Chapter 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 fiance?. 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 fiance?.
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.
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 fiance?!"
"Leslie''s fiance?? 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!"