Chapter 117: I Want Him to Join Me
“Allow me to explain my reasoning,” Titus said, smiling at Givia. “If I’m wrong, please don’t laugh at me.”
“Go ahead,” Givia nodded.
“First, although your attire, carriage, and accent suggest you’re from the Western Empire, some details about your men betray your true origins. Observe the guards behind you. They’re dressed as mercenaries, their equipment mismatched, but they all share one commonality: They’re wearing long-sleeved shirts that completely cover their arms, without exception. May I infer that their arms are adorned with tattoos, the mark of Ossi warriors? Of course, I won’t ask for confirmation, as I promised.”
The guards behind Givia instinctively stiffened, their eyes fixed on Titus, who merely chuckled, unfazed by their reaction.
The Ossi Kingdom did indeed have such a custom. Every adult warrior had their arms covered in intricate tattoos, each design unique to their clan, a testament to their lineage and their artistry.
“Second, a group traveling from the Western Empire or the Ossi Kingdom, seeking a large quantity of military-grade potions, led by a young woman… It’s a rather unusual combination. Using a process of elimination, I deduced your most likely identity: The leader of the Ossi Kingdom Restoration Army, Princess Givia.” Titus held up two fingers, smiling. “Although this city is quite far from the Western Empire and the Ossi Kingdom, I do keep up with current events. Staying informed is crucial for running a successful gang.”
Givia’s initial anxiety subsided. Titus’s deductions were accurate. She had no counterarguments, and this wasn’t the time for lies or deception.
“Third… Ahem, the third point might be a bit offensive. Please allow me to speak freely.” Titus suddenly seemed embarrassed, pausing for dramatic effect.
Givia considered his request. She had spent years navigating the harsh realities outside the palace walls and was no longer easily offended. “Go ahead. I won’t mind,” she said.
“The third point is, your breasts are truly magnificent,” Titus said, shrugging. “You know what travels fastest? Gossip, especially the kind that appeals to men of all ages. The rumor that Princess Givia, the leader of the Ossi Kingdom Restoration Army, is both beautiful and exceptionally well-endowed is quite popular here.”
Givia blushed. It wasn’t her fault she was blessed with a generous bosom. It was simply a result of her privileged upbringing and a nutrient-rich diet.
But this wasn’t the time for shyness. Her secret was out, and that was far more concerning than her chest size being the subject of gossip.
She decided to abandon her pretense. Taking a deep breath, she said, “I admit, you’re a keen observer and well-informed. Yes, I am Princess Givia. I’m here to purchase these potions for my Restoration Army. We have the support of the people, but my brother, Prince Kevin, who usurped the throne, controls the army. And worst of all, he’s collaborating with an Outer God! We need to enhance our soldiers’ combat capabilities to minimize casualties. Kevin has been suppressing us militarily, so we desperately need these potions.”
Titus, who had likely anticipated this confirmation, simply grinned, the spoon in his mouth bobbing up and down.
“Kevin… Kevin… Ah, the prince who imprisoned his own father and seized the throne, your brother, right?” Titus said, racking his brain to remember who Kevin was. He chewed on the spoon, his interest piqued. “Collaborating with an Outer God? I’m not an expert on them, but I know they’re deities from other worlds, possessing power comparable to the Nine Gods. Why would they… collaborate with a mortal?”
Abyss, during his conversation with Givia earlier that morning, had learned that the Lord of Nightmares wasn’t working for Prince Kevin, but the specifics remained unclear. All he knew was that both of them shared a common goal: to destroy Givia. He couldn’t answer Titus’s question.
“I don’t know. But you might be aware of my nightmares,” Givia said, sighing.
“Oh, yes, I’ve heard the rumors, but no one has connected them to an Outer God. Most people assume Prince Kevin hired a dark mage.”
“I initially thought it was a dark mage too. But the power behind these nightmares isn’t magic. That’s why I investigated and discovered it might be an Outer God,” Givia said, then stopped abruptly. “Sorry, I’ve said too much about my personal matters. I just want your answer. One million imperial coins. Will you sell me these potions?”
“One million… Ah, that’s a lot of money. I could buy a beautiful manor or build new factories. It’s rare to find a buyer willing to purchase such a large quantity of potions. It’s beautiful,” Titus said, clapping his hands softly, a dreamy expression on his face. “I could take a long vacation, travel to exotic lands. It’s beautiful, simply beautiful.”
“So you agree?”
“But… I’m not going to take your money,” Titus said suddenly, stopping his clapping, sitting up straight. “I didn’t destroy the Goat Eyes Gang’s warehouses to inflate potion prices. I’ll sell them to you at the normal price. Five hundred thousand, take it or leave it. I’m willing to help an army that fights for the people.”
“You’re refusing to make a profit?” Givia asked, raising an eyebrow. “I’ve never met such a generous gentleman.”
“Of course, there’s a condition,” Titus said, smiling and waving his hand dismissively. “I just thought of this. I’ll sell you the potions, and you can inspect them before paying. I wouldn’t dream of selling you inferior goods. Once you’re satisfied, pay me, and my men at the city gates will ensure your safe passage. But all of this is contingent on you doing me a favor.”
“What is it?” Givia asked. As expected, this gang leader wasn’t simply being charitable.
“I want him to join me,” Titus said, standing up and pointing at Abyss, who was sitting there, seemingly bored. “I want your mage friend to join me on a little adventure.”
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