Chapter 253
Chapter 253 – Paving the way
This was a very tempting suggestion, so Han Shuo was immediately interested. However, he didn’t instantly agree either. Instead, he said, “As you know, I’m a member of the Dark Mantle. Furthermore, I have a lot of things that I, myself, need to do as well, so I don’t have that much time that I can spend on the military.”
“I think that won’t be a problem. You’re a mage, so you naturally should have plenty of your own time. As long as you gain the title of duke and your own land, then you are free to do with your time as you see fit, as long as there are no issues within the territory you rule,” Lawrence immediately responded as if he had been prepared for his answer.
“Then, what do you want me to do?” Han Shuo was momentarily confused, then asked as he looked towards Lawrence in confusion.
“I’ll help you gain a place in the military first. As long as you’ve made enough contributions, I can use my relationships to help you gain the identity of a noble. Once you receive the title of a duke, then I’ll help you lay your hands on some territory. Everything will be good as long as your territory develops well,” Lawrence seemed to be very familiar with this sort of thing as he started explaining everything to Han Shuo with a smile.
When he’d left Valen City, Han Shuo knew that his fortunes would be tied with Lawrence sooner or later. With his current strength and the existence of the cemetery of death, Han Shuo believed that he would be able to leave unscathed, even if Lawrence lost the struggle for power.
If he wanted to climb higher, he would have to depend on a person that could help him. Lawrence was definitely a suitable candidate. He was someone who’d gained the king’s affection and also held some power. Additionally, with the aid of Candide, Han Shuo believed that it wouldn’t be too long before he gained power.
“It looks like we truly are going to be tied together,” Han Shuo smiled and said to Lawrence.
Lawrence laughed happily, then said with pride, “We were on the same side since ages ago. Ever since I went back to the Empire, I started helping you pave your path. Now that you’ve graduated from the necromancy department, and so swiftly at that, things have become even more convenient for me.”
Han Shuo couldn’t help but be shocked after hearing him say that. He hadn’t thought that even Lawrence would receive news so quickly that he’d graduated, apart from Candide. It seemed like the two really did pay a lot of attention to him.
There were many soft animal-skinned chairs around the hall alongside fresh vegetables, exquisite snacks, and glasses of expensive alcohol costing a gold coin each. A large circular chandelier, with a five meter diameter, shone down upon the scene with ambiguous light, causing the women dancing to the light hearted music underneath it to appear extremely sexy.
“Hey, Lawrence, you haven’t come in a long time,” A guy, who was clearly a fop of a rich family, greeted Lawrence as the former led in a thinly covered woman exuding sexiness.
“Bruno, why do I see you every time I come here?” Lawrence casually picked up a wine glass filled with amber wine from a table laden with numerous other drinks. He responded to this weakling dandy after taking a sip of wine.
“Life is just that boring. There are only some places in the northern workshops that spark my interest. That’s why I come over here. Isn’t it the same for you?” Bruno winked towards Lawrence and said meaningfully.
“Alright, I came here purely to entertain my friend. I won’t chat too much with you this time, so let’s have a good discussion next time,” Lawrence apologized, then dragged Han Shuo across the hall into another quiet place.
Lawrence had brought Han Shuo through a corridor, around a few corners, and into another quiet hall after a few moments. There wasn’t anyone in this hall, but there was a magic barrier around it.
Lawrence took out a magic scroll and chanted a spell. The magic scroll emitted out a hazy azure light, and the surrounding walls cracked open under the light. Lawrence turned around and indicated for Han Shuo to enter with him.
Han Shuo was shocked as he looked at the pathway under the light. He asked since he was clearly befuddled, “It’s very normal for a place like this to have a secret passageway, but why do you know about it?”
“Of course I would know about it, because I am the true owner of the Rose Garden. Bryan, since we are being honest with each other, I won’t hide this secret from you!” Lawrence laughed, then pulled Han Shuo inside. There were quite a few magical seals along the corridor that extended towards the very bottom.
There were a lot of things that made Han Shuo surprised about this hidden place. However, what shocked Han Shuo the most was that the true owner of this gold mine was Lawrence. No wonder Candide had said that Lawrence wasn’t simple during their first meeting. It seemed that he did know quite a lot of things about Lawrence.
“Come, I’ll take you to meet Phoebe and my master. I think that he must be very interested in you!” Lawrence was very satisfied with Han Shuo’s surprise as he laughed and pulled Han Shuo inside.