Chapter 268 - 115: Since You’re Here! The Black Prison Awaits

Chapter 268: Chapter 115: Since You’re Here! The Black Prison Awaits

Edmund didn’t seem to mind. As they walked, he subtly observed his surroundings.

While the street wasn’t particularly prosperous, it was still bustling with people and quite lively.

Although most of the townspeople on the street were plainly dressed, some even in patched-up clothes, every one of them wore an expression of busy fulfillment.

Most of the shops lining the street were open, and vendors were hawking their wares. The CLANG CLANG CLANG of a hammer rang out from a blacksmith’s forge, and a tempting aroma drifted from a bakery.

On the street corners, children could be seen laughing as they chased each other and played... Everything here was orderly and vibrant, radiating a sense of peace that was exceptionally rare in such chaotic times.

A look of admiration flashed in Edmund’s eyes.

"This Lynch Blackwood is quite a talent," he remarked quietly to his granddaughter. "To resettle so many refugees in a place like Red Ridge Mountain, a region ravaged by war and overrun with bandits, and to build such a vibrant sanctuary... It’s truly remarkable."

"I heard that when he took over, Lakefront Town was almost completely deserted, with only a hundred or so of the old and infirm remaining."

Eleanor blinked her ice-blue eyes at his words. Seemingly unconvinced, she whispered, "But I heard Lakefront Town is what it is today mainly because his administrator, Aus, is so capable. Aus handled all the internal affairs, construction, and civil administration."

"Lynch... isn’t he just a Necromancer who’s good in a fight?"

Edmund chuckled and lightly tapped his granddaughter’s forehead. "What do you know? Knowing how to recognize and utilize talented people, putting the right person in the right job, while keeping a firm grip on the military and Extraordinary Power—that is the true art of leadership."

"Besides, why do you think this Aus works for him so loyally? Do you think it’s just for a salary? Behind it all, Lynch must be the one setting the overall direction while giving Aus his complete trust and support. That kind of vision and skill in managing subordinates is far more important than simple personal might."

Eleanor pouted, still not convinced. "Well... he stole Raven’s Whisper from me..." she muttered under her breath.

At a black market auction, Edmund had originally intended to buy that Magic Staff for his granddaughter, who was on the verge of a promotion, but a mysterious figure swooped in and snatched it up.

At first, he hadn’t known who the person was. But then Andre’s family came and raised a fuss, which led to a series of investigations into the incident. Naturally, the identities of those involved in the black market deal came to light.

That was how Edmund deduced that the person bidding against him for Raven’s Whisper that day was none other than the governor of Lakefront Town, Lynch Blackwood.

Ever since the young lady found out, she hadn’t stopped grumbling about it.

Soon, however, Eleanor’s attention was drawn to some of the stalls lining the street.

They sold quaint and peculiar metal trinkets and beautifully textured wood carvings, all clearly in the artistic style of the Ancient Elves.

Even the sweet aroma wafting from the pastry shops made her unable to resist a few extra glances.

As the grandfather and granddaughter were strolling, a militia patrol happened to pass by.

The captain in the lead noticed the two strangers. With their extraordinary bearing and obvious Caster attire, he immediately approached them warily, though his tone was polite enough. "Honored Mages, may I ask your business in Lakefront Town?"

Edmund smiled kindly and presented his consultant’s insignia. "I am Edmund Frost, Chief Magic Consultant of the North Wind Legion. This is my granddaughter, Eleanor. We are here to visit Battalion Commander Lynch."

"There’s no need to be alarmed. We’re just taking a casual stroll to experience the local flavor of Lakefront Town. We’ll make our own way to the garrison in a bit."

"Ch-Chief Consultant, sir?!" The militia captain was taken aback. He instinctively straightened his back and gave a clumsy military salute, his face full of awe. "D-do you need me to lead the way?"

"That won’t be necessary. We’ll head over ourselves once we’re done here." Edmund waved a hand dismissively. "Carry on with your duties."

After dismissing the awed and apprehensive patrol, the two continued their stroll down the street for a while.

Edmund bought his granddaughter a few small, Elven-style silver trinkets and tried the local specialty, honey-baked cakes, before they finally ambled toward the garrison.

A short while later, the two of them arrived at the garrison entrance.

Lynch, however, had been notified the moment they began heading toward the garrison and was already standing at the entrance to welcome them personally.

As the pair approached, a respectful smile appeared on his face.

"Chief Consultant Edmund, welcome to Lakefront Town. Please forgive me for not greeting you sooner." Lynch bowed slightly, his attitude respectful but not obsequious.

Edmund smiled and nodded. "Battalion Commander Lynch, there’s no need for such ceremony. We are the ones who have come uninvited and disturbed you."

"Not at all. It is an honor for Lakefront Town to host the Chief Consultant." Lynch stepped aside and gestured for them to enter. "Please, come in. It’s windy out here."

He led them into the main hall of the garrison.

The hall had been tidied up. While it could hardly be called luxurious, it was commendably clean and neat.

A platter of fresh fruit and a plate of freshly baked cookies from the bakery were already set out on a long table. In addition, there was a pot of herbal tea that Sea Song had specially brewed with aquatic plants and herbs native to Mirror Lake.

The tea was still warm, its faint, refreshing fragrance lingering in the air.

The parties took their seats as host and guests and exchanged some pleasantries.

Lynch gave a brief overview of Lakefront Town’s current situation, while Edmund inquired about its defenses, the livelihood of its people, and threats in the surrounding area. Their conversation flowed easily, and the atmosphere was quite amicable.