From Secret Clan to the Divine Dynasty

The tranquil and majestic evening saw a luxurious carriage slowly enter the heart of Nasir, an emergent city.

Two magnificent red steeds drew the carriage, their heads held high, their strides steady and powerful; the sound of their hooves echoed on the cobbled streets, like ancient war drums that shook the soul.

These were no ordinary horses, but rather specially bred animals with a lineage of magic beast blood in them.

Although the Church strictly forbade the large-scale breeding of magic beasts, animals with magic beast lineage had always skirted the edge of these regulations.

The golden shafts of the carriage glinted in the sunlight, creating a stark contrast with the dark red color of the carriage body.

The carriage was engraved with exquisite patterns, each detail exuding the noble opulence of the aristocracy, and upon closer inspection, one would notice that these refined patterns seemed to flow slowly.

It was an effect created by a special alchemy technology, which was quite rare in Cyart but widespread in Lorne.

The curtains of the carriage were gently lifted, revealing a glimpse inside; the soft cushions were covered with fine velvet, emanating a faint scent, and the interior was adorned with delicate tea sets and pastries.

The master of the carriage was a Viscount Johnville.

His face was rather broad, his features strong, akin to an ancient sculpture meticulously carved, his gaze revealing steadiness and authority.

The extraordinary nobility system of the Cyart people was originally modeled after that of the Lorne Empire; as a viscount, Johnville was indeed a high-level Transcendet.

However, he preferred the term "Transmutation," unlike the successful reforms of the Eastern Four Kingdoms, where, at least within the Lorne Empire, the term "Transmutation" was more commonly used.

The Lorne Empire was undoubtedly the most powerful transcendent empire in the Claud World, it had even conquered several other continents and worlds, with colonial territories many times the size of its homeland in the Ouden Continent.

Although the Seven Stars Empire could barely resist the onslaught of the Lorne citizens, it absolutely could not match the comprehensive strength of the Lorne Empire.

In particular, over the past century, the Lorne's power had seen transformative growth; if not for the extraordinary power of the Seven Stars Emperor, who emerged with the unquestionable strongest force, the Seven Stars Empire would have probably already been crushed by the Lorne.

Viscount Johnville scrutinized his surroundings and said,

"This is my first time visiting the East Coast Province of Cyart, such a small place. Now, it seems better than I imagined, just slightly inferior to your Cyart Royal Capital."

"I actually thought this place was just a fishing village."

The other person in the carriage smiled and slowly said, "Decades ago, Nasir indeed was a small fishing town."

"It was my family that changed all that."

"I believe you, your family must be a rather remarkable one, just like you."

Finally, Viscount Johnville stepped out of the lavish carriage; he was dressed in an elegant robe, its hem fluttering lightly with his movements.

Yet, when he set foot on the city streets, his face revealed a slight dissatisfaction.

Viscount Johnville looked around, his eyebrows slightly furrowed, the hustle and bustle, and the crowding of the city made him uncomfortable, the street dust, and the chaotic scenes were at odds with his noble demeanor. His gaze swept over the busy merchants and pedestrians, their vulgar behavior, and the noisy chatter made him displeased.

He coughed lightly, trying to dissipate the dust and odd smells in the air, his hand gently brushed over the hem of his garment as if to wipe away the roughness and disorder he had come into contact with.

Though Viscount Johnville kept the elegant composure of a noble on his face, there was a barely perceptible hint of pickiness and dissatisfaction in his eyes.

"Well," he said, "it's much better than most colonies, but this city... well, I shouldn't be too critical."

His attendants followed closely behind, their expressions similarly mixed with confusion and discontent, accustomed to the sophistication of life in the capital of the Lorne Empire, they were somewhat uncomfortable with such surroundings.

Viscount Johnville stopped, his gaze piercing through the busy crowd toward Fischer Manor in the distance, a determined glint flashing in his eyes.

He took a deep breath, straightened his attire, ready to face this city which was so alien to him, and at the same time, prepared to present the grace befitting an Imperial Emissary.

The man who had sat in the carriage just moments ago now followed behind Viscount Johnville.

Karno Fischer.

This man had serendipitously helped him a few years ago when he visited the Cyart Royal Capital as a guest. Karno Fischer had given him a Precise Prophecy, and with it, Viscount Johnville had saved his own family.

In return, he gave Karno Fischer an opportunity to ask for the assistance of the Lorne's power to help the Fischer family.

Viscount Johnville turned to look at Karno and said,

"Mr. Kano, I must admit I don't know much about the Cyart people, for various reasons, the Lorne citizens have never paid much attention to the Eastern Four Kingdoms. The books only describe you as defeated barbarians... But after seeing you, I believe the reality is quite different, that even Cyart people can possess the same quality as the Lorne citizens."

"Thank you for your compliment, Viscount Johnville."

Karno smiled, always aware of the other's arrogance, and deep inside, he felt a bit of irony.

Daily, the Cyart people studied the Lorne, antagonized them, and even considered themselves the Lorne's archenemy aside from the Seven Stars.n/ô/vel/b//jn dot c//om

But for most Lorne citizens, they merely knew of such a country and people to the east, and that was all.

Even if you were to speak to some uncultured Lorne citizens and say that you are a Cyart person, it's very likely they'd express confusion, wondering in which part of Lorne exactly is Cyart?

"It was because of Mr. Kano's invitation that I came to the Fischer family..."

Viscount Johnville had just gotten this far when he was interrupted by Kano shaking his head.

"That is a lie."

"Viscount Johnville, out of respect for our friendship, please don't deceive me any longer. How could such a significant matter of state be decided just because of our personal dealings?"

After he had spoken, he stared intently at the other man. Viscount Johnville coughed once, showing no embarrassment, and continued to say:

"Heh heh, indeed... it's because of our sovereign's command that I came here. It's just that because of our relationship, I managed to secure the opportunity to become the Imperial Emissary to Cyart."

Viscount Johnville said, smiling.

"But just as you said, regardless of whether or not we have a personal relationship, the Empire has long had its designs on the situation in Cyart. Many people here need help."

Kano nodded slightly and said, "Then for Fischer, this is indeed not a bad thing."

Soon, Viscount Johnville and Kano arrived at Fischer Manor and entered the drawing-room.

Kano saw his family, whom he had not seen for a long time. His father, Chris, nodded with a calm demeanor, showing not the slightest intention of blaming him, and his aging mother Vanessa suddenly came over and embraced him.

"Karno, you've finally returned. That's wonderful. We've missed you so much... What happened to your hair and face? How many times have you used Precise Prophecy?"

In Vanessa's words, there was surprise; Karno managed a wry smile, confident that he had used his prophecies at the right moments, with absolutely no regrets.

In his mother's eyes, he would always be a child, wouldn't he?

Those signs of aging would definitely cause his mother immeasurable heartache.

Byrne stepped forward, looking at the visitor from Lorne, and extended his hand politely, saying:

"Welcome, Viscount Johnville of Lorne. I am Byrne Fischer, the Fischer family patriarch."

Viscount Johnville paused, a bit surprised, and asked, "You know my name?"

"I've heard of it by chance."

Byrne smiled and nodded gently.

In reality, he had not heard of Johnville before, but he had just activated the power of the "Ancient Researcher," the "Past-Peeking Eye." As Johnville was a high-level Transmutation Extraordinary Exponent, Byrne had glimpsed quite a bit of his past.

That was very useful information, and Byrne suddenly found himself with a better understanding of many matters concerning the Lorne Empire.

Good, even more useful than the knowledge known from books.

Viscount Johnville said:

"I'll get straight to the point. His Excellency Bain, the people of Lorne would like to offer you some assistance."

He had a righteous expression on his face as he continued loudly:

"We've heard about the Words of Tranquility and the affairs of the Adley Royal Family, and we're aware that your nation has reached a crucial moment of life and death. Now, as people favored by the True Gods, it is imperative for us to stand united on the same front."

"Our respected sovereign has decided to provide ample assistance to both you and the Romann family to help you win this war, and all for the sake of Cyart's people and the great gods! Without a doubt, we are on the side of justice!"

Byrne nodded and responded:

"I understand. Firstly, I am very grateful to the Emperor of Lorne, and his intentions move all the people of Cyart. Secondly, I would like to know how we are to repay this generous assistance?"

Viscount Johnville's smile grew more pronounced, seemingly pleased by Byrne's directness. He nodded and took out a list from his bosom, saying:

"It's quite simple; we merely require some of Cyart's 'local specialties' and also to lease some land, that's it—necessary costs... Here's a list compiled by the Lorne Imperial Congress, which will give you, His Excellency Bain, a clear and immediate understanding."

Byrne, with a smile, took the list and looked over the array of resources and land on it, falling into a long silence.

He eventually shook his head and said, "I am very thankful to the Emperor of Lorne and your Congress, but my answer, or rather, the answer of the Cyart people is... no."

Viscount Johnville paused, his eyes narrowing as he said:

"His Excellency Bain, you choose to refuse? Heh heh, I don't think that's the right answer. You know that everything in the world comes at a price. The Empire's support is like the power of a Forbidden rare artifact; it will provide you with enormous assistance..."

"Perhaps, you are giving up on using the most powerful Forbidden rare artifact in the world!"

"You might feel the cost is great, unbearable even. But these matters, we can still negotiate. Indeed, all Extraordinary Exponents know one thing..."

"Those who are too timid to use Forbidden rare artifacts, those Extraordinary Exponents, often end up being the first to die."