LIGHTNOVELWORLD Chapter 25: Rejected
"Are you speaking the truth, my lord?" Anthony was agitated by his words.
William's declining health has been a great concern for him. As his former subordinate, he didn't want to see his commander suffer quietly after his long service.
Alaric nodded. "But before that, can you explain what's going on? This is the first time I've heard of this."
He hadn't heard about William in his past life. This means that the old man had most likely perished without finding a solution to his problem.
Anthony didn't speak right away. He looked at the old man to seek his opinion. It was only when William nodded his head did Anthony replied. "It's a long story so I'll make it short."
"Sir William failed to advance in the Transcendent Knight realm and this caused him to be significantly injured. The only way to heal him is for him to successfully advance, but this attempt would require a lot of Dragon Tail Ferns."
Hearing this, Alaric rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "How many stalks do you need exactly?"
"We need around fifteen stalks, but even with that much, it's still not guaranteed," Anthony responded in a heavy tone.
"Fifteen stalks?" Alaric thought that the old man would need more. It seems like he had underestimated the efficacy of the herb.
Anthony nodded. "I already have seven stalks with me so I'm only lacking eight to collect fifteen."
"Just forget about it. Dragon Tail Ferns are not easy to find and just one stalk is worth around 15-20 gold coins or possibly even more." William shook his head and sighed.
"I see. Sir William just needs Dragon Tail Ferns, right?" Alaric smiled all of a sudden.
Seeing his expression, Anthony's eyes flashed with hope. "Could it be…you have some Dragon Tail Ferns, my lord?"
William stared at Alaric in surprise. Even for a noble household, such herbs were rare and hard to find.
Alaric nodded. "We managed to acquire some stalks and I have more than what you need."
"Is that true?" Anthony wanted to inquire further, but William stopped him with a raise of his hand.
"What do you want in return, my lord? I don't think you are giving them for free." William asked with narrowed eyes. He had already negotiated once with Alaric so he had some degree of understanding about him.
Alaric's smile deepened.
William was truly a perceptive man. The old man understood his intentions without an explanation.
"As you both know, Dragon Tail Ferns are strategic resources. Every household would only use them for their people. House Silversword is just a small barony, but we also need the herb to help our Knights advance and increase their mana. If I offer the herbs to you, we would lose a substantial portion of our stock and it might even affect our Knights advancement and mana training. If Sir William promises to work for me, I won't just give you fifteen stalks. I will offer you twenty to help you in your advancement!" Alaric calmly stated his intention.
This was an Elite Knight who had a chance of advancing to the next realm!
Twenty stalks might be a lot, but so what? A Transcendent Knight was worth more than twenty stalks of Dragon Tail Ferns!
In the household, only his father was a Transcendent Knight.
If he managed to get William to serve him, the household would gain a powerful warrior!
Anthony's eyes widened upon hearing his words.
"That's not possible." William shook his head.
"I have already promised my wife that I will never return to that kind of life. I'm sorry to disappoint you, my lord, but I have to decline your offer." William firmly rejected it with a calm look.
Anthony looked like he wanted to say something, but no words came out of his mouth.
Alaric didn't expect to get rejected. He sighed regretfully while shaking his head.
"I respect your decision, Sir William. It was insensitive of me to take advantage of your predicament. I will deliver the fifteen stalks to you after the banquet. Please forgive me."
"Excuse me."
He then bowed to the two old Knights and left without looking back.
It was a bit regretful, but he couldn't force the matter. He didn't want to destroy his relationship with the orphanage because of his greed so he decisively took a step back.
Looking at Alaric's back, the two old Knights were silent for a moment.
"Did he just say that he will deliver fifteen stalks to you after the banquet?" Anthony muttered as if he couldn't believe his ears.
"That's what he said." William shrugged.
He never thought that Alaric would give up just like that.
"We will know if he is speaking the truth. I'll stay here and wait with you." For Anthony, this was a chance that he didn't want to pass up.
At this moment, Rasmus who was dressed comfortably approached.
"Grandpa, I saw you guys talking with Lord Alaric. What did you guys talk about?" Rasmus asked with a curious look.
William glared at him, making the teen shrink his neck in fear.
***
The celebration resumed until evening and another activity was held to entertain the guest.
A famous troupe was invited for the evening activity. It was a group that had recently become famous in the neighboring cities.
As soon as they stepped on the stage, the guests watched their performances with great attention.
Dad really prepared a lot for this celebration.
Alaric thought to himself as he watched the performance.
The joyous atmosphere made him temporarily forget his worries.
I wish this kind of peace would last longer.
Unfortunately, he was aware that this wish would never come true. Five months from now, a large group of goblins would come to attack North Pine Town.
When this attack happened in his past life, he was yet to become a Knight so he wasn't able to join the battle.
However, things were different now.
He didn't want to be powerless like he was in his past life.