Warlock Apprentice

Chapter 3277: Chapter 3278: Considerations

Upon confirming that the dragon scale Angel presented indeed belonged to Mr. De, Sipolov’s mood was somewhat complicated.

Ever since he entrusted his favor to Mr. De, he had imagined countless times the scene of outsiders coming to exchange favors with him. He fantasized about familiar acquaintances seeking to exchange favors, considered what he would do if an enemy acquired the dragon scale, and even thought about how he might handle it if other unrelated races obtained the dragon scale.

In his opinion, the first two scenarios were the most likely, with the last being the least.

Because he had secretly inquired, to exchange for his favor, one must satisfy Mr. De. Mr. De’s status in the Hundred-Dragon Divine Kingdom was beyond ordinary, and the exchange he proposed was not something just anyone could afford.

So, he thought, how could a stranger race possibly be willing to pay such a high price for a mere soldier like him?

The greatest possibility was still that a friend or enemy familiar with his background and with designs on him would exchange for his favor.

Sipolov always believed this guess was correct, because he had heard that many people had gone to the Hundred-Dragon Divine Kingdom to inquire about his favor, and without exception, these people were his acquaintances.

Yet, despite being familiar, whether friend or foe, none of them ultimately exchanged for his favor... because they couldn’t afford the price set by Mr. De.

Sipolov thought his favor might have to wait until he achieved great success, no longer relying on his backing, and became a true figure of importance before anyone would be willing to pay a high price for it.

But what he didn’t expect was that someone exchanged for the dragon scale so quickly.

The most significant part was that the exchange was made by the stranger he considered the least probable.

"May I know how to address you, sir?" Although Sipolov’s heart was in turmoil, he maintained a calm and respectful demeanor outwardly.

He had signed a contract that whoever held the dragon scale was to be treated as if they were Mr. De. Even if it were a newborn child, he had to maintain awe.

However, in his respectful inquiry, Sipolov was also pondering many questions.

Is the other party purely a stranger, or is there some connection with his acquaintances?

Is the other party’s demand truly for him, or for the forces backing him?

He had previously rehearsed these questions and responses in his mind, but addressing them in reality required careful attention.

Additionally, he needed one more answer: Did the other party find him through the Dog Deacon?

If the Dog Deacon was involved, he felt the other’s demands might be substantial... After all, to exchange a favor from Mr. De at a high price and specifically have the Dog Deacon seek him out suggested significant designs, maybe even urgency?

While Sipolov speculated on various things, Angel was also gauging Sipolov.

Sipolov was very similar to the Yingji Clan member in Angel’s impression.

Dressed in a black military uniform, the slightly tight-fitting style accentuated his stately physique. Whether it was his clothing, trousers, or military boots, they were all understated. The only shiny elements on him were the silver decoration and gold band on his chest, and the Ice Lion beast pattern on his buttons.

The reason for specifically mentioning the beast pattern on the buttons was because his black eyepatch also had the same silver beast pattern.

Perhaps this beast pattern was his family crest?

Aside from the outfit, his face was quite handsome, complemented by neatly styled black hair, and his aura stood out.

No wonder Xenia had such an affection for Sipolov.

Such looks, even in the human world, could attract countless young girls.

Of course, the premise was that they didn’t know the area beneath Sipolov’s eyepatch was empty.

When Angel observed someone, he often started with the eyes, as the gaze is an outward reflection of one’s soul. But Sipolov had no eyes, or rather, his eyes were the black flames floating nearby.

Angel found it difficult to read Sipolov’s thoughts through the black flames.

Therefore, in terms of views on Sipolov, Angel couldn’t yet provide any. But judging by some detailed behaviors, he seemed to be someone with heavy thoughts.

"Angel." Angel repeated: "You can call me Angel."

Angel... Sipolov’s mind went blank; it was the first time he heard this name. Perhaps he really was a pure stranger?

Sipolov: "Mr. Angel, are you here specifically to wait for me?"

Sipolov used an honorific, but the probing in his words was strong.

Angel also picked up on his probing, but wasn’t bothered by it. Putting himself in the other’s shoes—a stranger suddenly showing up with your favors, demanding this and that—Angel would also think to probe.

"Sort of. My friend and the Dog Deacon are old acquaintances. By chance, I sensed you at the Everything House through the dragon scale and asked the Dog Deacon to help find you." Angel did not hide anything and stated the situation frankly.

Sipolov murmured softly: "So, the Ghost Steward asked me to come, wasn’t following procedure?"

The Dog Deacon coughed: "No. Following procedure is true."

Following procedure is also true? So, the two events coinciding was a coincidence?

Although Sipolov felt it was too coincidental, as far as he knew, commissioning the Deacon at the Everything House indeed required signing a contract with the Dog Deacon.

Fine, let’s regard it as a chance encounter.

"No need to stand, let’s sit down and talk." The Dog Deacon gestured for Sipolov to take a seat.

Sipolov nodded, smoothly taking a seat at the far end, diagonally facing Angel.

Once Sipolov was seated, the Dog Deacon looked at Sipolov: "Would you like to talk first, or should I sign the contract with Sipolov first?"

Angel indicated indifference.

Sipolov pondered for a moment: "If I talk with Mr. Angel first, would it be neglecting the Steward?"

The Dog Deacon waved a paw: "Don’t mind me, I’m just an intermediary."

Luigi murmured softly: "No, you’re the middle dog."

The Dog Deacon: "..."

Sipolov also noticed the presence of Luigi and Laplace, but he didn’t know either of them, so he temporarily ignored them. However, seeing Luigi daring to joke with the Dog Deacon, it seemed Angel’s previous statement about the Dog Deacon being a friend acquaintance was true.

Sipolov: "Then shall I talk with Mr. Angel first?"

Truthfully, Sipolov wanted to follow procedure with the Dog Deacon and complete his commission first, but according to the contract signed earlier, seeing the dragon scale meant seeing Mr. De. At this moment, he couldn’t simply treat Angel as a stranger; he needed to consider Angel with Mr. De’s standing.

On one hand, the Dog Deacon; on the other, "Mr. De"; one side could be temporarily delayed commission; the other was communication with "Mr. De."

Seemingly a choice between two, but in reality, there was no choice.

Angel: "Alright."

Sipolov continued to ask: "Do we need to talk privately?"

Angel shook his head: "No need, they are all my friends, and they were there when I exchanged favors from the Hundred-Dragon Divine Kingdom’s outpost."

Implying that they knew what Angel wanted to do, so there was no need to deliberately avoid them.

Sipolov was slightly relieved after hearing this response.

Because the other party was open about it, even not avoiding the Dog Deacon, it meant what they sought might be more aboveboard rather than sneaky?

Although Sipolov felt slightly relieved, he was still very cautious about the request that Angel might put forward: "Mr. Angel, when I handed the favor over to Mr. De, I mentioned two conditions..."

Angel nodded in understanding; "I know, I will comply."

Firstly, if the matter involves Sipolov, as long as it’s not a deadly situation, he can agree to it; secondly, if it involves Sipolov’s family, he cannot make decisions and would need to let his family review it first.

In simple terms, Sipolov is not afraid of death, but he will not engage in a deadly affair. Moreover, Sipolov’s favor can only represent himself; he cannot make decisions for others, even if the person is his family.

In Angel’s view, these two conditions are not excessive.

"Since you already know, I won’t say more." Sipolov felt reassured seeing Angel agree without any excuses.

He was just afraid that Angel would ask for something beyond.

Since the other party didn’t mean to, perhaps their request was indeed "aboveboard."

Angel: "This time, when I exchange your favor, I indeed have a request. You might have noticed, I am a Wizard. Besides being a Wizard, I am also an Alchemist..."

Soon, Sipolov listened to Angel’s request.

After hearing Angel’s request, Sipolov’s expression turned somewhat stiff... He had imagined various requests Angel might bring up, but he never expected the other party was interested in the Heart Fire?!!

This indeed is "aboveboard," but it’s also too "big"!

"This matter... I’m afraid I can’t help. I, I am merely a humble Knight, perhaps I have some say in the army, but Heartfire Hall and the army are two entirely different systems."

Heartfire Hall holds an extremely high status amongst the Yingji Clan, it can even be said to be an exalted Holy Land.

The Yingji Clan is renowned for its combat prowess and military management.

As such, the military system of the Yingji Clan is very rigorous, from top to bottom, not allowing a speck of dust.

But Heartfire Hall is an exception, in the entire Yingji Clan, only Heartfire Hall has an independent military system. The soldiers of Heartfire Hall are even entirely free from the control of other superiors, the only one who can influence Heartfire Hall is the Senior General.

Yet, how many Senior Generals are there in the Yingji Clan?

And Sipolov, isn’t even a lieutenant. To meddle in Heartfire Hall, he is absolutely unable to do so.

Angel had already learned about the state of the Yingji Clan from Glaipnir and Pika Sage, and naturally knew that from Sipolov’s position, it would be very difficult for him to directly interfere with Heartfire Hall.

Therefore, Angel was not surprised at Sipolov’s outright refusal.

He didn’t really expect Sipolov to pull off this task anyway.

"I understand your position, and I’m not insisting on success." Angel: "My request is to have you introduce me to the officers who can participate in this matter, if possible, just help mediate a bit."

"Ultimately, whether it succeeds or not, it’s unimportant."

Angel paused: "If it truly doesn’t work, you could randomly find someone for me to study the Heart Fire for a while."

Sipolov roughly understood Angel’s intentions.

On the larger scale, Angel wants to obtain a Heart Fire, so in order to make that happen, a Senior General’s approval must be garnered. If going down this path, Angel hopes Sipolov can mediate and introduce him to the Senior General who decides the Heart Fire’s ownership.

On the smaller scale, if Angel cannot obtain Heart Fire, then arranging for a member of the Yingji Clan to let him study Heart Fire is also a possibility.

These two points, Sipolov can actually accomplish.

His grandfather once held the honorary commander title and was also the teacher of the Ice Country’s current highest commander.

The current highest commander of the Yingji Clan is the only Three-Star General in the Yingji Clan. Through this relationship, introducing Angel to the highest commander, he can do that.

As for Angel wanting to study Heart Fire, this is quite simple as well.

Having his subordinates hand over Heart Fire for Angel to study is not a problem.

In fact, Sipolov could even offer his own Heart Fire for Angel to study.

Although Sipolov’s Heart Fire is special, special does not equal superior. His Heart Fire differs entirely from the general Heart Fire of the Yingji Clan; if Angel can indeed research something from Heart Fire, studying his own Heart Fire would be better, preventing Angel from peeking into the general Heart Fire’s secrets.

In conclusion, in Sipolov’s view, neither of these are difficult.

Of course, it hinges on Angel truly intending to go only this far.

If Angel is hiding something, seems to be after Heart Fire but actually aims elsewhere; or if he changes stance midway, even planning to use him as a threat to his grandfather, then the follow-up would be hard to say.

However, Sipolov also knows that now is not the time to doubt these groundless matters. Just considering the possibilities is enough, there’s no need to agonize over them at present.

Right now, they should go by what Angel says for now. After all, the favor is still in his hands.

"Alright." Sipolov nodded: "If you agree, I can contact Senior General Oleg shortly."

Perhaps seeing Angel’s puzzled expression, Sipolov added a sentence: "Senior General Oleg is a one-star general of the Ice Country. He is also the leader who brought the Yingji Clan to the gathering this time. Currently in Crystal City, the only one with the authority to ultimately decide outsiders entering Heartfire Hall is Senior General Oleg."

Angel naturally wouldn’t refuse: "Okay."

After a pause, Angel asked: "Should we settle the contract now?"

Sipolov hesitated for a moment before saying: "Better to wait until after you meet Senior General Oleg; if he does not agree, I can still help you contact others."

Settling the contract now is definitely more advantageous, if Oleg disagrees, it’s not Sipolov’s fault. Then they merely need to find a Yingji member for Angel to study Heart Fire for a period.

But Sipolov also has his pride.

The weapon Mr. De refined for him, made him a renowned Knight, enabling him to sweep through armies on the battlefield.

Comparing costs and benefits, what he did, the price paid, doesn’t even reach a tenth of what Mr. De offered.

Favor does not equalize.

Even though he got the better deal, Sipolov feels unworthy.

Moreover, Sipolov thinks a lot. Angel does not look like a fool, he likely spent a great fortune to gain the favor from Mr. De, if it was so simple to dismiss, there must be hidden motives behind it.

He is a proud soldier of the Yingji military, with his code of conduct, not one to exploit like Pirush, no need to let things devolve to such a point.