Chapter 260

Chapter 260: Halberd and Hunting Bow

The laboratory that was once filled with test tubes and glass bottles has been tidied up, replaced with new tables and tablecloths. A brand-new sewing machine sits on the table. This was recently purchased by Lolan Hill from the rabbit folk, thanks to the trade and commerce. Such alchemical creations can now be found in the cities of the rabbit-eared race, and this particular sewing machine came from the Southern Council of Primrose Parliament.

Although the Primrose Parliament is not as skilled in large machinery and golem construction as Rourna, they excel in smaller alchemical creations and potions. Especially after years of trading with the House of Plantagenet, they have absorbed many innovative ideas and technologies from the East.

The Berry Union Kingdom is also one of the inheritors of the Oz Country, maintaining the friendship between the Oz Country and the House of Plantagenet. The emperor of the Eastern Dynasty even received high-ranking mages from the Primrose Parliament. The upper echelons of both sides often interacted.

This sewing machine was precisely made by combining the techniques of Eastern artisans, crafted entirely from brass, and is quite expensive.

The windows on the walls were open, allowing the sound of birds chirping outside to be heard. Lolan Hill pressed the pedal of the sewing machine, and with the continuous rotation of the wheels, a row of meticulous stitches formed.

At first, she thought making clothes would be tiring, but seeing the clothes she sewed herself gave her a faint sense of satisfaction. It was like her past dreams gradually becoming reality, though slightly different from what she originally imagined. However, the reality’s intricacy and authenticity brought her a sense of fulfillment and happiness.

On the other side of the room were two racks hanging with some clothes, all handmade by the girl. Among them were several sets of clothes, such as a close-fitting white top that revealed her shoulders and arms, with a black waistband at the abdomen, tied with a ribbon in the middle. The lower part was a two-layer skirt; the outer layer was sheer black fabric, while the inner layer was more textured black fabric, with lace patterns appropriately placed. In colder weather, she could pair it with a shawl.

She hadn’t intended to make something so intricate, but after visiting the city of the rabbit-eared race, Mira and Aliya recommended various fashionable magazines, expressing great hope that she would wear elaborate clothing. Unable to resist their enthusiastic recommendations, she modified the designs in the magazines, creating a simple yet exquisite style.

The clothes were almost done, and today she was working on a doll. The twilight fabric was somewhat complex, and it wasn’t until today that it was fully completed, and she immediately started on the planned item.

The doll was stuffed with premium moon cotton, with twilight fabric in light purple checkered patterns as the exterior. Two round black crystals served as eyes, and fine threads were used to secure the joints. At the center of the doll’s interior was embedded an orange gemstone, paired with alchemical runes to enhance its magical power.

As the flowing clouds slowly passed across the blue sky outside the window, the bear-shaped doll took shape.

After stitching the final corners, Lolan Hill raised the doll, communicating with the gemstone inside, causing the black crystal on its surface to emit a faint glow before placing it on the table.

The doll moved slightly, trembling, then slowly got up, curiously turning its body.

“Very good. Now there will be another Sequence 6 helper,” Lolan Hill said happily, clapping her hands. Although this couldn’t be considered a completed task, it was still a significant addition. After all, the more helpers, the better. Now, having to deal with this doll bear would be somewhat troublesome.

Perhaps Lolan Hill was ≥ Original Sequence 6 · Flame Doll Bear (Rating: Rare Pearl).

“How about naming it Albert?”

The doll bear sat on the ground, looking at the girl in front of it, nodding dumbly. After transforming into a soul form, she did not forget everything from the past. In her memory, this girl and another icy one, although small in stature, hit hard. Now defeated, she could only obediently become their underling to live a good life.

In fact, aside from not getting paid, these two girls were quite good. They helped dry and weed in the flower field and assisted with alchemy here. Occasionally, they even went out to see the scenery with Lolan Hill, truly a very good boss.

The return trip was approaching. Who knows what would happen in the second half of the semester. The girl hugged the doll, stepped out of the wooden house, sat on the steps, leaned against the door frame, and watched the crimson flower field under the sunset, recalling the rich experiences of the year. Time really flies—

Black Rock Duchy, Witz County.

Outside the mountain castle stood tall, evergreen pine trees. Due to its northern location and higher altitude, the pine trees had already accumulated some tiny snowflakes at their tips.

A winding gravel path circled around the lake at the foot of the mountain, spiraling up to the mid-mountain section. Passing over a suspended wooden bridge, one arrived at an ancient castle.

The entire castle was built with white, slightly green stone bricks. The interior was somewhat deep and poorly lit, and during winter, it became quite cold, requiring frequent use of pine resin torches for lighting and warmth.

On the third floor of the castle, several burly men wearing straw capes and steel armor sat around a thick wooden table. From the snowflakes in their hair and on their shoulders, they must have just arrived. Several charcoal firepots were placed under the table, quietly burning, dispersing the surrounding chill.

“Everyone should have heard about recent events,” said a black-haired man at the head of the table.

“Yes, we’re all here because of this,” replied a bald man with a scar on his face, followed by nods from the others.

They were all mercenaries who rarely gathered throughout the year. This time, they returned due to hearing about some changes.

Although Black Rock Duchy was called a duchy, the Duke of Black Rock could only be considered an alliance leader. Most regions operated independently, with a structure resembling a federation. Major matters within the duchy were decided through discussions.

“Some members of the Halberd faction have started activities. They recognize the concept of the Frost Rose and have recently contacted me, asking for my opinion.”

“Are they trying to overthrow the Hunting Bow faction? This would undoubtedly disrupt the balance that has existed for years,” said a man with long, thick fingers, tapping the table slowly.

The bald man responded quickly, “Of course, they want to take down those old-timers from the Hunting Bow faction. They do nothing yet take all the benefits. Why shouldn’t they get what they deserve?”

Black Rock was mostly mountainous, with limited resources. The original residents mainly lived off hunting. Over the past few centuries, many people went out to work as mercenaries, earning money abroad. Since most of these mercenaries used halberds, they were known as the ‘Halberd faction.’ Those who remained in the mountains became the ‘Hunting Bow faction.’

Members of the Halberd faction sent most of their earnings home to support their families. Meanwhile, domestic grain and production were controlled by the Hunting Bow faction. As the country’s citizens became wealthier, prices rose, leading to widespread dissatisfaction among the Halberd faction.

In the past, despite minor frictions, they managed to coexist peacefully since one faction worked outside while the other stayed within. However, with the collapse of the West Wind and the subsequent disappearance of the nobles who once hired them to suppress the poor, the unemployed Halberd faction returned home. This led to increasing conflicts.

The strong and experienced Halberd faction, who fought battles outside, were dissatisfied with the Hunting Bow faction holding most positions and land, seeking their own interests. Naturally, the Hunting Bow faction was unwilling to relinquish their long-held positions easily. With the growing discord and the recent promises and provocations of the Frost Rose, some members of the Halberd faction began to secretly unite. Recently, they even reached out to this renowned mercenary leader.

Outside the window was a vast, evergreen wilderness, with thin snowflakes floating in the air. Inside, heated discussions and arguments began.

(End of Chapter)