“When you have paid the soldiers what they are due, it doesn’t mean you no longer care about their lives. We lent their lives, so we want their lives as a return. Just because you have bought them doesn’t mean you can let them go to war without certainty,” said Chroffer. “I don’t want there to be any misunderstanding between us regarding this agreement. Whatever happens to them, it is your responsibility to sustain the families they leave behind. Let’s just say, it is still your duty to support their families for a full year after the war ends.”

“This agreement seems too complicated. I am only buying the soldiers, not their entire families. What is this, am I buying all the people of Englondraz?” Klopheous’s eyes narrowed in dismay, and he winced at the confusing terms.

“There’s only one answer to that: will you agree or not?” Chroffer said.

“Wait a minute, you seem to be putting too much pressure on me… I’m not the only one behind this… Let me talk to King Harthur, the king of Moonatoria; I think the tide will turn after that.” Klopheous’s feet suddenly landed firmly on the ground, and he stretched in frustration. His nose flared in extreme disappointment.

“We are not moved by the glitter of your wealth or that of Moonatoria,” Chroffer said, his chest puffing out as he calmly expressed his feelings. “I know Moonatoria will face Thallerion again. But what pushed you to meddle in another’s fight?”

“Oh, now I understand why you’re treating me like this—because you don’t understand the point of having an alliance,” Klopheous said.

“And you have also proven to me how much you underestimate me just because I’m young and my experience in leadership isn’t enough, haven’t you?” Chroffer retorted.

“In any case, this is not going anywhere good. It’s better if we just meet again another day.”

“I hope you don’t take this the wrong way, but we have no intention of ruining your relationship with the former king here, and as the king’s son, I just want to clarify that what we are doing is for internal security and a proper agreement.”

“I’m not so foolish as to not understand that. I know these things, but it’s just sickening to think that you’ve become too personal in our negotiation.”

“In that case, King of Dreamithrio… We await your proper response,” said one of the ambassadors. Klopheous simply stared blankly, exhaled with a sigh, and rolled his eyes. His soldiers followed him back to Dreamithrio.

Chroffer and his grandfather met again, but the old man had a guest with him, someone Chroffer recognized. He found out it was Mr. Genmonth, accompanied by a young man who looked to be around his age. The young man’s name was Lebriel.

Lebriel’s demeanor was gentle, and Chroffer knew from his way of speaking that he came from a low-class family. Sometimes, Chroffer could easily identify people based on their manner of speech.

“He is the one I told you about, my pride and joy,” Genmonth said, his tone full of confidence in Lebriel’s abilities. He sat down on a rich, silver chair.

“This young man seems kind and reliable,” the old man said, his eyes appraising. Lebriel was very quiet, in awe of the beautiful place, especially since he was just a servant.

“Don’t be shy, Lebriel,” Genmonth said, sensing Lebriel’s cold silence due to the great distance in their social status. “They are my friends, and the man in front of you is none other than Chroffer, the King of Englondraz.” Lebriel became flustered upon hearing that Chroffer was a king.

“Good afternoon to you, Your Highness, the King of Englondraz,” he said, pouring all his respect into his greeting. “…and to you, sir.”

“You make me feel too young, son. I’m an old man; you can call me old Ozerio,” old Ozerio said.

“If you’re so proud of Lebriel, I’m sure he has an extraordinary quality,” Chroffer said. “What is his job?”

“I am only a servant to Heshun and take care of Mr. Aritheo’s horses,” Lebriel replied. The meekness of his voice, which showed his humility, impressed the old man.

“A servant, but he learned to ride horses?” old Ozerio said. “It’s hard to be poor; everything in the world becomes scarce… Salt, at least, is still salty even if it is trampled upon.”

“That means he was blessed with a talent,” Chroffer said. “Rejoice, sir, because someone has noticed your talent. There are eyes that can’t see the value of a talent.”

“Well, Ozerio told me about your problem, King Chroffer. You want to know the hidden mysteries behind the engravings?”

“It’s good that my grandfather has told you about it, so I won’t waste time. But I just want to add this: do you know anything about the old engravings here in Englondraz?”

“Hm… it’s true what your grandfather said, that you have become interested in the engravings. However, the old Englondraz engravings were private, and only a few had permission to see their contents,” Genmonth said. “But I was really surprised by what Ozerio told me earlier.” Genmonth thought for a moment. “Ozerio said there’s an engraving that he thinks is a ‘copy’…” He looked at Ozerio. “Yes, I agree that it’s fake. Perhaps it’s just an imitation for business. How could an engraving appear when they were all burned? But still—the truth is, I also became interested in seeing what the engraving really looks like,” Genmonth added.

“Don’t worry… I have already had the said engraving searched for,” Chroffer replied as he smelled the approaching aroma of tea, slowly being brought by a servant.

“In that case, we will wait,” Genmonth responded. The porcelain teacup clinked on the table, and its delicious aroma spread. It was still steaming as it was placed on a small, deep saucer.

“Perfect, let’s have some tea first,” Ozerio said, immediately reaching for the hot tea, his anticipation clear as he sipped the coffee while it was still hot. “Tomorrow, there will be a simple horse race… Don’t be afraid, son; they’re not the type to bite just to win… They’re just ordinary players here, you know… just for fun for the people,” old Ozerio said.

“I think this is your chance to use what Satornio taught you,” Genmonth said, trying to fully inhale the aroma of the tea in his saucer by wafting the steam toward his nose. He audibly sighed in relief after taking a sip.

“I will not disappoint you!” Lebriel answered bravely, his heart beating strongly as he said the words. Confidence was visible on his face that he would not disappoint Genmonth in front of Chroffer and Ozerio.

“Well!” Ozerio put down the small saucer and wiped his tea-moistened lips with a white, folded cloth. “I know someone who takes care of and owns a horse…” He still savored the taste of the tea on his tongue. His shoulders suddenly slumped, and he took a quick breath. “But, you’ll have to travel to his place in the small town of Horud.” His mind seemed to travel the path to the place he was talking about, so he sipped his tea again to clear the fatigue from his imagination. “I will take you there tomorrow,” Ozerio said.

“This is a great opportunity for Lebriel,” Genmonth said, slowly stirring his coffee with a small spoon. “If you like that horse, just say so, and we might be able to discuss the price.”

“Yes, that man is retired. Taking care of horses is his only hobby now. You know how retired people are, even if their screws are rusty, they still try to do what they’re used to,” Ozerio said jovially, his gaze playing on the tea.

“You seem to be talking about yourself, grandfather,” Chroffer said.

“Grandson, mine is different,” Genmonth and the others laughed at that moment, their faces showing happiness in the presence of old Ozerio.

“I heard you’re also going to retire from your job, Genmonth? Are you leaving your business?” Ozerio said, trying to see the truth in Genmonth’s face. He stared at him.

“I’m not leaving it, but I’m going to stop doing business with Heshun,” Genmonth said. Everyone looked at him with serious and surprised expressions.

“Aren’t you two the top businessmen in Dreamithrio? If you stop doing business with them, won’t your business weaken as well?” Chroffer said, unable to believe Genmonth’s decision.

“Yes, if you move, you’ll lose customers, and it will be difficult to start again,” Ozerio said, also surprised by Genmonth’s decision.

“Is it because of what happened to your son?” Ozerio said, his face looking a bit sad.

“If I have a personal reason, it’s none of your business,” Genmonth said. “But I admit, I no longer like what Heshun is doing. He is adding illegal activities to his business.”

“I secretly have the businessmen here investigated. If there are any suspicious activities, I immediately punish them and take away their right to do business. That should be Klopheous’s obligation in your country,” King Chroffer said seriously.

“I heard that Cypriox was attacked by bandits from the Barbarian City, and it was found that they used equipment from Elanthro… That’s a huge slap in the face for Elanthro, as to why the bandits have the same weapons,” Ozerio said. “Could those illegal things your partner is doing be the possible source of the same weapons in Elanthro?”

“But there are rumors that they might be supplied by the Shadows of Crux, but until now, there’s no strong basis,” King Chroffer said.

“Businessmen know all sorts of people… You, Genmonth, have you ever met a Shadow of Crux?” Ozerio said.

“I maintain my reputation. If I were to do dark activities, it would be like encouraging the Shadows of Crux to buy from me.”

“Evil invites evil,” Ozerio said, impressed with Genmonth. “You are indeed a good man.” A smile spread across Ozerio’s lips.

“The three kings of Cypriox, what are they doing? Why is this group getting worse in every corner of the world? I thought the Crux religion had a great influence throughout the world,” the king said, a look of dismay on his face. “Yes, there are other religions, but the emergence of the Shadows of Crux or the Triangulum Eye is becoming more known now. Is it because of the current king of Cypriox?” King Chroffer said, his voice trembling.

“I remember that the Triangulum Eye is a secret organization that uses forbidden rituals to awaken evil spirits. But now, I hear it has become a sect that teaches knowledge about magic, spells, and commanding and taming demons. And they are twisting the teachings of the Crux,” Ozerio said, shuddering as he spoke.

“In that case, grandfather, they are not an ordinary sect that Cypriox can fight, especially since they have many followers now,” Chroffer said.

“Now, the organization is secretly operating in places without government forces, that’s according to rumors,” Genmonth said. “Heshun is the one who often tells us about those things.”

“It’s probably also because of Heshun’s illegal activities that he knows so much,” Genmonth added. He sighed as he remembered them in his mind.

“Yes, that’s true… You won’t meet ordinary people when the business is illegal,” Ozerio said. He leaned back and said it with a sense of relief.

“In fact, someone told him where the map of Dreamithrio is hidden. I don’t think it has the engraving that was copied from the original Englondraz engraving,” Genmonth said, nodding at what Ozerio said and answering firmly. “Because I’m not sure about the information that is given to him.”

“The Englondraz engraving came from a prophecy by a person from Dreamithrio,” Ozerio replied, a newfound clarity in his voice. “They were the ones who carved it. Then the ones who understood it made a book in the form of a story and play, mixed with deep words and fables so the meaning wouldn’t be literal,” Ozerio said, fatigue evident in his voice. “But the one left in Englondraz was all burned because of the belief that the contents of the books were evil and would harm the future.”

“The map of Dreamithrio?” Lebriel asked. His golden hair glistened, and it was clear from his face that he knew something about this.

“This young man seems to know something?” Ozerio said. He stopped taking new tea in his cup, as if he preferred to savor what Lebriel was about to say.

“Lebriel, do you know something about this?” Genmonth asked.

“If you need help finding the old copy of the engraving, I know someone who knows—my grandmother,” Lebriel said. “She is old, but she told me about the map of Dreamithrio and also mentioned that some engravings were included with it.”

“Doesn’t your whole family work for Heshun? How would your grandmother know about the secrets of Dreamithrio?” Genmonth asked, his brows furrowing as he looked at him sharply.

“My grandmother said her father was one of the map’s creators. He was murdered, and since then, the map of Dreamithrio has never been found again.”

“What was your grandmother’s father’s name?” Ozerio’s eyes widened, and he felt his muscles tremble from his back. His voice was heavy as he asked.

“As I recall, my grandmother’s father’s name was Herrol,” Lebriel said. Ozerio swallowed hard, as if he knew this man after Lebriel spoke the name.

“It’s true, there is a story that people were killed before the important map containing information about the hidden treasure of Dreamithrio disappeared,” Genmonth said. He felt heavy, and in his mind, he pictured how painful that was.

“I vividly remember the man who offered me a book. He said… wealthy people are luckier than the poor… And he also said, ‘Child, if you meet the people of Dreamithrio, don’t despise the poor,'” Ozerio said. “At my age, I only now understand the answer: poverty is not a hindrance to doing things for the good of many people.”

“That engraving contains a prophecy, and on that map, you can find where the chosen ones are,” Ozerio said.

“The chosen ones?” Chroffer said, and Genmonth looked at him. They both looked amazed.

“I was one of the people given a chance to peek at the map, but like the others, I didn’t fully understand it either,” Ozerio said, disappointment visible on his face because he couldn’t fully explain the contents of the map.

King Chroffer also thought about the phrase ‘the chosen ones’. It was now clear in his mind that there are entities considered guides who help people become great. But he was not sure if it was all just a dream or if an entity was truly talking to him, and he knew it was specialized in time. Therefore, his conclusion was that it was an Entity of Time.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep