Chapter 380: The Gnome Kingdom's Expansion, War Is Coming! |
Elf princess, Velesia?
Hearing that name from the other party made Lin Mo sit up straight from the sofa.
He never expected that what Elara mentioned would actually be the legendary Elven race, and moreover an Elven princess.
After a brief shock, he ran through in his mind everything he so far knew about the Elves.
Before transmigrating, the Elves were a hugely popular race in fantasy and isekai works.
In those stories the Elves were famous for their beauty, longevity, and strength.
Since arriving in this world, Lin Mo had never encountered an Elf.
That was not surprising — like the Elves in the novels he had read before, Elves in this world were extremely rare and had great difficulty populating.
Among all humanoid races on the continent, the Elves were rather special.
Some among them possessed outstanding ranger talents, others had impressive mana aptitude. Either way, their growth rate was extremely fast... essentially, this was the power of bloodlines.
But because of this, although Elves lived very long lives, once their strength reached a certain point they could no longer progress further.
However, Elven bloodlines were relatively strong, so that threshold was high; even the most ordinary Elf usually had an upper limit around level 25. In other words, any adult Elf would at least possess a mid-range Transcendent Level combat capability.
And like magical creatures, Elves’ battle power surpassed that of same-level humans; their attacks and defenses carried blessings from the Goddess of Nature. Even Elven mages commanded the power of Nature and could use special nature magic.
This was a divine blessing, a power no other race could replicate — not even half-elves with Elven blood.
Elven bloodlines were roughly divided into three ranks.
Common, noble, and royal.
Common Elven bloodlines generally capped around levels 25–30, while noble Elves could step into the Heroic Realm, reaching levels 35–40.
As for royal bloodlines... they split into two subtypes.
One subtype was the majority of royal Elves; their gap with nobles was not huge, they simply reached level 40 faster, and historical records indicate a small chance of breaking through to the Legendary Realm, though in reality the success rate was extremely low.
The other subtype was a rarer case: certain royal descendants whose bloodlines were extraordinarily pure and thus favored by the Goddess of Nature. Their ceiling was... limitless.
Recorded history showed a few such geniuses among the Elves. The highest among them achieved the pinnacle of the Legendary Realm. When she reigned as the Elven King, the Elves’ status soared — so much so that other humanoids on the continent regarded them as a “higher species.”
Even today, that legacy still influenced perceptions.
In the Oxivis Trading Company's reception hall, incense drifted in the air. Lin Mo sat on the sofa and looked up at Lady Elara.
So, Elves — and the Elven princess — why would she be in the Violet Empire?
Before he could finish his thought, Velesia wanted to ask why Noren had, for no apparent reason, gone to the Roxez Empire?
Logically speaking, even if she needed experience, the imperial capital would have been sufficient.
Ellie curled up beside Ding Lun, fidgeting anxiously, glancing left and right as she listened to the conversation while absentmindedly offering a piece of fruit now and then to Velesia.
Flora looked thoughtful and puzzled, not speaking rashly; she simply glanced toward Velesia, waiting for her to speak.
Ding Lun didn’t take long to think. A few seconds later he said slowly, “About that matter, I’d like Lady Lin Mo to explain it in detail, including why Noren went to the Roxez Empire. Did something happen outside the southern Barbarian Forest?”
Elara smiled in satisfaction, and appreciation flickered in her eyes when she looked at Lin Mo.
It wasn’t hard to see why; having powerful talent and strength while also possessing solid reasoning ability was a bonus.
“All right.”
She smiled, fingertips tracing the rim of her teacup, and continued, “The Barbarian Forest has indeed been unrestful recently... You should know the Barbarian Forest is the continent’s largest woodland. Not only are there numerous magical creatures, the Elven Royal Court is also located within it.”
Lin Mo nodded; that was common knowledge on the continent.
“Besides that, there’s another troublesome force within the Barbarian Forest.”
Lin Mo immediately realized, “You mean... the Gnome Kingdom?”
“Exactly.”
Elara nodded. “For months now the Gnome Kingdom has been acting restless, and recently their activity has surged. They’ve been expanding territory continuously; their intention to wage war is now quite obvious.”
“The Elven elders noticed this, so earlier they negotiated with the Roxez Kingdom. The two sides prepared to cooperate to counter the Gnome Kingdom’s incursions... With the strength of the Roxez Kingdom and the Elves, theoretically the Gnome Kingdom wouldn’t be a major problem. But the Gnomes’ recent behavior is odd, and investigations unearthed many suspicious pieces of information. To be safe, the Roxez Empire proactively contacted the Violet Empire, hoping to secure some strategic material cooperation. At the same time, Princess Velesia came on behalf of the Elves, seeking the Violet Empire’s assistance.”
So they came to ask for aid?
“And how did the Empire respond?”
Lin Mo asked, though in his heart he already guessed.
“Of course they refused.”
A deeper smile appeared on Elara’s face. “Whether it’s the southern or northern frontline, the Empire will not intervene lightly... After all, the Empire’s current military strength is relatively weak compared to the other two great empires. They’d rather see the orcs and gnomes wear each other down. Why would they willingly dispatch troops?”
Lin Mo thought for a moment, then suddenly remembered something. “Did the pact between the other two empires and the Violet Empire have a time limit?”
“You’re perceptive.”
Elara grew even more pleased. “Indeed. Because of the Violet Empire’s special royal status, at the time the two other empires were founded they swore not to invade the Violet Empire’s lands. But that treaty now has less than five years remaining.”
“The Violet Empire has occupied the continent’s most fertile lands for generations. Over time, the other two empires have become increasingly resentful of this. Once the treaty expires, they’ll no longer be restrained. At that point, who knows if they won’t start a war? Naturally, the Empire’s royal family must prepare in advance.”
She didn’t bother to avoid saying these things in front of Lily, because she knew that although Lily was of the Violet royal family, she didn’t care much about these matters and never involved herself in political struggles.
“So Princess Velesia’s visit is destined to be fruitless.”
“And what about Noren? Will the Oxivis Trading Company provide support?”
That strategy didn’t seem to align with the Empire’s stance.
“It’s not support, really. More like commercial exchanges and cooperation.”
Lin Mo understood; in plain terms, it was a money-making mission.
Troop deployment was out of the question, but capitalizing on the situation to profit from wartime trade was not to be missed.
Moreover, the Violet Empire was rich in resources; making deals and supplying materials would still count as helping.
“So Noren went to the Roxez Empire for negotiations?”
As one of the Violet Empire’s largest trading houses, the Oxivis Trading Company naturally took center stage in those talks.
Elara nodded. “It’s a great opportunity for experience. Noren is no longer a child; it’s time she faced real trials.”
Lin Mo nodded thoughtfully.
Besides pure trade, there were probably other motives, right?
The treaty would end in five years. If war broke out then, could the Violet Empire withstand the other two empires’ attack?
The answer was obviously no...
For the Empire’s royal family, they had no choice but to resist to the end. Past events had long faded over time; the ancient imperial bloodline no longer commanded any special consideration in the hearts of people, and wouldn’t stop the other empires from showing no mercy.
But other forces in the Violet Empire thought differently.
Even if the other two empires swallowed the Violet Empire, they wouldn’t have the capacity to directly govern such a vast territory — it’s too complex and full of obstacles. So even if they annexed the land, they’d still need local powers to help manage it.
Thus Noren’s trip to the Roxez Empire, beyond trade, likely aimed to cultivate relationships with their nobles and royal family, preparing connections for potential future needs.
After sorting these matters out, Elara returned to the main point.
She proposed finding Princess Velesia to ask for help against the Sunflame Tiger King.
Elara naturally had her own considerations.
As a trading family, the Oxivis family was very interested in establishing good ties with the Elves. But merely securing material trade with the Roxez Empire would only marginally advance their relationship with the Elves; it would be better to have something more direct...
However, the Oxivis family could not feasibly send high-level military strength to assist. In a war at that scale, even Heroic Realm experts could suffer casualties the family could not afford. Also, the Oxivis family wasn’t entirely bound by the royals; in two years they planned not to side with the royal household. But since those two years hadn’t yet passed, they had to keep up appearances within the Empire, avoiding obvious reasons for the royals to target them.
So originally Elara planned to abandon the idea.
Lin Mo’s presence, however, gave her another route.
This youth’s relationship with the Oxivis family was ambiguous — neither fully connected nor completely detached.
Noren and Finnie were no longer strictly Oxivis members, and even if Noren sought Lin Mo’s seed, that would simply be a normal attempt to acquire superior bloodlines; it wouldn’t create an overt link for the royal family to use as a pretext.
But privately, they could form tighter ties.
From Elara’s perspective, letting Lin Mo connect with the Elves would effectively bind the Oxivis family to the Elves to some degree.
Afterward, trade with the Elves would likely proceed far more smoothly.
The Elven Royal Court sat deep in the Barbarian Forest and possessed many coveted resources. Trading with the Elves could be very lucrative!
Lin Mo quickly understood and smiled, “Lady Elara, you’re really calculating...”
Although he comprehended the logic — a head of a major family like Oxivis must think this way, and this whole matter started because he asked for help, so Oxivis owed him nothing — being “used” still left a faint sting of displeasure.
Elara, naturally aware of his mood, didn’t hide it and asked directly, “Not happy?”
She smiled. “I think this is a good opportunity for you as well. That Elven princess is astonishingly beautiful... Besides, if with your help the Oxivis family reaches cooperation with the Elves, we’ll show sufficient sincerity. For example... thirty percent of the profits from these trades. How does that sound?”
Lin Mo’s expression changed at once; she had mentioned it again...
He knew how astronomical profits from large-scale trade could be. He wouldn’t need to participate directly — just act as a middleman and take thirty percent. That was a ridiculously easy income.
In reality, Elara would normally never give up so large a cut.
But Lin Mo was Lin Mo.
In this world, strength and talent were the ultimate currency.
This young man’s growth rate was shockingly fast, far beyond Elara’s expectations. People like him had to be pampered...
Those around them also showed pleased expressions when they heard Elara’s offer.
Seeing their reactions, Elara smiled slightly. “It seems Mr. Lin Mo already has plans. Princess Velesia is currently in the palace, accompanied by Princess Lily. You can go straight to the palace to negotiate.”
Lin Mo nodded, stood up, and said, “No time to waste. Let’s go to the palace now.”
Elara waved at them. “Princess Velesia is gentle and easy to get along with. Just tell her your purpose. She’ll likely request you help in the Barbarian Forest... and then she’ll leak the news to attract forces eager to get close to you.”
By now this young man had become a key mover of the continent’s affairs. Who knew how many clans wanted to connect with him but lacked the proper opportunity.
If one were to approach him too suddenly, one might not win favor and instead arouse suspicion or resentment.
But if a chance to perform arises, it’s different...
Although most who flock would be opportunists, Lin Mo’s influence was so great that even a ragtag crowd, if large enough, could become a force not to be ignored.
Velesia was smart; she would know what to do.
Moreover, with Lin Mo’s fame, news of his involvement in the Barbarian Forest’s battles would attract many young talents who wanted to test themselves or seize the chance to rise. Then the Barbarian Forest would become truly lively.
“If you need help later, feel free to come to me... Noren can also temporarily join your small team if you like, though she’ll eventually return to inherit the family.”
“All right.”
Lin Mo smiled and turned to leave.
Noren couldn’t escape his grasp anymore. As for the future?
When he became legendary, whether Noren returned or not would be his decision.
Elara watched Lin Mo’s back and narrowed her eyes slightly.
What heights could this epoch-shaking genius reach?
To be honest, she looked forward to it.
In any case, Sister Beixi had already paved the way for the family. Her job was merely to find plausible reasons that he wouldn’t refuse and keep increasing his commitments.
She had also prepared the path for Noren... given her enough motivation and reason to depart soon for the Roxez Empire, creating space and opportunities.
Considering her own daughter’s temperament, she even gave Lin Mo a sufficiently weighty pretext so Noren wouldn’t have a chance to act coy.
As for trade with the Elves itself...
It was important but not crucial.
In the short term it would bring profits, but long-term its greatest value was creating a pretext to bind his interests to the family.
Other forces...
Humph. Who could match Oxivis’s pair of master and servant? Even if someone could, they’d be latecomers.
The Oxivis family had already seized the first-mover advantage and would be the greatest beneficiary!
Leaving the Oxivis Trading Company, Lin Mo and the others headed straight for the palace.
On the way, Ellie and the others chattered nonstop. Flora’s gaze was deep, and she kept replaying the conversation in the meeting hall with Lady Elara.
She roughly understood the Oxivis marquis’s true intentions.
She had to admit, it was a very correct move...
After following Lin Mo, Flora truly realized how outrageous this youth was.
She had always overestimated him to some extent, thinking her assumptions were wild, yet Lin Mo’s displayed talent and strength always exceeded her expectations.
The reason was simple... she kept viewing him through a mundane, normal lens.
But in truth, he simply was not human.
If one remained bound to so-called “common sense,” one would never truly see through him.
That Oxivis marquis had indeed seen keenly and perhaps had recognized this long before — maybe even back when they were still in Silverstream City.
Those few Epic Level pieces of equipment back then were the earliest investment and probe.
The Violet Empire’s palace was the largest and most prosperous among the three great empires.
The Violet royal family prided themselves on their bloodline. They habitually held themselves aloft as descendants of the Ancient Empire and were proud of it.
So the Violet royal family was the proudest, most decadent, and most like spoiled aristocrats.
Of course, Lily was the exception.
Coupled with her immense talent and the attention and resources that followed, she was a thorn among her siblings.
Lin Mo keenly sensed that Lily, back in the palace, was unhappy.
Though she wore a helmet that hid her face, he still felt a dull, oppressive mood from her; it didn’t look like the emotion of someone returning home happily.
At the palace gates many fully armed guards blocked their path.
Lily strode forward; her golden armor glittered brilliantly in the sunlight.
“It’s me.”
She removed her helmet, and the guards immediately showed respect.
“These are my... friends.”
She pointed behind her. The guards understood and stepped aside. “Please enter.”
The palace was magnificent and solemn, with grand architecture.
Lily stopped a patrol of attendants. “Where is Princess Velesia of the Elves right now?”
“Your Highness!”
After saluting, an attendant hurriedly answered, “Princess Velesia has already met with Her Highness the Grand Princess and is now resting in a side hall where she receives guests.”
“Grand Princess...”
Lily frowned slightly, clearly not impressed by the imperial heiress.
As if in reply to her wish, walking toward them was a statuesque woman whose face resembled Lily’s by about seventy percent but was taller and more mature, with long platinum hair.
“Lily, you’re back.”
She glanced at Lily and asked without expression, “How was your trip? Any danger?”
Her gaze then flicked over Lin Mo and the others.
“This is Lin Mo, right?”
Interest shone openly in her eyes. As an imperial princess, she had certainly seen images of Lin Mo.
“Greetings, Your Highness.”
Lin Mo didn’t show excessive courtesy. His instincts told him this cool-tempered princess could be troublesome.
“No need for formalities... I’m quite interested in promising young talents like you.”
She waved her hand, said nothing more, and turned to leave.
Lin Mo watched her back, then looked at Lily.
“Your elder sister doesn’t seem very friendly...”