Chapter 111: The Mysterious Iron Lilies
“Ahem… setting that aside, you mentioned your emperor has strict control over the animal brain crystals? Is he really that efficient?” Leona tried to sound more masculine, but being used to interacting as a loli, she couldn’t quite capture the essence. “What does he plan to do with these brain crystals?”
“The Emperor’s iron-fisted rule is indeed quite efficient. You might not know, but his direct intelligence organization actually spans the entire Eastern Empire – I’m part of it. Currently, the Emperor is still studying these brain crystals. He has many reliable alchemists under him, and they are continuously investigating the properties of these crystals, though with no results so far,” Titus replied. “If I’m not mistaken, this thing is related to those Outer Gods, right? I’ve heard all about your exploits in Ossi.”
“That’s right, it is related to Outer Gods. If you can, you should tell your emperor not to let the alchemists use these brain crystals carelessly. While they can grant magical abilities, they can also control a person’s mind, which is very dangerous,” Leona repeated what Abyss had told Helen. “The Outer God is using this method to spread his influence throughout the world. It’s imperative that you join us in stopping him.”
“I understand. I’ll tell the Emperor,” Titus removed the spoon from his mouth and nodded solemnly. “The Emperor’s main goals in controlling these crystals are twofold: preventing nobles from getting funny ideas, and wanting to use them himself. If you hadn’t mentioned it, perhaps the Emperor would indeed have started using these crystals after some time. The alchemists have already discovered that their effects can stack and can be used to cultivate powerful magic warriors. It’s wonderful that we could avoid potential problems in time.”
“Right, Titus, we’re in the Elven Kingdoms now, and there’s another issue. Remember the Iron Lilies? They are now seeking power from the Outer God as well. We’re preparing to eliminate them. Can you tell us what you know about them?” Abyss interjected at this point.
Hearing Abyss’s characteristic lazy tone coming from “Leona’s” mouth, and recalling how “Abyss” had sounded like a little girl earlier, Titus seemed to immediately grasp the situation. He couldn’t help but show an expression that said, “You guys really know how to have fun.”
“The Iron Lilies… they’re a bunch of lunatics, but organized lunatics,” Titus recalled. “I have indeed investigated them. They are undoubtedly an illegal organization; no country recognizes the legitimacy of their activities. Therefore, besides killing elves, they are extremely cautious in their actions. My people couldn’t gather much information. I’ll tell you everything I know.”
Abyss listened intently to Titus, nodding slightly to encourage him to continue.
Titus cleared his throat, putting the spoon back in his mouth: “I don’t have exact figures on the Iron Lilies’ scale, but their total number definitely exceeds ten thousand. And they don’t just have warriors; they have other talents too. It’s a fairly professional organization, ten times, even a hundred times stronger than ordinary bandits.”
“How did they become so large?” Leona’s eyes widened. “Aren’t these guys non-productive? Where do they get the money to sustain themselves?”
“They have two sources of income. One is robbery. They ambush travelers near the Elven Kingdoms, but they don’t wipe out the merchants entirely. Instead, they charge protection fees, which both discourages merchants from trading with elves and provides a decent income. The other is through funding… As far as I know, nobles in various human kingdoms support the Iron Lilies. The more the elves are suppressed, the better certain goods produced on noble lands sell. Plus, some nobles covet the rich lands of the Elven Kingdoms.”
“Then your emperor…”
“Shh…” Titus frowned, glancing around. “He currently isn’t focused on this area. That’s all I can say. Sorry, my position is sensitive; I can’t speak carelessly.”
“Understood. Please continue then,” Leona immediately realized her question was difficult for an imperial agent like Titus to answer.
“Anyway, although the Iron Lilies currently can’t turn a profit, they don’t lack food or drink. The leader of the Iron Lilies is quite mysterious; I couldn’t even find out his name. But they have several vice-commanders, all highly skilled individuals, including some who are exceptionally intelligent. Be careful not to fall into their traps when dealing with them,” Titus relaxed again and continued. “What this group ultimately wants, the ordinary members don’t know; they’re just a bunch of brainwashed, pathetic clowns. Their true purpose is probably known only to the leader himself and a small number of vice-commanders.”
“It seems this organization is truly mysterious…” Abyss pinched his chin. “Your subordinates couldn’t even investigate them in detail. I’m quite interested in them now.”
“Regardless, these beasts who slaughter innocents are indeed massacring elves; that much is clear. The vast majority of them have committed unforgivable crimes,” Titus sighed. “To become official members, they need to kill an elf. They’ve killed far too many elves over the years, even mixed-blood half-elves fall victim to them. If you can, please strike hard. We definitely won’t stop you… Of course, there are some nobles we can’t control.”
“That’s enough. Thank you, Titus,” Abyss smiled and nodded.
“Wonderful! See you next time, then. I’m already preparing to write a letter to the Emperor,” Titus smiled at the group. “Farewell for now. If anything comes up, I’ll contact you.”
After finishing the conversation with Titus, Abyss immediately contacted Givia. Givia was now queen and extremely busy. When Abyss and his group reached her, she was reviewing documents. Seeing them, she was naturally very happy.
Leona relayed the same information she had told Helen and Titus. Givia immediately stated she would handle it right away. Givia’s approval rating in Ossi was incredibly high; her decrees were very effective. Presumably, even if there were mutated animals within Ossi, they could manage the situation effectively.
“I will have the people monitor those merchants. We absolutely won’t let the greed of those unscrupulous traders give the Outer God an opportunity,” Givia promised solemnly. “My people also understand the danger of the Outer Gods; they will certainly cooperate. Is there anything else you need to inform me of?”
“Nothing else, Givia. You’re busy; we won’t disturb you. Take care of yourself. In a few days, I’ll have Rebecca send you some good medicine to relieve fatigue,” Leona said, pretending to be Abyss.
Givia seemed to have noticed the situation between Abyss and Leona. She smiled and said, “Alright, don’t worry about me. Contact me anytime if I can help.”
Closing the communication with Givia, Abyss suddenly heard the sound of flapping wings outside.
“Mr. ABC! Master asked me to call you! Someone from the Grey Elves is here to see you!”
At the same time, Maggie’s voice came from outside the window.
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