The Witcher: Lord of the Empire

Contracting the trolls was the result of Lann's early plan. Even if the trolls agreed to go with Lann, Lann would still spend ability points to contract.

Although trolls tend to become friendly and easy-going when they are established in a relationship of trust, the friendship only existed with Lann, and only with him. If he decided to take them to Cintra, who could guarantee that they wouldn't cause trouble due to a misunderstanding? After all, trolls, no matter how friendly they may seem, are still monsters classified as creatures of the Ogroid class.

Therefore, Lann needed to secure and formalize his relationship with the trolls, going from being simple mutually helpful friends to obedient subordinates. In addition, it would be good for him to be able to summon them through the [Teleport] skill to serve as reinforcements in future battles.

Once the contract was established, Demon Troll felt a surge of excitement like never before.

"Witcher, tell Troll your name!"

Lann raised his eyebrows. Indeed, this was the first time he forgot to introduce himself first during a conversation.

"My name is Lann."

It threw away the bottle and shouted to the sky: "Troll, help Lann! We don't want the territory anymore!!"

...

Lann temporarily left the three rock trolls in the cave where Old Speartip had lived. Although Vesemir was understanding, he was not so understanding as to allow the trolls to stay in Kaer Morhen.

Before he left, Lann made a pact with the trolls: when he returned to Cintra, he would use the Mousesack portal to take them there. And to make sure they weren't lacking anything, he left enough liquor in the cave for them to celebrate.

When he returned to the castle, Ciri was the first to greet him, rushing towards him like a whirlwind. Ciri hugged him tightly, nervously feeling him to make sure he wasn't hurt.

Looking up, Lann saw Yennefer and Triss smiling near the window, though each smile reflected very different intentions.

Dinner was prepared calmly, and everyone gathered around the fire, drinking and talking. Ciri, with her eyes full of curiosity, listened attentively to the stories of that day. When she learned that Lann planned to take the three trolls to Cintra, her excitement was evident.

Lambert, after emptying his glass in one gulp, looked at Lann and commented mockingly: "I always thought that only an idiot could speak the same language as a troll. But I see that normal people can communicate with them too. You've surprised me, Lann."

Ciri, upon hearing this, felt that Lambert was insulting Lann and gave him a withering look.

Lambert, in a better mood than the night before, laughed without caring about the girl's anger and turned to continue drinking with the other members of the Wolf School.

On the other hand, Mousesack and Vesemir were chatting animatedly as they sorted out the new information they had learned. "The leader is called Demon Troll, and his partner, Big Mom Troll. The third, Lemon Troll, is their daughter. It seems that trolls also have a defined social structure… and are even monogamous."

Lann gently stroked Ciri's head to make her look away from Lambert, ruffling her hair a little.

When the two old men's conversation came to a pause, Lann took the opportunity to speak: "Vesemir, there is something I want to tell you, and I would like to know your opinion."

Vesemir raised an eyebrow and leaned in with interest to listen.

Lann patted Ciri's head and said: "For a while, I would like Ciri to accompany me. We have a marshal who has returned and wants to swear loyalty to Ciri, so she must meet him. I also want to take her to Skellige to visit Uncle Eist."

Ciri's eyes sparkled with excitement upon hearing that.

Vesemir's expression showed slight surprise, but quickly returned to normal. For witchers, the concept of visiting family did not really exist. From the moment they arrived at the fortress where they would be trained, they were not allowed to leave it for decades, until they completed their training.

Even though the wolf school had now decided to move entirely to Cintra, Kaer Morhen was not going to be abandoned. Not to mention the rare circle of elements inherent to the place, many supporting places for combat training, equipment, and even the valuable special environment are an indispensable part of witcher training. Ciri's future training will still take place in Kaer Morhen.

In Lann and Vesemir's original plan, the school's establishment in Cintra was more like a new headquarters, and Kaer Morhen was transformed into a base for logistics and apprentice training. The main members of the Wolf School will be stationed in Cintra, while the training teachers will train apprentices in Kaer Morhen - if new apprentices are added in the future - after the apprentices graduate, Cintra will be the first stop to start their career as witchers.

In short, it is necessary for Ciri to continue training in Kaer Morhen.

But Ciri is special after all, and since it was Lann who spoke at this moment, and the reason given was so impeccable, Vesemir naturally had no reason to refuse.

The old witcher pretended to think for a moment while Ciri looked at him with eyes full of expectation. Finally, he smiled and said: "Okay."

Ciri jumped for joy and hugged Vesemir, causing him to laugh loudly.

...

The night wore on. Yennefer left the table after dinner, giving Geralt a look that said 'Don't be late'.

Triss saw that the witchers seemed to have endless topics to talk about, so she quickly stood up and left her seat, taking Ciri away with her, leaving the table for the men.

Although they knew that the women would not be shocked by their jokes or crude talk, their departure created a more relaxed atmosphere – at least that's how Geralt felt.

Vesemir began to argue with Lann about moving the school: "It will take us about two weeks to move to Cintra. There are many equipment, weapons, and potions that we need to sort through to decide what to take and what to leave."

The old witcher shook his head. "After all, the castle is too big, and there are too few of us - in fact, places like cellars and forges have not been visited for decades."

Lann nodded, showing his understanding. Then he suddenly said: "In that case, Kaer Morhen must have several hidden treasures."

At Vesemir's expression, which seemed to ask how it was possible that he knew more about Kaer Morhen than him, Lann smiled. "You can understand it as Elder Blood's foresight, which allowed me to see some scenes."

"Kaer Morhen was attacked by a mob incited by sorcerers, wasn't it? I'm sorry to mention it... but in one of the visions I saw that, in the midst of the chaos, the witchers and sorcerers of the castle hid the equipment plans they were researching. Maybe you can find them."

Vesemir was moved upon hearing Lann's words.

For the wolf school, now reduced to just a few members, finding these plans meant more than just improving their combat skills; it meant the chance to preserve their legacy.

Lann continued: "If I'm right, it's a complete set. Go and take a look at the surrounding ruins, you'll gain something. But you might need some magical help, because the sorcerers at the time used all their power to hide them at the last minute. Perhaps even some restless souls at the school can give you clues..."

Hearing this, Vesemir, who was originally delighted, calmed down a little bit, and even showed disappointment. "I always used the excuse of a lack of manpower as an excuse for not exploring the ruins... In reality, I didn't want to face the memories of that tragedy. But they all fought to the end and didn't give up... while I..."

Mousesack patted him on the shoulder comfortingly. "You were the one who kept the school alive, Vesemir. And you will continue to do so."

Ever since he learned the tale of the wolves, the old druid had a deep admiration for Vesemir, especially after his own experience helping to hold Cintra.

"If you need magical support, you can contact me at any time." The old druid smiled. "After Vissegerd joins our army, I can relax a little and spend more time on magic."

Vesemir regained his spirits and thanked Lann for the information.

Lann smiled and said: "When you find the plans, take them to Cintra. We'll take care of financing their manufacture. We happen to have a blacksmith and an enchanting mage."

But Lann wasn't done yet.

"Also..." Lann continued excitedly. "I also saw a group of witchers working in a mine; they left some high-quality equipment there. But be careful, there are elemental guardians there. It's best to go with someone. That must have been during the time of the Order, because Kaer Morhen wasn't fully built yet..."

"I also saw a witcher being chased by a Chort behind the mountain. I think he had some blueprints for a sword, as well as some other equipment he left behind. You were in that scene, Vesemir, so maybe you can check that area out; the Chort's nest has some interesting stuff..."

"Oh, right! I also saw that a sorcerer created a greenhouse in a cave, but magic destabilized it and now there are constant storms. It would be ideal for growing herbs, if you can find a way to reactivate it…"

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