his cup of bloody chrysanthemum tea and jumped off his chair. He walked to the storage shelves and took out a wooden cup, then poured water from a pot.
Eggface was very good at his job.
As Eggface passed the cup of water to him, Nicholas said politely, ”Lord Black Dragon, thank you. I'll help myself.”
Eggface shook his head. He looked over earnestly and said obediently, ”Take your drink. Why are you talking so much?”
”Go to the side and sleep.” Sherlock caressed Eggface's head and pointed to the nest at the corner.
Eggface walked reluctantly back to the corner and sat down cross-legged. He looked at his computer and Nicholas, his eyes communicating his desire for Nicholas to leave so that he could resume playing his computer games.
”Are there any special matters to discuss, Dungeon Lord Nicholas?” Sherlock placed his hands on the table and asked.
”It's related to my Dungeon Lord mission.” Nicholas pushed Eggface's unhappiness to the back of his mind before inhaling deeply and saying, ”My Dungeon Lord post isn't stable. Though the Merchant Alliance has decided to assign me the formal post, there are many nobles who covet this post. Outsiders aside, there are many members of the Merchant Alliance who are also interested in the post. Hence, I am greatly troubled.”
Nicholas said gravely, ”I'll have to clear the surrounding Ogre tribes! The Ogres appeared recently around Winterfell, remnants of Andrew's evil deeds. I thought it would be easy to destroy them, so I sent my elite troops, but regrettably, they were annihilated.”
”Annihilated?”
”That's right, they were annihilated. With the support of Andrew, the Ogres have become powerful. According to reports from the survivors, the powerful Ogre Clan is formed of more than a hundred tribes. They also nominated a young and strong new leader. With these conditions, it's impossible for me to destroy them. They even recently occupied a Stronghold on the outer boundary of Winterfell!”
Sherlock nodded and asked, ”What about the Winterfell Garrison Guards? If you deploy them, shouldn't they be able to defeat the Ogres?”
”Yes, but if I deploy the Garrison Guards, it will cause massive casualties. Winterfell is in an unstable state, and if there are huge losses, my competitors will create doubts about my management capability. Most importantly, I'm unable to fend off the residents' protests. Time isn't on my side. If I don't do anything and can't produce results, the nobles eyeing my position will create trouble.”
”I understand your predicament. Do you want me to help you destroy the Ogres?”
Nicholas said pleadingly, ”That's right! I know it's difficult for you, but besides you, I can't think of other capable leaders. Please help me, Lord Sherlock! I will pay all military expenses and death compensation!”