Chapter 339 - Chapter 339: Trolls, Zhao Liangchen’s Storm, Gilder and the Elves
Chapter 339: Trolls, Zhao Liangchen’s Storm, Gilder and the Elves
Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation
Previously, before entering the city, Raymond mentioned that the Maple Kingdom’s airship fleet had just returned from the Alwin Mountains, seemingly related to the trolls there.
Now, hearing about it again, Ji Chen couldn’t help but be curious.
“Mr. Brett, could you tell me more about the Alwin Mountains and the troll tribes?”
“Lord Ji Chen, you’re being too polite. Of course, I can.”
Brett nodded and began, “The Alwin Mountains are located about a hundred kilometers north of Maple City. They cover a vast area, spanning the entire northern border of the Maple Kingdom and even extending into half of the Northern Continent, dividing it into two distinct regions.
The region is rich in resources and home to various races, including the trolls.
The troll population in the Alwin Mountains is substantial. They are known for their cruelty, brutality, and unpredictable behavior. They sometimes form large groups and venture south to raid.
While the Maple Kingdom has launched multiple campaigns against them, the results have been limited. The terrain in the Alwin Mountains is incredibly complex, and there are deadly miasmas everywhere. Only the trolls, being native to the area, can survive there for extended periods.
It is thought that the recent troll attacks were provoked by a prior offensive that upset their leaders. Based on reconnaissance reports, multiple troll clans are taking part in this raid, and they’re showing up in locations they haven’t been spotted in before.”
With this explanation, Ji Chen quickly understood.
He could think of the trolls as bandits and the Maple Kingdom as the authorities, which made it easier to grasp the situation.
He had a thought.
“Mr. Brett, can you show me the areas where the trolls have been active?”
“Of course.”
Brett took the map Ji Chen offered and marked several regions to the north.
Upon seeing it, Ji Chen couldn’t help but frown.
The troll-affected areas included the route he was about to take to where the Marshland Dragon was located.
His luck seemed incredibly good.
If he chose to go through the route previously taken by Monkey Gift and Monkey Gift Hair, there was a reasonable chance of encountering trolls.
If he opted for an alternative route, even the closest one would significantly increase the travel time, requiring at least ten days to return.
The amount of time required was excessive.
Seeing Ji Chen’s furrowed brow, Brett quickly caught on and asked, “Lord Ji Chen, are you planning to travel north of Maple City? I believe this might not be the most suitable time.”
“Thank you for your concern, Mr. Brett, but 1 have something to attend to, and my decision is final.”
Upon hearing this, Brett recalled Ji Chen’s profound strength and refrained from further persuasion.
He realized that trying to advise someone stronger than himself would be futile and unwise.
“Since you have made up your mind, 1 trust you have considered everything thoroughly and have complete confidence.
However, if you run into any trouble, you can visit the Elf Embassy in Maple City. 1 believe our ambassador will be more than willing to assist you.”
“If needed, I will do so.” Ji Chen smiled faintly. “Apart from this, is there anything else Mr. Miligas wishes to convey?”
“That’s all for now. But if there is anything else, it’s probably written in that letter.”
Ji Chen nodded, acknowledging this possibility.
He couldn’t help but be curious about the contents of that letter.
Choosing to convey information through a letter rather than orally usually indicated something special or significant.
Brett glanced outside and said, “Your Excellency, 1 have some matters to attend to. 1 won’t bother you any longer.”
“Very well, I’ll see you off.”
After seeing Brett off, Ji Chen returned to the hall, broke the seal on the envelope, and took out the letter.
As he read through it, he found that it started with a lengthy greeting. Perhaps it was a common trait among literati, combined with the meticulous etiquette of the elves, but these formalities made his head spin.
He quickly skipped over this part to get to the crucial information.
“Lord Ji Chen, in the days to come, 1 will be returning to the capital. During my absence, all embassy affairs will be temporarily overseen by the military officer, Brett. If you require any assistance, you can directly visit the embassy without hesitation.
Upon my return to the capital, 1 will not only report on my mission but also the trade we have successfully concluded. 1 have great confidence that the goods you delivered this time will undoubtedly bring me some recognition.
If all goes smoothly, Your Lordship and your Ocean Crown Territory may come to the attention of the higher-ups among the elves. This would secure your future market and bring significant benefits to both you and me.
1 will be away for quite some time on this trip. Once everything is settled, I will return. Then, we can share a drink and promise not to leave until we’re thoroughly drunk!”
Miligas personally penned the letter.
The message concludes here.
How should he put it?
Despite Miligas had sent him a letter, it appeared he didn’t write anything substantial.
Ji Chen felt he hadn’t read anything new.
Nevertheless, it does impart some information.
Miligas was about to return to the Elven Empire, the capital of the Silvermoon Dynasty. He would report on his mission and the successful trade they had conducted during this time.
In theory, a simple trade like this wouldn’t require an ambassador to personally return and report. However, it was evident that Ji Chen’s presentation of the Merfabric had truly caught his attention. Such a rare treasure was a first even for someone as well-traveled as Miligas.
Ji Chen welcomed this attention. The more favor he gained from the wealthy elves, the better Merfabric would sell.
Regardless, the profits for the Crown of the Ocean were bound to be substantial..