Things had been going well for Cadker recently.
The grey dwarves discovered a silver ore vein in the mine after the danger was averted. The silver it produced made Cadker's position as the Grey Dwarf Archon more and more stable.
Not only did he make use of his abundant funds to make the few fellows who always opposed him 'disappear forever', but he also held banquets from time to time to flaunt his wealth.
Now, the entire Brandon Stone City knew of Archon Cadker's generosity and the wealth he possessed.
Cadker immersed himself in the lively banquets every day and accepted the praises and praises from others. He was now the most prestigious ruler in the entire Brandon Stone City.
To Cadker, there was nothing more important than this.
If there was anything that Cadker was dissatisfied with, it would be the tall Obsidian Tower outside the city. It was like a sharp thorn stuck in Cadker's throat and he couldn't relax.
Although he had reached an agreement with the Necromancer, who knew how things would turn out in the end?
Although up until now, both sides were still in harmony, Cadker was still very worried.
He hoped that the Necromancer would leave one day and never come back. However, he could only think about it from the back.
"Archon Archon Cadker?"
His follower's voice snapped Cadker back to his senses. He turned around and gazed at the dazzling hall and lively banquets. The aroma of roasted meat and fine wine assaulted his nostrils. The Gray Dwarves' loud singing and praises sounded so ethereal as though he was in a dream.
"What's the matter?"
Cadker clearly saw his follower's eyes sweep towards the direction of the Obsidian Tower, but he didn't say anything.
That tower had become a tacit secret among the residents of Brandon Stone City. Of course, Cadker knew that many Gray Dwarves had their doubts about the Necromancer. However, they chose to remain silent due to the Necromancer's strength and relationship with him.
Perhaps he should spread the news privately and tell the people that his relationship with the Necromancer wasn't as close as they thought?
If that's the case, will someone help me make a choice?
Perhaps he should give some help to those who disliked Necromancers?
"… It's like this. That Sir Mage's messenger is waiting for you outside …"
"What?!"
While Cadker was daydreaming while listening to his follower's report, the man's words shocked him to his core. He let out a grunt and subconsciously covered his mouth, scanning his surroundings vigilantly.
Fortunately, the noise of the duergar dwarves drowned out his screams.
Apart from a few drunken gray dwarves nearby who were barely able to look over, no one else noticed the Consul's abnormality.
They were hollering round the table with their glasses raised.
"… When did you arrive?"
Cadker heaved a sigh of relief. Then, he pulled his follower to the side and asked softly.
"Just, just now, she said that she has something important to discuss with you."
"Why didn't you say so earlier!"
Cadker stomped his feet and slapped the unfortunate duergar's face. Then, he turned around and hurried out of the lively banquet hall.
When Cadker arrived at the entrance, he quickly spotted the dark elf wrapped in a cloak standing at the bottom of the stairs.
She stood in the shadows of the hall's entrance as though one with the shadows.
If it weren't for Cadker's careful observation, perhaps he wouldn't have spotted her.
Damn that Dark Elf …
While cursing inwardly, Cadker forced a warm smile on his face and sauntered toward Verna.
"Nice to meet you. It's been a while, Miss Verna.
I didn't expect you to grace us with your presence. Please forgive me for not welcoming you earlier … By the way, we're holding a banquet. Do you want to join us?
I believe everyone will welcome you warmly. "
"There's no need for that, Mr. Cadker."
Verna was as cold as ever. It was unknown if she had a grudge against the Gray Dwarf Archon or Zayen, who sent her here. Perhaps it was a mixture of both …
"I'm here on behalf of Sir Mage to make a request to you."
"Request?"
From a certain perspective, this wasn't much different from an 'order'. It might even be worse.
"Yes. Sir Mage wanted to come personally, but he eventually decided to send me here to talk to you."
"Alright then, what does Sir Mage need me to do for him?"
Cadker heaved a sigh of relief inwardly. If that Necromancer were to come knocking on his door, perhaps Cadker could only nod in agreement no matter how rude the request was. If not, he was certain that he would definitely be taught a lesson by the Necromancer.
If that happened, he would lose all his face in front of his people!
But come to think of it, wouldn't it be equally embarrassing even if he agreed to the Necromancer's request?
At this thought, Cadker couldn't help but glance behind him. The singing from the hall was getting louder and it was apparent that the Gray Dwarves were drunk.
But this was fine too. After they woke up tomorrow, they would forget everything that happened tonight and surely no one would remember where they went and what they did.
"This was what happened."
Verna wasn't mindful of Cadker's expression as she continued to speak.
"I suppose Mr. Cadker is aware that there's a group of Gnomes not far from Brandon Stone City, right?"
"Of course I'm aware of that."
Cadker's expression couldn't help but turn gloomy after hearing Kieran's explanation.
Those damned goblins were Cadker's biggest headache. Relying on their familiarity with the terrain, they ran around Brandon Stone City all day long. Sometimes, they would even rob merchant caravans and harass their customers, causing Brandon Stone City to lose a lot of face.
Even though Cadker had organized several encirclement operations against the Gnomes, they all ended in failure.
Those damn Gnomes were top-notch in escaping.
The Gray Dwarves didn't dare to stray too far away from the city and could only watch helplessly as those bastards swaggered around.
It could also be said that even though the Gnomes weren't powerful, they were rather annoying.
It wasn't that Cadker didn't think of wiping them out in one fell swoop, but it wasn't an easy task for the Gray Dwarves.
"If Mr. Cadker is willing, Sir Magician can help you resolve this little problem. Of course, Sir Magician will need Mr. Cadker's cooperation."
I see.
Cadker finally understood what Verna meant.
In other words, the Necromancer intended to eliminate the Gnomes, but he needed Brandon Stone City's help.
But what Cadker couldn't figure out was that a Necromancer didn't need any help at all. As long as there were enough Undead Creatures, everything could be settled, right?
In that case, what was the use of Cadker's men?
"So what's your request?"
Of course, Cadker didn't think that Verna was that kind. Perhaps no one on the surface would be willing to do such voluntary labor.
And now, a Necromancer actually came over and offered to solve the problem for him?
Cadker wouldn't believe that there wasn't something fishy about it.
"It's simple."
It was apparent that Verna was prepared for this. Upon hearing Cadker's question, she twitched her brows and answered immediately.
"Sir Magician hopes to obtain the ownership of that piece of land after eliminating the Gnomes."
I see!
At this point, Cadker came to a sudden realization and understood what the other party meant.
Under normal circumstances, if the Goblins were eliminated, then Brandon Stone City would definitely expand further.
As a Gray Dwarf Consul with 'ideals, ambitions, and foresight', Cadker naturally hoped that Brandon Stone City would grow stronger in his hands. With this achievement, he could also obtain the title of 'Sage' and place his statue in the Hall of Heroes.
However, due to the Gnomes' troublesome actions in the past, he couldn't do so.
If he could eliminate the Gnomes, there wouldn't be any major issues with the construction work around Brandon Stone City.
It was apparent that the Mage was aware of this point, or perhaps he had discovered the location of the Gnomes, which was why he made this request.
After all, if he really helped Brandon Stone City eliminate the Gnomes, it was only natural for him to be rewarded.
Even though the Gray Dwarves were cunning, they were trustworthy when facing opponents of equal strength.
However, Cadker was a little hesitant when he heard that.
He didn't know where the lair of the Gnomes was. What if there were priceless mineral veins there …?
At this thought, the Gray Dwarf Consul put on a smile and asked.
"Erm … Miss Verna?
I would like to ask … What's there … "
"Don't get it wrong."
Before Cadker finished his sentence, Verna interrupted him coldly.
"The reason why Sir Magician chose that place is that it's suitable for him to conduct some magical experiments. It's that simple.
There's nothing that you want there. If you're not willing, then forget it. "
"Of course!"
Upon hearing that it was something related to magic, Cadker couldn't be bothered anymore. Gray Dwarves had always been insulated from magic. As long as it wasn't gemstones and mineral veins, anything else was no different from trash to them.
At this thought, Cadker put aside his worries and gazed at Verna with a smile.
"Please inform Sir Magician that we, Brandon Stone City, have always been dedicated to protecting the safety of the merchant caravans along the way. We are determined to capture the Gnomes and will dispatch our most elite troops to assist Sir Magician in defeating these monsters that threaten the safety of the merchant caravans!"
Cadker's expression was so serious and serious. If there was a lamp above him, he would look like a Holy Knight.
But at the next moment, he revealed his true colors.
"But … Hahaha, Miss Verna, you're also aware that we don't have enough manpower at the moment. I'm afraid it will take some time before we can gather enough elite troops …"
"…"
This time, Verna didn't say a word. Instead, she swung her arm with a cold expression and tossed a rectangular iron box before Cadker in a loud thud.
The Gray Dwarf Archon was startled. He gazed at Verna dubiously, extended his arm, and opened the box. After seeing the item inside, Cadker's eyes emanated a glint.
"This is …"
In front of the Gray Dwarf Consul were two gleaming longswords. They were simple yet exquisite, and the blades were engraved with luxurious patterns. Wisps of magical radiance flashed across them, and it was obvious that they were very valuable creations.
"These are from the thief who dared to invade Sir Magician's territory a few days ago."
Heaven and Earth could testify that Verna wasn't lying.
"They aren't useful to us, but Sir Magician knows that gray dwarves love collecting all kinds of weapons. That's why he asked me to deliver them to you. If you're interested, please accept them."
"This … How can I accept them …"
Even though Cadker said so, he wasn't slow at all. In an instant, he closed the iron box's lid and carried it.
One had to know that this was a special magical weapon that had been processed using surface technology. To the gray dwarves, such collectibles were extremely rare!
"Don't worry, Miss Verna.
Protecting the trade route is the duty and responsibility of Brandon Stone City. Please help me pass this message to Sir Magician. Within two days, we will gather our most elite troops and eliminate those hateful bugs together with Sir Magician! "