Chương 260: Baron Lorbase Arrives at Fortuna City.

Author Note: Merry Christmas, Dears! I hope you are having a great day and that you had many lovely presents! Have fun with the chapter~. <3 While Liu Shu was dealing with her skills, Eila received a visit from someone she didn't expect. In Fortuna City Academy's main office, where Eila spent most of her time, a man with luxurious robes was sitting in front of her. The man had two people by his side, a man and a woman, whose aura made Eila feel wary.

"City Lord Eila, Lord Count has heard about what happened in the area that's under your jurisdiction and feels very disappointed. Therefore, I will take charge in your steed from now on until we deal with the new threat that has appeared around your area." Eila Neoflora laid back on her chair, gently moving a dried writing feather between her long, elegant fingers. After a second or two, she asked him.

"Baron Lorbase, where is the document for handling the city? I must see it in writing before agreeing to such a request." The woman by the baron's side frowned and raised her voice reproachfully.

"Eila Neoflora, are you suggesting that Lord Lorbase is lying!?" Eila smiled coldly, her tone aloof and cutting.

"I am speaking with your master. It's not your turn to come and interrupt our conversation. Have you seen him protest? If not, you should keep your mouth shut." The baron and the other man were surprised at Eila's aggressiveness. Meanwhile, the woman's face gained a rich red color from pure anger; she looked about to explode.

"Who do you think you are!? You are just a disappointment! Failing to save even those closest to you! Someone who had a bright future but threw it all out just because of her cowardliness!" Eila's face sank a little, her violet eyes flickering with faint lightning. However, before she could say anything, Fortuna's voice descended on the room, carrying brutal pressure and authority with it.

"Eila Neoflora is my protector, who has kept me safe for decades. Don't you dare disrespect her when you are in my domain, human!" The three people in the room had their faces change, not expecting the World Tree to rise and speak with such an authoritative and domineering gait. After all, having been defeated so decisively, they guessed that the World Tree was just too weak to be of any importance. Her appearance in their conversation was clearly not something they took into account.

Eila smiled faintly after hearing Fortuna and added, trying to quench the escalating tensions.

"Baron Lorbase, I am asking for written proof, not because I don't trust you. I have been appointed in the past by Lord Count himself, so only an order from him or someone above his rank can override my authority over World Tree Fortuna and Fortuna City. Your words, even if they are the truth, have no power unless you have written and verified orders." The woman who wanted to continue rebutting had to stop it because, with this extra information Eila gave, she was clearly the one in the wrong.

Insisting would only embarrass herself more than she already did. Baron Lorbase also knew it, so he spoke up. Looking straight into Eila's eyes, he stated his intentions.

"I understand, Eila Neoflora. Then, tell me, if I were to guide my army to deal with that World Tree, would you follow us? I am sure that the new World Tree is an enemy of all life. It is too warlike. From what I've gathered, she has been in a large-scale armed conflict more than twice in less than two years. Such frequency, if it follows, will cause innumerable deaths." While Lorbase made his intentions clear, Eila still looked at the woman.

"Before I answer any of that, Baron Lorbase. I want your subordinate to apologize. She has spoken words that should've never left her mouth. I do not intend to ignore it just because she is your direct subordinate." Lorbase looked sideways, his deep and dark eyes making the woman feel a chill all over her body, cooling off the hot-headedness that took her over a few moments ago. Without a moment of hesitation, the woman bowed and apologized.

"I am sorry, Lady Eila. I was frustrated and defensive of the Lord, so I misinterpreted your words." Eila didn't acknowledge her and kept the woman bowing down for a few seconds, submerging the room into an uncomfortable and tense silence. While she might not be the strongest person in the room, her strong attitude gave her a clear edge in their discussion. With just a few moves, the situation turned from a Lord speaking to a Vassal to two Lords speaking with each other.

"I will accept your apologies because you are Lord Lorbase's subordinate. You should be grateful that who you work for is someone with enough influence to avoid anything more serious from happening." She then directed her words to the baron.

"Baron. I can't be assured of anything without knowing your army's strength. I will need at least a general strength assessment that can make me agree to your request. Our losses were too strong, and riling up the army again would need a strong moral support." This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it The baron answered with a confident tone.

"1000 soldiers with over a hundred <Second Energy Cycles> and ten Level 30s." He pointed at the side and added.

"The army Commander here is a strong Level 35 powerhouse armed with some treasures from my personal treasury. He should be on par with an average Level 40 in strength." Eila observed him and admitted that her chances of beating him were slim. He had the aura of a battle veteran who had gone through many conflicts. Yet, Eila could not see Liu Shu losing to them even if the entirety of her army took part in the conflict.

'Liu Shu was able to bury a 10, 000 big army without a single person escaping two years ago. Now, she has clearly broken through into the <Second Energy Cycle>. Her strength is high enough that Fortuna can't even regain a single meter of terrain when trying her best.' She remembered a few years ago that Fortuna, somewhat frustrated by Liu Shu's constant advances, sent her a message of warning. However, Liu Shu didn't answer and continued as usual. Angered, Fortuna attacked.

Eila had been at the edge where their roots met at the time, and her heart still trembled at the sight. Across the entirety of the border between both World Trees, Fortuna could not gain a single meter. Instead, she was torn apart ruthlessly by Liu Shu's roots, hopelessly pushing her even further back than before. When she saw that, Eila knew that even she had finally fallen behind in strength compared to the overpowering World Tree living in Golden Sap Forest.

Since then, she was sure that the only chance they had to survive was Fortuna's suggestion — submitting to Liu Shu. Sadly, Liu Shu didn't answer their words back then, making Fortuna resign to her own death. Eila still remembered those moments with striking clarity, even if they happened more than a year ago.

"Eila, Tianlian Liu Shu is not answering my requests. She isn't even responding to my words. The second I interact with her, she reacts like a wild beast being poked and tries to destroy my roots." Fortuna's tone was soft and peaceful, but it had a harrowing melody that made Eila's cold heart clench slightly. Eila asked, confused.

"Are you sure? Tianlian Liu Shu didn't seem like that kind of creature. When we met, she had clear ideas but with a strangely childish edge. If she wanted to tell you something, she would. If she didn't want to have anything to do with you, she would let you know through both words and actions. And while she was coldhearted in some matters, she was never aloof like you are putting her to be." Fortuna laughed tiredly.

"I thought the same. That's why I even had the idea of submitting to her. Liu Shu doesn't seem like someone who would treat loyal people she takes under her canopy badly…" Fortuna sighed.

"Sadly, it seems I was wrong." Eila frowned deeply, not wanting Fortuna to give up. Her mind ached as visions of the past flashed through her mind.

"My death is not your end. It will become your beginning…"

"Do it. You will be liberated from many chains."

"One day, you'll find someone you'll want to protect."

"Live a long life, Little Eila." Eila pressed her hand on her forehead, and heard someone speak to her.

"City Lord Eila, are you alright?" Blinking a few times, Eila noticed that the three people in front of her were looking at her strangely.

'Wow… My mind truly wandered this time around, eh?' Eila shook her head.

"Sorry, I am fine. I was thinking of the day I lost my people, and a bit of heartache made me enter into a small daze." The Army Commander looked at Eila deeply and spoke.

"Mourning for one's soldiers is admirable, City Lord Eila. There is nothing to be ashamed of." Eila faintly smiled.

"Thanks." Then, she sighed and continued.

"Because of that, I can't follow you into battle, Lord Baron. I am sorry, but I can't make my soldiers, who went through an emotionally draining battle, go there once more as cannon fodder." The baron was not expecting to receive a negative answer to his request. He thought that he would be welcomed after their defeat. A city that has gone through a resounding defeat welcomed their savior! That's what he had in mind.

Instead, he was met with a hint of alienation and a resigned City Lord, which left his previous plan about riling up the local forces useless.

'As Eila said, I wanted to make them my cannon fodder. While my forces are strong, a World Tree is not to be understimated. The armies before mine did so and ate big enough losses that the count became aware of a low-level battle.' Using his hand to pinch his eyebrow, Lorbase got thoughtful.

'Where can I find these people who I need to take down a World Tree?' While Lord Count told him to investigate first to know if World Tree was indeed the real killer of his daughter, he didn't plan to. He was personally convinced, and his mind wouldn't change. His obsession was that deep.

'Whoever killed my daughter, even if it is a World Tree, I'll make them regret it!' Lorbase stood up and said.

"I understand. Since you are not agreeable to this pact, I'll contact the sects that previously participated in the attack. If you ever change your mind, contact me with this tool." Eila extended her hand and picked a Runic Tool that had a smooth surface.

"If you write on that surface, the other tools connected with it will be able to see the words. Don't write at the same time as others since words can overlap, making a mess." Eila hummed.

"I understand." Then, she stood up and extended her hand.

"I wish you the best." Lorbase took her hand and firmly shook it once. Turning around, he ordered to the other two.

"Let's go. We need to gather a big enough force to topple down that World Tree." After they left, Fortuna's voice gently echoed in the room.

"I hope they go." Eila blinked, confused.

"Wasn't your intention to become allies with Tianlian Liu Shu?"

"Yes. That's exactly why I want them to go." Fortuna spoke somewhat mockingly.

"That army won't be able to see Golden Sap City's walls before they all become Tianlian Liu Shu's fertilizers." Eila laughed softly.

"I see."