Chapter 208 Dorun City
Emerald-green leaves scattered from the branches, blending into the early summer wind. The flat plains stretched as far as the eye could see.
“Andorhol Province touches the edge of the lowlands to the east. Its capital, Dorun City, is not only a vital hub connecting the western territories to the Royal Capital on Pella Island but also links to the various territories in the southeast of the Kingdom.”
Back in the carriage, sitting by the window, Ig explained to his young lady while tidying her delicate hair.
“Therefore, it’s not just about trade and economic value. For the Peka Monarch, residing in the Fuluer Say Palace of Lichen, the stability of Dorun City is indispensable for the kingdom’s safety. Losing this city would almost mean the loss of control over the entire southeastern region.”
As she listened to Ig’s explanation, the girl gazed out the carriage window with her big eyes. She then shook her little head with slight displeasure, causing Ig to re-tie her hair as it had slipped loose.
Verafia turned her face slightly towards the young man beside her and said in an astonished tone.
“For such an important place, your king handed it over to Douglas… it’s truly incredible.”
Upon hearing the name “Douglas,” Ig’s movements paused slightly. He shook his head and smiled at the girl.
“Young Lady, to be honest, five years ago, the governor of Andefil Province was still Marquis Cadell. It’s just that this old lord from the Iris Dynasty died mysteriously, which led to Douglas taking over the governorship.”
Peka’s Iris Dynasty refers to the Pegarland Dynasty of the Peka Kingdom, which is also the maternal clan of the current Queen.
And ever since the last king of the Pegarland family passed away fifty years ago, Lancaster, who married the king’s daughter, succeeded to the throne. The Peka Kingdom entered the current Sacred Sword Dynasty.
A cold glint appeared in Ig’s azure blue eyes, and his voice deepened, as if gritting his teeth, “If it weren’t for this, how could Shiel have been forced by those scoundrels…”
Having spent several months with the young man beside her, Verafia had learned a lot about him. The name Douglas was a significant factor in Ig’s journey to the place where she had perished.
Verafia hesitated for a moment, then extended her slender white hand and gently touched the young man’s palm. Feeling his own composure falter, Ig lowered his gaze and met the girl’s golden eyes.
Verafia clenched her pure white little fist and said angrily to the young man:
“Hmph, it’s this guy! Just a mere human… Ig, don’t worry, when we meet this person, this young lady will teach him a good lesson for you!”
Ig found his young lady’s sudden protectiveness amusing, though he felt a bit embarrassed being protected by Miss Phoenix. However, the young man was deeply moved in his heart, thinking that this little phoenix wasn’t always oppressing him.
Of course, Verafia’s thoughts were not as indignant as Ig imagined. Verafia’s focus was on the name Ig had mentioned earlier.
“Letting this Douglas replace Marquis Cadell…”
Verafia murmured softly in her heart. She slightly raised her face, her golden eyes tracing the edge of the sky’s light.
—
The metal-clad carriage wheels rumbled on the cobblestones with a “creak.” The carriage slowly entered the city’s view.
Although the carriage gifted by Elishia had been stripped of Duke Agrans’s golden lion ornament, its exquisite design and expensive materials clearly indicated the extraordinary status of its owner. Discerning merchants and guards made way and did not obstruct them.
Ig dismounted from the carriage and presented his crest-emblazoned identification to the city guards.
Since the Blood Race Girl Flarn had not registered her new identity within Peka in time, to avoid trouble, Verafia had instructed Ig to register alone. With his identity as the son of a Marquis, vouching for a carriage was not a problem.
The fully armored, sword-wielding city gate guard took the young man’s crest-emblazoned, blue-black and gold-edged credential, and his pupils involuntarily contracted.
“It’s Young Master Ig of Messlin! Please wait, we’ll proceed with the registration—”
To Ig’s surprise, he was not given any trouble by the soldiers of Dorun City. However, he then thought that even if Douglas truly wanted to get rid of him, he wouldn’t need to go through such ordinary guards, so he felt relieved.
The Dorun City guards were efficient. In just over ten seconds, the identification Ig used for registration was respectfully presented to the young man with both hands by a sorcerer disguised as a scribe.
“Young Master Ig, we wish you a pleasant journey in Dorun City.”
Ig thanked them and was about to take it back when suddenly, the magic in the air twisted, and lightning erupted from the substantial metal nameplate. Ig’s Dou Qi surged out almost instantly, but it still caused his palm to sting, and the credential fell to the ground with a “clang.”
“Ah, I didn’t expect it to be Young Master Ig. It’s been a long time. It is my honor to see you grace Dorun again.”
A flippant male voice, laced with obvious contempt, echoed. Ig turned his head, his gaze sweeping over the sorcerer-scribe in front of him and looking ahead.
A young man in magnificent robes, with a ceremonial sword at his waist, emerged, surrounded by numerous attendants.
“Young Master Ig, when was the last time we met? Let me think… it seems to have been early spring this year, when your performance in front of Lord Douglas was truly unforgettable.”
Ig slowly turned around, his expression turning cold.
“Snogg, it’s you. Did Douglas send you?”
“No, no, Young Master Ig. Lord Douglas has no interest in wasting his thoughts on minor characters like you.”
Snogg wagged his finger, transparent magic swirling in his hand as he produced a magnificent staff inlaid with expensive gems.
Snogg stepped on the ground, approaching Ig, a mocking look on his face.
“However, Young Master Ig, you have exceeded my expectations. But I wonder if your fate is too tough, or if those three people were just nominal废物 (fèi wù – waste/useless people)?”
Ig, who was being suppressed by the almost substantial magic and forced to retreat, suddenly narrowed his pupils, his eyes fixing on Snogg.
The young mage’s words directly indicated that his attack by the three mercenaries half a year ago was under Douglas’s orders, and even he was involved.
“However, since Young Master Ig has personally come to Dorun City, why don’t you let me try and see how much power you have as Miss Shiel’s brother!”
Snogg raised his staff, and rapidly surging magic erupted, faintly glowing golden, about to cast a spell.
Ig suddenly placed his hand on his sword, and the silver Dou Qi that erupted from his body crashed through the solidified magic with a roar!
