Chapter 819: You Got Off Easy
After everything that had happened, Seth’s perspective had already shifted. Especially after seeing his old rival, Hobart, get effortlessly dispatched by Archmage Leon, and the Blazeforge Orc army wiped out without suspense—his resolve, already firm, became unshakable.
Getting on good terms with Archmage Leon, maintaining this friendship as much as possible—that was now the most advantageous path for the Watson Family.
Seth’s well-meaning attempt to mentor the younger generation went completely unnoticed by Glynn Watson.
Wearing a fake smile, Glynn Watson glanced at Archmage Leon with a look of arrogance, his tone casual and condescending.
"So you’re that Archmage Leon, huh? Not bad. Making it back alive with Lord Seth—that’s pure luck. The Black Tower folks weren’t nearly so fortunate."
Lord Seth really is generous, bringing someone from the Merlin Family back with him. If you ask me, it would’ve been better to let him die in that pocket world. But since Lord Seth seems to be in such a good mood, his haul must’ve been far bigger than I imagined.
Glynn Watson’s face was full of arrogance as he looked at Archmage Leon, like a superior praising a subordinate.
When Seth heard this, his expression changed; sweat started to bead on his forehead.
Damn it, what is this guy doing? Oh hell, does he actually think Archmage Leon is just some vassal tagging along behind me?
Archmage Leon’s expression didn’t change at all. He sat quietly in his chair, watching with a cool indifference.
But the calmer Archmage Leon appeared, the more dangerous Seth felt the situation was becoming. No, this won’t do—he had to explain things to Glynn Watson; the guy was obviously misunderstanding something…
Before Seth could say a word, Glynn Watson turned and looked at him, still brimming with enthusiasm.
"Lord Seth, now that you’ve returned, when do you plan to head back? It’s not really appropriate for you to stay here. That massive battleship—why not sail it home first? Don’t you agree?"
Seth’s face went pale with fright, and he cried out in alarm.
"What? That battleship? But Archmage Leon…"
Glynn Watson’s face lit up with a bright, enthusiastic smile as he shook Seth’s hand and laughed heartily.
"Archmage Leon? Lord Seth, you do love to joke. Didn’t all the Black Tower people perish? Only Lord Seth returned from this expedition, so naturally all the spoils belong to you—and to our Watson Family. As for Archmage Leon…"
With that, Glynn Watson turned to Archmage Leon, his face now cold and arrogant.
"Hmph, the Merlin Family really doesn’t know their place. Young man, Lord Seth saved your life—that’s already more luck than you deserve. It’s only because Lord Seth is so generous and kind-hearted. Are you really hoping to share in Lord Seth’s spoils? Greedy little groundhog, not a shred of gratitude. Our Watson Family and the Black Tower are working together, and your Merlin Family still dares to dream? Aren’t you afraid you’ll choke on your own ambition!"
Leon Merlin narrowed his eyes slightly. Seth, standing beside him, turned pale, cold sweat streaming down his back and nearly soaking through his robes. With a pleading look, he glanced at Leon and hurriedly pulled Glynn Watson aside.
"Lord Glynn, how could you say something like that..."
Seth blurted out, desperate to clarify before the situation got out of hand.
But as soon as Seth spoke, Glynn Watson interrupted him with a burst of enthusiasm.
"Lord Seth, you don't need to say anything—I understand, truly. You're far too magnanimous, but generosity can't stop greedy groundhogs. The matter of the spoils is settled. If need be, I'll personally compensate the Merlin Family with some Soul Mana Crystals. After all, they joined the expedition; they shouldn't walk away empty-handed."
With that, Glynn Watson produced over a dozen Soul Mana Crystals and tossed them onto the table.
Greedy groundhogs indeed. No, even the greediest groundhog isn't as stupidly greedy as this fool, trying to use Lord Seth's generosity to satisfy their shameful hunger. No way—I'm not going to stand by and watch. Everyone knows Lord Seth looks after the young, but the Merlin Family is just too cunning, exploiting his kindness for their own benefit!
Glynn Watson's gesture nearly scared Seth to death. In a panic, Seth swept the Soul Mana Crystals off the table and hurried to explain to Leon.
"Archmage Leon, this is all just a misunderstanding. Please, don't take it to heart..."
Damn it, this idiot's going to get me killed. I thought he was clever, but how could he be so stupid? Doesn't he see this will hurt both of us? Trying to snatch the Ancient Warship from Archmage Leon—does he think life is too comfortable? Daring to talk to Archmage Leon like that, if he wants to die, he shouldn't drag me down with him!
Seth was beside himself with anxiety, but he couldn't say anything directly now. Who knew what other nonsense this idiot might blurt out?
Thinking quickly, Seth grabbed Glynn Watson's arm and spoke in a rush.
"Lord Glynn, you must be misunderstanding something..."
Especially the word 'misunderstanding'—Seth practically spat it through clenched teeth, making his meaning unmistakably clear.
He fixed Glynn Watson with a pointed look, his eyes signaling frantically.
Glynn Watson beamed at Seth, chattering on without a care. He caught Seth's hint, and suddenly, realization dawned on his face.
I see now—Lord Seth must have obtained something extremely precious and dangerous, something he can't reveal. That's why he's offering a share of the spoils to Archmage Leon.
He's asking Archmage Leon to keep quiet. If we give them nothing at all, word will get out, and the Watson Family will suffer for it.
I'm still too young—Lord Seth is far more thorough. Just a token share for the Merlin Family, and to outsiders, the biggest gain is that battleship.
Later, we can leak a bit of information: the Watson Family gave everything but the battleship to the Merlin Family. Then everyone will think our haul wasn't much—just one ship.
That battleship may be powerful, but there's only one. Even if people are jealous, they won't have much to say.
We could even shift the blame onto the Merlin Family, letting them deal with the pack of greedy wolves, while the Watson Family walks away with the lion's share—the most valuable loot.
Exactly—Lord Seth is truly wise. With the Black Tower wiped out, if anyone wants a piece of the pie, they'll target the Merlin Family instead.
Glynn Watson's face was full of admiration and understanding. He nodded at Seth, as if to say, 'I get it.'
"Lord Seth, I understand. I understand everything. Don't worry."
Seth wiped away his cold sweat, realizing that Glynn Watson, this foolish junior, had gone off on another wild tangent. As long as he dropped the subject, it was fine. There'd be time to talk privately later. Damn it, I need to warn him—never, ever cross Archmage Leon.
That damned fool has no idea how terrifying Archmage Leon has become. Ever since he advanced to Title Archmage, I can't even gauge his level. Hobart, a peak level thirty-eight, was killed by Archmage Leon as if it were nothing.
Yes, once we're back, I must have a serious talk with Glynn. Even an idiot like him knows how frightening Hobart was.
"Glynn, did you come here for something else? What happened while I was away?"
Seeing that Glynn Watson had dropped the topic of spoils and wasn't targeting Leon anymore, Seth quickly changed the subject.
Glynn Watson suddenly remembered something and quickly began talking about the situation in the Blazeforge Plane.
"Lord Seth, as you know, the kingdom has always developed the northern part of the Blazeforge Plane, while the south is under the Odin Kingdom's control. Over time, the Blazeforge Orcs' resistance has weakened, so all the major powers in our kingdom have decided to cooperate for a joint operation.
The Odin Kingdom has even sent envoys to discuss terms. Negotiations are complete, and soon, our kingdom’s forces will join with theirs for the first time to launch a full-scale assault on the Blazeforge Plane. We’ll wipe out all the Blazeforge Orcs and begin full development of the region."
As he spoke, Glynn Watson glanced at Leon Merlin, his eyes flashing with sudden inspiration.
That's right—Lord Seth must be hiding something, and it has to be an incredible find. If he insists on giving the Merlin Family a share, Archmage Leon must know something, though not the whole story.
Now the kingdom is about to cooperate with the Odin Kingdom for the first time and launch a total offensive on the Blazeforge Plane. If the Merlin Family is included—and Archmage Leon is their commander, isn’t he?
How could such a weakling end up as a commander? The Merlin Family is truly feeble. Still, it works in our favor—a low-level Title Archmage like him won’t even count as cannon fodder on a battlefield that size.
When the time comes, send him—and all the Merlin Family elites—to the most dangerous positions. Once he’s dead, Lord Seth’s secret will be safe.
And after the Merlin Family’s best are wiped out, the Watson Family can seize their fortress. When the Blazeforge Plane is conquered, our family’s profits will soar, and the Merlin Family will be kept in the dark.
Perfect. Yes, that’s the plan—get the Merlin Family involved, even if they’re weak…
With this thought, Glynn Watson stood up and looked down at Leon Merlin, his face full of arrogance, as if bestowing a favor.
"Archmage Leon, is it? I hear you’re the Merlin Family’s commander. Well then, let me officially notify you: In one month, you and your best from the Merlin Family are to assemble at Storm Fortress, joining the Watson Family as allies for the Blazeforge Plane’s grand offensive.
At that time, the Watson Family will recognize your alliance status. No one will trouble the Merlin Family, and the spoils of victory will be divided according to contribution. Out of respect for Lord Seth, you’re getting quite a bargain."