Chapter 67: I Believe You Are Still Alive

Just then, Merchant Marnid arrived, bringing the prisoner Noyan Tulug with him.

Marnid didn’t know what had happened, but he could sense the tension in the air. Nonetheless, he chose to break the silence. 

“Honorable Valkyrie Tian Yan, I have brought the prisoner. Do as you wish.”

Valkyrie Tian Yan slowly turned around and walked step by step toward Noyan Tulu, exuding an intimidating aura that made it seem like she was ready to devour someone alive. The sound of her footsteps sent chills down everyone’s spine.

When she reached Noyan Tulug, she gave a cold snort and said, “You worthless dog, you’ve cost me 5000 denars. I truly don’t understand why my father wants to ransom you back. You’re a useless cripple.”

Noyan Tulug was humiliated, but he trembled with fear. All the Noyan lords of the Khergit Khanate knew of Valkyrie Tian Yan’s power and reputation. None dared to defy her.

“Please… please forgive my incompetence, honorable Valkyrie Tian Yan. I will do better next time!” 

Noyan Tulug immediately knelt on both knees, begging for her forgiveness.

“You are free now. We have signed a peace treaty with the Kingdom of Swadia, but your fief of Xiko Village has been occupied by them. You will have to find your own way forward. I have no time to waste on a useless fool like you.” 

With that, Valkyrie Tian Yan prepared to leave.

Before leaving, she turned back to the Count and left him with a vicious parting shot, “Remember Ronnie’s death and your words just now. Engrave them into your bones. Be careful from now on. I will do anything for my family.”

She blamed Draxel entirely for Profit Empress Ronnie’s death. If this man hadn’t known Ronnie, if he hadn’t foolishly provoked the lion, her sister would never have met such a tragic end.

“Thank you for the reminder, Tian Yan. But I believe Ronnie is still alive. I believe she survived. Nevertheless, I welcome your vengeance.” 

With that, Draxel returned to his room.

Noyan Tulug and Valkyrie Tian Yan then departed.

[System Prompt: You have lost the hostage Noyan Tulu. You have gained 5000 denars, bringing your total to 8000 denars.]

It was already late. Although Draxel didn’t feel sleepy, he knew he would have to wait until tomorrow to handle the remaining affairs in Uxkhal.

He was deeply concerned about Profit Empress Ronnie and Yanzi. He believed that Yanzi wouldn’t leave without a word. Perhaps she used some witchcraft to save both him and Ronnie and, severely weakened, went somewhere to recuperate without wanting them to know.

‘Profit Empress Ronnie… Tomorrow morning, I’ll personally go to the tavern area and look for clues,’ Draxel thought to himself.

At that moment, the system came online.

[Count, I also believe she is not dead. I hope… I hope to see her again.]

‘Yes, we will definitely see her again.’ 

With this thought, Draxel lay quietly, staring at the ceiling all night without sleeping.

In the early morning, when the sun slowly rose, a ray of sunlight shone through the window onto Draxel’s bed and body, and he realized he hadn’t closed his eyes all night.

“Alright… After the collection, I’ll head out to find Ronnie. System, let’s hurry and finish the collection quickly.”

[System Prompt: No problem, I will operate at maximum efficiency!]

[Uxkhal and its three subordinate villages collected a total of 4000 denars this week. Due to Xiko Village being occupied by our country, the grape operations have been affected, as others now have vineyards too. Currently, 4000 denars per week is the limit!]

[Yanzi-Ronnie Casino collected a total of 6000 denars this week, which is also the maximum the casino can generate in a week!]

[From the three subordinate villages, you have recruited 9 tier-2 Swadian soldiers in total! After deducting recruitment fees, recent food, and troop employment costs, you have a total of 16000 denars remaining.]

[In total, you have 18 tier-2 Swadian soldiers, currently without a commander.]

[In total, you have 3 tier-5 Swadian Knights, led by Xiao Ming as captain.]

[In total, you have 10 tier-4 tavern mercenary knights, led by Xiao Nan as captain.]

[Additional Reward: The successful opening of the Yanzi-Ronnie Casino has made you famous across the continent of Calradia, increasing your reputation by +50. However, running a casino does not count as a righteous or benevolent act, reducing your honor by -2. Current reputation: 230, honor: 10.]

This was the first time Draxel had so much money. He thought it was entirely feasible to invest a large portion in further developing Uxhall and its three subordinate villages. He then silently communicated with the system:

‘System, can I build additional structures like training grounds and watchtowers? Or is there anything else in Uxkhal that needs development?’

[System Prompt: These details cannot be disclosed. Please continue the game. However, I suggest you communicate more with Merchant Marnid, Little Ma, Ol’ Aubrey, Safiya, and Lein. They might have some great ideas.]

‘Oh, I understand now. It seems these are side quests or special events, not mandatory parts of the game. Alright, alright, having money in my pocket eases my mind. Let’s head out to find Ronnie!’

Early in the morning, Draxel packed some bread, plenty of drinking water, and rode his sturdy travel horse out of town. In his haste, he didn’t even notify Safiya.

[System Prompt: Your friendliness with Safiya decreased by -2. Current friendliness: 40.]

[System Comment: Don’t neglect her. Although I’m also anxious about Ronnie’s whereabouts.]

‘Alright, alright, stop nagging. I’ll find Ronnie and then go back to explain. Safiya is generous, she’ll understand.’

As Draxel said this to the system, he completely forgot how many times Safiya had twisted his ears.

When Dragonmother Safiya and Little Dragon Lein woke up and learned that the Count had gone out alone again, they were very worried and angry. They feared that Valkyrie Tian Yan might ambush and assassinate him, so they hurried after him.

Safiya didn’t need to guess to know that the dead kid must have gone to Ronnie’s tavern.

“Roar. This guy is really biased, Safiya. When has he ever been so worried about you? Sigh,” Lein muttered softly.

“Lein, I don’t understand what you’re saying,” Safiya replied helplessly.