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A lavish spread of food was presented like a flowing river, and in no time, the large dining table was covered with an array of dazzling dishes. The old mayor, delighted, kept toasting Edward, showering him with compliments and boasting about how wonderful and prosperous his town under his management was. Edward, clearly not adept at handling such situations and lacking diplomatic skills, seemed timid and lacked any princely demeanor. In contrast, Nia, facing the array of food and not usually indulging in such delicacies, began to eat voraciously, her fork and knife rising and falling with regal grace!
"Wow, delicious! This is good too!... Yum! What wonderful fruit!... Uh... Sister, Brother, why aren't you eating?"
Mengdie chuckled and patted the little girl's hair, "Go ahead, eat. Don't be shy. After all, the official here is just a mediocre one. There's absolutely no need for courtesy in eating his food."
At these words, the mayor's face instantly changed. His hand, holding the wine glass, froze, and the smile on his face solidified in an instant.
"Prince, please, I have been wholeheartedly devoted and exhausted in my role as mayor! Please do not be swayed by pillow talk..."
"Slam!"
Mengdie didn't understand the professional term "pillow talk," but she clearly heard and understood the rest! Angered, she slammed the table, causing some of the soup dishes to spill, and Nia, who was biting into a chicken leg, was startled and stopped eating.
"You say you're diligent and responsible? Then why have you completely ignored the rampant water pirates on the lake? By allowing these thieves to attack ships, our pursuit is now hindered because of your incompetence! Aren't you derelict in your duties?!"
The old mayor, holding his wine glass, was momentarily lost for words. He stood there, looking alternately at Edward and Mengdie. Then, he whispered to Edward, "Your Highness... look at your concubine..."
"Old man! What are you whispering about!!!"
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Mengdie's voice rose in anger. Even Edward shuddered at her outburst. He looked at Mengdie, her eyebrows furrowed in rage, and quickly said, "No, no, no! I... I didn't say anything!"
"I'm not asking you!"
"Oh... Yes..." Edward turned to the mayor, "I advise you... it's better to be honest with her... Also, she's not my concubine. More accurately, she is the leader of our mission to find the Black Flame Snake."
The mayor swallowed hard, nodding. Under Mengdie's further questioning, he shakily pleaded, "Miss Mengdie, Miss Mengdie! Please calm down! Actually... I have my reasons."
"Speak! What reasons?" Mengdie slammed the table again.
Startled, the mayor hurriedly took out his handkerchief, wiping his face, "Actually... as you may know, our town is on the border of the Kingdom of Silvermoon. Beyond Lake Misurowa lies the territory of the Louvile Empire. Although the lake marks the boundary between the two countries, how can one distinguish national borders on water? Moreover, the lake is vast, and pirates could be hiding anywhere. If we send troops to eradicate them, it could easily be construed as aggression against the neighboring country. Over time, the lake has become a no-man's-land. It involves too many complications to send troops..."
Mengdie thought about it and believed this explanation. Territorial issues are always critical for any country. Pirates hovering around the border, without an agreement between the countries, would indeed cause trouble for either side acting alone.
One problem was solved, but how to solve the problem it created was another issue. So, was there really no way to cross the lake at night?
"Mayor, let me be frank, we are in a real hurry. How about this? Post a notice offering a reward of 4600 Sura to anyone who can take us across the lake tonight. The payment will come from my account with Edward."
"Ah? What?" Edward was startled upon hearing his name.
The mayor shook his head, "I'm sorry, Miss Mengdie. It's not about money, it's about life. Some of those pirates are down-and-out mages with strong powers! Previously, some merchants and mercenaries who crossed the lake at night had magicians in their teams! May I ask, Miss, does your team have a magician?"
Mengdie looked at Edward... a swordsman. Nia... a little girl skilled in petty theft. Herself... a martial artist. As for the followers... better left unsaid.
Indeed, they had no magician.
"What should we do then? Do you have any magicians we can hire here?" Mengdie asked hastily.
The mayor shook his head, "Hehe, in a small place like this, where would we find a magician? Even if there were any, their magical power probably wouldn't match those of the pirates. However, there are a few magicians living in the town. But they are quite eccentric and money might not sway them. If Miss Mengdie can persuade them, perhaps you could try."
Hearing a glimmer of hope, Mengdie's eyes lit up with excitement, and a flush of exhilaration spread across her cheeks, breathtaking in her beauty.
"Great! Where do they live? I'll visit them right away!"
"Miss Mengdie, if you're really going to visit, I suggest you see the magician living on Linsenborg Street. His name is Della Kulin. He's a genius magician, with magic power so strong... well, it might be rude to say, but even Sisko, the Flame Thunder Handler of the Royal Knights, might not match him. He lives in a mansion on this street, always engrossed in his research. You'll see his house as soon as you get to the street, it's easy to recognize."
Taking the address from the mayor, Mengdie immediately rushed out of the dining room towards the street! Seeing Mengdie run, Nia, clutching her chicken leg, hurriedly followed. As for Edward, seeing his companions leave, he quickly excused himself, tightened his sword belt, and followed.
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