Published: March 12, 2025
Chapter 114: Kun Zheng
Laura sat calmly in the carriage, with Ni'er by her side. The carriage they were in now was not the same one they had taken to Black Mountain Pass. On their way there, they had kept a low profile due to the secrecy of their mission, opting for a very ordinary carriage. However, on their return journey, they no longer needed to be discreet; they were now riding in a large four-wheeled carriage pulled by four snowflake divine steeds.
The snowflake divine steed was a fourth-level water-type magical beast. It resembled an ordinary horse but was entirely snow-white, without a single stray hair. It could also perform some water magic. Most importantly, the snowflake divine steed was exceptionally gentle and easy to tame. However, raising a snowflake divine steed was quite expensive, so not many could afford them on the continent. Even ordinary mid-level nobles found it difficult. The snowflake divine steed had become a symbol of status.
The carriage they were currently riding in was not an ordinary one either. It was divided into two sections, with the outer layer made of Iron Floating Wood. This wood was not only as hard as steel but also a rare magical material that could withstand magical attacks.
The inner layer was covered with a fabric known as "bread cotton," a unique plant on the continent that resembled cotton but was highly elastic and fluffy, making it an excellent material for furniture. Unfortunately, the yield of bread cotton was very low, making it unaffordable for most people. If Laura were to buy this carriage, it would cost at least ten thousand gold coins.
The total value of the four snowflake divine steeds was also over fifty thousand gold coins. In essence, they were not riding in a carriage but rather a moving mountain of gold.
Laura had a serious expression on her face. Although this transaction had been completed, their losses were significant; they had lost over three hundred guards. If it weren't for Zhao Hai, she might not have survived either.
Furthermore, Laura had noticed another issue: someone in the family was making moves against her. During her time at Black Mountain Pass, someone had been trying to take control of her business by placing people within it.
However, the family underestimated her years of management. Despite the turmoil along the way, she was clear about her business affairs. Although it appeared that the people arranged by the family had taken control, she could reclaim her business whenever she wished.
Laura didn't want to act just yet. She was unsure whether this was a decision made by the family's upper echelons or if it was the work of other heirs.
If it was the upper echelons' decision, it would be troublesome, indicating the family was abandoning them; in that case, they would not only stop helping but also create numerous problems for her.
However, if it was merely the actions of a few heirs, it was nothing to worry about. She could easily engage in a battle of wits with those individuals to see who was more skilled.
Thinking of this, Laura couldn't help but furrow her brow. It wasn't that she was afraid of battling with them; rather, she currently lacked one crucial asset—a high-level expert.
Although Klein was also a seventh-level mage and could be considered quite skilled, he disliked conflicts. Thus, despite his high magical level, his actual combat experience was minimal, and if a real fight broke out, he would not be very effective.
Laura felt somewhat speechless regarding her father. She thought he had chosen the wrong profession; he should have been a professional alchemist instead of a mage. She had never seen anyone so fond of researching magic circles.
When she thought of powerful experts, her mind instinctively went to Zhao Hai. This mysterious dark mage was truly remarkable. Not only had he saved her life, but he had also settled in Casa City.
Laura had instructed her subordinates to investigate Zhao Hai's background, but they found nothing—it was as if he had appeared out of nowhere. Although Laura had not been in Casa City recently, she stayed updated on any developments concerning Zhao Hai. One should not underestimate the wisdom of the pride of heaven; if she weren't clever, she wouldn't have thrived in the Versailles Principality.