Chương 8: Chapter8-Things are getting interesting now
Inside the Duke's mansion.
A few butterflies fluttered and chased each other, dancing through the vibrant garden, making the already brilliant flowers appear even more vivid.
In the midst of this garden, a beautiful blonde woman sat gracefully in a pure white flower pavilion.
Her head was slightly bowed, with golden hair cascading like a waterfall.
Her bright sapphire eyes attentively scanned the magical compendium in her hands.
Occasionally, mana would emanate from her delicate figure, making the flowers around her bloom more brightly.
At one point, she seemed to sense something, her long eyelashes fluttered, and the butterflies resting on her flew away.
Suddenly, beside her appeared a cold, haughty woman dressed in a red and black formal gown.
She wore pristine white silk gloves, and a golden chrysanthemum emblem gleamed on her proud chest in the sunlight.
This symbol represented the most luxurious Chrysanthemum Hotel, which governed the Azure Kingdom's commerce and travel industry.
The emblem on the woman's attire signified that she was the hotel's manager—Charlotte.
In the Azure Kingdom, Charlotte held a high and respected position, frequently dealing with the empire's elite.
When Charlotte appeared, her cold aura made the surrounding air chill, with snowflakes forming at her feet.
However, upon seeing the blonde woman in the pavilion, her icy gaze softened considerably.
She quickly bowed respectfully and said:
"Miss Leslie, I have just received news that you have a new fiancé. His name is Owen. He should be just an ordinary mage, but he unexpectedly defeated the second young lady in the martial competition for marriage… He is now preparing to go to Pharaoh's Tower to advance his tier."
Charlotte succinctly reported the recent events to this noblewoman, who had supported and assisted her.
While the Chrysanthemum Hotel outwardly managed accommodations and travel services, it was actually the largest intelligence network in the Azure Kingdom.
Initially focused on overt information, under Miss Leslie's direction, it also began handling underground intelligence, leaving no news beyond its reach.
Leslie continued to quietly peruse the ancient book in her hands, showing little interest in her so-called fiancé.
After all, her father, Duke Charles, had long been intent on marrying her off.
Even though she had established a notorious reputation as a troublemaker, it was clear he had not given up and continued to find suitors for her. She had grown used to it.
However, when she heard that Owen had defeated her sister, Madelyn, she finally looked up, revealing an angelic and solemnly beautiful face as she gazed at Charlotte.
Although she did not particularly like her exuberant sister, Leslie was well aware of Madelyn's strength.
Having reached silver-tier and with the support of family inheritance skills and a staff, few peers could defeat her.
Yet Owen, without any notable background, managed to do so. This was unusual.
"Miss, the information is absolutely true," Charlotte assured quickly upon seeing Leslie's gaze.
The matter was of great importance, and she had personally investigated Owen's background.
Despite being somewhat incredulous, he indeed appeared to be just an ordinary mage.
"Such a person might be a dark horse. Although he is only bronze-tier level 9, it's better to be safe than sorry. Have the vice leader of the Bounty Guild deal with him personally. Make sure it's done discreetly."
After a brief thought, Leslie made her decision.
She was not fond of uncertainties.
Owen's sudden rise and presence gave her an inexplicable sense of unease.
Since he was her fiancé, it was best to eliminate him.
Charlotte nodded seriously, about to turn and leave when she suddenly remembered something and spoke up, "Miss, when Owen defeated the second young lady, the staff he used was suspected to be the Godslayer Staff…"
The Godslayer Staff was well-known across the continent, and Owen's sudden rise without any apparent reason made her suspect that he might indeed possess the real Godslayer Staff.
Of course, this was just her speculation without much concrete evidence.
"Whether it's true or not, start spreading the news that the Godslayer Staff has resurfaced. Since he likes the spotlight, I'll add fuel to the fire," Leslie said lightly.
If she was going to eliminate Owen, she would first muddy the waters so no one would link it back to her.
Moreover, she was confident that with the Chrysanthemum Hotel's intelligence network, many mages would be unable to resist the temptation.
Regardless of the truth, they would seek out Owen to verify the claims.
In that case, she might not even need the Bounty Guild's vice leader; Owen would likely be killed by those greedy mages.
The vice leader would serve as the final measure or the one to push things over the edge.
Charlotte understood Leslie's intent immediately and agreed that it was a good plan.
By turning Owen into a target, his death would never be traced back to them.
...
Meanwhile, after a moment of contemplation, Owen decided to bring Benedict and his group along to Pharaoh's Tower.
He could understand Duke Charles' intention of having the Wolf Guard follow him.
Although being watched and followed was unpleasant, Duke Charles meant no harm.
Moreover, Benedict was a gold-tier level 1 mage, and most of the guards were around silver-tier level 1.
With such a group accompanying him, Leslie's attempt to assassinate him would become much more difficult.
With them around, he wouldn't have to worry about trivial matters.
Especially considering his current state—penniless, with no gold coins to buy food, water, or healing potions.
Given the wealth of the Duke's mansion, he might as well take advantage of it.
After all, he was now the Duke's prospective son-in-law.
Seeing that Owen was ultimately willing to let Benedict and the guards accompany him, Duke Charles breathed a silent sigh of relief.
It seemed Owen had no intention of running away from the engagement and was indeed planning to head to Pharaoh's Tower for training.
Participating in the martial competition for marriage and then immediately heading to a dungeon to advance his tier—such a hardworking prodigy was truly rare!
Duke Charles grew increasingly satisfied with Owen.
After some friendly conversation, Duke Charles did not disturb Owen further, only reminding him not to push himself too hard.
Owen, playing the part of a novice, nodded repeatedly at Duke Charles' words.
After bidding Duke Charles farewell, Owen immediately set off for Pharaoh's Tower.
By his estimation, it would take about half a day to reach the tower from the capital, as the distance was relatively considerable.
Benedict and the guards, being seasoned warriors, accompanied Owen, replenishing supplies along the way.
They especially stocked up on healing potions and those that could heal mental and physical injuries.
Pharaoh's Tower might not be an extremely formidable dungeon, but the sheer number of ghosts and mummies made it dangerous.
If injuries were not quickly treated, small wounds could easily become serious.
...
As Owen headed towards Pharaoh's Tower with Benedict and his entourage, news about the martial competition for marriage began to spread among the common people.
This event had already caused a stir in various countries, with top-tier prodigies from almost every kingdom participating, drawing widespread attention.
"No wonder Duke Charles' youngest daughter is so formidable.
Madelyn's strength is terrifying! Not only has she reached the silver-tier limit, but her combat experience is vast.
She won 109 consecutive matches, making other prodigies seem like ordinary people in comparison!"
"It's no surprise she dared to hold a martial competition for marriage; her strength is truly frightening!"
"Unfortunately, she was defeated in her 110th match."
"What? Madelyn was defeated? Who could have such strength? Garner from Blackwind Academy? Or a genius from Moonspring Kingdom?"
"Neither. It was someone named Owen, and his tier is only bronze-tier level 9!"
"What... How did he do it? Madelyn's strength is such that even top-tier prodigies aren't her match. What is special about this Owen?"
"No one knows, but Miss Madelyn doesn't intend to marry Owen. Duke Charles has decided to marry Leslie to him instead, so he is now Leslie's fiancé!"
"Leslie's fiancé? The notorious Leslie? Owen has jumped into a pit of fire!"
"I feel the same way, but I heard that the Godslayer Staff is in Owen's possession and that he can wield it!"
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