Chapter 30: The Last Wish of the Lord of Nibelung

Lynn had planned everything out perfectly.

After all, his only task was to gather a hundred thousand gold coins within three days.

Since that was the case, all he had to do was get the money.

As for where the money would come from…

That, of course, was thanks to Lynn’s forward-thinking approach to borrowing.

As long as he mortgaged this estate, not only could he complete the mission immediately and take the “Nibelung’s Heart” with him, but he could even pocket a hundred thousand gold coins for himself and leave rich.

One had to know, even his father, Duke Laina, had worked most of his life to save up about fifty thousand gold coins.

So now, with such a rare, legitimate chance to become rich overnight laid out before him, if Lynn didn’t seize it, he really wouldn’t be able to sleep tonight.

Joel, upon hearing this and seeing Lynn’s eyes shining with gold, felt his right eyelid twitch uncontrollably.

He couldn’t help but think Lynn was a bit insane.

Shouldn’t normal people be thinking about attracting more commoners, expanding their territory, and increasing output and taxes?

Selling off the estate right away—what kind of logic was that?

More importantly, judging by Lynn’s confident demeanor, he seemed to think it was only natural…

This pure, unadulterated wastrel’s logic left Joel’s brain momentarily frozen.

He had the feeling that the parents who raised such a prodigal must themselves be a pair of extraordinary oddities…

“I’m… I’m afraid that’s not possible…”

Joel took out a handkerchief and wiped the cold sweat from his forehead. “According to the agreement you signed at the time, you only have usage rights to this estate for now. I have no authority to mortgage it on your behalf.”

“I see.”

Lynn nodded, unable to hide a hint of disappointment in his tone.

“So, I still recommend that you authorize me to open the borders and let the commoners in, then rent the wasteland to them and collect rent. That’s the most reliable approach,” Joel said.

At the same time, a glint of ruthlessness flickered in his eyes, nearly undetectable.

As long as Lynn obediently did as Joel suggested, he was as good as dead.

He looked at Lynn, waiting expectantly for a positive response.

But Lynn didn’t seem very interested.

“I’ll think about it.”

Leaving behind this cold remark, Lynn slammed the door shut without hesitation.

“…”

“Tsk.”

Staring at the tightly closed door, Joel frowned.

For the first time, he sensed a hint of trouble from Lynn.

This guy… something felt off.

Could he have seen through my plan?

Joel frowned, carefully recalling every detail that might have given him away.

“No,” he shook his head, “that’s impossible.”

“He’s just… a lucky brat, nothing more.”

“Sooner or later, I’ll make him pay the price he deserves.”

…

After making sure Joel had gone far away, Lynn pushed open the glass door and stepped out onto the balcony.

During this short encounter with Joel, Lynn was almost certain there was something wrong with him.

Lynn could feel some strange energy emanating from Joel.

But because Joel was deliberately suppressing it, Lynn couldn’t accurately tell what kind of energy it was.

He decided to ask Felica—maybe she could figure it out.

But no matter how long Lynn called, Felica never responded.

“Sigh.”

Lynn let out a helpless sigh.

It seemed Joel must have used some method to block communication magic.

Now, he could only rely on himself.

Thinking about this gave Lynn a bit of a headache.

He actually didn’t know this secret realm all that well.

After all, in the game, he had always just crushed everything in his path.

If you can steamroll through, who’s going to bother with the mechanics?

But now, it was too late to regret.

Rather than stand here, lost in remorse, he might as well look for some clues he could use.

With that thought, Lynn didn’t hesitate any longer.

If he remembered correctly, there was a small library on the top floor of the mansion.

He was sure he could find something there.

With this in mind, Lynn opened the door, crossed the corridor, and made his way to the top floor.

He pushed open the door.

The magic lamps lit up with a natural flicker of flame, gradually illuminating the small, dark library.

At the same time, a blurry figure slowly materialized on the little sofa in the middle of the room.

“I’ve been waiting for you a long time…” a hoarse voice sounded from the sofa.

Meanwhile, the blurry figure gradually became clear.

By the dim firelight, Lynn could just barely make out that it was a shriveled old man.

The man’s clothes were made of fine materials, exquisitely tailored.

A glance told you they belonged to a noble.

So his identity was obvious.

“I know… you have a lot of questions. Why not sit down first… I’ll explain everything to you.”

He waved his hand with difficulty.

Immediately, a small stool not far from Lynn scurried over on its four legs and positioned itself right beneath Lynn.

Lynn slowly sat down, then looked at the wizened old man before him, eyes full of suspicion.

“You’re the Lord of Nibelung?”

Lynn asked bluntly.

“Indeed, that is me.”

The Lord of Nibelung nodded slightly, and his trembling manner truly made Lynn worry he might fall apart at any moment.

“I know… you’re probably very curious why I’m still alive.”

The Lord of Nibelung was so weak that each word seemed to take all his strength.

“But… you must promise me.”

“After I tell you everything, find a way to kill me, will you?”

“That… is my last wish.”

Lynn frowned.

His instincts told him this secret realm might not be as simple as he thought.

“I promise you.”

Hearing this, the Lord of Nibelung let out a long sigh of relief.

Like a tortured soul finally about to be set free.

“You must have… met my son, Joel, haven’t you…”

“Joel?”

Lynn frowned, realizing now that things might not be as simple as he thought.

The Lord of Nibelung let out a long sigh.

“This matter… it all started a few years ago.”

…

Outside.

Livia strode quickly into the academy.

Meanwhile, news that a Tier-2 Magus had entered a Tier-4 secret realm’s projection was quickly spreading throughout the Central Royal City.

Many people lamented the impending loss of a young life.

But more were speculating on just how this brash fool would die within the projection.

Listening to all the negative comments around her, Livia grew even more anxious.

She quickened her pace, winding her way through the corridors until she found a classroom with its door slightly ajar.

“Felica!”

She suddenly shoved the door wide open.

Inside, Felica was startled, looking at the visitor in confusion.

Before Felica could voice her questions, Livia had already walked up to her and grabbed her collar.

“Why did you send Lynn into such a dangerous place!”

Livia’s voice was full of anger.

“I…” Felica was momentarily stunned, completely confused by Livia’s midday outburst.

“I know you and I have never gotten along,” Livia cut Felica off directly.

“Listen, if you have a problem with me, you can come at me directly. I won’t object.”

“But if you dare lay a finger on Mr. Lynn…”

Livia paused, her tone suddenly filled with murderous intent.

“I will really kill you.”

At that instant, Felica’s mind went almost completely blank.

Since their first meeting, the two of them had argued countless times, and for various reasons, had even gotten into quite a few fights.

But it always stopped short of going too far.

Livia had never shown her this side before.

It was as if… she had really touched Livia’s reverse scale.

But why?

Clearly, in previous lives, Livia couldn’t care less about Lynn.

“…”

A sense of unprecedented crisis welled up inside Felica.

Watching Livia’s departing back, Felica couldn’t understand what had brought about such a dramatic change.

She unconsciously clenched her delicate fists tight.

In all the previous lives, when Lynn was at his most helpless, it was she who had been by his side!

And where were you, Livia?

Who do you think you are?

Now you want to play the white lotus…

What right do you have!

“Hoo—” With this thought, Felica exhaled deeply.

“If you’re getting close to Lynn just to spite me…”

“I won’t let you succeed, Livia.”

“This time, I’ll prove to you that the one Lynn loves… can only be me, Felica!”