Chapter 345: An Invitation from the Fernal Family

Chapter 345

An Invitation from the Fernal Family

A few days had passed, and Ellie’s second secret dimension was thriving. Many herbs were growing well, thanks to Ellie’s daily infusion of botanic magic power and the power of the spiritual Merlo fruit. This new secret dimension seemed even more vibrant than the original one. Ellie had also planted the herb that Owen gave her here. The level 4 herb was growing well, and soon it could be harvested and distributed to others for cultivation around the city.

Today, Ellie planned to visit the 7th floor to exchange resources and bring back some interesting items. However, just as she was preparing, trouble arose again at the Hunter’s Association!

The leader of the Central Light Magic Association arrived in the Ares Kingdom himself. His presence alone caused a stir, but he did not come with good intentions. Upon arrival, he immediately announced that he was looking for “Hunter Luke,” who had dared to imprison and torture their people. He promised a great reward for capturing him alive and a substantial bounty for killing him. Even some hunters from the Ares Kingdom were excited by this reward.

However, the leader of the Hunter’s Association in the Ares Kingdom felt deeply insulted. Anyone with a bit of sense could see that this was a blatant act of disrespect.

Declaring war on others but then storming in to capture the person who had defeated them—if that wasn’t losing and then causing a scene, what was? Instead of contacting the Hunter’s Association first upon arrival, they made a public announcement. This hostile intent forced the Hunter’s Association to respond in kind.

They had their own honor to maintain. If they couldn’t protect their own top fighters who brought them victory, who would dare to fight for the association in the future? If they let their own people face danger without support, how could they hold their heads high in the Ares Kingdom? They might as well shut down the association entirely.

“Did you hear? The Hunter’s Association of the Ares Kingdom has made an announcement. They declared that Hunter Luke is one of their own and will receive full protection. Anyone who dares to harm Hunter Luke will be punished according to the rules without exception.”

“Wow!! If this isn’t a declaration of war, what is? These Central Associations are shameless.”

“Mmm, but the strength of the Hunter’s Association alone might not be enough. We still need to see the reactions of the major families and the royals.”

“Who do you think they’ll side with? The Hunter’s Association of our kingdom is good, but the Central Association doesn’t want to destroy the Hunter’s Association. They only want one person.”

“So, should we hand over the hunter who has done so well? That hunter is the Demon Frog Warrior! The Demon Frog Warrior who has helped the kingdom many times.”

“And so what? Then he should sacrifice himself for the kingdom now. If he’s truly a man, he should come forward to resolve this issue. After all, the person asking for him is the leader of the Central Association. Think about how powerful they are.”

Many people discussed the matter intensely, waiting to see what would happen. Ordinary citizens were too afraid to voice their opinions openly, and even discussing the issue made them anxious. They didn’t know how the Ares Kingdom would decide, so they had to wait and see.

In the major families, they were all aware that the Central Association had come to Ares to pressure the Hunter’s Association personally. Many families wanting to build good relations with the Central Association acted quickly. They sought to capture Hunter Luke, even if it meant betraying the Hunter’s Association. Their priority was the well-being of their own families over an association that worked on a commission basis.

Some families found the Central Association’s actions increasingly disgusting and chose to ignore them. Some even spoke out against it.

At the Fernal family, Prince Joseph sat in frustration. He had been punished repeatedly to appease the Setter family. This was because the Fernal family, which supported him, had previous conflicts with the Setter family. His father wanted to please the Setter family, so whatever Joseph did was deemed wrong, making him very dissatisfied!

Then, suddenly today, the Fernal family invited him, claiming they had good news. Though he didn’t want to be involved with them anymore, he couldn’t ignore the mention of good news.

“Your Highness...” A young woman entered to attend to him. She was “Vivian Fernal,” the betrothed of Prince Joseph by royal decree. After bringing him here, the Fernal family gave Vivian a chance to gain some favor. They had always been behind "that woman," and with the Setter family involved, Prince Joseph had become even more distant. If they didn’t act quickly, the Fernal family might be left behind.

Joseph looked at the beautiful woman before him with irritation. No matter how much time passed, Vivian always annoyed him. She was indeed beautiful, but it was an annoying beauty, unlike the sincere and genuine beauty of his true love. Joseph knew Vivian didn’t truly love him either; she was merely fulfilling her duties. The Fernal family wanted power from him, so they forced Vivian to pursue him. This had been the case since childhood. As a prince, he would naturally be resentful when he saw that someone wanted him just because he was useful. He was not a tool! Thus, he had always disliked her.

“Annoying! If you have something to say, say it quickly.” Joseph was not even looking at the teacup Vivian had lowered herself to pour for him. He was very frustrated, staring at the Fernal family head who had time to play games with him.

The family head chuckled softly, not in a hurry, and waved for Vivian to step back.

“Your Highness, there’s no need to be impatient. The matter I bring is truly good news.”

“...........” Joseph didn’t want to speak much and kept staring at the other party, his gaze saying, “Hurry up and speak,” which made the family head narrow his eyes slightly. He didn’t appreciate the prince’s attitude. This was just a young man who didn’t hold real power, yet acting so arrogantly. Didn’t he realize how many resources the Fernal family had spent on him!?

Despite his anger and displeasure, the family head only offered a slight smile...

“Your Highness, have you heard that the leader of the Central Light Magic Association has come here personally?”

“Hmm? The leader of the Central Association is here?”

“Yes.”

“I didn’t know. I’ve been punished by my father for so long that I’m out of the loop. Tell me all the details,” Prince Joseph demanded. The Fernal family head nodded and explained. He knew the prince truly wouldn’t know, and he had prepared the information. It didn’t take long to explain everything until Joseph understood. He deliberately paused before delivering the final sentence.

“Right now, the Central Association is desperately seeking Hunter Luke. Although finding someone protected by the Hunter’s Association is difficult, it’s an opportunity worth pursuing. If we manage to capture Hunter Luke first, do you think the Central Light Magic Association will support us?” Upon hearing the Fernal family head’s words, Joseph’s eyes gleamed slightly. He laughed and took a sip of tea, under the watchful gaze of Vivian, who was ready to serve him.

“So, you’re saying the Fernal family will find this hunter for me?” Joseph raised his eyebrows, smiling in satisfaction. The Fernal family head laughed in response.

“We will do our utmost, Your Highness, but you must also assist us. Even within the Fernal family, there are those who don’t want us involved in this for your sake. It’s been a long time since you’ve neglected the Fernal family, leading many to doubt whether the marriage will happen soon. So...”

“Hmph!! Who dares to negotiate terms with me? Bring them before me, and I’ll deal with them myself!” Joseph felt a surge of irritation. Such a prime opportunity lay before him, yet the Fernal family hesitated to help?

“Please calm down, Your Highness. Doubt is natural, so you should demonstrate your sincerity.” Prince Joseph’s irritation only grew, but soon, he began to feel an unusual heat spreading through his body.

Vivian noticed his flushed face and approached with a warm cup of tea. She took the liberty of touching him to check his condition.

“Are you alright, Your Highness? Your body feels very hot. I’ll call a doctor.” But before Vivian could leave, Joseph’s heated hand pulled her slender body close to his chest. His gaze lingered on her beautiful face, one he detested yet couldn’t deny its youthful allure. He exhaled a hot breath and tore at her delicate dress. It was clear Vivian had planned this from the start, even wearing thin clothes that accentuated her figure.

Vivian only made a token protest with a few words before ultimately giving in. The door to the room slowly closed, and the two bodies intertwined as they lay together.

At last, the Fernal family secured the position of primary consort for Prince Joseph. Even if Prince Joseph no longer desired it, he wouldn’t be foolish enough to show it. After all, he needed the Fernal family to work for him, and the royal decree was a firm barrier preventing any retreat.

The Fernal family knew that Prince Joseph was trying to distance himself from them, and even the Emperor seemed ready to abandon them. If they delayed any longer, when they lost all their power, and when they had no more hidden cards, an unexpected annulment of the engagement might be announced. It was better to seal the deal now and secure their position!

“Find Hunter Luke. Capture anyone who has seen him to gather information. We’ve learned he often travels cloaked, making it hard to identify him. So, we need to lure him out,” ordered the Fernal family head. His men immediately set out to execute the plan.

The news that the Fernal family was searching for Hunter Luke angered many hunters. Some major families even criticized them, arguing they should prioritize helping their fellow countrymen. However...no one could stop the Fernal family from acting, especially with no word from the royal family and the silence of other major families. The general sentiment of these powerful individuals remained unknown.

After consummating his relationship with Lady Vivian, Prince Joseph had to take responsibility. Seven days later, a grand wedding was held, with the Fernal family determining to make it as extravagant as possible. They invited many noble families, and one of those included the Setter family!

Ellie received a letter from the eldest young lord of the family, who had discreetly come to her city again. She looked at the invitation he handed her, still not fully understanding their intentions until Owen explained.

"The Fernal family has announced they will capture you, the hunter, to hand over to the Central Association. They’ve even invited members of the Central Association to this banquet. I thought you might be interested in acquiring more powerful magic-wielding slaves, so I brought you this invitation." Hearing what Owen said, Ellie raised her eyebrows slightly.

"Are you planning to capture them for me?"

"Yes."

"But isn’t the leader of the Central Light Magic Association attending? I’ve heard he’s bringing many associates. Acting there could be dangerous," Ellie expressed her concern. She had fought against light magicians before and knew that if it hadn’t been for the unexpected advantage of her blood, she might not have captured them all.

After they became her slaves, Ellie realized how skilled they truly were. They continuously infused their magic power into the Black Fairy, significantly raising its level. There were also techniques she wanted to learn from them. They were true experts, not to be underestimated.

This time, it wasn’t just low-level magicians; the leader of the Central Association himself was coming with top experts. Even if Owen could win, it would likely require all his effort.

While Ellie was worrying about this, Owen simply stroked her hair gently. He had no intention of showing mercy to those who tried to take Ellie from him. He could have captured those people from the start. It shouldn’t be forgotten that his people were seasoned fighters who had challenged the tower and improved their skills to the next levels. They could handle the elites of the Central Association in one-on-one combat without fear. Not to mention that this was his territory, and if he couldn’t protect his loved one, he might as well give up living!

"Don’t worry about this. On the day of the banquet, I’ll have someone bring you an outfit for the event. Once you’re dressed, I’ll come to take you to the banquet," Owen said with a slight smile, his eyes were filled with deep care.

Owen’s follower lowered his gaze slightly. He understood why Ellie was worried. However, if he wasn’t afraid of being punished by the eldest young lord for interfering, he might have spoken out already.

The fact that the eldest young lord still allowed them to strut around in the Ares Kingdom wasn’t because he feared or respected them. He simply wanted to deal with the troublesome Central Association and the Fernal family simultaneously.

Wasn’t the Fernal family courting death? They even announced their intention to capture the young lady and hand her over to the Central Association...People who feared death wouldn’t dare to do such a thing; only those truly seeking their own demise would think like that...