Chapter 168: Mibu’s Clarification

Chapter 168: Chapter 168: Mibu’s Clarification

"As things are now, we naturally don’t have the energy to go searching for some supposed treasure. Besides, we have no intention of deceiving you by sending men past White Bear Town to seek it out on the open seas. After discussing it, Lord Kels and I decided that giving the Treasure Map to you was the best choice."

Olay continued, "White Bear Town’s ocean navigation technology is clearly more advanced. That’s why this Treasure Map is best left in your hands."

"Of course, we can’t be certain if the Treasure Map is genuine, but its origin is quite credible. Perhaps you could send some people to check it out."

After speaking, Olay took a sip of water to wet his throat.

"This is too valuable."

Vili’s expression showed a hint of hesitation.

Although he didn’t know if the Treasure Map was real or what the treasure itself might be worth, the fact that Baron Kels and Olay would give it to him without hesitation was a clear show of goodwill and support.

"Just take it,"

Olay said.

Vili weighed his options and ultimately decided to accept it.

Vili was well aware of Baron Kels’s intentions.

He had great potential, and Baron Kels was befriending him like this to build upon their past rapport and further deepen their relationship.

While it had a certain pragmatic purpose, it was also steeped in genuine friendship.

"In that case, my thanks to you, Olay, and to Baron Kels."

Vili said, expressing his gratitude.

Seeing this, Olay let out a loud laugh. "Excellent!"

Vili carefully put away the sheepskin scroll. He decided that after Olay returned to Diamond Town, he would summon Mibu to ask him about related matters.

The wandering poet, whose footsteps had covered the entire Lanton Duchy, was bound to know something.

"Olay, it’s noon already. Why don’t we have lunch first?"

Vili said to Olay, "The last time you visited, it was still spring. Now, it’s the height of summer, and we have a much wider variety of seafood. You can try some of the fresh catch."

"I’ve been looking forward to White Bear Town’s seafood,"

Olay said with a smile.

At that, Vili and Olay rose together and walked toward the dining hall.

「...」

Olay only stayed in White Bear Town for one night, leaving early the next morning.

His purpose for the trip was to deliver the Treasure Map to Vili. With his objective accomplished, he didn’t linger.

Vili personally saw Olay to the border of White Bear Town before slowly heading back.

As soon as he returned to the study in his manor, Vili summoned Mibu.

"Lord Baron."

Mibu came to Vili’s study, navigating the path with ease.

He had been here so many times before. Whenever Vili had free time, he would call him in to talk about his past experiences.

"Sit."

Vili gestured to a seat.

Mibu acknowledged with a sound and sat down.

"How long did you spend in Fenbul Province?"

Vili got straight to the point.

"Fenbul Province?"

Mibu looked surprised. Usually, when Vili summoned him, it was just to listen to him talk at random. A direct question like this was almost unheard of.

"I was in Fenbul Province for over three years. Compared to other places, that was a rather long time," Mibu said, stroking the stubble on his chin. "Fenbul Province is quite special, you see. It was once the central province of the Cold Lion Duchy, so it has many old relics and interesting cultural remnants from the former nation. I spent a year and a half in the Royal Capital of the Cold Lion Duchy alone. During that time, I spoke with many local elders about the duchy’s glory and fall, and I visited the palace ruins at the old capital site many times. I even composed over a hundred poems about it."

As he said this, a faint look of pride appeared on Mibu’s face. It seemed that with a single glance from Vili, he would start reciting his finest poems from that period.

Vili glanced at Mibu, ignoring his expectant look.

’Vili had heard Mibu’s poetry before. It lacked any brilliance and was rather melodramatic.’

"In that case, during your time there, did you ever hear any rumors about what happened after the fall of the Cold Lion Kingdom?" Vili laced his fingers together and leaned back in his chair, inventing a pretext. "I read a history book yesterday about the rise and fall of the Cold Lion Kingdom. It was fascinating. But after I finished, I couldn’t help but wonder... after such a powerful kingdom vanished from the stage of history, where did its descendants and its legacy go?"

Mibu knew that Baron Vili was a man who loved to seek knowledge and enjoyed reading, so he didn’t doubt Vili’s motive for asking. "The fall of the Cold Lion Kingdom is indeed a lamentable tale, but I find the bravery and fearlessness of Duke Kaqier even more admirable..."

Mibu suddenly realized he was getting sidetracked. "Most of the descendants of the Cold Lion Kingdom back then chose to make a final stand and died under Duke Kaqier’s blade. However, a portion of them went into hiding, changing their names. Some fled to other countries, while others ventured far overseas..."

"’Ventured far overseas,’ you say..."

Vili’s brow furrowed.

’He couldn’t be sure if his Treasure Map was the only one. If other copies existed, then the descendants of the Cold Lion Kingdom who fled overseas might have already claimed the treasure.’

’But there’s no way to be sure of that now. If I do decide to search for this treasure in the future, I can send out scouts to investigate first.’

"As for the remaining treasures of the Cold Lion Kingdom from that era..." A look of longing appeared in Mibu’s eyes. "The vast majority of it was seized by Duke Kaqier. A small portion was taken by the kingdom’s descendants. However..."

Mibu’s tone shifted as he continued, "I once heard a story circulating in Mad Lion City... They say that as the Cold Lion Duchy was entering its final days, the last Duke foresaw its imminent decline. So, he had a great many treasures shipped from coastal towns to a secret island far overseas. Some say that treasure is the true legacy of the Cold Lion King Royal Family."

Hearing this, a sharp glint flashed in Vili’s eyes.

’The location marked on that sheepskin scroll is an overseas island.’

"However, there’s no way to verify this rumor. In my opinion, it’s most likely just hearsay," Mibu said. "The story was probably fabricated by some disillusioned literary types. It doesn’t mean much."

The wandering poet, Mibu, held these so-called ’literary types’ in extremely low regard.

’It was as if only his own poems were worthy of being passed down.’

’Of course, in Vili’s eyes, this was probably just jealousy.’

After Mibu had said so much, Vili came to a conclusion.

’The probability that this sheepskin Treasure Map is real is quite high.’

’The only uncertainty is whether the treasure has already been taken.’

"Alright, Mibu, I’ve just remembered I have some other official business to attend to. That will be all for today."

His questions answered, Vili dismissed him.

"Then I shall take my leave."

Mibu bowed and left the Baron’s Manor.