Chapter 314: News

Chapter 314: News



In response to the beautiful woman's teasing, Ren smiled but didn't reply. Instead, he asked, "How well do you know about Duke Dram, Jennifer?"

The beautiful woman shook her head and replied, "I've only just taken over the Minster Branch, and I'm still not very familiar with the situation."

"Moreover, this Duke Dram, although a major shareholder, seems to have never appeared at the shareholder meetings of the Minster Branch. He only sent a representative 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-level wizard."

Ren nodded at the mention of a wizard.

"Have someone investigate Sam's Team in the next couple of days."

"However, investigating your mother's matter might take some time," Ren added seriously, his smile fading.

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The second part of the intelligence report summarized important information from within the entire Minster Province.

"Hmm," Anna nodded.

Many people sought out the beautiful woman to establish connections, hoping she could release Dixon.

For now, the issues that wouldn't cause significant problems in the short term could be put on hold.

Ren's gaze lingered for a moment.

Facing Anna, Ren felt a sense of tranquility within.

He was well aware that the fundamental reason for these changes was his own growing strength.

This surprised Ren.

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

"Oh? Blackie? Is that the name of a black horse?" Anna couldn't help but chuckle.

After two days, he had already reached lv8 (122/7000), just one step away from lv9.

The two of them were on completely different paths of beast taming.

He knew that Dragon Tooth Pass was already very close to the neighboring Savo Province to the north.

Although she was a noble lady, she was still a widow, wasn't she? Seeing the beautiful Baroness Crowley so enthusiastically trying to set him up with Anna relieved Emma of her worries.

This caused Anna's face to flush slightly.

Meanwhile, he was also urging the other members of the team to enhance their combat abilities.

Ren spent most of his time in the training room, rapidly improving his Extraordinary Combat Technique with the Lance, 'Lance of Longinus'.

"Hmm? Axson Auction House? Is that information true?" Ren's eyebrows rose in surprise.

As they talked, they soon reached the vicinity of the stable in the backyard.

Almost every day, small towns and county cities were attacked by cultists or giant beasts, resulting in significant casualties.

Beside them, Ren's mother, Emma, couldn't stop smiling. She had a woman's innate sensitivity, and she vaguely sensed that there seemed to be something special between the beautiful Baroness Crowley and her son.

Additionally, based on the latest Swordsman intelligence, Ren discovered that the situation in the province was becoming more turbulent.

The remaining news wasn't as important or urgent.

Finally, Anna and Ren had a rare moment alone together.

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

Cherry Lips was covered, and Anna had no idea how much time had passed. She felt like she was floating in the clouds, and it wasn't until she was slightly out of breath that she realized she needed fresh air.

She didn't understand why this elegant and beautiful lady was so kind to her.

Jenny was also bewildered, unsure how to respond to her friend's question. She shook her head and said, "I don't know, but I didn't argue with my mother."

The mysterious actions of Jenny's mother left her completely baffled.

She had indirectly asked Ren about his thoughts, and his response was to let things take their natural course. This made her even more anxious than Ren, which was why she had tried to matchmake them during the welcome banquet, creating opportunities for Anna and Ren to be alone together.

"Does that mean I can't do it alone at all?" Anna's beautiful eyes darkened.

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

The female owner's scent was familiar to Cookie, but it seemed to have become even more pleasant, giving Cookie a sense of warmth. Cookie rubbed against Anna's pants leg affectionately.

As they strolled, they slowly made their way to the backyard of the new mansion.

"Don't worry! If it's really related to the Axson Auction House, your mother might not be in any danger."

"Ren, what did you feed Cookie? Hey, wait, Cookie has become a ferocious beast?"

"Since the unsealing of the Sealed Gate and the severe injury inflicted on the Sea Giant by Princess Menia, the 'Red Queen', this area has been completely abandoned by the Sea People.

'Wow! Has Cookie grown so big?'

'The Serpent Cultists are back?' Ren asked, looking up in confirmation.

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What caught Ren's attention was a line that read, 'Suspected Serpent Cultists have been spotted in Maister County again.'

'Indeed, it's a massive organization. Throughout the Empire, any city of significant size will have their branches or outposts.' Ren nodded.

After some thought, Ren believed that they were likely searching for the Legendary Earth Snake.

'It seems the information came from an Elven source, but I'm not entirely sure about the details. Still, it's likely true.' Anna nodded and continued, 'Ren, do you know about Axson Auction House?'

'The disappearance of the Silver Rank Swordsmen squad stationed there, and now the Gold Rank squad—Boulder Squad—has also gone missing for a day without any news?'

Apparently, the branch would also seek the opinions of the other Diamond Rank Swordsmen captains.

'Lord Ren, a mission has arrived. However, I've compiled the latest intelligence for today, and I think you should take a look at it first.' Olenna's face turned solemn as she handed a document to Ren.

'Do you remember the diary we found with the Basic Meditation Technique? It mentioned a Mutagenic Growth Potion, which I've prepared and used on Cookie. Judging from the results, it seems quite effective.'

'Moreover, they should be the ones seeking me, not the other way around.'

Olenna, a capable young woman, entered the room.

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

Anna let out a snort of laughter and continued to rub Cookie's head, while Cookie enjoyed it with its eyes half-closed.

Anna was surprised to learn that Ren had become a shareholder of Axson Auction House, albeit only for the Minster Branch.

Ren had a deep impression of the Serpent Cult's combat prowess. Compared to the Black Flame Cult, they focused more on physical training and possessed more related advanced techniques.

Seeing the Swift Steed's massive build and the prominent horn on its forehead, Anna's beautiful eyes lit up with interest. She quickly approached, saying, 'This isn't Blackie; it's Big Blackie.'

The current Anna no longer needed to compromise.

Ren nodded.

As Jennifer had just become a shareholder of the Minster Branch, it would take some time to cultivate personnel and build influence.

'How is that possible?' Anna, who had just bent down, widened her beautiful eyes in surprise. After stroking Cookie's head, she immediately noticed something.

According to the message, the Serpent Cultists had quickly hidden themselves after appearing, as if searching for something.

If this matter was indeed related to Axson Auction House, Ren believed that it was highly likely that one of their slave-catching teams, or a similar group, was responsible.

'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.' Ren said with a smile.

'Any more intelligence from the Rose Nagah Cavern?'

A Diamond Rank Swordsman was not merely a combat personnel or a combat captain.

One piece of news immediately caught his attention:

Only the Empire's wealthiest merchants or the most powerful nobles could afford such a price.

'Yes, Lord Ren, and unlike the last time, the Serpent Cultists who appeared this time are a squad. So far, we've identified at least seven or eight of them.' Olenna nodded and explained.

The beautiful woman indicated that she could handle business matters, but for this situation, it would be more appropriate to communicate directly with Lord Ren.

'Come in!'

This scene also left Agatha, standing nearby, feeling confused. After a while, she gently nudged her good friend, Jenny, and asked, 'Hey, Jenny, did you have a fight with your mother? Instead of matchmaking for her own daughter, she's trying to match Lord Ren with this new girl?'

'Is it the one from the Habsburg family?' Olenna was impressed by the beautiful lady who had returned from the Imperial Academy.

Moonlight filtered through the mottled tree shadows, illuminating the contours of Anna's delicate body. The current Anna was no longer the skinny girl Ren had first met; she now had the curves of a mature woman.

Ren shook his head. 'No need. I don't have time to discuss anything with them right now.'

The intelligence from the Swordsmen was divided into two parts. One part was about the cult activities in Maister and Rosby Counties.

Otherwise, not only might he fail to advance smoothly in the next step, but he might also fall in some dangerous mission.

As an irresistible force pulled her, Anna's slender body was immediately drawn back, and then she was pressed against a strong and hot chest.

The issue here is that the attitude of her mother looks like... how should I put it?

Of course, it's not impossible that they might seek revenge or launch an attack once they find the Earth Snake.

Then, like a startled little deer, she quickly backed away, her head lowered. Anna said, "In that case, I'll be heading back now."

"Knock knock!" A knock sounded on the door.

"Oh, right, Anna, you mentioned last time that you had something important to discuss with me, didn't you?" Ren suddenly remembered and turned to ask.

If there has been another change, Ren believes it's highly likely that the Sea People have returned.

From another perspective, the Diamond Rank represents Ren's significant contributions to the Empire. If he chooses to join the Duke of Minster's side, he would be transferred to the administrative system, and the matching position would undoubtedly be of high importance.

Seeing this, Ren furrowed his brows, deep in thought.

On the girl's face, there was still a hint of shyness from when she was alone with Ren.

Anna spoke while gesturing for him to stop her, too shy to wait for Ren's response.

Anna nodded, her emotions seemingly unaffected.

"It's not that. First of all, you're not alone." Ren looked at Anna and said seriously.

The Dragon Tooth Pass. Ren had gradually learned about some of the province's important mountain passes after joining the Swordsmen.

"Woof woof!"

If he were to be in charge of a county city like Count Habsburg, the information might be a bit shallow.

"Isn't this a good thing? You can think of me as your undercover agent within the Axson Auction House." Ren smiled and said.

She had already anticipated this; even if her mother were with Ren, it would be normal for him to have a few mistresses.

"This guy," Ren chuckled, shaking his head.

But the soft, warm little hand stopped, no longer caressing its head. Cookie barked twice in dissatisfaction, indicating 'I want more.'

However, becoming the Deputy Chief of Public Security in the provincial capital of Minster would be an absolute honor.

Specifically, it meant assigning one-on-one responsibilities to each department's affairs, with each assigned to a Diamond Rank Swordsman, thus improving communication efficiency.

This wasn't just Ren's way of comforting Anna.

From a certain perspective, it was similar to his situation of a knight and wizard, but the methods were even more bizarre.

Most of the information was limited to a casualty report, with the attackers described as 'unknown' or 'unidentified'.

And here she was, pushing her lover away? Although it was common for nobles in the Dragon Empire to have affairs.

For example, 'The Sea People's activity in Rosby County has increased, and the Sea Giants are attacking more frequently.'

But as long as it could divert some of the 'firepower', that would be great!

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

"Huh? So, does that mean you're a shareholder of the Axson Auction House now, Ren?" Anna blinked her beautiful eyes, looking at Ren in shock.

For someone like Jennifer, the reason for doing this wasn't that complicated.

Therefore, the investigation would take even longer.

Even if she joined the Griffin Guard, she would at least be a captain, and if there were vacancies in higher positions, she might assume an even more important role.

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

"Inside, I said that my mother's disappearance might be related to the Axson Auction House."

After dinner, thanks to Jennifer's efforts.

In other words, although Anna's mother had lost her freedom, there was a high chance that she wasn't in any immediate danger.

The beautiful woman, Jennifer, took the initiative to sit next to Anna, introducing her to delicious food and continuously praising Ren's glorious deeds, her admiration evident in her words.

Ren smiled slightly, about to say something, when suddenly, a refreshing fragrant breeze wafted towards him.

Ren couldn't help but feel a bit envious as he watched this scene. Although he was a Beast Worshiper, he couldn't compare to Anna, a Druid, in terms of affinity with beasts.

In terms of importance, any Diamond Rank Swordsman captain was a pillar of the Swordsmen branch, and to some extent, they also participated in decision-making.

"It would be even better if we could find out exactly where she is."

"No. We've stopped dispatching squads because even the Boulder Squad, with their strength, couldn't..." Olenna shook her head and said.

But just as she turned around, a powerful hand reached out and pulled her slender waist into an embrace.

She had wanted Ren to find a noble lady with Extraordinary Power, because as an ordinary person, she couldn't take it anymore. Although she hadn't found a noble lady yet, she had unexpectedly encountered an elf girl.

Due to the sudden change in the Empire's situation, the Swordsmen branch in Minster had also kept up with the times, establishing a temporary coordination unit. Its primary purpose was naturally to complete the two tasks assigned by the Empire.

"Hmm, my mother has been missing for over two years now. I was quite anxious at first, but now, I just hope she's safe."

So, these past few days, he hadn't spent much time accompanying Anna, nor did he attend the numerous social gatherings that came his way. Instead, he continued to keep a low profile.

At this moment, her cheeks were flushed, and she seemed tipsy, her whole body in a daze. After two consecutive days of practicing the 'Lance of Longinus' in the training room, Ren still hadn't received any official communication from Sam's Team.

"Okay, Lord Ren."

But upon further thought, Ren realized that as a Druid, she possessed a nature-like affinity effect.

In the study of Ren's new mansion.

Although the stunning Baroness Crowley was powerful and beautiful, the issue was her advanced age and her status as a widow.

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

It seemed like the Baroness couldn't wait to introduce Ren to Anna.

"Lady Olenna, please convey this message to Miss Kleya of Minster as soon as possible and ask her to be cautious."

'In the northern part of the province, the Dragon Tooth Pass at Adachi Mine, a suspected Forbidden Gate has been discovered. Currently, the Diamond Rank Swordsman team 'Black Sword,' responsible for that area, has been dispatched to investigate.'

As one of the shareholders of the Minster branch, she had Ren's support, which gave her confidence.

When the topic turned to this, Anna's smile faded, and she slowly lowered her hand from stroking Blackie's arm, her eyebrows furrowed as if contemplating her response.

Suddenly, Anna became flustered, her hands lifting and then dropping, unsure of what to do. The next moment, she could only whimper.

"Thank you, Ren."

Because the way the other party looked at her son was so tender, it was almost as if her eyes were about to shed tears. Emma, having been through similar experiences, naturally understood what this meant.

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

When Anna left, Cookie was still a small puppy, but now, he was tall and mighty, his size even more exaggerated, comparable to a small foal.

After dealing with one task, Ren quickly moved on to the next.

As a full-fledged Druid, his perception of plants and animals far surpassed that of ordinary people.

Ren noticed Admiral Edward's annotation, which was his task this time.

It seemed that she had been overly sensitive before, as it was normal for the Baroness to admire her son. After all, women were often attracted to strength.

But at this moment, hearing Ren's comforting words, she hummed in agreement and lifted her head, her big eyes staring at his face seriously as she said:

"Yes."

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

Thus, Olenna, the person Ren was most familiar with, continued to serve as the deputy director of the task hall while also being responsible for communication and coordination with Ren's side.

Just as Ren was about to remind Anna that the swift steeds could be temperamental, Anna's small hand had just reached out when Blackie voluntarily poked his head out of the stable's fence, allowing Anna to touch him.

The journey from Minster to Dragon Tooth Pass was long, requiring them to pass through Howling Wind Fortress and Bretsin Mountain Pass.

The previous owner had planted seven or eight hornbeams here, and they had grown tall and lush.

Ren took the materials and carefully reviewed them.

For instance, Admiral Edward would seek Ren's opinion on matters.

When Ren reached this part, his gaze suddenly sharpened.

"Secondly, Axson Auction House is a massive organization with complex and intertwined interests, but internally, it is divided into multiple interest groups based on shareholders."

Being able to learn these confidential details at the first opportunity was a benefit of Ren's recent promotion to Diamond Rank Swordsman and the changes it brought.

Indeed, as Admiral Edward had said, both Rosebury County and Maister County were currently engaged in battles with the Sea People, so tasks related to these areas would be more numerous and complicated.

The next task was about a piece of intelligence regarding the underground caverns of the Blood Curse Nagas on the coastline of Fishing Port Town.

The passionate welcome from the beautiful woman left Anna feeling a bit overwhelmed.

And Anna, like a butterfly, quickly approached and stood on her tiptoes, her soft and moist lips quickly kissing Ren's cheek.

Additionally, she mentally corrected what her best friend had said, 'This girl isn't new; she knows Ren, and she's known him longer than my mother.'

Although she couldn't compare to the voluptuous and curvy Jennifer, she was just right.

"Has the news from Dragon Tooth Pass been confirmed?"

"Not yet." Olenna shook her head, her face filled with concern upon hearing Ren mention this.

If it was indeed a newly discovered Forbidden Gate, the situation would be dire.

"Yes, if it's confirmed, please inform me immediately." Ren nodded.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end