Work Prophet
Chapter 354 - 112 Iron Thorns

Chapter 354: Chapter 112 Iron Thorns

Hearing the envy in her old rival’s words, Angela’s small face also revealed a smug expression.

Just as she was about to say a few more words about the origin of that golden statue they had just passed, she noticed Ireya pulling her cape aside, inadvertently revealing the brooch on her chest.

The next moment, Angela’s breath stopped abruptly.

Having been born into the Immanuel Family and being Diodosi’s daughter, she had seen countless pieces of jewelry since her youth, but she had never seen such a beautiful gemstone before.

It was pure, devoid of any impurities, with dozens of facets of varying sizes, interconnected and dazzling under the sunlight.

No woman could resist such a temptation.

From the first glance, Angela couldn’t move her gaze away from it, and soon, she subconsciously started to estimate the value of the gemstone.

Even though she was reluctant to admit it, Miss Weasel had to acknowledge that the value of this gemstone far exceeded that of the golden statue before them.

What infuriated her even more was, why such a beautiful gemstone was in the hands of this bumpkin.

——The man-made ruby had been given to Miss Rabbit by Li Yu early on.

However, given the gemstone’s extraordinary purity and the uniqueness of its cutting technique, it was not the right time to sell it when the Silver Moon Sect and the Arias family were still amassing their strength discretely.

So, the Lady had no choice but to play with it secretly at home.

It was only after the success of the dragon slaying that the Arias family was no longer what it once was, and Ireya could finally choose one to set in her brooch.

Knowing that Li Yu was planning to travel to Black Stone City, Miss Rabbit thought she might encounter Angela there.

When leaving the house, she decisively wore the new brooch, and as expected, she flaunted it right in Angela’s face.

Watching Miss Weasel go from proud to ashen-faced, the Lady felt as refreshed as if she had enjoyed two bottles of ice-cold cola in the midst of summer.

Li Yu paid no attention to the silent battle between the two women by his side; his gaze was entirely captivated by a plant in the courtyard.

Angela tried hard to pretend she was indifferent to the ruby, following Li Yu’s gaze, she explained.

"Oh, my father calls it Iron Thorns, because its trunk is covered in terrible sharp spikes that can easily cut your fingers if you’re not careful.

"It is said to have been brought over by a caravan from the East, but they were unlucky; as soon as they entered the Western Territories, they were targeted by a gang of bandits, not only was their merchandise stolen, but they were also killed.

"My father later bought it from a traveler for two hundred gold lions and planted it in the garden, but its fruits are not attractive, dull and black."

Hearing this, Li Yu nodded, not saying anything more.

The three of them then walked through the garden and arrived at the whitewashed castle at the back.

There, Li Yu and the Lady did not encounter the Immanuel Family Head Diodosi but were instead received by a well-mannered housekeeper dressed in a fur-trimmed robe.

She treated them to a rather splendid lunch.

After they had had their fill of wine and food, the two parties finally began to discuss serious matters.

The housekeeper said, "Lord Diodosi is very grateful to the two of you for the dragon-slaying feat, which avenged his wife’s death. He wishes to thank you in person... However, the Lord’s body is still very weak at the moment, and he is unable to get out of bed to meet guests, so I must convey his message on his behalf.

"Rest assured though, Lord Diodosi has appointed me as his plenipotentiary, and any agreement reached with me is as good as an agreement reached with Lord Diodosi himself."

The housekeeper paused before continuing, "As is well known, the Immanuel family has always been faithful followers of the Silver Moon Goddess Pexia, and as natives of the western territory, we have worshipped the goddess longer than any other family."

"But I’ve heard there are quite a few conflicts between your two sides now," Ireya said.

"Conflicts that can be reconciled," emphasized the housekeeper, "Hirodod was insane, poisoning four high priests and numerous nobles in the city, but his atrocities have nothing to do with the goddess. As long as we find him and make him pay the price he deserves, I believe our relationship with the Silver Moon Church will quickly get back on track."

"Since when did the Immanuel family become so loyal?" the Lady could not help but say.

Faced with this comment, the housekeeper was not angry; instead, she said, "Yes, the Immanuel family has always believed that everything in this world can be traded."

Her frankness left Ireya at a loss for words.

The housekeeper no longer beat around the bush, "Lord Diodosi has studied your sect’s doctrines and precepts. The rule of a double rest every week clearly conflicts with our long-held belief in hard work and wealth earned by our own hands.

"Not working two days out of seven is something we simply cannot accept."

"While Double Rest Sect’s followers only work five days a week, they create far more value than followers of the Silver Moon Church who work seven," Li Yu said, "The Immanuel family need not worry about this."

"Lord Diodosi is skeptical about this. Also, unlike the Silver Moon Church, the Double Rest Sect maintains a sizeable armed force, which is another concern for Lord Diodosi.

"The tragedy in Duolin City proves once again the terrible consequences of a church having armed forces.

"Well, that’s roughly what I had to say. If your sect is willing to amend its precepts and disband the Black Hound Guard, Lord Diodosi is also willing to grant you the right to conduct missionary work in Black Stone City."

The attitude of the Immanuel family was unexpectedly uncompromising.

Both Li Yu and Ireya were somewhat surprised. They would have thought that since they were invited to Black Stone City for discussions, the other side would have prepared some concessions.

But now it seemed that the Immanuel family did indeed make certain concessions, but they were unyielding on two key issues.

And these two points were also the ones Li Yu could not compromise on under any circumstances.

The housekeeper said, "There’s no need for you to rush into a decision. Lord Diodosi also hopes to have you as his distinguished guests for dinner, and regardless of the outcome, he feels apologetic for the trouble you’ve taken to come all the way to Black Stone City.

"He will prepare a generous gift for you before your departure."

"There’s no need for a generous gift—could you give me a few Iron Thorns seeds?"

"That strange tree in the courtyard full of spikes?" The housekeeper was a little surprised, but quickly nodded and said, "Of course, but those seeds can’t be eaten raw; they are poisonous, and even when ripe, they shouldn’t be eaten in large amounts."

"Thank you," Li Yu nodded in gratitude.

Just having obtained these few seeds made Li Yu feel that his trip to Black Stone City was worthwhile. As for whatever game Diodosi was playing, Li Yu was not so concerned about it anymore.