Chapter 122

Chapter 122 Jelinek’s Warning

“Angus and his daughter Eilan were assassinated by the Tisiphone family.”

Lolan Hill slowly sat down on the sofa opposite Jelinek and began recounting her experiences since arriving in Hope Lane, as well as the ambitions of the Tisiphone family.

When Lolan Hill mentioned the new flintlock guns of the Tisiphone family, Jelinek furrowed his brows slightly. He picked up the teacup in front of him and took a sip before asking.

“Do you know where they got those guns from?” Jelinek seemed not unfamiliar with this new type of weapon.

“They should have been imported from Rourna, then secretly transported by the Tonithos family’s fleet,” she replied.

After listening to Lolan Hill’s answer, Jelinek fell into deep thought, his hands unconsciously intertwined, fingers tapping against the back of his other hand.

After a long while, he finally spoke.

“Niece Lacy, this matter might not be as simple as it seems.”

“The flintlock guns, or rather, the degraded version of the crystal guns, are still in the experimental phase even in Rourna. Crystal guns are the cutting-edge research direction of Rourna today, and various confidentiality measures are very comprehensive.”

“Even after our agreement with Rourna at the beginning of the year, very little of this information was displayed externally. The Rourna government also declared that this was still an experimental weapon and not stable, so it would not be sold externally.”

“The Tisiphone family wouldn’t pay such a high price for a new weapon still in the experimental phase, let alone this is just a degraded version.”

“Although flintlock guns are stronger than bows and crossbows, they do not reach the standard of silver-grade extraordinary artifacts, yet their manufacturing costs are no less than those of silver-grade weapons. It’s definitely a loss-making business.”

“There are people who take risks with their lives, but no one will engage in a loss-making industry.”

“Unless this new weapon doesn’t cost much, or even nothing.”

“To give experimental weapons to the Tisiphone family, it must be something that can only be done by the top echelons within Rourna.”

“As soon as they get involved, it means the balance and tacit understanding among the Snow Seven Nations will be broken.”

Jelinek expressed his greatest concern.

“Could it be that Rourna considers the flintlock guns to be unsuccessful and thus disposed of them carelessly?”

“No, I once went to Rourna with Angus and representatives from other major trading companies. Those mages place great importance on technology. Even domestically, they are divided into several factions and do not easily share core knowledge with outsiders. Generally speaking, if you graduate from a certain academy, you naturally carry the label of a particular faction. If you want to learn things from another faction, you will face many obstacles.”

“Isn’t this limiting technological development?”

“Yes, but they have their own reasons.”

“This is precious information obtained through generations of trials and data accumulation by their teachers and their teachers’ teachers. Countless people have poured their hearts and resources into it. Why would they unconditionally show it to you? Therefore, it is difficult for non-members of the same faction to know about the cutting-edge technologies of other factions.”

“What about this year’s agreement?” Lolan Hill asked in puzzlement.

“Um, according to the agreement, we can purchase any artifacts created by different factions, without restrictions. But they won’t tell us how these things are made.”

“For merchants, as long as the price is reasonable, this is not hard to accept,” Jelinek responded.

“In fact, what you previously deduced might be true. That is, Rourna has already started interfering with the internal affairs of Vergha. And Yubaire, which is closer to Rourna, is very likely to have succeeded.”

“That means, over time, you not only have to face the alliance of the Tisiphones and two other families in Hope Lane, but also deal with reinforcements from enemies in Yubaire.”

“Whoever is plotting in secret, to maximize their interests, they won’t give up on Hope Lane.”

“So, my dear niece Lacy, the person entrusted by Angus, are you ready?”

At this point, Jelinek slowly released his grip, picked up the teacup again, and took a sip to moisten his throat.

Looking at this middle-aged man about the same age as Angus, he calmly held the teacup. Lolan Hill smiled.

“Since you’ve said so, smart Uncle Jelinek, you must have a solution.”

“Don’t keep me in suspense, please tell me,” Lolan Hill blinked rarely, pretending to be a bit coquettish.

“Haha, am I that easy to see through?”

Jelinek smiled proudly and, without deliberately withholding information, continued.

“Back then, Angus and I became prosperous thanks to a stroke of luck. We discovered an ancient relic and handed it over to the Mochi Council’s mages, thus establishing a connection and obtaining the Southern Islands trade permit that many large trading companies at the time did not have, allowing us to soar.”

“If you understand the origins of both countries, you’ll know that Rourna has always had conflicts with the Mochi Kingdom. Although both are mage nations, they view each other as heretics. This is also why the Mochi and Redberry United Kingdoms did not want to join the Snow Seven Nations.”

“Both countries believe they are the rightful heirs of Oz Country, and have argued for centuries.”

“The rise of Karites can also be attributed to the support of the Mochi Council. If you seek aid as Angus’s heir and explain that this is due to Rourna’s suppression, they won’t help you overthrow Yubaire, but protecting Hope Lane is definitely not a problem.”

“Because they don’t want to see their rivals expand their territory and power so recklessly.”

Jelinek pointed out a clear path for Lolan Hill.

—

After the banquet, the Agertlin family prepared to leave, and Rachel pulled Lolan Hill aside to whisper.

“Lacy, if you really can’t hold on, just take a boat out to sea. My father said that Karites set up many branches in the Southern Islands in earlier years. Although some are now desolate, they can still be used. At least they can ensure your safety.”

She looked at her good friend with a hint of worry. She had known many familiar people throughout her life, but the one she could talk to freely and about anything was right in front of her.

“Thank you, Rachel.”

Lolan Hill hugged her friend, feeling a warm surge, then said.

“It’s okay, I’ll take care of myself.”

“Have you practiced what I gave you?” Lolan Hill whispered in her ear.

“Yes, it’s amazing and powerful,” Rachel said, her eyes shining.

“So, since you can give me these materials, I’m sure I won’t be weak either. So don’t worry about me, and take care of yourself too. Don’t stay in Hope Lane for a while longer. Come back when everything stabilizes.”

“Mm-hmm, I understand,” Rachel nodded and then released her hand, preparing to leave.

“So, see you later, Lacy.”

“Mm-hmm, goodbye.”

Lolan Hill waved, watching the Agertlin family board the carriage and slowly depart.

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