The Witcher: Lord of the Empire

Chapter 65: Of Ruins and Exchange



Triss introduced: "Most of these I found from the ruins. I don't usually use them, I just keep them as a collection, and I didn't give them names."

 

Lann joked: "If these magic items are given names, maybe they can be sold at a better price."

 

Triss chuckled and said: "If it doesn't sell out this time, I will consider it next time."

 

After some interruption, the topic officially came to the point, and Triss began to introduce the items on the table to Lann one by one.

 

She pointed at the medallion first: "Attracts the attention of enemies. When worn, enemies involuntarily attack this medallion, or rather, the body beneath the medallion."

 

"But it only works if worn on the neck or chest. I guess it was used by some sorcerer on slaves or monsters."

 

Then there is the statue: "It is a switch of a ruins mechanism. It has no effect on its own. But it also contains considerable magic power. Mousesack said you might be interested, so I brought it with me."

 

Then there is the crystal bird skull: "Looking out from the eyes of this crystal skull can see through certain magical illusions - just to a certain extent. If it is too advanced, it will be useless."

 

Finally, there’s the glowing pearl: “There’s nothing much to say about this. It emits light. It’s even brighter underwater. Do you want to see it?”

 

Lann thought for a while and asked, "Can I touch it?"

 

"Certainly."

 

Lann touched them one by one, first the medallion, without any reaction.

 

Then the statue. The moment he touched the statue, a system notification sounded:

 

[Discovered a Source of magic.]

 

Perfect! Although there was only one Source of magic, as the other two objects, the crystal skull and the pearl, showed no reaction.

 

Seeing that Lann was only examining the objects in an inexperienced manner, Triss kindly offered: "Would you like to try them all? This badge can only be effective in battle."

 

Lann shook his head: "No need, I trust you. These magical items can have various uses, both in combat and in daily life. Even as part of my collection, I want them. How much do you want for them, Triss?"

 

Although only the statue can be used as a Source of magic power, the remaining three magic items also have unique effects. Especially the Taunt Medallion and the Crystal Bird Skull. Lann could already imagine several uses for them, so it didn't hurt to keep them.

 

"Triss appreciated Lann's trust and explained its price. "Usually, we trade magical items by exchanging them for other objects. But I was told this is your first purchase of this kind, so that form of exchange isn't feasible. So..."

 

Triss reported a number that she thought was quite large.

 

Lann immediately agreed: "No problem."

 

Mousesack wanted to intervene, thinking that Lann was being too wasteful.

 

"But..." Lann added. "I don't think magicians normally sell their collections. I wonder what new research projects Miss Triss has had recently."

 

"It just so happened that my aunt opened Cintra's collection of magical materials to me recently, you can also choose some materials to exchange if you are interested."

 

Triss’s eyes lit up. For a mage, this was much more attractive than money.

 

Mousesack did not expect this situation, and asked in astonishment: "When did Queen Calanthe open these resources to you?"

 

Lann replied: "Just recently."

 

Mousesack was silent, and there was a quota for the tribute given to him by the royal family.

 

“Thank you very much.” Triss lifted up her skirt and bowed.

 

Everyone is satisfied with this situation.

 

At this moment, looking at Triss, Lann, who was preparing to go to Toussaint in the near future, suddenly had an idea.

 

"I don't know if Miss Triss has any free time recently."

 

Triss was slightly stunned: "Huh?"

 

"It's like this." Lann explained. "I am currently preparing to go to Toussaint to explore the ruins of a sorcerer's magic laboratory. You may have heard of his name: Tomas Moreau."

 

Triss nodded: "Professor Moreau was active before I became a sorceress, but he was very famous for his research on witchers. Many sorcerer who are obsessed with witcher research speak highly of him."

 

Lann nodded and continued: "To be honest, I have already obtained the help of a witcher. As for exploring the ruins of the magic laboratory, I thought that the participation of a sorceress would be more foolproof."

 

"As a reward: You can make a copy of the experimental notes obtained from the ruins; if you have any need for the magic items in them, I can also give them as a thank you gift."

 

Exploring the magic laboratories of fellow mages is also quite tempting for mages. Triss was indeed interested, but after some thought, she still refused.

 

"This is indeed very attractive. After all, it is Professor Moreau's laboratory." Triss sighed. "But I'm sorry Lann, the Brotherhood of Sorcerers is calling us for a gathering recently. It may be difficult for me to participate in your exploration."

 

Lann was a little disappointed after hearing this, but there was nothing he could do.

 

"Speaking of which, this meeting is related to Cintra." Triss said suddenly, and the expressions of Lann and Mousesack also became curious.

 

"Regarding Nilfgaard's invasion of the northern kingdoms, the Brotherhood of Sorcerers is very vigilant. The royal advisors of various kingdoms are in constant communication."

 

"Some sorcerers, led by Lady Tissaia, believe that we should help Cintra resist Nilfgaard, as they believe that Nilfgaard's ambitions to the north are greater."

 

"But another group of mages didn't care about this, as you know, Cintra has always rejected mages, so some mages are not willing to help Cintra. And they don't think Nilfgaard can really do anything to the North."

 

Lann frowned and said: "Then can we contact the mages who are willing to help Cintra? I may try to persuade my aunt to repay and respect them. Cintra will not reject any friend who is willing to help us."

 

'You cannot.' Mousesack sighed as he heard Lann, although he didn't say it out loud. He knew Queen Calanthe better than anyone.

 

Triss also shook her head: "It is a pity that the Brotherhood of Sorcerers is one, especially when it comes to such large-scale political issues. Mages are not allowed to act alone until they reach a consensus among all members.”

 

Seeing Lann's slightly disappointed expression, Triss comforted: "Don't worry, although this meeting is about Cintra, everyone thinks that Nilfgaard will not cause much harm to Cintra. The real issue is the attitude of the entire North towards Nilfgaard."

 

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