Chapter 800: Dwarf in Black Iron Fortress

Translator: Dragon Boat Translation | Editor: Dragon Boat Translation

City Hall.

“Where is your lord? I need to find Ji Chen to discuss matters. Tell him that guests from the Elven Empire have come to visit.”

The municipal staff spoke in a plain yet polite tone, repeating the same template response as before without any difference in their demeanor.

“Your request, esteemed elf, has been relayed to City Hall, and I have also informed Lord Wilus of this matter. Please be patient and await our notification.”

Listening to this repetitive response, identical to the previous inquiries, Herli clenched her teeth in frustration. However, she dared not erupt in anger and could only leave in a huff.

Several days ago, she had come to the Crown of the Ocean from the Elven Empire at the behest of Queen Laphia, disguised as an elven merchant, to meet the young lord of the Crown of the Ocean, known for his exceptional strength.

In her expectations, she would receive a warm welcome upon her arrival and be received by Ji Chen’s side as an honored guest.

But in reality, far from receiving a warm welcome, she had been turned away multiple times at City Hall. The humans’ responses were either to wait patiently or to go back and wait for a notification. However, she couldn’t reveal her identity and could only swallow this humiliation with tears.

She would remember this grudge!

Herli was the High Priestess of the Elven Empire and a close friend of the Elven Queen. Yet, she was treated in such a manner in a small territory.

When she finally met Ji Chen, she would have some choice words for the humans!

Returning to the temporary residence at the inn, Herli locked the door of her guest room and revealed her true elven form. She collapsed onto the relatively soft bed, her mind emptying momentarily.

But then, as if remembering something, she sat up and retrieved a spatial treasure, pouring out the coins inside onto the bed.

“One gold coin, two gold coins… only three gold coins left!?”

Herli gingerly picked up the coins with her fair fingers, realizing the significance of these seemingly insignificant pieces of metal. Her beautiful face gradually displayed a mix of shock and despair.

Nine gold coins – barely enough to survive for a week here!

In the Elven Empire, she was the lofty High Priestess, born into a noble priestly family, never having to worry about money, nor understanding the significance of wealth.

This led to her leaving the empire without even considering taking some money with her, only relying on the small amount of coins she had stored in the spatial treasure.

If she could have met Ji Chen upon arrival, those remaining coins could have covered the cost of her return ticket.

But now, not only had she not met the main person, but she had spent most of her time here cooped up in this cramped room, eating the poorest quality food to save money.

If Ji Chen didn’t come to see her soon, she would starve to death here!

With a mournful expression, Herli put the coins back into the spatial treasure, already considering some unconventional means to survive.

It was said that there was an elven tribe settled in the Crown of the Ocean. If things got really bad, she could go to these fellow elves and try to garner some sympathy, perhaps mooch off them for food and drink?

Hometown Island.

Seeing the old and young dwarves who emerged from between humans and elves, both the humans and elves were surprised. The human leader couldn’t help but exclaim in astonishment.

“Old Duke, why are you here? Quickly go back. You shouldn’t offend the noble.”

The elven leader also advised, “Please return quickly. The noble is searching for the Divine Power Tree.”

Judging by the tone of the two leaders, this old dwarf seemed to hold some sway among both humans and elves.

The old dwarf known as Old Duke shook his head, holding the hand of the young dwarf, his face seemingly hesitant.

Ji Chen gestured for them to stop their persuasion. “Who is this dwarf?”

The human leader hurriedly spoke up.

“Milord, we all call him Old Duke. He’s the one who has lived on Hometown Island the longest. Before any of us arrived here, Old Duke was already living here.”

“Old Duke’s forging skills are quite good. Usually, we gather metal from outside and he would forge them into various tools, farming implements, and weapons. Everyone respects him.”

“The little dwarf is named Gavin. He’s the child of a dwarf couple who got lost in the Sea of Death a few years ago. However, they were killed by sea beasts during a voyage, and Old Duke adopted little Gavin left behind.”

The human leader paused, showing a hint of confusion. “Usually, Old Duke stays in his workshop. I don’t know why he’s come out today. I hope this hasn’t offended you, and we’ll persuade him.”

Ji Chen waved his hand indifferently, his expression slightly changing. It seemed that these humans and elves were unaware of the dwarf’s strength.

“No worries, I’ll ask personally.”

The human and elf leaders glanced at each other. “Yes!”

Ji Chen walked over with his hands behind his back. Little Gavin hid behind Old Duke, looking somewhat frightened. “Grandpa, this human seems scary…”

Old Duke patted his head, comforting him. “It’s okay, Grandpa will protect you.”

Hearing what the little dwarf said, Ji Chen couldn’t help but smile wryly, turning his head to ask.

“Alice, do I look scary?”

Alice blinked her big eyes, looking at Ji Chen’s fair and smooth skin, his well-defined features emitting an aura of authority rather than anger, and gently shook her head.

“Milord, you’re not scary at all..”