Farming in a Parallel World and Becoming a God
Chapter 296 - 239: Gains and Losses_1

Chapter 296: Chapter 239: Gains and Losses_1

"Whether we can withstand it or not is a matter for the Spring Bud Forest alone; it has nothing to do with the Queen or the Royal Court. As long as I live another day, the armies of the Summer Court will never set foot in our Spring Bud Forest. I refuse to follow my parents’ path, still unable to seek death, unable to cling to life, forever mired in the agony of corruption," Lord Virginia said with a cold expression.

"I have explained from the beginning that this was a misunderstanding. Choosing to use half of the Spring Bud Forest’s territory as a prison to seal the Enchanted Realm was a choice of last resort. Had we not done so, not only would the entire Spring Bud Forest have been lost, but other territories of the Summer Court would have fallen as well.

This matter was agreed upon by Lord Antonios and the Lady, and a contract was signed with the Royal Court. The Summer Court promised to protect the Spring Bud Forest and ensure your safety for all eternity. Here is the Covenant Stone as proof. If you don’t believe me, see and listen for yourself."

"Do you really think the Royal Court would have tolerated your antics until now if not for this sacred covenant?

"And if the Royal Court hadn’t launched costly surprise attacks from behind every time the Black Mirror Kingdom tried to expand into the Spring Bud Forest, do you honestly believe the Spring Bud Forest could have held out until now?"

What Yagerweil pulled out was a fist-sized white stone in the shape of a heart, emitting a subtle magic fluctuation. It clearly had magical uses; besides recording voices, even recording images was possible.

Lord Virginia had no intention of accepting it, saying coldly, "I don’t need such a thing. The residents of the Spring Bud Forest have memories, and so does the forest. If not for the threats and seductions of the Summer Court back then, my parents would not have made such a choice.

Don’t paint everything so righteously. Why don’t you mention that for this past century, our Spring Bud Forest has been like a thorn in the side of the Black Mirror Kingdom, preventing them from mustering all their strength to attack the Summer Court?"

"You..." Yagerweil was at a loss for words. Lord Virginia was more difficult to deal with than anticipated; impervious to persuasion, her prejudice and hatred towards the Summer Court hadn’t faded with time but had deepened, believing that Summer Court bore an inescapable responsibility for the fate of her parents and the other half of the Spring Bud Forest.

Unless this issue was resolved, there was no way to draw her back into the embrace of the Summer Court, let alone secure ownership of the Dragon Oak War Giant Tree.

Just by looking at the situation in the entire Spring Bud Forest, one could tell that the Spring Bud Forest was now completely bound with the Dragon Oak War Giant Tree.

Left with no choice, Yagerweil could only shift his gaze to the Half-Elf beside Lord Virginia to see if he could negotiate indirectly: "Mr. Gaven, as an observer, you should have a clearer view. Cooperating with the Summer Court is all benefit and no harm. One must not, out of self-interest, disregard the safety of all beings living in the Spring Bud Forest."

Gaven showed an inquisitive expression: "I’m very curious; if both sides cooperate, how is that different from now? If the Black Mirror attacks in force, you could just attack the Black Mirror Kingdom from behind. The moment they’re under enough pressure, they’ll naturally retreat. Why should we have to bring the Royal Court’s troops here to defend?"

Prince Yagerweil shook his head and said, "The situation with the Black Mirror Kingdom is very particular. Beneath this land, an Ancient Evil from the Enchanted Realm is sealed. If we launch a large-scale war here,

the souls of both friends and foes will be absorbed by the seal, preventing our soldiers from resurrecting and transforming until corrupted and fallen, becoming part of its strength.

If it absorbs too many souls, it might break free from the seal.

Without certainty of destroying the Enchanted Realm, we cannot rashly wage war on the territory of the Black Mirror Kingdom."

"I see," Gaven said with a smile, indicating he had no further questions. "Lord Virginia is the true ruler of the Spring Bud Forest. Whatever happens here, it’s her call. As an ally, a guest, I support whatever decision she makes."

Even if he had different opinions, Gaven would discuss them privately with Lord Virginia and not undermine her in such a setting. Standing firmly behind her, even ready to march into the Hell Abyss alongside her, was the right attitude.

Lord Virginia gave no chance for Yagerweil to continue his persuasion and stood up, saying, "Your Highness, there’s no need for further words. My mind is made up. Please relay my decision to Her Majesty the Queen as soon as possible. I have other matters to attend to and won’t see you out."

She issued a clear eviction notice, "Also, next time, do not open a Teleportation Spell directly to the Dragon Oak War Giant Tree, or don’t blame me for treating you as enemies and launching an Attack."

"We acted rashly, and it will not happen again," Yagerweil conceded, knowing that this diplomatic effort would return unsuccessful.

Their initial impulsive visit had cast a shadow over this envoys’ mission from the start.

"I hope you will reconsider the matter carefully. The gates of the Summer Court are always open for you and for the Spring Bud Forest. When you need the Summer Court’s reinforcements, blow this horn, and the reinforcements will arrive within a day," Yagerweil said, placing a small golden horn down before turning to leave.

Lord Virginia had no intention of escorting him out. Simply allowing Yagerweil into the main hall to state his case was the most courtesy she had shown to the Summer Court.

Virginia walked over, picked up the golden horn intending to smash it, but Gaven grasped it together with her hand, saying, "There’s no point in taking out your anger on an inanimate object. Whether to use it is entirely up to you. Keeping it gives you an extra option."

"Then you keep it, as it offends my eyes," Virginia said, no longer insisting, and tossed the golden horn to Gaven, "Come on out for a walk with me. I feel a bit stifled."

"Of course," Gaven agreed willingly.

Virginia immediately pulled Gaven and cast a Teleportation Spell, arriving at a platform just a few square meters in size.

This platform was at the very top of the Dragon Oak War Giant Tree; from this vantage point, not only was the entire Dragon Oak War Giant Tree within view but the entire Spring Bud Forest as well.

If it weren’t for the thin mist unique to the Fairy Wilderness obstructing the view, it would be possible to see parts of the distant Black Forest.

Virginia gathered her wind-blown locks and couldn’t help but ask in a low voice, "Do you think my decision was too willful, by refusing the Summer Court’s offer of troops, it is like pushing Spring Bud Forest to the forefront of the war."

"Didn’t we begin with that very preparation in mind?" Gaven had none of Virginia’s hesitance, chuckling, "Did you really think they had our best interests at heart? It’s only because we managed to activate the War Giant Tree of Dragon Oak, at this moment for them to deploy troops into Spring Bud Forest, even a fool would guess what they’re really after."

Gaven paused slightly and continued, "Rejecting their reinforcements certainly increases the pressure at the beginning, but as long as we hold firm, and I expand our reach on the outside, we will have complete control of the discourse. If the war truly turns against us, at worst we’ll only guard the War Giant Tree of Dragon Oak, and let’s see if the Summer Court dares to allow the Black Mirror Kingdom to take over most of Spring Bud Forest. They might be even more anxious than us."

Virginia rubbed her cheeks forcefully, putting away her rare fragility, reverting to her usual calm composure, and smiled, "Thank you, you’re right, it’s my heart that was unsettled. I originally thought I wouldn’t be affected by such emotions, but to completely rid myself of them is indeed very difficult."

"Haha..." Gaven couldn’t help but laugh, "If a person loses all their passions and desires, they become a machine, not a person anymore. This side of you, to me, feels more real."

"With your sweet mouth, it looks like you’ve brought back some good news this time, haven’t you?" Virginia evidently didn’t wish to dwell on her own feelings, instead turning the topic towards Gaven.

"It’s more than just good news, a new Milestone of Destiny has been reached, although it has also attracted new enemies." Gaven shared the gains from Weizemay Manor, beaming with joy with Virginia.

She understood her situation deeply; some things need not be kept secret.

Taking pleasure in one’s achievement alone without sharing is even more satisfying.

Perhaps due to the frequent wonders Gaven brought to her, Lord Virginia this time didn’t react too exaggeratedly, but the genuine joy couldn’t be disguised.

The fates of their two domains were becoming more entwined, sharing weal and woe.

The hope of the Spring Bud territory also rested on Gaven. The smoother his external expansions, the faster their growth.

Mentioning the Goddess of Undead Vengeance, Chiaranlisha, Lord Virginia appeared slightly moved, "This True God was once a dark Elf Queen. As a mortal, she was famously vengeful, and after Divine Enthronement, even more extreme. Merely speaking slightingly could provoke her and her followers into crazed vengeance, let alone interfering with her plans.

"It’s unlikely she will take personal action. In her war with Blood Lord Okas, her God Kingdom was destroyed, and she nearly perished. She is said to have hidden in the Magic Network of the Rose’s deep pits to rest and heal.

"But her followers will definitely launch crazed revenge on you. When that time comes, you must beware of assassins from the Shadow Plane and Undead Spirits."

"I know." Gaven nodded, "Chiaranlisha is not resting in the Magic Network of the deep pits, but in the Shadow Plane; the domain of Undead Vengeance I broke is the proof. While she was alive, she didn’t dare to easily approach Rose, let alone go there to sleep."

"True." Virginia nodded in agreement, "To rest and heal in the Magic Network of the deep pits is like an insect caught in a spider’s web; it would be very difficult to have a chance to wake again. That greedy spider, Rose, wouldn’t mind extending her divine domain into the realms of Undead and Revenge."

"How is that Deformed Golden Crown being handled? Have you found a way to purify it?" Gaven asked.

Lord Virginia shook her head, "No, it’s more troublesome than I anticipated. This evil artifact is not like other weapons forged by Cyclops, which are distorted by acquired power by Foul Giants, but it is crafted by the rare Foul Giant craftsmen, inherently deformed and twisted, making it the most suitable equipment for Foul Giants. If we purify it, it’s likely to lose its original Special Ability and become a proper Golden Crown."

"Foul Giants have craftsmen?" Gaven asked in surprise, finding it hard to imagine what these twisted and hideous Foul Giant craftsmen might look like and how twisted their tastes might be.

"They do, but very few. They either hide away or whenever they do show up, they are uniquely endowed with exceptional talents. Foul Giants treat them like treasures, worshipping them in the deepest parts of the Dark Domain, far from ordinary people’s sight," Virginia explained.

"It seems that there are exceptions to everything." Gaven continued to ask, "What about that round shield? Has it been dealt with?"

"I haven’t gotten around to dealing with that either. I’ve been busy with the affairs of the domain lately. If you’re in a rush to use it, you can take it. Its damage mitigation is already quite powerful. When I have time, I’ll help you handle it," said Lord Virginia, feeling somewhat embarrassed as she had initially taken the initiative to help Gaven but had not resolved a single item yet.

"No need, give them all to me, I’ll show you a little magic trick!" Gaven chuckled, teasingly holding back information.

"A magic trick? What are you planning now, or could it be that you didn’t tell me everything just now, that the Milestone of Destiny has granted you some new special ability?" Lord Virginia guessed accurately, knowing every time Gaven showed this expression, it was his time to boast.

"Sense of humor, sense of humor, you really have none of it at all," Gaven glared at Virginia with feigned annoyance.

"So how should I react? Maybe I should say, ’Wow, Brother Gaven, you’re so amazing, I admire you so much... ugh...’" Virginia mockingly imitated Nicole’s coquettish manner of speaking, but before she could finish, she got goosebumps herself.

Gaven also felt goosebumps and quickly shook his head, "Forget it, forget it, if you were like that, you wouldn’t be you anymore. Let’s just talk normally."

During their conversation, the two had already arrived at the storage location of the Deformed Golden Crown.