Chapter 8: Alliance "So the time divisions in this world are very similar to those in my previous life!"
Leilin turned the crystal pocket watch in his hand, musing to himself.
The crystal pocket watch was exquisitely crafted—its face divided into twenty-four small sections, each representing one hour.
From the noble youths who had followed Olin, he had extorted not only weapons but also spoils worth thousands of gold coins. This pocket watch had been contributed by a chubby boy.
As for any family retaliation—the Donglan Family that Olin belonged to was part of the Bourbon Kingdom, separated from Viscount John's territory by several kingdoms, and the alliances their respective nations belonged to were hostile to each other.
Not to mention that studying to become a
With just a moment's thought, Leilin cast Olin and his family from his mind.
"This time I made a nice little profit! And there are the Magic Stones—they're the currency used among Wizards, very useful for apprentices!"
Leilin took out a Magic Stone and rubbed it between his palms. A cold sensation came through continuously.
According to the Chip's calculations, although this Magic Stone emitted trace amounts of radiation, its effect on the body appeared to be positive—it could enhance physical vitality.
"However! Ever since word got out about me defeating Olin, everyone around me has changed their attitude. I suppose you could say this really is a world that worships strength?"
Two days had passed since the incident, and news of Leilin's feat had already spread among the noble youths.
The scene of him smiling while breaking Olin's arm had become a recurring nightmare for every youth who had been present. After the incident, Olin had retreated to his carriage to nurse his wounds, while the other noble youths would tremble and scurry away whenever they saw Leilin.
"Hey! Leilin, want to go have some fun together?"
A noble girl from the same carriage came over and asked. She was dressed in noble attire, with stockings on her long legs that resembled those from Leilin's previous life—quite easy on the eyes.
The customs of this era still revered the strong, and Leilin now felt the atmosphere in the carriage had improved considerably. There were no more incidents of people banding together to ostracize him.
In fact, several noble girls had even extended invitations to him.
This particular girl was also in the same carriage as him. Her name was Lilist.
"Thank you, but I have a friend coming!" Leilin said apologetically.
"Oh! My apologies then! I'll come ask you again later!"
The long-legged girl giggled, lifted her skirt, and performed a noble courtesy.
"Young girls these days, really...!"
Leilin smiled bitterly to himself.
"Haha... what do we have here? Our resident ladies' man, Leilin, how many girls have invited you now?" A familiar, exaggerated voice carried over.
"Can I compare to you? 'The Golden Lion of Sardin,' your reputation precedes you among every girl in the caravan!" Leilin rolled his eyes.
"Aren't you the one who didn't want to be ostracized by everyone? Not afraid anymore?"
"You're the talk of the camp now! Lots of girls are interested in you. That Lilist just now was quite something!"
George laughed heartily. "Also, congratulations on completing your revenge!" With a flick of his wrist, a glass bottle arced through the air, and Leilin caught it securely.
Pulling out the oak stopper, a scent of fruit mingled with alcohol drifted out. Leilin couldn't help but take a deep breath.
"Apple cider! It's been months since I've had any!"
"Exactly! And it's a specialty from our Federation. It wasn't easy hiding it until now!" George opened his own bottle.
"To our Leilin! Cheers!!!"
"Cheers!!!" Leilin smiled, clinking the bottles together with a crisp sound.
"And... thank you!" Leilin said sincerely.
Although George had the strength of a Preliminary Knight and was a leader among this group of young nobles, he could have easily punished Olin with just a little effort.
But he had considered Leilin's feelings, only helping him secretly to improve his strength and concealing their relationship, allowing Olin to act without restraint and seek trouble again, which ultimately helped Leilin complete his revenge.
This effectively protected the young noble's pride.
From this alone, one could see how considerate and perceptive George was, and how skilled he was at looking after others' feelings.
"This isn't just winning people over — it's moving them with genuine sincerity. I have to say, the Golden Lion family of Sardin truly lives up to its name as the leading house of the Golden Flower Alliance!" Leilin thought to himself.
"No need for thanks! We're all members of the Golden Flower Alliance — how could I just stand by and watch you get bullied by those northern roughnecks!!!" George laughed heartily and drained the entire bottle of apple cider in one gulp.
"What a shame! The deeper we push into the wilderness, the longer it's been since we've passed through any real cities — even finding supplies is getting difficult!"
George seemed to still be savoring the apple cider, a tinge of regret in his voice.
"Oh, right! We're holding a barbecue feast tonight — all Golden Flower nobles. Would you like to come?"
George extended the invitation.
"Of course! It would be my honor!" Leilin replied with a smile. As a noble of the Golden Flower Alliance, joining this circle was really his only option.
When you're still weak, joining a group is indeed a reliable way to ensure your safety.
Night fell, and the sky filled with shimmering stars, casting a silver glow across the land.
Inside the camp, groups of young men and women sat around bonfires, laughing and playfully joking with one another, the atmosphere lively and animated.
Several months of living together had brought them all quite close.
"Come, Leilin, let me introduce you — this is Yohan, the eldest son of Count Normil!"
"Hello! I've heard all about you, Leilin — the man who thrashed Olin! I've been dying to meet you!" Yohan smiled and extended his hand.
"Hello!" Leilin wore a warm, sincere smile as he shook Yohan's hand.
……
"These are the Guilin and Guili sisters — and they're both admirers of yours!" George guided Leilin through the crowd like a butterfly flitting among flowers, weaving around the bonfires and introducing him to one person after another.
"Hello, Mr. Leilin!" The Guilin and Guili sisters looked exactly alike, with a pair of sparkling emerald-green eyes. They spoke and curtsied in perfect unison, a faint blush coloring their cheeks.
"Ladies! It's a pleasure to meet you! What an honor for our first introduction!" Leilin placed a hand over his heart and performed an elegant noble's bow.
Watching the two young women dash away with crimson faces, George looked as though he was about to faint from excitement.
"Lucky devil! Those two seem really interested in you! And they're twins! Twins, I tell you!" George gesticulated wildly, his voice a mixture of elation and envy.
"Alright! I'd say, under these circumstances where supplies are starting to run low, organizing this banquet isn't just for finding lovers!"
Leilin spoke.
He was quite capable of restraining his desires. While he didn't mind an occasional indulgence, it always depended on the situation.
"Good to see you understand that much!" George said, the playful look vanishing from his face, replaced by a subtle air of leadership.
He strode to the center of the area and tapped his silver soup spoon against something.
"Ladies and gentlemen! Apologies for the interruption, but please direct your attention over here!"
George clearly held considerable authority among this group. The bustling crowd fell silent, ceasing their activities, their gazes converging on the center of the grounds.
"First of all! Let us give a warm welcome to our newest companion! He is Leilin!!!" George announced loudly, initiating the applause himself.
Clap clap clap!!! Enthusiastic applause erupted from all around, like a wave.
Leilin stood and bowed to those assembled.
"Good!" George waved his hand, quieting the applause, and continued: "We formed this little alliance to ensure that every apprentice of our Golden Flower Alliance can safely reach the Academy and become respected Wizards. And now, my friends, trouble has come our way!"
George's expression darkened, his voice dropping lower. Infected by his mood, the surrounding atmosphere grew solemn and still, with only George's voice continuing to flow.
"We have nearly crossed out of the wilderness regions and are about to enter
"Death Prairie?" Leilin was startled internally, and immediately began sifting through the memories of his former noble self.
According to the memories previously organized by his Chip, the continent where Leilin resided was incredibly vast and expansive, covered with countless principalities and lacking a unified name.
The Golden Flower Alliance, to which the former Viscount Leilin belonged, was located in the southeastern corner of this continent. They seemed to be among the earliest groups of apprentices, and their caravan had traveled northward, crossing through numerous principalities and kingdoms, reaching the northern part of the continent.
Beyond the wilderness regions to the north lay a broad and narrow stretch of grassland. It was said that beyond this grassland lay the sea.
But this stretch of grassland was filled with peril and had always been forbidden territory for humans! It was said to be teeming with ferocious beasts—even the most ruthless bandits wouldn't dare enter the prairie. Under every patch of grass lay the bones of mercenaries, adventurers, and travelers!!!
Now, the caravan full of Wizard Apprentices was about to traverse this Death Prairie and reach the coastline.
"With the protection of the Black Robe and White Robe Lords, we'll definitely make it through!" The crowd buzzed with discussion, and then a plump man spoke up.
"That's right! With the protection of the Wizard and the Knights, our chances of making it through are high! But the Lords can't look after everyone all the time, and when that happens, people will die. That person could be me, or it could be you. Are you willing to accept that outcome?"
George asked.
"Of course not!!!" the fat man shouted, his face flushing red as he sat back down.
"Correct! Our goal is to reach the Wizard Academy across the sea and become honored Wizards, but the ruthless culling starts right now. According to the intelligence my father obtained, every Wizard caravan that crosses the prairie suffers casualties!"
George continued, pulling back the curtain on a sliver of the cruel truth.
"What… what do we do?" Many of the young boys and girls panicked, their faces turning pale as they looked to George, hoping he could come up with a plan.
"Thanks to all you readers for your support — the author is deeply grateful!"