Above The Sky
Chapter 172 - 172 161 The Real Task 23

172: Chapter 161 The Real Task (2/3) 172: Chapter 161 The Real Task (2/3) “Everyone did a fine job!”

Following the ending of the play Viscount Grant had orchestrated, which concluded far better and more unexpectedly than anticipated, the Viscount commended everyone.

Then, he invited Elder Prude and Ian to the Viscount’s Mansion to discuss the subsequent details.

He would explain to Ian why he had been cast as the protagonist in a staged scene performed before the members of the Ellen Family.

“What’s the matter, is there something wrong?”

On the way, Elder Prude noticed Ian’s slightly furrowed eyebrows and thoughtful expression and asked with concern.

“It’s fine, I’m just feeling somewhat introspective about the complex relationships amongst the nobility.

They’re truly hard to understand.”

Ian’s reply led the Elder to mistakenly believe he was referring to the relationship between Viscount Grant and Patrick, which prompted the old man to say with a smile, “They did have some conflicts in the past…

But some friction is better than no relationship at all.

Moreover, Lord Patrick is actually a decent man—his strong support back then really did save Harrison Port from disaster.”

At this point, the Elder showed a nostalgic expression.

He sighed deeply, as those too difficult years were impossible for the elderly man to forget.

“Indeed.”

Ian’s opinion of Patrick was originally the same as Elder Prude’s; the other man was indeed just a bit hard-mouthed.

If a friend or acquaintance really encountered trouble, no matter what the motive, he would actually help—that alone could be considered kind-heartedness.

But now, he squinted his eyes, full of doubt.

“Would a ‘decent’ noble, a good person who would genuinely lend a hand to a friend, a seemingly gentle uncle…

Why would he attempt to harm his own nephew?”

Yes.

Based on the hostility he had sensed from Patrick at the last moment, Ian immediately understood.

The structure of the second-layer inscription on the Blue Flame Bracelet was indeed crafted by the kind uncle of the Ellen Family!

The man had initially, perhaps, just wanted Yisen Gard to chat more with him, pry into matters a bit; but he hadn’t anticipated the blond youth would be so straightforward as to directly ask about techniques, and then Ian himself did not hesitate to choose the Blue Flame Bracelet, catching him off guard.

In fact, everything was still manageable up to that point…

until Ian actually spotted something, which took the man by surprise, prompting hostility—and for a fleeting moment, even a profound intent to kill!

“The uncle actually being the dark hand behind harming his own nephew, and it hasn’t been discovered by anyone else…

Why is that?

It’s truly incomprehensible.”

Ian agonized over it, “Moreover, there’s even less reason for the killing intent—I may have unmasked his scheme, but killing me won’t solve the issue, and he doesn’t seem like someone who would commit murder out of spite…

There must be more to this!”

Even though it meant facing the murderous intent of a Second Energy Level noble of the Empire.

He was not overly worried.

Because murderous intent is just that, intent, and Patrick had not been rash or foolish enough to make a move openly.

Setting aside whether he could kill Ian or not, judging purely from his emotions, Patrick was more surprised and incredulous, infuriated and baffled, completely at a loss as to why his scheme could have been uncovered.

Although the murderous intent was accumulating, there was not the slightest sign of planning.

Even so, the noble was not nervous and showed no concern that he might be suspected, not revealing even a hint of a flaw.

Therefore, even if he did plan to take action, it would definitely not be now, but only after a detailed plan was in place.

“Patrick’s Inscription Art certainly isn’t advanced enough to produce a second-layer complex inscription structure—there must be someone else behind him.

This is definitely not his lone madness but a reflection of the internal struggle within the Ellen Family…

Ah, the relationships among the nobility are truly difficult to understand.”

And Ian could not help but feel introspective, “This seemingly somewhat arrogant imperial patriarch is also someone capable of playing the fool to catch the wise.”

“Everyone thinks he’s simple-minded, merely an individual who wears his emotions on his sleeve, but in reality, he can hide his true intentions, leaving his targets without a shred of suspicion.”

“One should never underestimate anyone.”

With such introspection, he and Elder Prude arrived at the Viscount’s Mansion and entered the second-floor study.

Viscount Grant, who had returned ahead of them, was waiting for them in front of a huge map of Southern Ridge Continent.

“The Ellen Family, in collaboration with the Imperial Royal Alchemy Association, came for the task given by His Majesty the Emperor,” he said.

Looking at the map, the Viscount took a pen and drew a circle near the sea area close to Tenglan Tribe.

He asserted straightforwardly, “Shining Elemental Crystal Clams—about eight months ago, this new Magical Beast was discovered by an unaffiliated Adventurer group appearing in this sea area near the Luminous Sea.”

Turning his head, Viscount Grant gestured for Ian and Elder Prude to come forward and look at the map, “It’s a special kind of ‘strategic creature’ capable of producing highly pure natural Elemental Crystals.”

“That unaffiliated adventurer team was incorporated by the Platinum Iridium Workshop, and they also reported this information to The Empire.

The Empire’s upper echelons took this matter very seriously; therefore, they dispatched a squad to confirm the authenticity of this information.

If possible, to capture the subject and bring it back to the Imperial Capital for research.”

“They are that squad.”

Ian nodded, as he had already guessed as much: “The Ellen Family came for the honor of this achievement.”

At that moment, he also understood why Senan had come to him with that stack of Fluorescent Algae, seeking his appraisal—because that stack of Fluorescent Algae came from the habitat of the Element Crystal Clams, the domain of the Luminous Sea controlled by the Tenglan Tribe.

The reason the other party wanted an appraisal was probably to obtain data on the local Fluorescent Algae and other crystal shellfish-associated plants, in preparation for subsequent breeding and cultivation of the Element Crystal Clams.

And indeed, both the Element Crystal Clams and the Fluorescent Algae were born from the dungeon anomaly…

So it was also true that their exploration team had come for the labyrinth!

“That’s exactly right.

It was a direct command from His Majesty the Emperor.

The current lady of Marquis Ayrin is His Majesty’s second daughter.

Though she lacks a Bloodline, she is quite favored, and she has secured this mission for her own flesh and blood son,” Viscount Grant said calmly, nodding his head.

“It’s a considerable honor—the Elemental Crystals are strategic materials.

Although The Empire already has stable access to Elemental Crystals through strategic cultivation of certain organisms, no one would consider having too many.”

“It’s a great deed.

We couldn’t possibly not be involved.”

In essence, Elemental Crystals are solidified, artificial gems without any attribute inclination or inscription structure.

If gems are said to draw upon the power of Spirit Energy, then Elemental Crystals draw upon the power of Origin Quality.

As he spoke, the Viscount’s gaze turned to Elder Prude—the Elder of the White Folks nodded silently, his brow furrowed as if deep in thought.

Ian also remained silent, well aware that the Viscount was signaling his goodwill.

The White Folks of Harrison Port were exiles, the remnants of the once-famous maze researchers, the Cheharlowa Family from the Imperial Capital; only Elder Prude still remembered this identity.

Exile isn’t absolute; if they were to never be forgiven, then the Former Emperor could have just thrown the members of the Cheharlowa Family to the real front lines, such as the vast deserts of Fiery Flame Land…

With enough accomplishments, the White Folks may very well reclaim their surname, once again become Nobles, and regain their honor.

This mission could be a good opportunity…

After all, it was the Former Emperor who exiled the Cheharlowa Family, and the current Emperor is Guardian Axel.

With sufficient accomplishments, the other party might not mind pardoning the sins of the White Folks.

This was something that had many precedents.

“We need your power for this.”

This time, the Viscount was addressing Ian.

Viscount Grant watched Ian seriously, yet his tone contained a relaxed smile: “You’ve really done incredibly well, Ian.

Your performance…

well, it far exceeded my expectations, but I’m not surprised, because you truly are that talented.”

“A Fourteen-year-old First-Level Sublimator, even though only a Wave Singer of a lower-level Inheritance, it’s still an outstanding talent…

If one day I advance to the Third Energy Level and have more capital, I’ll consider giving you the Second Energy Level Sea Demon Inheritance.”

Both Ian and Elder Prude were startled by these words, then they simultaneously expressed their thanks.

“Hmm.”

The Viscount accepted their gratitude as a matter of course, settling back behind his desk, with his hands propped on his chin, calmly stating: “Ian, if all goes as expected, the next time I discuss with Lord Patrick and Master Gossay, you will become their appeaser for the exploration team—as a remnant of the Cheharlowa Family and as my subordinate.”

Viscount Grant was skilled in making the most of others, pulling off a ‘feather from another’s wing’ maneuver…

just as he had previously used Mr.

Silver Workshop’s Magical Plant to curry favor with Master Gossay, and now he was using Ian’s abilities and work to insert himself into the Emperor’s mission.

But no one would feel there was anything wrong with that, because he was the link between people—if not for his relationship as a disciple to Master Gossay, even if Master Gossay saw potential in Ian, he would not have tried to bring Ian into his team.

For a person without a background, entering their team would be detrimental and unhelpful.

Perhaps because of his talent in interpersonal relationships, Viscount Grant had particularly well-informed sources, and he had led Harrison Port through its most critical times, achieving what even Old Grant Viscount might not have been able to do.

But this was also a certain weakness…

Outside the diplomatic field, although Viscount Grant’s Sublimation Skills were promising, he didn’t have a knack for Inscriptions and Alchemy, so much that even maintenance of the Aether Armament required the assistance of Elder Prude and Ian to manage.

Deeply aware of this, Ian continued to listen for hints from Viscount Grant: “Don’t worry too much, this isn’t a dangerous mission.

The Tenglan Tribe has nearly severed ties with the Mountain Tide Faction, and even though the Great Shaman still commands the Authority over the Totem Masters, they can no longer integrate harmoniously, so there won’t be much danger at sea.”

“The only problem is the Magical Beasts, but with Lord Patrick and Master Gossay present, even if those two Tenglan Giant Eels appeared together, they still might not really be able to harm you.”

Saying so, the brown-haired, blue-eyed Noble nodded earnestly: “What you need to do is to return as safely as possible, show your capabilities, and leave a strong impression on them so that they see you as promising material, as an excellent Appraiser.”

“Then, perhaps, they might reveal to you the ‘true mission’ of their operation!”

“Eh?”

Upon hearing this, Ian couldn’t help but be startled.

He and the Viscount exchanged glances, and with a bit of confusion, he asked, “The true mission?”