บท 125: CHAPTER 125 - Scheming Ahead
Li Lin and Kassadin concluded their discussion, setting Storm and Dawnlight into standby mode under Li Lin's control.
As they entered the tavern, a warm greeting from Cassiopeia reached their ears, "Mr. Li, we've been waiting for you."
At a small round table in the corner, Cassiopeia and Sivir held cups of chilled beer.
"Ugh, such insincere hospitality disgusts me," muttered Kassadin behind Li Lin. "I won't deal with Noxian folks like her; I'll be at the bar."
He gestured toward the barkeep, got a nod from Li Lin, and walked away.
Li Lin then approached the two ladies with a polite smile and sat down.
"Sorry for keeping you waiting," he said.
Cassiopeia raised her wooden cup, gesturing towards the beer in front of Li Lin, and chuckled, "So, the latecomer has to take a penalty shot, Mr. Li."
Li Lin opened his "Data Mind" and calmly checked the attributes of the beer in front of him.
Just a normal beer, no special "ingredients."
"Alright, I'll take the penalty shot," he laughed and raised the cup, finishing it in one go.
The ice-cold freshness rushed to his head, dispelling some fatigue and quenching the thirst brought by the scorching summer day.
"Refreshing!" praised Cassiopeia.
She clinked her beer cup with Sivir and they both downed their beers.
With a drink down, the three became more acquainted.
Cassiopeia introduced Sivir to Li Lin, the captain of the Siharo Mercenary Corps, and shared various legendary stories.
Li Lin, in turn, introduced himself as a skilled craftsman from the Kiramman family, concealing many details.
For instance, he conveniently omitted the fact that he sought refuge in Piltover to escape the war.
The Du Couteau family was a leading force advocating Noxus's invasion, although their primary target was not Ionia but Shurima.
However, to avoid complications, Li Lin decided not to delve into war-related matters.
"Unexpectedly, Mr. Li has such outstanding achievements in Hextech," Cassiopeia admired, her delicate face showing admiration. "Call me Li Lin; Miss Du Couteau," Li Lin raised the beer filled by the bartender, took a sip, and said, "You are the first to address me by my surname."
"I am a noble descendant, after all, aware of cultures from various countries," Cassiopeia chuckled. "And don't call me Miss Du Couteau; it sounds too formal. Call me Cassiopeia or Cassie; either is fine."
Her light brown eyes curved into a crescent shape, exuding a teasing feeling, making Li Lin and Sivir shiver involuntarily.
Such a nauseating woman.
Sivir, who barely participated in the conversation, glanced at Cassiopeia faintly and gulped down her beer.
Can you stop talking to me in that coquettish tone...
Li Lin couldn't muster any interest in this beautiful woman trying to flirt with him.
In his mind, he silently cursed Cassiopeia for turning into a half-human, half-snake monster after being cursed by the imperial tomb.
He maintained a polite smile on his face, saying, "Then I'll call you Cassiopeia."
Under Cassiopeia's guidance, the two engaged in various discussions about Piltover, ranging from astronomy to geography, even touching on Hextech technology.
Li Lin couldn't help but be amazed at the depth of knowledge possessed by this Du Couteau family's second daughter.
Fortunately, with the support of "Data Mind," having read numerous books, he could keep up with the conversation; otherwise, he might struggle to chat with this noble girl.
Cassiopeia, with her skillful speech, subtly inquired about Li Lin's powered armor, especially the floating robots Storm and Dawnlight.
However, having mingled in high society noble circles for a considerable time, Li Lin was not easily tricked by such ordinary tactics.
He always steered the conversation away, skillfully avoiding any mention of these inventions.
This man is not easy to deal with...
Despite maintaining a smiling face, Cassiopeia's heart sank.
It was the first time she encountered a man like Li Lin who showed no interest in her beauty.
In the past, when accepting tasks from the "Black Rose," dealing with Noxian and Shuriman noble men who fancied themselves, she could easily enchant them, hooking their souls with a mere finger...
In a subtle shift from the charming approach, Cassiopeia swiftly changed her tactics.
"Well, Li Lin, with so many craftsmen coming to Nashramae this time, are you planning something significant?"
Perhaps afraid of any misunderstanding, she quickly added, "Of course, I'm just curious... you can keep it a secret if it is."
As she inquired, Sivir, who had been silently drinking beside them, showed a glint of interest and attentively tuned in.
"It's not exactly a secret; it's a new technology from Piltover."
After all, those council members planned to build a Hex Gates in Nashramae after Noxus stabilized, and with Nashramae's construction underway, it was an inevitable revelation.
However, that was just one reason...
Li Lin pondered for a moment and decided to give them a brief introduction:
"Our Kiramman family craftsmen have recently developed a device that can teleport over long distances, covering thousands of kilometers in just seconds.
"This mechanical device is called the 'Hex Gates.' We came here to discuss with Governor Saga where to build it."
Hex Gates? Long-distance teleportation?!
Isn't that something only magic can achieve?
Both Cassiopeia and Sivir's eyes flickered with astonishment, thinking that Li Lin might be exaggerating.
However, when they noticed the earnest expression on the young craftsman's face, they realized that his words might not be false.
Seeing the shock in their hearts, Li Lin couldn't help but smile.
"When these gates are built in Piltover, Noxus, Demacia, Bilgewater, and Ionia, economic circulation and trade speed between all city-states will significantly increase!"
So, anyone who wants to use it will have to pay hefty taxes, right?
Cassiopeia felt a deep concern.
Since the Medarda family in Piltover was involved in the research of this Hextech technology, even if Noxus introduces this technology later, it won't involve the Du Couteau family.
After all, the Medarda family had a branch in Noxus, controlled by that old woman...
They needed to find a way to extract information about the "Hex Gates" technology from Li Lin's mouth.
With that in mind, Cassiopeia redirected her gaze back to Li Lin, her smile more pronounced.
However, in Sivir's mind, things took a different turn:
If Nashramae can really build such a device, more adventurers from around the world will come to explore Shurima.
Then, I need to consider how to expand the mercenary business. I could earn even more gold...
Sivir's eyes lit up, and he looked at Li Lin with a mix of emotions.
Building a good relationship with this guy is essential. If I can win his favor, the future will be worry-free.
Feeling the intense gaze of the two, Li Lin maintained his smile and silently sipped his beer.
Cassiopeia and Sivir were calculating something, and for Li Lin, who understood their backgrounds and knew their personalities, he could easily guess.
Of course, there was a reason why he revealed the "Hex Gates" to them in advance.
Firstly, he wanted to entice Cassiopeia with this technology, making her agree to accompany him and Kassadin later.
Secondly, Li Lin wanted to use this opportunity to establish a relationship with Sivir, the royal member with the bloodline of Azir, the last emperor of the Shuriman Empire.
Once Azir resurrects and becomes a celestial warrior again, the relationship with Sivir will be crucial for communication.
Enough time had passed for the two to consider. Li Lin took the lead in steering the conversation and subtly probed their intentions.
"While the heads of the various families in Piltover believe that Governor Saga can protect our assets in Nashramae, the safety here is still not comparable to Piltover...
Li Lin intentionally let his gaze linger on Sivir, not hiding his intention.
"If possible, can Captain Sivir send someone from your mercenaries to protect our craftsmen? Of course, money is not an issue."
"This?" Sivir looked a bit embarrassed, glancing at Cassiopeia.
Her mercenaries were limited, only around a few dozen. Most had left when she abandoned the original commander, Siharo, in the central desert to die.
This time, Cassiopeia hired only about twenty of them, almost forming the main force.
The remaining manpower was not enough to provide protection for the craftsmen under Li Lin.
"Unfortunately, Captain Sivir has already been hired by us," Cassiopeia said apologetically, her expression filled with regret.
She scrutinized Li Lin, then glanced at Kassadin sitting at the bar, asking with a curious tone:
"I see that you have this armor and the floating robot outside; it should be more than enough to protect the craftsmen, right?"
After waiting for so long, you finally took the bait and asked this question.
"I have other things to attend to," Li Lin restrained his smile and pointed at Kassadin, "I need to accompany my friend south and visit his hometown. I have to take those mechanical devices with me."
Being able to create similar powered armor and accompanying him to his hometown, their relationship must be excellent...
Cassiopeia pondered, then asked with interest, "Heading south? I wonder where his hometown is? We might be going in the same direction. We can provide some assistance on the way."
Seeing Cassiopeia's choice, Sivir raised an eyebrow, feeling surprised at her decision.
But after all, Cassiopeia was the employer, and how many people she wanted to add to the expedition was her business, and he couldn't interfere.
Sivir shook his head and continued to drink in silence.
"That's great! I was worried about not having any other choices besides Captain Sivir's mercenaries," Li Lin raised his beer, toasted Cassiopeia, and then revealed his travel route.
Hearing that their initial travel routes overlapped, Cassiopeia was delighted. "Perfect, we can escort you to the ruins of the Sun City."
She signaled the bartender to refill three glasses and then raised her glass, lightly clinking it with the two, saying, "So... a pleasant cooperation?"
Li Lin's brown-black eyes swept across their faces, and he chuckled, "A pleasant cooperation. I'll rely on both of you for the journey ahead."
[End of the chapter.]
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