Avril Qili

Under the guidance of Little Black, the Xiyun Merchant Guild joined up with the subsequent reinforcements of the Skeleton Warrior troops. Although everyone was surprised to see those powerful undead, they were not overly shocked, since this was the Corrupted Jungle.

Along the way, Little White scouted traces of ogres and goblins, but those creatures seemed wary of something, merely glancing from afar before leaving.

After seven hours, the group delivered the goods to the edge of Serea’s territory before nightfall. Because there were no more roads leading in deeper, Serea had no choice but to have the skeletons and Skeleton Warriors help carry the goods back to the camp.

Once the transport was complete, julian ordered the guards to stay and watch over the caravan, while he and another person walked to Serea’s camp. That companion wore a red cloak and a mask. Serea felt a touch of curiosity regarding her identity.

After the cargo was delivered, Serea personally led a team to receive Julian and the others. The meeting took place in a newly built wooden house.

Serea and Julian sat across from each other at a table, and beside Julian was that woman in the red cloak and mask.

“Great Elven Queen, were you satisfied with this transaction?”

Julian inquired.

“You’ve brought me the goods I wanted as agreed, of course I’m satisfied.”

“Then, Your Majesty, would you be willing to continue trading with us?”

“Of course. If I need anything, I will contact you.”

“Thank you for choosing us, Your Majesty. The Xiyun Merchant Guild will not disappoint you.”

Julian spoke, but those were just formalities—the real point came next.

“However, Your Majesty must have already heard: our merchant guild gets attacked upon entering the jungle. I heard from your subordinates that you have the answers we want. Could you share them with us? Of course, we won’t take the information for free. To express our gratitude, we will only charge half the fee on this transaction.”

As Julian spoke, Serea smiled and answered.

“The price for the trade remains the same. As for the information, I can tell you for free. Consider it a gesture of our goodwill.”

“You have my deepest thanks.”

Julian said excitedly, and then Serea asked a question first.

“Are you familiar with Maregof?”

“We are. He is a goblin merchant who registered the ‘Silver Ear Merchant Guild’ in the Ailera Empire. He mainly sells ‘specialty products’ from other races, with the nobles of the Ailera Empire as his primary clients.”

“You’ve investigated thoroughly.”

“Yes. Only by first understanding your opponent can you gain more benefits in competition.”

Julian said, but Serea shook her head.

“But it seems you still don’t know enough.”

After speaking, Serea tossed a scroll of parchment, on which was recorded the information Julian and his group wanted.

Julian took the parchment and read it, and the woman behind him also looked at its contents. Julian was first astonished, then his face grew grim.

“So that’s how it is…”

Julian held back his anger and carefully stowed the parchment.

“Thank you for the information, queen. You are a friend of the Xiyun Merchant Guild forever.”

“You’re welcome.”

Serea replied blandly. As for why she freely offered the information to Julian, it was because Maregof was already her enemy. The enemy of her enemy is her friend, so pulling the Xiyun Merchant Guild onto her side against Maregof was for the best.

“But, since we’re being frank, I have a request for the Queen.”

“What is it?”

“That is…”

As he spoke, suddenly the door was opened. Everyone turned their heads and saw Auna walk in.

Seeing all the attention on her, auna paused.

“Am I… interrupting you?”

Auna said this. Originally, she had come to report today’s hunting gains to the Queen, but seeing the situation, she felt that perhaps she had come at the wrong time.

“Young Miss!”

Julian called out excitedly, causing Auna to notice his presence.

“Uncle Julian, why are you here?”

Auna also appeared excited, since aside from her parents, julian was the person closest to her.

“We came to trade with Queen Serea, and planned to visit you as well.”

“Oh? Then, did you bring me anything tasty?”

“Of course. I’ve brought lots of your favorite pastries and candy, young Miss.”

Julian said, and Auna happily skipped further into the room.

“Thank you, uncle Julian.”

Auna thanked him, then looked to Serea.

“Right, I almost forgot. Queen Serea, this time our hunting…”

She was halfway through, when suddenly a slender hand grabbed her. Auna was forced to turn around and found herself looking at the mysterious person in the red cloak and mask.

The two locked eyes for several seconds, and Auna felt the person seemed somewhat familiar.

“You…”

Before she could finish, the mysterious person abruptly hugged her tightly.

“Auna, it really is you, my precious daughter!”

It was an ethereal female voice, holding her close. Feeling the familiar warmth, auna no longer tried to resist.

“Ma… Mother.”

Auna instinctively uttered the word. Upon hearing it, the woman excitedly took off her mask, revealing a stunningly beautiful face. Upon close inspection, she actually bore a striking resemblance to Auna.

“It’s mother! At last, I’ve found you!”

The woman hugged her even tighter, as if afraid Auna would leave her again. Knowing Auna’s background, Serea also understood: the woman before her was none other than the legendary wife of Aruka, the master of the Xiyun Merchant Guild—Avril Qili!

“Mother!”

Recognizing the person before her, auna’s eyes filled with tears. Although she had left the Qili family willingly with her father back then, her feelings for Avril could never be severed.

“Auna, come outside for a moment. Don’t disturb the Queen and the others…”

A rough male voice sounded. Aruka’s tall figure stepped into the wooden house, and upon entering, immediately spotted Avril tightly embracing Auna.

Hearing the voice, avril also turned toward the door, and the familiar silhouette entered her view.

“Aruka!”

Avril’s voice trembled. Seeing each other, Aruka froze for a moment. The tenderness in his eyes flashed quickly before his face became cold.

“Hey, what are you doing? Let go of my daughter.”

Aruka’s voice was icy. Betrayed and deceived; after all this time, the resentment in Aruka’s heart had not yet faded.

(To be continued.)

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep