Chapter 314: News

Chapter 314: News



In response to the beautiful woman's teasing, Rain smiled but did not reply. Instead, he asked, "How well do you know Duke Dramm, Jennifer?"

Hearing Rain's question, the beautiful woman shook her head. "I've only just taken over the Minster branch, so I'm not very familiar with everything yet."

"Moreover, although this Duke Dramm is a major shareholder, he's usually in the Imperial Capital and has never appeared at the Minster branch's shareholder meetings. He only sends a representative here, named Sam, who is also the leader of Sam's Team."

"I met him at the meeting today, and he seems to be a rather powerful Second Rank Wizard."

A wizard? Rain nodded.

"Have someone investigate Sam's Team over the next few days."

"Hmm, do we need to take the initiative to communicate with them?" The beautiful woman thought for a moment and suggested.

Rain shook his head. "No need, I don't have time to talk to them right now."

"Besides, they should be the ones approaching me, not the other way around."

That evening, at Rain's new mansion, a grand dinner was held to welcome Anna's return.

Jennifer, the beautiful woman, took the initiative to sit on the other side of Anna, frequently introducing her to delicious dishes and continuously praising Rain, with admiration for his accomplishments.

This left Jenny, sitting nearby, utterly bewildered by her mother's mysterious actions. She couldn't understand why her mother was pushing Rain towards Anna instead of her!

Although it was common for nobles to have lovers within the Dragon Empire, Jenny had expected that even if her mother were with Rain, it would be normal for him to have a few mistresses.

However, the issue was that her mother's attitude seemed to be pushing Rain towards Anna, a newly arrived girl, with an eagerness that was hard to describe. Jenny couldn't help but feel confused by her mother's behavior.

This scene also caught the attention of Agatha, Rain's friend, who was sitting nearby. She gently elbowed her good friend and asked, "Hey, Jenny, did you have a fight with your mother? Instead of matchmaking you, she's trying to pair Rain with this new girl?"

Jenny was equally perplexed and didn't know how to respond to her friend's question, shaking her head. "No, I didn't argue with my mother."

Additionally, she mentally corrected her friend's statement, 'This girl isn't new; she's known Rain longer than my mother has.'

The beautiful woman's enthusiasm towards Anna also made Anna feel a bit overwhelmed.

She didn't quite understand why this elegant and beautiful lady was so fond of her.

Meanwhile, Rain's mother, Emma, couldn't help but smile. As a woman, she had a sense that something was going on between the beautiful Baroness Crowley and her son.

The way the Baroness looked at her son was sometimes so tender that it seemed like tears would fall from her eyes. As someone who had been through it, Emma knew what that meant.

Although the beautiful Baroness was capable and stunning, the problem was that she was a bit too old and a widow.

Although she was a noble lady, being a widow still posed an issue.

However, the beautiful woman's admiration for Rain was evident, and she was determined to see him with a suitable partner.

For Jennifer, the reason for her actions was simple. She wanted Rain to find a partner with extraordinary qualities, as she could no longer handle the pressure alone. Although she had hoped for a noble lady, the arrival of a pureblood elf girl was also acceptable.

Jennifer had indirectly asked Rain about his preferences, but he had replied that he would let things happen naturally. This made her even more anxious than Rain, leading her to arrange the welcome dinner and create opportunities for Anna and Rain to be alone together.

After dinner, thanks to Jennifer's efforts, Anna and Rain finally had some private time together.

"Wow! Has Cookie grown so much?"

Anna knew Cookie as a small puppy when she left, but now he was tall and mighty, almost like a small horse.

"Rain, what have you been feeding Cookie? Wait, that's not right. Has Cookie become a ferocious beast?"

"That's impossible," Anna said, bending down and immediately noticing something as she stroked Cookie's head.

As a formal Druid, Anna's perception of plants and animals far exceeded that of ordinary people.

"Woof!"

Cookie, feeling the soft, warm touch on his head, stopped and wagged his tail, showing his affection.

Rain couldn't help but smile and shake his head at Cookie's behavior. "You!" Rain's room!" she ordered, her voice trembling with anger. "We'll deal with you later!"

Anna quickly left the room, leaving Rain and his mother alone.

"You remember the diary we found about basic meditation techniques? I used it on Cookie, and it seems to have worked well."

"By the way, Anna, I also used this potion on the horses. I'll take you to see Blackie; I think you'll like him." Rain said, leading Anna to the stable.

"Sure. Blackie? Is that the name of a black horse?" Anna asked with a light laugh.

As they talked and walked, they soon arrived at the stable in the backyard.

Seeing the swift warhorse's large size and prominent forehead, Anna's eyes lit up with interest. She quickly approached, saying, "This is not Blackie; it's Big Black!"

Just as Rain was about to warn Anna about the swift warhorse's temper, he saw Anna's white hand reach out, and Blackie immediately poked his head out of the stable, allowing Anna to touch him.

Rain was surprised by this but quickly understood that it was due to Anna's Druid abilities, which had a natural affinity effect.

"By the way, Anna, you mentioned earlier that you had something important to discuss this time?" Rain suddenly remembered something and turned to ask.

"Yes." Anna nodded.

As she brought up the topic, Anna's smile faded, and she slowly lowered the arm that was caressing Blackie, her eyebrows furrowing as if in thought.

After a long while, Anna finally spoke, "I found a secret letter in Aunt Delana's study."

"It mentioned that my mother's disappearance might be related to the Axson Auction House."

"Hmm? Axson Auction House? Is the information reliable?" Rain raised his eyebrows, quite surprised.

He hadn't expected that not only was Anna's current situation related to the Axson Auction House, but even her mother's disappearance seemed to be connected to it.

"It seems to be from a unique source of the Elven race, and I'm not entirely sure about the details, but it should be true." Anna nodded and continued, "Rain, do you know much about the Axson Auction House?"

"Yes, it's a colossal entity. Throughout the Empire, every major city has their branches or outposts." Rain nodded and explained.

"Does that mean I'm completely helpless on my own?" Anna's beautiful eyes darkened.

"Not necessarily. First, you're not alone." Rain looked at Anna intently and said seriously.

This caused Anna's cheeks to redden slightly.

"Secondly, although the Axson Auction House is a colossal entity with complex and intertwined interests, its internal structure is divided into multiple interest groups based on shareholders."

"So, as long as we identify which shareholder is involved in this matter, the subsequent handling will be much easier."

".

Rain then shared what he knew about the Axson Auction House with Anna.

"What? So, does that mean you're also a shareholder of the Axson Auction House now?" Anna's beautiful eyes widened in shock as she looked at Rain.

She hadn't expected Rain to become a shareholder of the Axson Auction House, even if it was only for the Minster branch.

"Isn't this good news?" Rain smiled and said, "You can consider me as your undercover agent within the Axson Auction House."

"But..." Rain's smile faded, and he spoke seriously, "Investigating your mother's case may take some time."

Because Jennifer had just become a shareholder of the Minster branch, it would take some time to cultivate personnel and establish influence.

Moreover, Rain guessed that if Anna's mother's disappearance was indeed related to the Axson Auction House, there was a high probability that she had been taken to the Imperial Capital.

Therefore, the investigation would require even more time.

"Yes, my mother has been missing for more than two years. I was anxious for a while, but now, I just hope she's safe."

"Of course, it would be better if we could find out where she is."

Anna nodded, showing no significant emotional fluctuations.

"Don't worry! If it's indeed related to the Axson Auction House, your mother is unlikely to be in any danger."

This wasn't just Rain trying to comfort Anna.

He believed that if this matter was indeed connected to the Axson Auction House, there was a high probability that it was the doing of their various slave-catching teams or similar groups.

The other party would definitely capture Anna's mother, a rare pureblood elf woman, and sell her for a good price.

Those who could afford such a price were undoubtedly wealthy merchants or high-ranking nobles of the Empire.

In other words, Anna's mother had lost her freedom, but there was a high probability that she was not in any danger.

At this moment, the two of them, strolling leisurely, had reached a corner of the backyard of the new mansion.

The previous owner had planted seven or eight hornbeam trees, which grew tall and lush.

Moonlight filtered through the mottled tree shadows, illuminating the contours of Anna's delicate figure.

At this moment, Anna was no longer the skinny girl Rain had first met; instead, she had developed the curves of a woman.

Although she couldn't compare to the voluptuous and graceful figure of the beautiful woman Jennifer, she had just the right amount of curves.

On her face, there still lingered a hint of shyness from being alone with Rain.

But at this moment, upon hearing Rain's comforting words, she nodded and raised her big eyes looking at him seriously, and said, "Rain, thank you."

Rain smiled slightly, just as he was about to say something, he suddenly felt a refreshing fragrance approaching.

Anna, like a butterfly, quickly drew closer, and standing on her tiptoes, she kissed his cheek with her soft and moist lips.

Then, like a startled fawn, she quickly pulled away, lowering her head and saying, "I'll go back now."

Anna spoke while backing away, not waiting for Rain's response, too shy to linger.

But before she could turn around, a strong hand grabbed her slender waist.

With an irresistible force, Anna's light body was pulled back, and then she was pressed against a strong and hot chest.

Anna was suddenly flustered, her hands lifting and lowering in confusion.

The next second, she could only make a 'whimper' sound.

Her cherry lips were covered, and Anna had no idea how much time had passed before she was finally allowed to breathe fresh air again.

At this moment, her face was flushed, as if intoxicated, and her whole body felt lightheaded.

---

Two days had passed.

Rain, who had been practicing the 'Longhorn Spear' in the training room, was still waiting for an official response from 'Sam's Team'.

Instead, many people sought out the beautiful woman to ask for the release of Dixon, hoping to establish connections.

The woman expressed that she could make decisions on business matters, but for this situation, it would be more appropriate to communicate directly with Rain.

She no longer needed to compromise.

As one of the shareholders of the Minster branch, her confidence came from having Rain's support.

Additionally, based on the latest information from the Swordsmen Division, Rain discovered that the unrest in the province was intensifying.

Almost every day, small towns and counties were attacked by cults or beasts, resulting in significant casualties.

More often, there were only casualty reports, and the attackers were described as 'unknown' or 'unfathomable'.

Gaining access to these confidential reports was a benefit of Rain's recent promotion to the Diamond Rank Swordsman Captain.

In terms of identity, the Diamond Rank Swordsman Captain was not just a combat personnel or a combat captain.

From the perspective of importance, any Diamond Rank Swordmaster Captain is a pillar of the Swordsmen Division, and to some extent, they are also involved in decision-making.

For example, Admiral Edward would seek Rain's opinion on this matter.

Obviously, the division would also listen to the opinions of other Diamond Rank Swordmaster Captains.

From another angle, the Diamond Rank represents Rain's contributions to the Empire, and if he chooses to join the Duke of Minster, that is, to be transferred to the Empire's administrative system, the matching position would definitely not be low.

If he were to become the governor of a county city, like the Habsburg Count, it might be a bit lacking in experience.

However, serving as the deputy of public security in the provincial capital of Minster would be absolutely no problem.

Even if he were to join the Gryphon Guard, he would at least be a captain, and if there were vacancies in higher positions, he might assume even higher responsibilities.

Rain was well aware of these changes, and the fundamental reason for them was his increasing strength.

Otherwise, not only would his next promotion be uncertain, but he might also fall in some dangerous mission.

Therefore, these days, he hadn't spent much time accompanying Anna, nor had he attended the numerous banquet invitations that came in like snowflakes. Instead, he continued to stay indoors.

Rain spent most of his time in the training room, rapidly improving his Extraordinary Combat Skill 'Longhorn Spear' for lance-type weapons.

In just two days, he had already reached level 8 (122/7000), just one step away from level 9.

At the same time, he was also urging the other members of his team to enhance their combat power.

In Rain's new mansion study.

"Knock knock knock!" A knock sounded.

"Come in!"

In came the capable young woman, Lady Olenna.

"Admiral Rain, a mission has arrived. However, this is the latest intelligence summary for today, and I think you should take a look at it first." Lady Olenna's expression turned serious as she handed a document to Rain.

Due to the sudden changes in the Empire, the Swordsmen Division in Minster also kept up with the times and established a temporary coordination agency. Its main purpose was naturally to complete the two tasks assigned by the Empire," Lady Olenna began. "We've received some new intelligence regarding the Blood Curse Nagas' underground cave at the fishing port town. The Silver Rank Swordsmen Squad stationed there has gone missing, and the Golden Rank Squad - Stonewall Squad - sent to investigate has also been out of contact for a day now."

Upon reading this, Rain's eyebrows furrowed, and he fell into deep thought.

Just as Admiral Edward had said, the counties of Rosby and Myester were currently engaged in battles with the Sea Tribe, so related tasks would be more numerous and complicated.

Ever since the Sealed Gateway was unsealed and the 'Red Queen' Menia severely wounded the Three-Tailed Sea Dragon, this entire region had been abandoned by the Sea Tribe.

If there were any new developments now, Rain believed it was highly likely that the Sea Tribe had returned.

They must have realized that the Imperial Guardian Menia had left, so they were planning to take action?

Rain saw Admiral Edward's annotation, and this was his mission.

“Are there any more intelligence reports about the Blood Curse Nagas' cave?”

“No. We've stopped sending squads for now, because even the powerful Stonewall Squad has..." Lady Olenna's voice trailed off.

The remaining messages were either less important or not as urgent.

For example, 'The Sea Tribe's activities in Rosby County have further intensified, and the frequency of Sea Giant attacks has increased.'

These issues wouldn't cause major problems in the short term, so they could be put on hold for now.

The second part of the intelligence summary focused on some crucial information within the entire Minster Province.

As Rain flipped through this section, his gaze suddenly froze.

One piece of news immediately caught his attention:

'In the northern part of the province, at Dragon Fang Pass, the Adachi Mine is suspected to have discovered a Sealed Gateway. Currently, the Diamond Rank Swordsmen Squad 'Black Sword' has been dispatched to investigate.'

Dragon Fang Pass...

Rain had gradually become familiar with some of the province's important mountain passes after joining the Swordsmen Division.

He knew that Dragon Fang Pass was located very close to the neighboring Savva Province to the north.

It was a long distance from the Minster side, and one would have to pass through Howling Ridge Fort and Brightsin Pass to reach Dragon Fang Pass.

"Has the news from Dragon Fang Pass been confirmed?" Rain asked.

"Not yet," Lady Olenna replied, her face clouding over as she heard Rain mention this.

If it were indeed a newly discovered Sealed Gateway, the situation would be troublesome.

"Okay, if it's confirmed, please notify me immediately," Rain nodded.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end