Chapter 46: The Bargaining Chip

Lynch’s mansion was nestled deep within a dense forest, situated on the very edge of town where few people ever ventured.

The malicious clamor that had followed them finally faded, replaced by the enchanting chorus of nature.

Chloe stepped down from the carriage, its once exquisite exterior now stained with red and yellow marks.

All along the way, people had hurled tomatoes and eggs at them. Though Lynch had ordered his guards to apprehend the perpetrators, their numbers only swelled, growing ever larger.

Among them were grieving mothers, enraged husbands, and helpless children. Even if Chloe wished to vent her fury, she knew not where to direct it.

Xina silently dismounted the carriage, not uttering a single word.

Chloe had worried she might lose control of her emotions, yet Xina had remained exceptionally calm.

“We’ve arrived.”

Lynch rode a grey steed towards the two women, his clothes likewise splattered with tomatoes and eggs. The combined stench was strangely unsettling.

“Where is my brother?”

Bloen, his hands bound behind him, was slung over Lynch’s horse. He writhed and struggled, much like a worm.

Chloe cast a disgusted glance his way. Catching her eye, Bloen offered her a wide smile.

“What’s wrong, my sweet?”

Chloe had learned from Lynch that this man was not Arthur Hanover at all, but a fellow named Bloen. He worked for Cliff, and being an Elf, his long ears made perfect sense.

Chloe held no pleasantries for Cliff’s minion. She merely scoffed, then took Xina’s hand and led her through the main gate, leaving the coachman outside with the horses.

The mansion was not overtly luxurious, yet it boasted numerous windows, allowing sunlight to stream in from all directions, bathing the interior in a bright glow.

Upon entering, a long mural immediately caught Chloe’s eye.

It depicted a dragon—or so she assumed, unsure if such creatures existed in this world. The dragon’s eyes were crimson, yet its body was as white as snow, adorned with beautiful scales. It emerged from the water, as graceful and stunning as a beauty rising from her bath.

Noticing Chloe’s gaze fixed on the painting, Lynch spoke softly, “My lady, I acquired this painting from a merchant in Levant. If you desire it, I would be honored to gift it to you.”

“No, there’s no need. I was merely looking,” Chloe replied, a hint of awkwardness in her tone.

“Consider this painting my apology for not reporting to you sooner. Please, you must accept it.”

Lynch solicitously removed the painting, rolled it up, and presented it to Chloe with both hands.

“In that case, I shall humbly accept.”

Chloe took the scroll and unrolled it slightly for a quick peek. The silver dragon’s scarlet eyes held a fatal allure for her, making it difficult to look away.

Xina suddenly leaned in, drawing Chloe back to reality. She quickly rolled up the painting.

‘Where should I hang this painting? Perhaps in the council hall. It would certainly overshadow the Great Eye family banner. Every time I sit in the council hall, I feel that enormous eye staring at me, sending shivers down my spine.’

“Please follow me. The dining hall is ahead.”

Lynch summoned several young male servants. Each of them was youthful, handsome, and tall, their bodies perfumed with a lemon scent so potent it made Chloe’s eyes water.

The refined servants courteously led them into the dining hall, where all the attending staff were equally handsome men.

‘Was Lynch attempting a honey trap with men? Sorry, but Chloe was only interested in honey traps with beautiful women. He should bring out his most stunning maids instead.’

Several long tables occupied the center of the dining hall, laden with steaming delicacies.

An incongruous figure sat at one of the chairs: a handsome blonde, blue-eyed man ravenously devouring a piece of bread. His ears were as long as Bloen’s, confirming he was Bloen’s brother.

However, they bore no resemblance to each other. The younger brother was far more attractive than his elder, perhaps even rivaling Xia Ni’s true appearance—though Chloe admitted that last thought was mere wishful thinking.

As Lynch led the bound Bloen into the dining hall, the Elf immediately rushed towards Bloen. He stooped his tall frame, rubbing against Bloen’s body, weeping copious tears.

“Brother, you’re alive!”

“Of course I’m alive,” Bloen said helplessly. “What about you? Were you hurt anywhere?”

“Not at all! They’re all good people. They even gave me new clothes and so much delicious food!”

‘This Elf seems a bit foolish, despite his towering height,’ Chloe mused silently. She glanced at Xina, who was gazing longingly at the food on the table. ‘Ah, their mental ages are probably quite similar.’

“So, could you please untie these damned ropes for me?” Bloen looked at Chloe, inquiring.

“Why ask me? I’m not the one who tied you up,” Chloe replied.

‘Shouldn’t Bloen be asking Lynch, not her?’

“You… are his liege.”

Bloen’s expression was grim, as if Chloe’s obtuseness was about to make him faint with frustration.

“I don’t recall Saint Fros having any enmity with Linber. Bringing us here is simply a gift for the new liege.”

Bloen shrugged.

“Rather than living alongside a big sissy and a bunch of little sissies, I’d much prefer to travel with two beautiful maidens.”

“Mr. Bloen, you have a unique way of describing people.”

Lynch forced a smile. He called for several male servants, intending to seat Bloen, but Bloen quickly broke free.

“I can’t stand their scent or their makeup. Can you prepare some pretty maids for me instead?”

Lynch clapped his hands, and several female servants indeed emerged from a room. They were all tall, with fair, long legs. They lifted Bloen, and this time, he did not resist; instead, a look of profound enjoyment spread across his face.

Chloe had to thank Bloen this time; great minds truly think alike. However, why was Lynch so compliant with Bloen’s requests?

Xina set down her food and tugged at Chloe’s collar. Chloe turned her head, and Xina whispered into her ear, “Little Chloe, I think this Lynch has something up his sleeve.”

Hmm, indeed. Lynch had been acting unusually, especially regarding the capture of the Bloen brothers. Although Chloe loathed Cliff, who constantly tried to trip her up, they were outwardly friendly allies. Arbitrarily seizing an ally’s envoy was tantamount to tearing up their alliance.

With Alice and Lucia absent, Chloe knew she had to navigate this game of cards on her own.

Chloe closed her eyes, then took a deep breath, striving to clear her mind. When she opened them again, she noticed everyone’s gaze fixed upon her.

“It’s getting late. Please, everyone, take your seats,” Lynch said with a smile.

Chloe began to search for a spot, eventually sitting with Xina. Lynch, meanwhile, sat with Bloen’s brother, placing the two factions in direct opposition.

However, Lynch, as the host, should have occupied the central seat, but Bloen had brazenly claimed it.

“Are you supposed to sit there?” Chloe asked, tilting her head.

“I am the bargaining chip, so of course I should sit here. It makes it easier for both of you to contend for me.”

Lynch’s expression shifted, and he cast a look of distaste at Bloen, as if chiding him for revealing the truth.

Chloe considered this. If, as Bloen claimed, he was a gift offered to them, would Lynch truly demand nothing in return? It was more likely a negotiation, with Bloen as the primary bargaining chip—or, more accurately, the information he possessed. Lynch would undoubtedly present his own demands to Chloe and her companions, likely concerning Linber’s autonomy or similar concessions.

It seemed this game of cards had begun long before Chloe and Xina even entered Linber, which explained Bloen’s audacious confidence.

“Everyone, look at me! I have an announcement to make!”

Bloen suddenly bellowed, startling everyone, who promptly turned their attention to him. He looked extremely pleased, raising a single finger.

“Glais II has passed away. Before his death, he legitimized all his illegitimate children. Therefore, his succession flows to his only surviving legitimate bastard—Norria Normanthine. Our journey to Eledis was precisely to present Prince Norria to His Majesty Carloman.”

‘Well, Bloen has gone all in.’

Rather than focusing on Lynch’s exasperated reaction, Chloe was more concerned with Xina’s expression. She turned her head to observe Xina beside her.

A flicker of light passed through Xina’s deep violet eyes, and her beautiful lips trembled slightly.

“Norria?”