Orifen's Good Intentions

Olivier ignored Sezga and, like a light shadow, bypassed the pillars and silently walked toward Yevian.

As he stepped within three feet of Ye Wei'an, a slight chill suddenly crept up his spine to the back of his head.

Orifen instinctively stopped in his tracks.

"Now that we're so close, why stop here, Mr. Olivier?"

Ye Wei'an suddenly opened his eyes and said.

Olivier was suddenly jolted; the frustration of being instantly exposed made him raise his opinion of Ye Weian even higher.

As a Level 4 wanderer, Olivier prides himself on his stealth skills, claiming that lower-level spellcasters can't detect him at all.

Little did he know that on the miniature map in Ye Wei'an's mind, that yellow dot was as conspicuous as a torch in the night.

Orifen took a deep breath, stepped out of the shadows, and spread his hands to indicate that he meant no harm.

"By Shinworth, your perception is astounding, Mr. Ye Wei'an." He gave a friendly smile. "I just wanted to take advantage of this long vigil to get to know the new spellcaster of the Xia Xing family."

Seeing that Ye Weian did not refuse, he took a few more steps closer and said, "I'm sorry, but after spending so much time in the wild, I'm more used to making friends with interesting people through actions rather than business cards."

"If by 'fun' you mean sitting here keeping watch, then I'm afraid I'm afraid I'll have to disappoint you."

"No, my intuition tells me you're an interesting person."

After exchanging a few pleasantries, Olivier took the initiative to strike up a conversation with him.

Ye Wei'an happened to be bored by himself and was also interested in getting to know this interesting nobleman.

The two talked about everything from the distribution of monsters in Hurek Forest to the ancient history of Cormier.

Orifen was an adventure enthusiast and an expert in the field, while Ye Weian had some understanding of the worldview of Feren in his previous life and could often reveal secrets that this "native" was completely unaware of.

"...I never imagined that the legendary snake-people civilization really existed."

The more Olivier talked, the more he felt a connection with Ye Weian, so he extended an invitation: "Honestly, Ye Weian, it's a waste for someone with your abilities and knowledge to stay in Firefall Valley. Since you're an illegitimate child and not bound by those formalities, why not come on an adventure with me? I happen to need a spellcaster companion."

Ye Wei'an shook his head: "Thank you for your kindness, but I must decline."

"Can you tell me why?" Olivier asked, somewhat surprised. "In Cormier, very few people can refuse an invitation from the Silver Hunter family."

"I have my own goals," Ye Wei'an replied calmly. "In fact, I have already submitted an application to the Heraldry Academy, preparing to go to the western wastelands to become a pioneering lord."

"Pioneering Lord..."

Olivier was taken aback at first, then his expression suddenly changed to one of realization: "No wonder! No wonder the Baron left a full 20,000 gold coins in his will. That's not just a simple inheritance; it's the starting capital to buy out your inheritance rights, and it's also the dead end or the life you chose for yourself by the old Baron."

His tone held a hint of admiration. "I'm sorry, I was presumptuous."

"I'm afraid you've made a wasted trip," Ye Wei'an replied politely.

"No, this is even more interesting." Olivier smiled amicably and extended his hand. "Perhaps one day the ruins in eastern Cormir will no longer hold my appeal, and I'll venture into your territory. I hope you won't mistake me for an intruder then."

"I will prepare the best wine to entertain you." Ye Wei'an shook his hand.

Just then, the sound of heavy leather boots broke the atmosphere between the two.

Earl Wafred's tall figure appeared behind the pillars. He glanced coldly at Orifen, then stared at Ye Weian and spoke in a stiff tone.

"I will handle the Expansion Order for you in the name of the Eastern Guardian. As for your noble status and corresponding legal documents, the Heraldry will verify them as soon as possible." Vafred's tone was filled with undisguised rejection and disgust. "Once you have what you are entitled to, set off as soon as possible. Ye Weian, remember your place. Since you have chosen this path, never again have any unrealistic ideas about a single blade of grass or tree in Firefall Territory."

Ye Wei'an looked at the imposing count and sneered inwardly.

From Wafred's arrogant, victim-like attitude, he quickly made a judgment:

Serena was indeed a clever woman; she did not tell Vafred that she had incriminating evidence against the Emeryske family's smuggling activities.

"Of course, Your Excellency." Ye Wei'an bowed politely. "I, Ye Wei'an, always keep my word. Once I get what I want, I will leave. I will not cause any trouble for Firefall Territory."

"You better remember your words, I'll be keeping an eye on you."

Wafred pointed to his eyes, then to Yevian, and then turned and left.

Watching Wafred's retreating figure, Olivier shrugged and comforted him lightly, "Don't mind the old man. He's just heartbroken that you took so many gold coins, but he can't do anything about it. By the goddess Sheenworth, there are always people in this world who treat their territory as everything, but they don't know that the wind on the wasteland is the freest. Good luck, future lord."

The two chatted happily for the rest of the night.

Ye Wei'an had no interest in the etiquette of noble social interactions, while Olivier was a "wild child" who was single-mindedly eager for adventure.

The two are kindred spirits in some ways.

As time passed, the darkness gradually faded, and dawn finally arrived.

As the first rays of dawn pierced the morning mist, Bishop Orion stepped forward. Though his expression was slightly weary from a sleepless night, it appeared exceptionally solemn bathed in the morning light. He raised his arms and proclaimed to the gradually brightening sky:

"The night has passed, the dawn has risen! Baron Harandil Summerstar has entered eternity with the Lord of Dawn. May his soul shine as brightly as the rising sun, and may the glory of Losanda forever dwell in Firefall Valley!"

As the bishop's blessing faded, the long vigil came to an end.

Knights Morse and Hilt, accompanied by several silent attendants, walked toward the tomb, shovels in hand.

With a dull thud, shovelfuls of damp earth were poured in, eventually covering the coffin.

Immediately afterwards, Savile from the Heraldry Academy walked onto the stage.

He unfolded the document and read it aloud in that monotone tone:

"Witnessed by the Heraldry and the Guardians of the East, Lucas Xiaxing, son of Baron Harandil Xiaxing, is hereby confirmed as the rightful heir to the Firefall Valley territory and the title of Baron. May he remain loyal to the Dragon Throne and protect the land and its people."

Lady Serena breathed a sigh of relief. She helped the dazed Lucas to pay his respects to the herald, and then took the heraldic ring that symbolized power from him.

The nobles who had come to observe the ceremony offered a few scattered congratulatory remarks, and then began to take their leave one after another.

Seziga the Crowned Hunter was the first to leap onto the carriage, not even bothering to look back, only urging the servants to hurry up and move forward. He couldn't wait to escape this boring countryside.

"Let's go, future pioneer lord." Olivier winked at Yevian, jumped onto his horse, and said, "If you find any relics in your territory, remember to call me!"

In the blink of an eye, only the scattered sounds of carriages remained in front of the once bustling temple.

Most of the nobles chose to return to their homes, and even Earl Wafred left after giving his instructions.

Only a few minor lords who were distant relatives of Xia Xing's family remained to attend the private afternoon banquet that followed.

Ye Wei'an also prepared to leave.

When he reached the carriage, two figures blocked his way.