22 Caine Smith 2 (2/2)
”We have a term for it here, City of Gold on the outside, Gutter Society on the inside. Just because they are in a place with first rate infrastructure and systems does not mean the people there are first rate. They can be far more trash like than the people out in the frontiers.” Aureus was dismissive as he replied.
Edward waited for a few moments to pass before changing the topic.
”Highness, regarding the monster cores, I wish to request a company of 300 men from your personal army and head towards the demon beast areas to hunt for them.”
”Granted. Kill as many of the beasts as you can. It will lessen the burden on us later when the beasts congregate.”
Edward bowed before leaving the study .
—
As Edward headed to the Dancing boar the next day, his head churned as he considered what Aureus mentioned to him the previous day. He found himself assessing Caine in a higher manner as he considered his possible past.
As he stepped into the inn, he saw the mage duo by a table with a jug and two plates of food. Stepping over the crowd, he arrived at side of the mages.
”Caine, Tif! Great news, his highness is agreeable to the conditions you have suggested.”
Edward looked delighted at he related the news to the two magi. ”I am heading to hunt some monster tribes to procure a spider queen core and salamander core. Would you two like to join me?”
Caine and Tiffany were looking delighted until they heard Edward's latest question. Looks of puzzlement crossed their faces.
Edward went on saying that he has managed to borrow 300 elites troops from Aureus's personal army therefore hunting small tribes of demon beasts are no issue.
”The chances of attaining a grade 5 monster core from normal king level demon beasts are not high. Do you have a plan?” Tiffany replied as she pulled a chair for Edward.
”I do. I just need the location of the demon spider and salamander tribes.” Edward replied as he sat.
As Caine poured a mug for Edward, the latter produced two emblems with a blood red background. He introduced the emblems as marks of being retainers of the blood royal which will grant entry in and out Everdawn castle.
Caine and Tiffany accepted their emblems with a smile.
Caine then ventured, ”Won't you stay for a meal? It's on me.”
Edward had a wide grin as he nodded.
—
As Edward was in the midst of reviewing the Direwolf company's training when Tarin approached him, ”I heard you recruited the golem mage.”
Edward nodded.
Tarin said that based on his experience, he would recommend dropping this mage for the overall benefit of the company.
Edward's jaw dropped as he turned towards Tarin and gestured to for him to continue,
Tarin had a closed stance as he related his concerns. He heard the mage is skilled and a superb artificer to boot but he has a weak aether core. No matter how hard he struggles, he can only be considered a weak link in combat at the level the special forces will operate on.
”To have the company's survival hedging on a factor such as a weak link as this mage.” Tarin was shaking his head. ”In my opinion, the company would be far better off without the mage than with it.”
Edward had a contemplative look as Tarin narrated.
”I understand where you are coming from, Tarin. How about this, I will set up a meeting between the mage and us, two days hence? Raise your concerns to Caine then and see how he defends himself from there.”
Tarin considered for a few moments before nodding.