Warhammer Divine Throne

"No, no, Agneda wouldn't harm me." Edmond shook his head repeatedly, then walked away. "I'm sorry, I won't attend tomorrow's meeting."

"Sigh, I wonder what old Huron would think, watching his son turn out like this from heaven." Odrich and Schultz sighed as they looked at each other.

Agneda and her servant hurriedly left the city hall, took a carriage back to her residence. The tall, skinny man whispered, his voice hissing like a venomous tongue: "President, that guy named Laine, we've checked his background, a very dangerous barbarian, he's likely here to hunt Belte."

"A barbarian is indeed a barbarian, indifferent to my beauty~" Purple-red blood glimmered in Agneda's eyes. "I really want to dismember him and see what's inside his organs."

"President, we can't let that damned Fallen Hunter threaten our plans. I think we should..."

"No, Belte still has his use, so there's no need to kill him yet... Ha, why don't we arrange a wonderful play, a play that would make people feel incredibly delighted..."

"I follow your orders."

The night, carrying its own secrets.

Amber Avenue 53.

"Catherine, make two cups of hot milk." Veronica had just stepped into the spacious living room and immediately unfastened the long and heavy skirt of her evening dress, revealing the short skirt and long legs inside. The Jialan Witch first asked her female apprentice to make some milk, then sat beside Laine, leaned on his shoulder: "What did you find out?"

"I'd like to hear what you found out first." Laine grabbed the woman's hand, indicating for her to speak first.

It had always been this way; Veronica was better at logical thinking and analysis, whereas Laine excelled in decision-making and finding the most advantageous ways within various rules.

"It seems that the president of the Aesthetic Society holds a high reputation in Marinburg's upper society. When she confronted you, at least sixty percent of the men at the banquet were distracted. When she invited you to the banquet, at least forty percent of the men initially felt fortunate, then believed you lacked taste, and didn't understand beauty." Veronica lazily leaned back on the soft chair and mocked: "Just like your acquaintance Oliver, thinks you don't understand taste."

"I don't understand taste? Are you mocking yourself?" Laine unfastened his tie, watching Veronica's unchanged face, suddenly said: "I can understand why Teresa, such a talented female sorcerer, is overshadowed by you. I reckon if she were in Oliver's situation, she would be furious and even might act out on the spot."

"What would I gain from contending with that fool? Would it improve my reputation? Would it allow me to learn more spells? Would it bring me any material rewards? Would it enhance my status in your heart? If not, why should I contend with him? Would you dislike me just because he looks down on me?" Veronica smirked and asked repeatedly: "In fact, I'd prefer that these people treat me like a vase... Overall, I don't suggest you openly confront the Aesthetic Society; that woman has considerable influence."

Laine looked at Veronica, his eyes filled with seriousness.

This woman is really impressive; as the Celestial Dynasty people say, she has deep scheming and excellent composure. Perhaps in the magic field, Teresa is not inferior to her, but regarding human relations and strategies, the female sorcerer falls short.

Following Laine's actions, Teresa was always eager to prove herself, while Veronica seemed like a vase. However... the final effect is completely different.

With such a woman, does he really...

Seeing the flickering uncertainty in the man's eyes, a trace of panic flashed in Veronica's beautiful almond eyes; she hurriedly grabbed Laine's hand, her little mouth curling: "What's the matter? Afraid of me?"

"No, I just think you're very impressive." Sitting beside the woman, Laine took the milk Catherine offered and drank it in one gulp. "It's a strange feeling, hard to articulate, unsure if partnering with you is the right choice..."

"What are you talking about?" Veronica's expression appeared calm, but her voice slightly trembled: "I don't understand your meaning; clarify it for me... alright, Laine?"

"Nothing, I just think Teresa has valid reasons for being no match for you; she's already excellent, just met someone even better." Laine shook his head, dispelling some thoughts from his mind: "Partnering with you is also my honor."

"Phew~" Veronica exhaled deeply, feeling entirely drained: "Don't scare me."

"Hahaha~"

As night fell deeper, Amber Avenue grew quieter.

In the master bedroom on the second floor, the lights still shone brightly. Laine stood by the window, gazing into the distance, while Veronica sat at the dressing table. The woman placed two silver crescent earrings on the table. The room was carpeted with thick rugs imported from the Southern Realm. In the center stood a large velvet bed. The left side of the bed was filled with varied lighting fixtures and clothing racks, complemented by a fitting room stacked with the witch's clothes and shoes. The Jialan Members never lacked these items, and Veronica's wardrobe was already minimal, just three cabinets. Laine remembered that Teresa's mother Aurora's clothes couldn't fit into two rooms.

"Jacob's arrival suggests the situation is very serious; we should pick up the pace." Laine continued pondering over the day's happenings; the volume of information was overwhelming.

"The key issue is where exactly Belte is hiding: the Gladiatorial Arena, the underground tunnels, or the Aesthetic Society?" Veronica frowned, suddenly looking at Laine: "Laine... will you sleep in the adjacent room tonight?"

"Is that so? I wanted to hold you properly." Laine's tone carried a hint of dissatisfaction.

The Jialan Witch gently turned and leaned against the man's chest, teasingly: "I didn't mean that. I'm just saying... at night when the two of us are in the same room, you end up tossing me around, so when do I ever have time to think about things!"

"Alright, I also think you're right. How about I go out for a walk, see if I can gather any new information from the citizens and store owners." Laine wasn't someone who carried lewd thoughts all day, clinging to women like a band-aid; he certainly knew when to prioritize.

Upon seeing this, Veronica let out a sigh of relief, knowing that the current Laine was no longer the mildly famous Ranger Knight he was years ago.

He was now the Lake Fairy's Divine Chosen Champion, a Legendary Middle-tier human hero, holding the initiative in partner relationships. While he needed the Caster's assistance, he was no longer worried about finding a Legendary Mage partner. In other words, the present situation was Veronica needing him more. Although he cherished her, it wasn't unconditional tolerance; he owed her nothing.

She didn't want to have conflicts with him.

"Whether you roam outside or call people home, I don't mind, but I warn you, don't touch my apprentice." Veronica initially pursed her lips, gazing afar, reaching a hand to gently stroke Laine's chest, tracing circles with her fingers, then looked up at Laine with bright eyes: "If you touch her, I won't do anything to you, but poor Catherine will disappear from this world. What happens to a girl violating a mentor's order? You guess?"

"I'm not one of those men who's as good as dead without a woman for a day!" Laine complained, though the witch clearly didn't believe him. "Oh? Really? Don't tell me you didn't do anything while spending so much time with our Princess Jialan?"

"I truly didn't do anything." Laine continued to grumble: "Regardless, Veronica, think about it. If I really touched her, wouldn't that be troublesome!"

"My Great Knight is indeed clever!" Veronica finally spared him on this matter: "Go for a stroll, my Great Knight."

"Goodnight, my Great Witch!" Laine placed a goodnight kiss on Veronica's hand.

"Goodnight." Veronica also pecked Laine on the face.

Laine donned a clean set of ordinary clothes, slung his single-handed sword on his back, tidied his black hair slightly, and left his new home.

Departing Amber Avenue, Laine followed the long road toward today's destination—Dusk Street.

The dark sky couldn't hide the enthusiasm of Marinburg's citizens; many streets remained open 24/7. To gather information, Laine headed to those streets of eternal operation, where messages were the most reliable in the city.

As usual, Dusk Street was open 24 hours, yet amid the bustling crowd, Laine spotted a familiar face.

"Huh! Why's he here too?"