Chapter 185: Discussion

“Congratulations, Host. After a long period of high-intensity training, you have gained insights into Flexible Movement…”

“Congratulations, Host. After a long period of high-intensity training, you have gained insights into Reflexive Dodging…”

After the training, Su Lun stood up, looking rather roughed up. The System’s notifications chimed in his ears. Checking the System log, he realized he had taken another step toward mastering these two dodging talents.

Returning to the Lord’s Castle, Su Lun went for a bath first. The bathing chamber was connected to a hot spring, keeping the water constantly warm. He removed his clothes with the help of his maids, then sank comfortably into the marble pool. Mist curled up, making the chamber look like a fairyland.

Two Half-elf maids approached the pool in translucent silk gowns. Their faces flushed rosy red from the heat as they gently scrubbed his back with towels.

The soak after training felt heavenly, drawing a soft sigh of pleasure from Su Lun. Their gowns quickly became wet, turning nearly sheer against their skin and stoking Su Lun’s rising desire.

After finishing his back, they hesitated, exchanged a glance, then bit their lips and stepped into the pool. Starting to wash his front, the wet silk clung even more alluringly underwater. Beneath it, their fair Half-elf skin, glowing and smooth in the hot spring, seemed almost translucent.

The touch of their soft hands roaming over his skin became too much to bear. After a moment, Su Lun’s hands shot out, pulling both maids against him. What followed was the taste of removing thin membranes. Soon, the spacious chamber echoed with the Half-elves’ beautiful melodies.

[Omitted 15,000 words]

…

Leaving the Lord’s Castle feeling refreshed, Su Lun was in very good spirits. The two Half-elf maids appeared exhausted from all the scrubbing. Su Lun personally escorted them back to their room. Without complaint, he gave each a full-body massage, helping them unwind.

Carina had become exceptionally diligent lately due to the Half-elves’ presence. She had been competing intensely with Grace. Both managed farmland clearing and planting in the Territory. Carina excelled at guiding laborers with discipline, while Grace had more skill for agriculture.

This rivalry between them significantly accelerated the Territory’s development.

Several stores had opened in Zhenbei City recently. Over a dozen shops were already operating in the planned commercial street, offering a wide variety of goods. Freemen within the Territory, having earned some money, now visited for purchases, particularly items Su Lun himself didn’t provide.

This blossoming prosperity was exactly what Su Lun wanted to see. Zhenbei City’s tax revenue could only rise with a thriving market. A prosperous city also became far more attractive to outsiders.

After multiple recruitments, Zhenbei City’s military had grown to over five hundred strong. Half were Archers. Among the rest, Spearmen formed the largest group, though Barbarian Warriors had also grown in number. Half the forces remained stationed in the city. Others guarded the Mine, while patrol squads roamed the Territory.

Ample horses allowed patrols to extend over thirty kilometers. Beyond patrolling, these soldiers also sought out nearby tribes. Capturing them increased the Territory’s labor force, maintained order, and provided combat training— a triple benefit. Battles granted far more experience than routine drills.

Many of the Half-elf Archers had already undergone their first advancement recently.

Entering the Laboratory, Su Lun found Heatherway looking busy. She had been enchanting sets of Dragonhide Armor repeatedly. The identical process sharpened her skills greatly.

Seeing her finish carving a rune, Su Lun handed her a glass of water.

“Thank you,” said Heatherway, taking a sip. After placing the enchanted armor aside, she relaxed into her chair.

“What did you find down in the Underworld?” she asked, setting the glass down.

“The underground region beneath the Mine isn’t too large. It looks like a remote corner of the Underdark,” Su Lun explained. “I found a Kobold Tribe, a Gray Dwarf Tribe, and a band of Harpies.”

“A Gray Dwarf Tribe?” Heatherway’s eyes lit up. “How many? Their forging skills are said to rival Dwarves’.”

“Their craftsmanship is genuinely good,” Su Lun agreed. “I plan to subdue this Gray Dwarf Tribe if possible.”

“That won’t be easy.” Heatherway shrugged.

“Oh, and among the Harpies I spotted a Greater Harpy,” added Su Lun. “Her bloodline must be exceptional. She had no hint of typical Harpy features except the wings.”

“Greater Harpies are natural-born Warlocks,” Heatherway said, surprised. “If we could control the Harpies, gaining ascendancy over the Gray Dwarves would become much smoother, right?”

“That’s my thought. But she’s heavily guarded. Capturing her won’t be straightforward,” Su Lun noted.

Using his Domain power to grab the Greater Harpy was an option. Yet that massacre would cripple the swarm’s numbers. He needed them whole and strong against the Gray Dwarves.

“I’ll join you. I haven’t seen the Underworld yet,” Heatherway declared. She knew its dangers but also its riches— rare Magic Plants, precious ores, medicinal herbs called countless Adventurers to the Underdark’s depths.

“I planned to ask you anyway,” admitted Su Lun. Few things aided an expedition like having a mage present.

“Based on your description, this Underworld must be part of the upper Underdark— not too strong foes.”

“Yes. I’ve subdued that Kobold Tribe already. Their Shaman spoke of other nearby tribes: a large Goblin Tribe, a Minotaur Tribe. They don’t know the lands beyond,” Su Lun drank from his cup.

“It’s rich with minerals. I found several promising deposits just briefly passing through. Control could bring inexhaustible ore wealth alone.”

“Oh, and while exploring down there, keep eyes peeled for Mithril Ore,” suggested Heatherway. “Abundant mineral regions should heighten its discovery chances.”

“I’ll have them watch. But finding Mithril veins remains rare, even underground.” Su Lun shrugged. This highly valued magic metal was scarce continent-wide generally.

After discussing Undeworld entry plans with Heatherway, Su Lun left the Laboratory. That afternoon, representatives from Caravans he partnered with were due to meet over business affairs at the Lord’s Castle.

The delegates had already gathered when he returned later. All heads of the Caravans were friendly toward Su Lun.

“Good day, Master Su Lun!” they chorused respectfully, rising when he entered the meeting chamber.

“Good day, gentlemen. Please be seated,” Su Lun waved them down. He took his place at the head of the table.

Once seated, Su Lun surveyed the group. “You’re Zhenbei City’s partners. Cooperation over the past year proved pleasant. I thank you for your support to the city.”

“Master Su Lun, you’re too modest. Our Caravan always valued Zhenbei City highly as partners. Helping it was our duty,” Fernand replied eagerly.

“Exactly! We’re friends! Aid is only natural,” others chimed in.

Su Lun simply smiled. Merchants prioritized profit. Without Zhenbei City providing wealth, their courtesy might’ve been absent.

“I hope our partnership stays mutually beneficial and friendly,” Su Lun said. “You’re aware Zhenbei City is developing well. But certain areas still lack. I seek your help here, concerning the city.”

The Caravan delegates exchanged glances. “Master Su Lun,” one spoke cautiously, “what form of assistance were you thinking?”

“It shouldn’t breach laws or burden you unfairly,” Su Lun waved dismissively. “Profit remains yours.”

“The city seems orderly now, yes. Yet many positions… lack suitable people…”

“Are you wanting aid finding manpower?” Relief washed over the delegates.

“Correct. I particularly need Scholars,” Su Lun answered, taking a slow sip of tea. “Amongst Zhenbei City’s officials, many cannot read! Work slows immensely. I wish those Scholars to teach reading and writing.”

In this world, literacy belonged mainly to Nobles and the church. Commoners had scant opportunities. Books written on costly Parchment kept knowledge locked away.

“That… could prove difficult, Master Su Lun,” grimaced a delegate. Most Scholars were Nobles— unlikely to teach commoners willingly.

“Your Territory’s remote location deters Scholars too. They know little about it, making relocation hard.”

“I’ll double the payment,” stated Su Lun, blowing gently on his tea.