Chapter 359: Money Can Make Wizards Turn the Mill

"So, what's the price?" Lei En asked.

Each member of the Weizelan Wizard Corps is an elite Wizard, far stronger than transcendent beings of the same rank; they suffered heavy losses in last year's disaster, and after replenishment now number fewer than a hundred.

These are the backbone forces of Fu Kong Cheng; for Ai Mi Li Si to mobilize them, she must pay a sufficient price.

Moreover, besides personal remuneration for the Wizards, she must benefit Fu Kong Cheng, otherwise the Six-person Council will not consent to release them, even if she fights in her own name.

Ai Mi Li Si answered with a single word: "Gold Shield."

She paused, then said: "I will pay according to the Wizards' ranks—Mid-stage Wizards three thousand Gold Shields each, high‑rank Wizards five thousand, legendary and above twenty thousand, the Speaker one hundred thousand; additionally, regardless of whether the kingdom is reclaimed, I am willing to give Fu Kong Cheng ten million Gold Shields, and if Fu Kong Cheng helps me ascend the throne, that sum can rise to thirty million Gold Shields."

Even with Lei En's wealth, hearing the price Ai Mi Li Si quoted made him gasp.

This price can be called simple and brute, yet highly effective.

It could even be said to strike right at the vital point.

The Weizelan Fu Kong Cheng now lacks money most; its debt of one hundred million Gold Shields rises daily, pressing the teacher to the point of suffocation.

If we could obtain that massive sum of thirty million Gold Shields, Fu Kong Cheng would be far easier.

Lei En couldn't help but size up Ai Mi Li Si, noticing she was very confident in her proposal.

"Your information is very well‑connected," he said with a smile.

The debt issue of the Weizelan Fu Kong Cheng is a considerable secret; ordinary people could never imagine that a grand floating city could owe so much.

"I've been following the Lord for so long; the Lord is often away, and I am in charge of the castle and territories, so I have some understanding of your financial situation. The Lord contributes a large sum to Fu Kong Cheng each month, and also borrows by mortgaging to Madam Xialanwei, totaling over one million Gold Shields."

"Last year Naxas invaded; rumors said some Wizards left Fu Kong Cheng due to resource shortage. Although I wasn't present then, I gathered information from the Wizards, conducted several investigations, confirmed it was true, and that it has been many years."

"Combining the Lord's financial situation, it's easy to conclude that Weizelan's economy is in trouble, and it's a major problem."

Lei En was silent for a few seconds; indeed it was a major problem.

One hundred million Gold Shields!

Just thinking about it gives one a headache.

He took it as tacit agreement, smiling: "So you came up with this plan, intending to hire the Wizard Corps with Gold Shields to help restore your kingdom?"

Ai Mi Li Si nodded; this is a once‑in‑a‑lifetime chance, and she will seize it.

"Can you produce that much money?" Lei En asked, somewhat doubtful.

"Lord, please do not underestimate an ancient family that has ruled a kingdom for three thousand years," Ai Mi Li Si lifted her chin proudly, "Even if the rights of the Zhuogeng Fortress Dynasty are temporarily usurped, drawing out a few million Gold Shields from the remaining treasures is not difficult."

She clearly had the plan ready, "As long as the Weizelan Wizards agree to fight, I can immediately advance five million Gold Shields, plus half of each Wizard's due remuneration."

Truly wealthy and extravagant!

Lei En sighed, stroked his chin, and said teasingly, "Aren't you afraid I might have ill intentions toward your family's treasure?"

Ai Mi Li Si leaned forward from the waist up, smiling sweetly, "I trust the Lord's character."

Her words sounded graceful, but her soul's hue was shifting rapidly, far from the calm exterior; she was very nervous inside.

"I didn't even know I was worthy of such trust," Lei En mocked himself.

Ai Mi Li Si silently exhaled, and said seriously, "For the sake of restoring the kingdom, I've dealt with many powerful men over the years; the Lord is the only man I can feel at ease with, willing to reveal his secrets without reservation."

"Is that so?" Lei En shrugged.

"I am very confident in my looks," Ai Mi Li Si's face flushed, "Every man wants to fall at my feet, yet when they come to the Lord, they are repeatedly rejected. From that alone, I know the Lord is a hero who can uphold his principles."

Lei En's old face turned red from her flattery.

He had once upheld principles, but now he had already violated them.

He still felt gratified; being praised so lavishly by a stunning beauty, and being of noble princess birth, the feeling was indescribable.

Lei En cleared his throat, nodded, and said, "I can discuss this with the teacher and then propose it in the Six-person Council, but I can't guarantee it will pass…"

He was cut off before finishing.

"Thank you, Lord!" Ai Mi Li Si exclaimed, thanking repeatedly.

Years of planning and long‑held wishes finally saw a glimmer of dawn, making her emotions uncontrollable, even her voice became choked.

Lei En waited for her to regain composure while pondering how to cooperate.

Money can make even a wizard turn the grindstone, and Wizards are no exception.

He is over ninety percent sure that the teacher and the Speakers will approve the proposal and send Wizards to fight.

"Lord," Ai Mi Li Si lightly wiped her eye corner, inhaled deeply, and said, "You don't need to wait until I conquer the entire kingdom; as soon as we reclaim the Zhuogeng Fortress family's territories, I will hand the Politosi Mine to you immediately, and, in the name of the Title: Duke of Zhuogeng Fortress, designate a portion of the area containing the Mithril Mine as a Count's Land for you as a fief."

"I guarantee the fief's area will not be smaller than the Glamorgan Territory," she pledged.

Lei En was rather moved; this was undoubtedly a great gift.

Regardless of the realm, land is the most valuable wealth; a fief comparable to the Glamorgan Territory, even with a small population, is worth many times more than that Mithril Mine.

Of course he wouldn't refuse, joking, "Then I become your vassal?"

Ai Mi Li Si was taken aback.

He saw her misunderstanding, thinking she thought he didn't want to be her vassal, and quickly said, "I accept this fief; rest assured, I will fully promote Weizelan's participation in the war."

"Thank you." Ai Mi Li Si stood and performed a solemn bow.

Lei En graciously accepted her bow, nodded, indicating the night's discussion was concluded and she should return to rest.

However, Ai Mi Li Si remained standing, lightly biting her lip, and whispered:

"Lord, there is one more thing."

"Besides the Mithril Mine and the Count's Land, I have prepared a third reward for you."

Her voice was soft, even trembling, her soul's hue shifting rapidly, yet her demeanor was resolute; she lifted her head, looking at Lei En without fear, her violet eyes shimmering with a hint of mystery.

"What?" Lei En asked instinctively.

"Me."

Ai Mi Li Si let out a sound, unfastened her tightly wrapped black robe, which slipped silently to the floor, and at the same time gently swayed her head; the silver‑gold hair tied at the back unfurled like a waterfall over her shoulders, exuding an enchanting fragrance.

Under the robe, she was completely naked, a breathtakingly beautiful sight in full view.

Lei En stared in a daze, his breathing even slowed by half a beat.

Ai Mi Li Si's figure is not tall, but her proportions are perfectly flawless; her delicate curves reveal incomparable sensuality, yet she has a pure, pitiful face. The two together not only lack any contradiction, but are extremely harmonious, exuding an allure that is hard to refuse.

Her beauty differs from Viola's and Ao Xi Li Ya's, possessing its own charm.

Thinking of her status—she will likely ascend the throne in the future to become a noble queen—further ignites a strong desire to conquer.

Lei En feels a bit dry‑mouthed.

This is not the first time Ai Mi Li Si has tempted him, but this time is stronger than before, and more direct.

Most importantly, he has already obtained Viola's colored flag permit.

Ao Xi Li Ya doesn't mind this either; the rainbow dragon's view on love is rather odd, even indifferent—once a partner is chosen, she unconditionally supports them. Moreover, outside her mating season she is not enthusiastic about copulation, being somewhat perfunctory; each time Lei En has to work hard to get her into the mood and cooperate.

This is the nature of a female giant dragon, hard to change.

Lei En has complained more than once that only men and male dragons lack a mating season, which could be said they are forever in a mating season.

That's also why there are so many draconic‑born creatures.

In the past, Lei En would definitely refuse Ai Mi Li Si again, but he has already broken his principle; once it happens, there are only zero times and countless times.

Before Lei En could speak, Ai Mi Li Si stepped forward, sat on his lap, then twisted and slipped close against him.

"Um…"

At dawn, Lei En habitually wakes up.

As soon as he opened his eyes, his hand touched a delicate, smooth skin, and he immediately felt a beautiful torso wrapped around him, clinging tightly like an octopus, and a satisfied smile curled his lips.

He had only slept half an hour last night.

At first he thought Ai Mi Li Si was an experienced driver.

After asking later he learned she had long prepared to sacrifice herself, having decided years ago to use herself as a pawn; for that she specifically consulted several centenarian elven courtesans, learned the bedroom arts, not only solid in theory but also observed in person, the only thing lacking was combat experience.

Until last night she finally got a chance to put her learning into practice, combining theory with reality.

Lei En listened in a daze, could only say Ai Mi Li Si was earnest; she was willing to give everything for the restoration of the kingdom, which he didn't resent, but rather enjoyed, having a good time.

The taste of a future queen is truly nice.

His hand just moved a bit, and Ai Mi Li Si woke up, looking up and revealing a hazy yet seductive beautiful smile.

"Sir, good morning."

"From now on call me Lei En, Your Majesty the Queen." Lei En joked, but was immediately countered as she bit his head, making him gasp a cold breath.

(End of chapter)