Chương 125: Train Tickets Became Plane Tickets

Ten thousand gold coins? You might as well kill me!

What's wrong with this poet? Why has his appetite suddenly become so big?

I originally thought I could get things done for under a thousand gold coins — William's eyes widened, and he couldn't help but want to curse.

But considering Richard's experiences along the way, and Isabella and the others' clearly different attitude towards Richard, he finally held back.

"I don't have that much money, I only have 1200 at most. If you—"

"Deal!"

"?"'

Is there absolutely no room for negotiation?

I feel like I overbid!

William's throat tightened slightly, and he felt a bit of stomach pain.

Richard then shook his hand enthusiastically and laughed, "I've never liked making pointless enemies. Besides, thinking about it carefully, William, you really had no choice at the time—so as long as you give me the money, I'd be happy to continue being your friend."

"Yes, yes, that's wonderful—" With things having come to this, William could only grit his teeth and nod, then took out his dimensional bag, rummaged through it, and turned back to the dance floor.

Richard smiled, his eyes narrowing as he watched the other person's retreating figure.

Although it seems that revenge can only be planned for the long term, but— At least he won the first game today.

The ball ended shortly afterward.

Having exhausted their strength, the group did nothing more and fell into a deep sleep in the accommodations arranged by Count Heydrich.

The next day arrived.

Isabella gathered everyone in a small garden within the palace to discuss their next steps.

She smiled and said, "Everyone, we have successfully crossed a small part of the Ancestral Continent and arrived in the Empire from the Gulf region. Next, we only need to deliver Aisha to the Imperial Capital, and this journey will be successfully completed."

"Logically speaking, although this last stretch of the road is much safer, it will still take at least half a month to travel."

"However, last night, my brother Jonas told me some good news - he came in his Skyhawk airship, which still has enough room to carry ten more people."

"In this way, we can reach the capital in just four or five days."

"Although my relationship with him is a bit complicated, it's a free lunch, so I should take advantage of it."

airship?

Are you talking about warships that are bigger than dragons and can fly in the sky?

Richard felt a surge of excitement upon hearing the term.

He'd often heard people talk about this in Phoenix City taverns, but had never seen it in person. He never imagined he'd have the chance now. Indeed, following the princess certainly broadened his horizons.

and many more.

Can we take ten more people? We seem to have more than ten people here.

Richard counted the number of people present and frowned in confusion.

Isabella guessed his thoughts and explained, "Holcher's contract with me only extends to Silver City. He and his Iron Axe Mercenary Group will not be going to the capital with us."

Beside him, Holcher scratched his head and chuckled, "Yes, we'll be relaxing in Silver City for a while, and then we'll be heading back to the Gulf region. We still have a few things to finish up there."

"It's an honor to have fought alongside you all these past few days. I'll probably never forget this experience, haha. I'm even prepared to tell this story to my future grandson, and I won't be able to tell him it ten times a day!"

Then, Holcher shared some of his reflections on the trip and his gratitude to the princess.

Finally, he turned to Richard, gave him a thumbs-up, and said with genuine sincerity, "Richard, well, although our first meeting was a little awkward, now—cough, now—I think you completely deserve the praise I gave you that night! You're the most amazing poet I've ever met who can leave people speechless!"

What does it mean to be good at leaving people speechless? It sounds like an abstract art master who spends all day biting a lighter.

Your choice of words is still as peculiar as ever—but to be honest, these strange remarks have a certain charm.

Richard smiled, then stepped forward and embraced the unassuming soldier he had fought alongside for more than half a month.

At this point, Holcher and his mercenaries had broken away from the group.

Just as everyone was saying goodbye to the mercenaries.

Inside the study not far away.

The empire's second prince, Jonas, was also discussing matters with his confidants.

"There's no denying that my sister did a really great job this time."

Jonas leaned back in his chair, his face full of jealousy: "Not only did he bring back the future Grand Duke of Ashes, but he also forged a deep friendship with her—damn it, that little girl even sounds a bit like her now."

"Once she returns to the capital, she'll be the center of attention, receive her father's praise, and be inundated with visitors. Tsk tsk!"

Beside him, an elderly man dressed as a scholar interjected, "Your Highness need not be so discouraged. Your work in collecting taxes this time was also very successful—" Jonas gave the man a disapproving look.

Clearly, he doesn't think his achievements this year can compare to Isabella's.

After all, he is the Duke of Ashes.

Looking across the entire empire, there are only a handful of dukes with similar real power!

At this moment, William, who was also standing by the table, smiled and said, "Your Highness, I understand your concerns, but in this matter, we do indeed still have a chance of winning."

"In the end, that fairy Dureira is just an underage illegitimate daughter."

"Although no one in the Conrad family can compete with her for the title because of the attitude of a certain great fairy, she will not be able to control the Conrad family so easily. The two sides will fight for at least seven or eight years. It will be possible for her to support Isabella when she has truly grown up."

"Besides, young girls are always naive, immature, and fickle-minded. If we try hard to win her over, or even try to make her fall in love with someone on our side, she may not remember Isabella's kindness a few years later."

Jonas smiled and nodded after hearing William's words.

"That makes sense, let's follow this line of thinking then —" After discussing some details, the Second Prince waved his hand, indicating that his confidants could leave.

William left the study, but instead of returning to his bedroom, he caught up with a colleague who hadn't gone far.

He was a man in his late twenties, handsome, well-dressed, and with a beautifully designed lyre hanging on his back.

His name was Dorian Müller, and he was a bard under Jonas.

"Please wait a moment, Dorian!"

William smiled and stopped the poet, asking, "May we chat for a bit? As the most charming teacher at Robin's School, I think you must have some good ideas about how to win Cinderella's heart—"