Author: 冬瓜茶仙人 / Winter Melon Tea Immortal
Translator: Kinky || https://kinkytranslations.com/
Chapter 18
In other words, Mr. Beard’s clientele, regardless of their gender or class, didn’t overlap with that of the streetwalker downstairs, so there was no conflict of business.
Since ancient times, dark secrets among the nobility were always abounded, but this novel business model still shocked Dwight for a few seconds. He set down his teacup on the coffee table with an expressionless face. “My map isn’t completely accurate when leaving Hilly and entering the borders of Doran. We need to replan our route.”
The Duke of Brandenburg’s tone was all business and very calm, but his ears, unfortunately, turned red. Charlie was certain that the Duke had no idea his ears could betray such a lack of resolve.
Finally, the rabbit-headed shopkeeper couldn’t help but burst into laughter.
Dressed in the latest casual shirt rather than skirts, Cici magically looked less like a girl and more like a slender young man in development, resembling an ordinary, wealthy young master.
“Cici, aren’t you traveling with us?” Columbus sat on the arm of the sofa, his painted features looking somewhat dim.
Cici didn’t immediately answer. The shopkeeper touched Columbus’s red hat. “Columbus, our journey might be very dangerous. Doran is very unstable right now, and crossing the border could lead to war at any moment.”
Shivers smiled and remained silent.
Actually, the shopkeeper was being too circumspect. If he had to say it, his homeland of Pennigra, compared to Doran, was completely different worlds. Both continents had a central empire governing them, and the stability of each was entirely dependent on the emperor’s capabilities. Pennigra’s central empire, Constantine, had ruled the entire continent for a century, with a tight grip on power that allowed each kingdom to maintain its own army, but with imperial troops stationed in every major city of sufficient population. Although this strong central control significantly weakened the kingdoms’ powers, it also brought hundreds of years of political and military stability to Pennigra, with occasional upheavals quickly suppressed, which was why elves, who disliked wars, predominantly resided there.
Although Dwight felt that this environment made the common folk too naive and that the long-suppressed ambitions of the various kings and lords had become increasingly perverse, overall, Pennigra was much more stable than Doran.
Once they stepped off the continent of Pennigra, the protective reach of Constantine’s imperial army ended, and in Doran, several ambitious kingdoms eyed the empire but kept each other in check, each hoping to eliminate their rivals before claiming the throne, leading to frequent skirmishes of varying scale and making the imperial presence much weaker there.
Once the waters were muddied, it would be hard to see clearly what fish were within.
Compared to Pennigra, where even the number of white mages was low, Doran was truly a mixed bag. Witch Elena was just one example; various forms of black magic thrived there, and more than half of the major Black Gold Families strongholds were located in Doran. There were even rumors that demons defeated centuries ago and not cast into the abyss continued to lurk in the corners of Doran.
This was also why, after noticing changes in Priscilla’s rose, Dwight decided to go to Doran himself. The situation there was too complex. Even if he assembled all the knights of Lemena into an army, they might get embroiled in conflicts before even reaching their destination. It was better to travel in a small, inconspicuous group.
Indeed, the Duke had been against his sister marrying off to far-away, chaotic Doran from the start—it was a place beyond his reach.
Had she stayed in Pennigra, even without relying on the power of the Duke of Brandenburg, the gentle Priscilla could have found a good husband, and Dwight could have supported her at any time.
Unfortunately, the decision about Priscilla’s marriage wasn’t up to Dwight at the time.
The handsome Duke of Brandenberg lowered his eyes, concealing his chilly emotions.
Shivers glanced at his silent master and changed the subject. “Yes, Columbus. We’re not just going on an excursion. They say witches are very petty, especially resenting women more beautiful than themselves. It would be terrible if she became jealous of Cici’s beauty.”
The tin soldier pondered and felt that it made sense. “Elena is a bad woman.”
Cici pouted. “I’m not afraid of the witch—that’s not why I’m not going. Plus, I’m a man; wearing skirts is just a hobby of mine.”
“I can’t go to Doran because my sister is there, and she’s scarier than Elena,” Cici added. “Until I come of age, I’d rather not meet her.”
“Why before you come of age?” Columbus asked.
“It’s a traditional rule among the Black Gold Families. Direct bloodline members must not engage in family affairs before adulthood. In turn, no matter the feud among families, they must not involve underage members,” Shivers explained, having studied these matters alongside the Duke since childhood.
Cici nodded. “It’s a way of leaving an escape for each other. There have been times when families fought to the death, but as long as direct bloodline children survive, the family can someday revive.”
“But wouldn’t the surviving children seek revenge?” Eugene asked. “Cut the grass, remove the roots, right? Why leave trouble for yourself?”
Cici rolled his eyes at him. “These are written into the contracts, smart guy.”
Eugene understood. “You mean that thing… written into your bones and blood, that kills you if you break it?”
“That’s called a Blood Oath,” Shivers said. “It’s complex to initiate, but once made, it’s inviolable… No wonder this rule is limited to ‘direct bloodlines’. It seems to be enforced.” If traced back, it was probably established by the original family heads using some ancient contract magic.
“The power of ‘blood’ cannot be denied by anyone,” Cici said. “Although there’s a contract for protection, you cannot act recklessly just because of this contract. That’s why I can’t freely use the power of my family before I come of age. Otherwise, why would I have to personally pretend to be a pitiful girl to steal… cough.”
Dwight wasn’t interested in these noble textbook matters. Instead, he paid more attention to the rabbit’s expression. He noticed that when they mentioned ‘contracts’, Charlie’s usually relaxed, furry face stiffened for a moment. This change was very subtle that not even Shivers, who was engaged in conversation with Cici, noticed—probably only Dwight did.
He said nonchalantly, “That pot is yours to keep.”
For the Duke, the pot was just bait for catching the rabbit, though, by some twist of fate, it ended up hooking Eugene, the rogue. However, Eugene’s years of experience struggling at the bottom might unexpectedly prove useful in the chaotic conditions of Doran.
Now that he had captured both the rabbit and the rogue, the Duke felt like clearing house.
“Oh, I didn’t mean that,” Cici said cheerfully. “Actually, I’d love to go with you, but that stinky woman Anna—”
He abruptly stopped himself.
“Anyway, I wish you all a smooth journey.” The young man awkwardly changed the topic, poking the tin soldier a bit clumsily.
Though their acquaintance started and proceeded under less than ideal circumstances, for some reason, Cici still liked being with them.
He had insidiously disguised himself as a damsel in distress to approach them. Even though his actions were exposed, the group, including Columbus, hadn’t treated him harshly. There wasn’t even the anticipated cursing and being placed on horseback seemed more of a formality than anything. Along the way, whatever they ate, Cici ate, and by the latter part of the journey, they didn’t even bother to tie him up. Although Dwight said, “He has no food, and if we let him go, he can only die,” in reality, everyone treated him no differently than anyone else in the group.
Thanks to his appearance, Cici could easily make himself look innocent and pitiable if he wished. But being born a Fox and having grown up in “that kind” of environment, he had lost any real connection to innocence by the age of seven. Whether he was scheming or genuinely straightforward, he could instinctively tell.
The tin soldier took his hand. “I will always remember you, my friend. Whether my fate lies in the soil of my homeland or a witch’s incinerator, you will remain in my memories until the end.”
Cici’s face immediately fell.
“That’s enough,” the shopkeeper said, trying to keep the peace. “I won’t let Elena throw you into the incinerator, Columbus.”
“I know, but Charlie, I might never be able to return to Maplewood. I’ve prepared myself for that!” Columbus said, sniffling heavily.
“Whatever it takes,” Eugene said, “I’ll help you, Columbus. I can sneak into the witch’s castle—I’m not bragging, but there isn’t a lock in the world I can’t pick! I’ll steal everything she cares about, forcing her to lift your curse!”
“Eugene! Don’t make me more moved!” the tin soldier exclaimed. “If you make me cry, my joints will rust!”
“But you don’t actually cry. Your head is empty,” Cici pointed out.
“That’s not certain,” Columbus said seriously. “I feel my emotions are very rich. It must be enough to fill my tin head.”
Dwight, watching them hug each other, felt even the tea in his hands turn sour.
Although Cici couldn’t embark on the journey with everyone, he still provided as much help as possible.
Thanks to him, everyone managed to get enough rest and recuperation in the top floor rooms of Mr. Beard’s. In the two days before departure, the Duke of Brandenburg indulged in several hot baths, as if he could preemptively claim cleanliness for the days ahead. Shivers, much easier to serve than his master, focused solely on maintaining all their weapons and had Eugene pack their luggage as securely as possible.
Once they entered Doran from Pennigra, they would be on smooth roads, so Cici prepared a two-wheeled cart with big wheels for Charlie and Eugene’s donkeys to pull. Additionally, they purchased a four-wheeled carriage (with two horses) because the Duke insisted his own horses, Araceae and Midnight, were too dignified to pull a cart. Havena helped Eugene buy many things at the market, including dozens of clean undergarments, full sets of socks, wrapped salted bread, hams, tea, spices, tobacco, and a small basket of fine apples.
Charlie, through Cici’s connections, obtained the latest maps from the Fox family, detailing the territorial changes and road networks of Doran’s kingdoms over the past three years. Even the black market couldn’t provide a more detailed map than this. The Duke of Brandenburg used it to gain a clearer understanding of Priscilla’s current situation.
The author has something to say:
Cici will still be involved; after all, his hometown is there. Thanks to everyone at Mr. Beard’s, the journey will begin on a positive note.
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