Chapter 210


    Lucan and hispanions were full of zeal, their spirits burning hot. Eight years had passed, and


    never had they felt such excitement, such relief. They even sang songs, their steps brisk.


    The guard was the first to head into the forest to capture some Magi-Monsters. They had set up


    large pots, stoked the fire, and allowed the townsfolk to feast heartily on stewed meat, to gather


    their strength for packing and preparing... to go home...


    The Mallister folk gathered together, busily sorting through what they could take with them. Their


    faces were alight with excited smiles.


    "Here are the magical ores and treasures plundered from Vandill and his men. Take stock of them."


    Balder called vin over. The ground was piled high with all sorts of bundles, filled with treasures


    Vandill had gathered, meant to be taken back to Cobalt Strike. The hoard was impressive, with


    various magical ores, herbs harvested from the forest, and so on.


    vin flipped through a few bundles. "These are all for you."


    "We require no reward," Balder said with a dismissive wave and a smile.


    "It is but right. And with these treasures, I entreat you to establish a chapter of the Mollen family


    within Stormcast," vin, now the Lord of the City, dered. His first tasks were to find homes for


    the city’s folk and to rebuild Stormcast, both of which required a wealth of coin and the support of


    powerful guilds. The Mollen family was his sole ally, the only ones who could aid the citizens of


    Stormcast through the harsh winter ahead and assist in reconstructing their homes, ensuring that


    Stormcast could once again thrive.


    "Rest assured, we would have it no other way. Father will send word to Cobalt Strike, using the


    rebuilding of Stormcast as an opportunity for greatmerce, and allow the Mollen family to settle


    within Cobalt Strike." The Mollen family''s aid to vin was not just due to his potential but also


    because of the value of Stormcast itself. To rebuild an ancient city was not just a business venture


    but also an opportunity to forge a strong alliance with vin. The Mollen family were masters at


    investing in goodwill. Well, vin, they had aided him and his entire city. What reason would he


    have to forsake the Mollen family in the future?"


    "Such great kindness will not be forgotten. I am not one to betray gratitude," vin thought warmly.


    Although this ''friendship'' had a transactional nature, it indeed was a great help.


    "Keep these items for your guards'' training."


    "That seems wise." vin nodded, looking out over the bustling mining district with a sigh of relief


    and a smile on his face.


    Helna was directing the womenfolk to pack up the household, taking all they could carry.


    Oda stood to the side, curiously gazing at the goddess-like Mari’s stunning beauty, pure aura,


    and her distant, frosty demeanor. Having lived in Azure Mountain for eight years, Oda had never


    seen such a transcendent and exquisite woman, and what intrigued her even more was that vin


    had brought back Mari.


    Why would vin bring a girl to such an important asion? Why not Celesse, or Carlys? Was she


    also a Protégé of Cobalt Strike?


    "Oda, what are you daydreaming about? Hurry and pack," Helna called to her.


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    "Helna, who do you think she is?" Oda whispered, linking arms with Helna.


    "Who? Oh, look at me, I''ve forgotten to y host," Helna said, pping her hands and walking over


    with a smile.


    "Helna, what are you doing?"


    "ying host, of course."


    "But you don’t even know who she is."


    "You silly girl, if vin has brought a girl all this way, need there be any question?" Helna neatly


    adjusted her clothes, then stood beside Mari, looking her up and down with increasing approval.


    "My dear, might I inquire your name?"


    Mari, cool andposed, nodded politely. "Mari."


    "A lovely name. Are you also a Protégé of Cobalt Strike?" Helna was secretly amazed; such beauty


    and elegance were rare to behold. Fortune smiled upon her nephew.


    "I am a Protégé of Botanic Haven."


    Botanic Haven? That meant she hailed from the nobility within Cobalt Strike, a fine background


    indeed. Helna''s fondness grew. "And how long have you known vin?"


    "A few months'' acquaintance."


    Perfect! Helna''s smile deepened. "And your age, my dear?"


    Mari suddenly felt a misunderstanding had urred and quickly rified. "I am vin’s senior


    apprentice."


    "A senior apprentice, how wonderful, surely you are most kind and caring." Helna took her hand,


    nodding in satisfaction.


    Mari let out an awkward chuckle, unsure how to exin further.