Chapter 161: with translation of chapter title

Ten o'clock at night.

The daytime clamor gradually faded, and Luosen, who had been busy all day, sat in the Duke's former administrative study, lazily stretching.

Thanks to Laide's wholehearted remodeling, this study is extremely safe, practically the safest place besides the dawn garden in the rear courtyard.

Not only is it safe, it's also very concealed; as soon as the door is closed, the entire room automatically activates a Four-ring strength arcane wall, effectively separating the inside and outside of the study.

Unless the spy possesses Five-ring power and observes up close, otherwise they cannot see through the secrets inside the study.

As for the castle's council area, only Luosen is a mage of Five-ring or higher, so it's practically perfect privacy.

【Click~~】

The door was pushed open, and the new chief administrator of Dawn Castle, An Lin—who is the eldest son of the old steward Ah Fu from Crescent Castle on White Sturgeon Island—arrived with an envoy of the Radiant Empire.

Just one person came.

He is a mage of Four-ring Peak, and came empty-handed; apparently he has some confidential matter that cannot be easily written down and wants to discuss with me.

Luosen had already looked over the materials the other party submitted, so he naturally knew their name.

Having been busy all day, constantly dealing with high-intensity issues and decisions regarding Weilan's future, even though this avatar is extraordinarily strong, I also feel somewhat fatigued.

At this point, I lazily leaned back in the newly changed lizard-skin chair, waiting for them to close the door, then spoke in a lazy tone.

"Miss Ailin, Weilan and the Radiant Empire are separated by countless high mountains and endless oceans; for you to come this early really surprises me."

Weilan and the Radiant Empire are separated by Aaron, with no direct conflict of interest, and there is hardly any mutual benefit, so Luosen's attitude is somewhat lax.

Ailin furrowed her brows: "Your Grace the Duke, I currently represent Her Majesty the Empress. Even if His Majesty Deng sees me, he always maintains sufficient respect."

Luosen thought to himself: 【No wonder they're an envoy of a great nation, still quite haughty.】

He then pointed to the chair by the wall: "Miss, please have a seat."

"There's no third party here, so we can be casual; let me rest a while. Miss, even if you stay until late night, there's no need to stay on edge, right?"

That's also true.

Ailin sat down in the chair: "Duke, my purpose is clear—I want to obtain some magical achievements from you."

Luosen chuckled: "What's the price?"

"As much as possible, help you hold back Aaron, delaying the time for the Lion Fleet to cross the strait."

She paused, then said: "As far as I know, the Lion Fifth Fleet and the Lion Fourth Fleet together have a total of 60 Thunder warships already mobilizing for war."

"This includes 15 Black Stone warships; although they haven't yet formed combat capability, it won't take long."

"Duke, you should know about this, right?"

"Of course I know."

Aaron has many interests in the Thus line: fengbao yang to the northwest of the White Continent, so he maintains roughly two-thirds of his navy.

But obviously, the loss of benefits from losing Weilan is greater, so he plans to give up part of the interests in the Thus line: fengbao yang to regain Weilan.

As for the benefits of the Thus line: fengbao yang, they will naturally be left to the Radiant Empire.

Luosen tapped his fingers lightly on the table: "His Majesty Deng is a shrewd person; he clearly knows that even if they defeat Weilan's fleet at sea, they cannot defeat me on land."

"After all, there is a strait between us."

One side wages homeland defense against foreign enemies; the other side is the invasion crossing the strait.

Other things aside, Aaron's army supply is greatly limited.

Ailin gave a faint smile.

"His Majesty Deng is certainly not stupid, but a large number of nobles in Aaron's domestic realm whose interests you've harmed are so anxious they're jumping up and down."

"They now just want to fight you; even if they can get a war indemnity, that's good."

Individuals can be rational, but the kingdom's collective will is not necessarily so.

But this is all Luosen already knows; he doesn't want to waste more words on known information, so he said: "Miss, what do you want to know?"

"The power core components of the Black Stone warships don't need detailed structure; we only need to know some basic principles."

Luosen laughed heartily: "Miss Ailin, your vision is truly sharp—you spotted the best thing I have at hand at a glance."

"What, you don't take a liking to my aircraft?"

"Aircraft are flying magical devices, right? Of course they're not bad, but producing such aircraft likely entails considerable difficulty, and we probably already know their principle."

Hearing this, Luosen's heart stirred slightly; he estimated that the Radiant Empire surely also has aircraft, and their performance is not far from his Roarer.

And naturally, the scale is vastly superior.

He suddenly felt a sigh: 【The Radiant Empress is truly a heavenly beloved daughter.】

If he could grasp the Radiant Empire, within thirty years he could absolutely build a star‑destroying warship.

Unfortunately there are no 'ifs' in this world; he is currently merely the lord of an island called a 【great plantation】.

He chuckled: "Miss Ailin, even without the Empress's restraint, I might not be unable to defeat the Lion Fleet at sea. Therefore, your proposal is not worth my paying such a high price."

Ailin also didn't expect to succeed in one go; she directly said: "Why don't you, Your Grace the Duke, tell us your conditions?"

Throughout the conversation, she also continually observed this young duke, especially paying attention to his aura of power.

This is a task specially arranged by the Empress, even the first task.

The purpose is to find out exactly how many rings of magical power this duke possesses.

The Empress does not believe rumors; she only believes the confidence she has personally ascertained.

Of course, Ailin herself lacks the ability to probe, but she secretly carries a detection device specially made by the Empress.

This detection device is very strong, but it cannot probe on its own; it must be activated using the Radiant power contained in the Radiant bloodline.

Thus, she cautiously carries it out.

Perhaps it's because the young duke opposite is indeed tired, looking somewhat fatigued, even making Ailin feel that she herself could defeat him.

Of course, the other party is at least a Sage, and legend says they also possess tremendous combat ability, so she wisely dispelled the noble idea of sacrificing herself to eliminate harm for the country.

On the other hand, Luosen faintly felt a very strange sensation of being spied upon, but for a moment he could not determine where the spying came from.

The only thing he was certain of was that the power used by the scout was of a very high order level, far surpassing the power of a level‑10 Sage, and it was neither the natural power nor the steel power he was familiar with.

After ruling that out and combining it with the current situation, he was able to determine the source of the scouting.

"He actually used a magic device to probe me—should I notice it, or pretend I don't know?"

After quick thinking, Luosen realized the other side had set up a strategy similar to an open plot.

If he showed that he noticed, it would mean he possessed at least Seven Rings of magical power.

Because the opponent's power was extremely concealed, only a sensitivity of Seven Rings or higher could detect that one was being probed.

If he pretended not to know, he would have to endure the opponent's magical device probing him.

Moreover, he did not know the exact function of that magical device; if it were extremely powerful, it could directly uncover his secrets.

"This strategy must have been devised by the Light Empress—I really underestimated her." What should I do?

Of course, directly expose it, because exposing it only reveals Seven Rings of power, whereas not exposing it could risk having all his secrets laid bare.

Thus, his eyes widened sharply, he raised his hand and unleashed a first‑level, simplest One‑Ring Arcane Shock Strike at Ailin.

The spell's value lies not in its strength but in its speed.

"Pa-da~~ hum~~"

The trigger‑activated defensive magic device on Ailin's body was activated, enveloping her in a shield of golden‑glassy light whose strength actually reached Six Rings.

She herself jumped up in surprise, looking at Luosen with a wary expression.

"Your Grace, Duke, what are you—"

After provoking the defensive magic device, Luosen's mind jolted again; he pulled his Fire God Gun from under the desk, its black muzzle pointing straight at Ailin.

"Miss, dispel the magic device, or I'll let you taste this fun little thing!"

"Your Grace, Duke!"

Ailin's face showed shock, but upon careful listening one could detect a hint of guilt.

Luosen gave a hehe cold smile: "You know why I'm doing this."

"If you come in friendship, I will naturally treat you kindly; but if you come with malice, don't blame me for being impolite!"

Ailin had nothing to say, and obediently dispelled the protective light shield.

Luosen firmly pointed his Fire God Gun at her, sizing up her tight vest and pants and gold‑trimmed white windcoat: "Take off the windcoat and shake it out a few times."

Ailin complied.

Naturally, nothing came out when shaken.

"The upper garment."

Ailin pursed her lips, but still complied.

The result was still nothing.

"The pants! Or you take them out yourself—don't force me to do it myself!"

Ailin hesitated: "Can I cover myself with the windcoat?"

"No, I'm not sure if you're hiding a lethal weapon—your hands must never leave my sight!"

Ailin had no choice; she dared not test his limits.

Finally, in front of Luosen, she produced from some indescribable place a cylindrical magic device about 3 centimeters in diameter and 7 centimeters long.

She asked: "So you at least possess Seven Rings of magical power, right?"

Luosen coldly snorted: "Since you know, you should be more careful!"

"Clean the thing and toss it to me."

Soon the magic device reached Luosen's hand; seeing she wanted to put on clothes, he immediately shouted stop!

"Stand still, don't move!"

He was not sure whether she still concealed other magic devices on her person.

Ailin gritted her teeth and could only continue standing in an undignified manner.

Meanwhile, Luosen carefully examined the magic device in his hand.

He discovered it was a completely unfamiliar magic device, almost entirely outside his knowledge base.

For a moment he could not figure out what this thing did.

After examining it back and forth for a while, he barely grasped its principle.

"Heh~ turns out it's a Light Artifact."

Light Artifacts, which specifically wield Light Power, were also called Light Divine Artifacts in ancient times.

Just like Steel Artifacts, they require a sufficient concentration of Light Blood and knowledge of the corresponding secret method to activate the Light Power.

Preliminary observation shows that the order level of Light Power should have reached level 6, somewhat higher than level‑7 Steel Power and level‑8 Nature Divine Power, and far higher than the level‑10 Sage Power Luosen had detected.

Such a super‑high order level brings two major benefits.

First, a broader range of uses; second, more precise spells.

Luosen had never directly come into contact with Light Power, and he was very interested in this high‑order power.

It is also easy to imagine that, if its principles were fully understood, it would surely bring enormous applications to the arcane arts.

At minimum it would greatly accelerate his plans; at maximum it could rewrite Weilan's fate.

Just as Steel Power yields super‑hardened materials and Nature Power gives powerful healing effects.

Moreover, in personal cultivation, the Light Empress is his greatest rival; understanding her power is also a top priority.

Clearly, this Miss Ailin, who hails from the Light Clan, is an excellent research target.

But she will surely not cooperate, and will even go to great lengths to hinder his research.

Then, how can he study her power without alerting her, silently and secretly?

Luosen's mind was quickly turning.

On the other side, Ailin naturally didn't know Luosen's thoughts; a hint of surprise showed on her face: "The Duke's knowledge is indeed broad—he can actually tell the use of this magical device."

But this magical device isn't of much use to the Duke; please return it to me, Duke.

As for this rash intrusion, my country will also give appropriate compensation.

Luosen gave a noncommittal look, watching the Light Envoy who had bared his chest before him; his mind stirred, and he had an idea.

I can return this to you. As for compensation, I happen to have a small request.

What request?

Luosen's gaze swept over Ailin: "I like to conquer beautiful women, and you, madam, happen to be a beautiful woman."

If you can grant my wish, madam, I will not only return it to you but also give you an extra piece of arcane material.

As he spoke, Luosen's face showed a deep licentious hue.

Ailin's heart and mind were greatly shaken; ignoring Luosen's earlier warning, she picked up the clothes from the ground and hastily put them on.

Your Grace the Duke, I'll treat what you just said as if I hadn't heard it; please reorganize your words and say it again!

As an envoy, she represents the Empress of Light.

Even Dan wouldn't dare be so rude to her; this little Duke of Weilan hasn't even secured his position yet, and he's so licentious—simply, simply vulgar!

Rumor has it that the new Duke likes beautiful women; she had thought it was slander from political rivals, but now she sees it's not only not slander, it's actually been glorified.

This Duke, who rose from a baron, is both crude and arrogant! (End of chapter)