“All right, I’ve acknowledged your sincerity. We’ll forget about the Decree of Execution. As for my brother’s injuries, since you’re being so generous, I’ll accept those thirty thousand celestial crystals on his behalf. However, I’ve always been clear about debts and grudges in my dealings. If you really provide us with a large number of celestial crystals, I promise to repay you doubly if the opportunity arises in the future.”
Fraser decided to hold back on revealing his identity as the fourth prince of Twilight Imperial City for the time being. His immediate priority was to secure the celestial crystals.
Once the celestial crystals are finally in our possession, it won’t be too late to take Jared to Twilight Imperial City. The resources within the city are on the verge of exhaustion, so obtaining such a large quantity of celestial crystals all at once is a blessing.
Since Jared is my brother-in-law, the celestial crystals technically belong to the family. It shouldn’t really count as deception.
“There’s no need for repayment. When it comes to friendship, I’ve never been concerned about what someone can offer me. The only thing that matters is whether they’re worth my time.” Jared laughed heartily, giving Fraser a friendly pat on the shoulder. His laughter was a mix of sincerity and a hint of smugness. “Remember, n this world, both strength and wisdom are crucial. But what’s even more important is where you stand and who you choose to walk with.”
Upon seeing the situation, both Theobauld and Salathiell expressed their positions. They were willing to follow Jared. Fraser didn’t object, so they were even less likely to oppose.
Despite the lingering doubts in their hearts, they couldn’t afford to pass up a chance that might alter their fate when confronted with such a generous and enigmatic individual.
If Jared really did possess a celestial crystal vein mine, they could treat the celestial crystals like mere rubble, using them as they pleased.
As the four of them reached an agreement, the atmosphere lightened considerably.
The expressions on the faces of Fraser, Theobauld, and Salathiell shifted gradually from initial shock and confusion to curiosity and anticipation.
They began to believe that perhaps this choice could truly open a door for them to unforeseen opportunities.
And the instigator of all this, Jared, wore an expression of calm and composure as if he had everything under control.
He knew well that true impressiveness wasn’t about superficial flamboyance. Rather, it lay in the convincing aura that made people believe and the charm that made opponents willingly follow.
“Since you’ve chosen to stick with me, don’t just stand around outside. Come with me to the imperial city. Let’s have some coffee…”
Since Fraser chose not to reveal his identity, Jared decided to continue playing dumb.
“Jared, there’s no rush for coffee, but what about those thirty thousand celestial crystals you mentioned?”
Fraser was set on securing the thirty thousand celestial crystals first before anything else.
“I don’t have them on me right now. But I’ll immediately notify the mine, and they’ll deliver a hundred thousand celestial crystals within a day or two to be divided among the three of you,” Jared said casually.
Fraser thought that waiting for a day or two shouldn’t cause any delay, so he nodded in agreement and followed Jared into Allardland.
Upon returning to Allardland, Jared made sure that Fraser, Theobauld, and Salathiell were settled in. Afterward, he went to inform Jaime. He ordered Jaime to bring over all the celestial crystals from Beast City.
Jared knew that no matter what, he was destined to be taken to Twilight Imperial City.
He had to gather some celestial crystals to bribe the fourth prince. Once he reached Twilight Imperial City, he hoped to earn a few favorable words from him.
Otherwise, merely challenging his brother-in-law and handling his mother-in-law would be enough to get Jared into serious trouble.
“Your Highness, what do you make of Jared’s words? How much do you believe is true, and how much is exaggerated?” Theobauld asked in a hushed tone.
In a tone of great dissatisfaction, Salathiell replied, “Theobauld, I believe Mr. Chance is sincere and not a liar. You shouldn’t always judge others by your own narrow-minded standards.”
He had fallen completely under Jared’s influence, wholeheartedly believing every word Jared said.
“I think his words are a mix of truth and exaggeration, with a bit more of the latter,” Fraser said.
