Chapter 548: Tiffany's Affection

“High Cliff Castle is like a newborn child. It changes so much every year, let alone after two continental years,” Levi explained.

In reality, as long as construction was vigorously supported at any cost, development would be swift. Besides, High Cliff Castle was free of petty politics. At the word of its Lord, the entire castle united as one, transforming day by day.

What astonished Fu Jin even more was the massive structure standing on the horizon. He didn’t need to guess; a moment’s thought was all it took to know that it had to be the Dragon’s Nest!

But what he couldn’t comprehend was this: High Cliff Castle had only been established in the Wilderness for two years. Building a prosperous town wasn’t entirely unbelievable, but this structure, at least two or three hundred meters tall—how on earth did they build it?

After all, a wonder of this magnitude was beyond the capabilities of ordinary people.

“That is precisely the power of Magic,” Levi confirmed, validating Fu Jin’s suspicion.

“Then it must have been a Mage of exceedingly high Magic Cultivation.” Fu Jin hadn’t expected High Cliff Castle to have a Caster of such a caliber. “Lord Levi,” he couldn’t help but say, “you must introduce me.”

The act of shutting oneself away to study Magic alone had long been deemed foolish by the Magic Realm. Mages learned through daily exchange and collaboration, which was one reason they so enjoyed visiting one another.

“You’ll have your chance,” Levi said with a smile and a nod.

The old man had absolutely no idea that the Great Mage who built the Dragon’s Nest was sitting on his shoulder, covering her little mouth and snickering.

Seeing the two men finish their conversation, Miriel chose the right moment to speak up. “My Lord, allow me to formally introduce you to a renowned navigator—Mr. Mellenbu Iron Felt.”

After speaking, she took a step back, clearing the view and revealing a figure who had been hiding behind her.

“My respects to you, honored Lord of High Cliff Castle, Lord Levi.” The short man calmly removed his hood, then lowered his head to adjust the small bow tie around his neck. The bow tie was rather faded, looking as if it had seen many years.

Levi couldn’t help but rub his eyes. “A Dwarf?”

The man’s features were so obvious a blind man could have identified him—a Shorty standing no more than 1.4 meters tall, with a thick white beard woven into numerous braids, dressed in a faded, washed-out noble’s suit.

It was as if to announce to the Lord: this was a genuine, horizontally-developed Dwarf.

But Levi still found it hard to believe.

Never mind why a Dwarf was dressed like a scholar, complete with a jaunty little pink bow tie. As far as Levi knew, Dwarves generally lived on land, far from the sea, and were utterly averse to boats and the ocean itself.

They considered the ocean a rootless, treacherous place.

So… why had a Dwarf become a navigator? And a famous one, at that?

‘And that name… it feels strangely familiar…’

“My Lord, although Mr. Mellenbu is from the famed Dwarven Iron Felt Clan, he has no love for forging or mining,” Miriel explained. “He prefers to study all kinds of knowledge, especially concerning navigation and the sea. He has commanded many merchant vessels, guiding them perfectly across the ocean.”

“My Lord, why must a Dwarf be a blacksmith with a coarse personality?” Mellenbu said, blinking his brown eyes with a wronged expression. “The world holds far too many prejudices against my people.”

“My mistake, dear Mr. Mellenbu.”

The Lord extended his hand.

‘These days, even Zor Elves can be virgins, and Giant Goblins can have genius-level intellects,’ Levi thought. ‘So what’s so strange about a Dwarf captain?’

To accommodate him, the Lord bent down to shake hands with someone for the first time in his life.

This Dwarf was so unlike his kin that the Lord couldn’t help his gaze being drawn to the bow tie.

“When Mr. Mellenbu learned that it was you, my Lord, who needed an experienced captain, he immediately resigned from his post as first mate of the ‘Terry’ and came with me to High Cliff Castle,” Miriel continued.

“Correct. It is my honor to serve a valiant Knight who upholds his creed, and what’s more, the only Dragon Rider in the world today.” Mellenbu made no effort to hide his appraising gaze, and it was clear that the more he looked, the more pleased he was.

The reputation of the Lord of High Cliff Castle was legendary in Debei. Mellenbu had heard the tales dozens of times in taverns and could recite them word for word: single-handedly rescuing his sovereign from the usurper’s siege, leading a fifty-man Guard Team to crush the thousand-strong Wilderness Alliance Army, marching south to claim his title… the list of legends was endless.

It is human nature to admire the strong, and he was no exception.

“That’s fine. I trust your judgment, Miriel. Besides, Mr. Mellenbu looks like a man of great learning.” Levi spoke honestly; it would have been impossible to claim he trusted the man’s abilities after just meeting him.

“My Lord, I will prove through my actions that Miss Miriel’s judgment and your trust are well-placed.” Mellenbu placed a hand on his chest and actually performed a flawless salute of the Debei Nobles.

This only intensified the Lord’s indescribable sense of absurdity.

“To be honest, I’m curious. How did you two meet?”

Levi gestured for them to come inside and sit as he asked.

Dwarves and Elves didn’t get along; that was common knowledge. Even Half-Elves were disliked by Dwarves. But clearly, Mellenbu could not be judged as an ordinary Dwarf.

“When Mr. Mellenbu first came to Bailiu City looking for work, he happened to stop by the Secret Silver Commerce Association. I introduced him to a suitable position.” It was hard to find hot tea on a difficult journey. Miriel drained her cup in one go and let out a long, warm breath, a comfortable heat gradually spreading through her body.