Chapter 250: Osian

    Osian leaned back in the seat of his throne as he waited for his brother to come in to make the report. It was around the time that their scouts and spies had reported that a number of the Kingdom of Cydarias stronger forces would be away in a raid dungeon, one that could take years, if the reports were correct, which, he was sure they were.

    After waiting for sometime, his brother, Ryven, entered the throne room, alone. His brother was one of the few people Osian trusted with his life. If someone else, he would not hold these meetings alone.

    Osian stood from his throne and walked down the steps to meet his brother, and soon, they found themselves sitting at a table sipping good wine.

    So, the reports? King Osian asked.

    They are true. A small force of elites left for a raid dungeon, one with time dilation. I dont know if it was fortunate or unfortunate, but one of our spies was kicked off the team before they left, his brother explained.

    Oh? What did they do?

    It was nothing of his doing, his brother explained. There were some last-minute additions to the time. A few elites, apparently.

    Then it is a good thing, King Osian said. The more elites that are gone, the better.

    His brother nodded. I agree. One of those who join at the last minute was the Derek Hunt that Sabrina reported to us. It looks like we wont have to worry about him after all.

    Thats good. Osian took a sip of the wine before him. What of the other countries?

    Everything is advancing smoothly, his brother confirmed. It is how we hoped with Vallum. They will not interfere in anything. Astrus has also agreed to our plans. We only await your orders to march. Cydaria will not know what hit them.

    Very good, Osian said. I am surprised that those Dwarves chose to sit at the side. They have been trading partners with Cydaria for quite some time.

    They are also trading partners with both Indria and Astrus. They are simply picking the option with the highest chance to succeed, his brother explained.

    It still leaves me with a bad taste in my mouth to fight alongside Astrus. They are no better than those from Cydaria, the King said. If anything, there are more of those like Gerald Torith in Astrus than there are in Cydaria.

    It is something we must do. Astrus is always looking for a reason to go to war with Cydaria. Once Cydaria is taken care of, we can turn our sights on Astrus. Though, I suspect they plan on doing the same to us, the duke replied.

    Well, Ryven that will be left for you to deal with once the war is over. You will be in charge of everything on the battlefield.

    I understand, the kings brother nodded gravely. I will see to it that our forces are more preserved than those of Astrus. It shouldnt be too hard to control the bunch. They are itching for a fight. It wont take much prodding to get them to lead the charge.

    We are searching, but we do not want to give ourselves away. The group was too high a level to follow, but we know which outpost they teleported to from the capital, so it should be in that area, his brother agreed.

    Good good. If we cant locate it before the invasion, that is fine, as well. There will be plenty of time to gather the information once we take control of Cydaria.

    My thoughts exactly, Ryven said.

    Now, what do we know about this auction in Savannah so many have heard about? It must not be private, as everyone seems to know of it, King Osian asked.

    As you already know, it was an auction thrown by the Crown Restaurant. Particularly, one organized by Alanah Swan, herself, and hosted by Stella Brighton, who you would know as Alanahs right-hand woman, Ryven began to explain.

    And what exactly was so different with this auction than any of the previous ones hosted by the Crown?

    From the reports we have gathered, there were quite a few spectacles that day. First, the Crown Restaurant sold items never before seen. Not only were there meals made with Void Beasts, but there were potions that gave permanent stat boosts. There were also elixirs that increased the users Vitality stat. Of course, those elixirs were bought by King Edwin at great cost.

    That the king started, but he couldnt find the words. More than ever, they needed to make sure not to do anything to outright offend Alanah Swan. If she has the method and means to create such products, then Osian could only shake his head. The invasion was more important, but they would do everything they could to stay on good terms with the Crown. She was half-elf, at least. Maybe that would play a part in them gaining her favor.

    Exactly. That is why I believe that, while Natalie Savannah is most definitely worrisome, Alanah Swan should be a priority.

    I agree, King Osian said. What were the other matters?

    The main one has to do with that Derek Hunt once again. Ryven started.

    Oh? What is it this time? Why does his name keep popping up so suddenly? I hadnt even heard of him before Sabrina came back. Now I hear it constantly. Osian asked his brother.

    As far as I can tell, he just came out of nowhere. His first accounting is of him dropping off a Void Beast at a Crown Restaurant in one of Cydarias sub-cities. Then, from there, he just kept appearing in important matters. His relationship with Alanah Swan is not simple, and it also seems like he has some sort of relationship with King Edwin. Though I do not know what kind.

    What do you mean?

    Well, during the auction, Mr. Hunt was able to speak to the king and have the man release someone from a soul contract. The king apparently didnt look too happy about it, but he did it anyway. Also, Mr. Hunt never seems to bow to anyone, not even the king, Ryven explained.

    Interesting very interesting. Make a note to find out more about the man. Who are his allies? Who are his enemies?

    Ryven nodded. I am already on it. He is most likely the supplier of the Void Beast products auctioned off by the Crown.

    Then I leave it all to you.