Facing Catherine's question, both Xiao Zhi and Teague's hearts sank.
Tigger had just transformed his body with very weak life energy, and Xiao Zhi, as an undead, was not of the strong life energy type either. Unexpectedly, there are people who are so sensitive to death in places other than Blaise, and they also happen to be one of the female officers next to Duke Fusier.
I'm afraid their infiltration can only go so far.
Catherine has already raised the staff in her hand. Since the people in front of her have problems, it is better to subdue them first for Duke Fusier's safety.
The water vapor in the air began to become thick and sticky, and Teague felt as if his body was sealed in thick mud, and everything around him was squeezing towards him. He wanted to struggle, but found that with his weak strength, it was very difficult to even move a finger.
Advanced Water Control Spell - Water Prison.
The water prison technique can select an area, and then control the water in it to form a water prison. The confinement ability of the water prison is related to the magic reserve and control ability of the caster.
Looking at Catherine's relaxed way of casting spells, it is obvious that she is a very strong water mage.
Teague was controlled here, but Xiao Zhi activated the flame phantom when he felt the water vapor around him change, and the figure condensed by the phantom still stood in place, showing no sign of resistance.
Catherine frowned slightly, feeling that the figure was a little strange.
She raised her hand, and released an ice pick, ready to test the opponent's reality.
At this moment, Catherine noticed a subtle movement behind her. Years of combat experience told her, danger! Get away from where you are.
Catherine didn't have time to look back, and directly used a water mirror teleportation technique to move away from the previous position.
In the next moment, a dizzying fireball emitting green light landed on Catherine's original position. The fireball fell into the air, but the death energy in it corroded the plants planted in the courtyard and scorched them black.
Looking at the fireball, Catherine said coldly: "Undead."
Her sharp eyes stared at Xiao Zhi's hiding place: "An undead and a zombie, what's the purpose of coming to Dolly Alliance?"
Xiao Zhi appeared from the corner. He took off his cloak on his own initiative, revealing the iconic clerk's attire—the white gauze covered his head, and he was wearing the black uniform exclusively for Hesse clerks.
As the female officer next to the Duke of Fusier, Catherine naturally knew a little about celebrities from various countries on the mainland. When she saw this outfit, she was taken aback: "The clerk of Hesse?"
Xiao Zhi nodded: "I'm sorry for taking the liberty to visit."
Catherine did not relax her vigilance, she still held the staff tightly in her hand, maintaining a state of being able to cast spells at any time, and at the same time did not relax her control over Teague.
While paying attention to the situation, Catherine said, "As far as I know, His Excellency the Duke has never invited a guest like you."
The undead represent death, madness, and chaos, and they don't have a good reputation in Dazemenya. Looking at the entire continent, the undead can be regarded as the most unwelcome guests, and naturally no one would take the initiative to invite them.
Xiao Zhi made his tone appear polite: "Because of some accidents, I learned of the current plight of Duke Fushir, so I came to visit, hoping to bring some help to His Excellency the Duke."
Catherine still frowned. Although the person in front of her was an undead like the Hessian clerk, no one knew what the clerk looked like. It was said that only the vicious Hessian lord knew.
With just the same attire, she really couldn't confirm the other party's identity.
The two sides fell into a brief stalemate, Xiao Zhi was about to continue speaking, but the door not far away opened.
A girl from the Xiyue Clan came out from the inside. She was pretty, wearing the uniform of a high-ranking maid, and walked towards the two with a sweet smile on her face.
When she got closer, the girl bowed slightly to Xiao Zhi and saluted: "Mr. Clerk, Your Excellency the Duke, please."
Catherine was a little surprised: "Wait, Dora, he is an undead! It is very dangerous for him to approach His Excellency the Duke like this!"
The girl's smile remained unchanged, and her voice was sweet and soft: "This is an order from His Excellency the Duke himself."
Hearing this, although Catherine still had a look of wariness and suspicion on her face, she would never disobey Duke Fusier's order. She put away her staff and didn't continue to do anything, but she didn't leave either.
She just waited here quietly, and if any accident happened later, she would also be able to provide timely support.
Xiao Zhi stretched out his hand to gesture to Teague who was under the control of the water prison: "Can I trouble you to release him?"
Catherine glanced at Dora, and saw that the other party did not give her a hint of rejection, so she canceled the water prison expressionlessly.
Tigger was finally out of trouble. He felt that he was almost suffocating. He subconsciously wanted to take a big breath, but in the end he sucked in loneliness. Only then did Teague realize belatedly that he no longer needed to breathe.
Xiao Zhi walked to his side and patted his shoulder: "If you die for a while, you will get used to it."
Teague: "..."
Sorry, he just died and has little experience.
·
Under the leadership of Dora, Xiao Zhi and Teague entered the front gate, and followed Dora to the exclusive office of the Duke of Fushir.
Dora stood at the door and saluted the two: "Your Excellency the Duke is inside, I can only send you here."
After Xiao Zhi thanked her, he reached out and knocked on the door of the study.
After getting a response from Duke Fushir, he took Teague into the room.
There are several large bookcases reaching to the ceiling in Duke Fusier's study room, and even specially built stairs and a platform for people to rest for them.
The furnishings in the study do not seem high-profile, but each one reveals an unconcealed delicacy and ingenuity in a low-key manner. Obviously, these furnishings are definitely valuable.
Duke Fushir sat at the desk quietly waiting for someone to come.
She is a standard beauty of the Xiyue clan, with hair as blue as the sea and light eyes, she looks like some kind of rare gem. She is younger than the Duke of Sharina, and she is well maintained, making it difficult to tell her exact age at a glance.
"Please sit down, Mr. Clerk, you are welcome." Duke Fushir nodded to Xiao Zhi, and invited him to sit down.
She looked very calm, and her gestures were calm and elegant, as if she was not the one who was in a predicament and had to ask for help.
With such a demeanor, no one dared to underestimate her.
Xiao Zhi sat down following the other party's guidance, and replied: "Nice to meet you, Your Excellency Duke Fushir."
Teague deftly followed the position of his followers and stood behind Xiao Zhi.
Often facing various high-ranking officials and dignitaries, he is already very familiar with the behavior of the attendants, and he looks decent at the moment.
Teague is still a little excited that he can finally become a legitimate follower.
Duke Fushir didn't get into the topic at the beginning, she looked at Xiao Zhi: "Although it's a bit impolite to say that, because the Dolly Alliance and Hesse don't have diplomatic relations, and I haven't seen the clerk himself, I don't know if you have How can I prove my identity?"
Xiao Zhi had prepared this point long ago. The clerk is most familiar with his iconic attire, and other information is just a myth. If he wants to win people's trust, he must prove himself.
"Please look at this." Xiao Zhi took out Hessen's pass, which he received when he just became a clerk, and he can use this to enter and leave the Palace of Skeletons.
The moment the pitch-black pass was taken out, the strong dead air on it made Duke Fusier and Catherine, who was waiting outside, feel cold. In the black eye sockets of the skeleton above, there seemed to be endless unwillingness and anger hidden. It's like devouring a living person.
As a high-ranking member of the Dolly Alliance, Duke Fusier had also heard a little about Hesse's pass order, and this level of death was not imitated by ordinary people.
Seeing a subtle change in Duke Fushir's expression, Xiao Zhi withdrew the pass in his hand: "Now, can we talk?"
Duke Fushir's posture was slightly relaxed, and she smiled and looked at Teague who said nothing: "I don't know if Murani is okay?"
Xiao Zhi replied: "Don't worry, I'm here to seek cooperation, so naturally I won't hurt your subordinates."
Duke Fushir nodded, and the conversation between the two sides officially started: "I'm curious, Mr. Clerk, you are far away in Hessen, how did you know about my current predicament?"
Xiao Zhi said: "I happened to meet a fellow clan who had just transformed, and through his introduction, I learned some news."
After speaking, he signaled Teague to cancel the disguise.
Teague fiddled with his face, and after a while, he revealed a beautiful but pale face belonging to the Xiyue clan.
A hint of surprise flashed in Duke Fusier's eyes: "Tig?"
Because Teague has intersected with many noble ladies, and even his father was the lover of the Duke of Sharina, Teague is still well-known in the aristocratic circle.
However, this name is not very good. Some people appreciate his long-sleeved dancing skills and pretty face, while others laugh at him as a down-and-out nobleman. It is too ridiculous to seek political opportunities by distributing money in the wife's circle.
As a high-ranking member of the Dolly Alliance, Duke Fushir had also heard of such a person.
She even met Teague a few times at various banquets, and she had some impressions of the other party's outstanding good looks in the Xiyue Clan, but with Teague's identity, she was not qualified to talk to her, and even approached her. No, this is the first time the two have had such close contact.
Seeing Teague's face that was so pale that he didn't look like a living person, and the "newly transformed family" mentioned by the clerk, Duke Fuhill instantly understood what was going on.
If it was Teague, it would be logical to know that recent events, after all, he has always been very concerned about the situation of the Dolly Alliance, and is always looking for opportunities to show himself.
According to Teague's behavior style, he will definitely participate in the party held by Sharina, and then witness the process of Sharina's assassination, and it is not surprising that he even lost his life in the killer's clearing.
but…
Duke Furhill's eyes were slightly interested. Did the clerk think of her current situation and the expected response method, or... Thinking of this, her eyes quickly glanced at Teague.
It would be a pity if it was Tigger, if he was still alive, with this analytical ability, Duke Fushir would not mind recommending him to become an official. It's a pity that Teague is dead at this moment, and the undead will not be accepted by forces other than Hessen, even if he was also a member of the Xiyue tribe before his death.
Seeing Duke Fushir's expression of understanding and regret, Xiao Zhi also guessed what she was thinking, and he said, "So I think Hesse can be a good choice for you."
Duke Fushir did not express any clear acceptance or rejection, her sapphire-like eyes looked at Xiao Zhi: "I would like to hear more about it."
Xiao Zhi began to describe the content that he had conceived before coming: "I don't think I need to elaborate on Hessen's force?"
Duke Fushir nodded: "Indeed, the bravery and skill of the undead has left a deep memory on the entire continent."
Being brave and good at fighting is a euphemism. To be precise, it should be belligerent and fearless. When fighting, the undead rely on themselves to not die. If they lose their weapons, they will fight with their arms, and if they lose their arms, they will kick them with their feet. Even if their whole body is dismantled, they can bite them with one bite.
Xiao Zhi continued: "Presumably you are also aware of Hesse's recent opening of the trade zone. Hesse is a market full of potential, but it has just been developed, and there are quite a lot of opportunities in it."
Duke Fushir: "Yes."
Xiao Zhi: "There is another point that is most critical to you. The political situation in Hesse is stable, and no one has been able to challenge the majesty of the lord for hundreds of years. Therefore, our policy can remain unchanged for decades or even hundreds of years. But Blaise is different, the human race has a short lifespan and often fights among itself."
Hearing this, Duke Fushir's expression moved slightly.
Xiao Zhi: "Although the current Pope Blaise has only been on the throne for 20 years, he is 80 years old this year, almost reaching the limit of the lifespan of the human race. And as far as I know, he has summoned the chief priest 7 times within this year, Obviously his physical condition is very bad. The current situation of Bryce has begun to be unstable, and when he dies, Bryce will definitely be in chaos. I wonder if they will still have the energy to take care of their allies at that time?"
Duke Fushir's pretty brows were slightly frowned, which was also part of the reason for her worry.
Brace's interior is not monolithic. Like the Dolly Alliance, they also have many tit-for-tat forces within them, and the strife among them is even better than that of the Dolly Alliance.
It is difficult for her to guarantee that after the regime change, the party in power will continue to support her to fight against Duke Warren.
At this point, Hesse indeed has an absolute advantage.
If they weren't undead, Duke Fushir didn't have to hesitate.
Xiao Zhi revealed his purpose again: "Actually, when I came to the Dolly Alliance this time, I originally planned to visit Duke Sharina privately and make a small deal with her, but I didn't expect such an accident to happen."
Duke Fushir asked: "You want to find Sharona? May I know your purpose?"
Xiao Zhi nodded: "Of course, I came to visit the Duke of Sharina to find the Barry Requiem Stone, but unfortunately I heard that she was assassinated, and I also heard that you and her are allies, so I came here to take the liberty to visit you."
Xiao Zhi is very clear that the best way to show his sincerity is to state exactly his purpose and the benefits he can provide in exchange. Blindly acting like a selfless and righteous person will cause suspicion, especially in Fusier In the eyes of a sophisticated person like the Duke.
Moreover, the Barry Requiem Stone has many uses, and the other party cannot guess what he is using it for.
Sure enough, Duke Fushir's expression relaxed a little upon hearing this.
On the one hand, they finally knew the other party's purpose, and on the other hand, it was because of Sharina. She wanted to try her best to keep Sharina. If Hessen's request for cooperation meant that she should give up Sharina completely, Fusher thought, she would probably refuse.
Duke Fushir thought for a while: "Barry's Requiem Stone, this is indeed what Sharona holds. If you want to obtain it, it is a good choice to cooperate with us."
Xiao Zhi observed her attitude, and asked tentatively: "I don't know how Duke Sharona is doing now?"
Duke Fushir nodded slightly and said, "Thank you for your concern, she is still alive."
Xiao Zhi: "I don't know if I can meet her and continue to discuss the next step of cooperation?"
Duke Fushir thought for a moment, then stood up, and led the two of them towards a corner of the study. Her tone was a bit emotional: "Unexpectedly, I still have the opportunity to cooperate with the undead."
Xiao Zhi replied calmly: "Whether it's an enemy or a friend comes from the difference in positions. In the situation where the positions are opposite, isn't the opponent equally fatal?"
Duke Fushir smiled and said, "You are right."
The slender fingertips slid regularly on the wall a few times, and with her movements, the wall suddenly opened. Then a small room appeared in front of the three of them. It was empty, except for a teleportation array.
Duke Fushir pointed to the teleportation array: "Mr. Clerk, please."
Facing the teleportation formation that didn't know where it was going, Xiao Zhi stepped in without hesitation, since he wanted to cooperate, then don't be timid.
·
After the transmitted light passed, Xiao Zhi found himself standing in a dark and narrow corridor.
It was very dark around, only the fluorite on the wall provided lighting. The water vapor in the air is very heavy, Xiao Zhi guessed that this place might be located somewhere underwater, for the Xiyue Clan, such an environment is the safest.
Soon, the figures of Teague and Duke Fushir also appeared.
Duke Fusier walked in front, personally leading the way for the two of them, followed Duke Fusher all the way forward, and soon they came to the door of a closed room. There was no decoration on the door, and it had no character except solidity.
Duke Fushir stretched out his hand and knocked rhythmically on the door a few times.
This is probably some kind of secret language between them, different frequencies should represent different meanings, but unfortunately Xiao Zhi can only guess here, there is no way to guess the specific meaning of this rhythm.
A moment later, there was another rhythmic knock on the door in response.
Duke Fushir responded with a different rhythm.
The knock on the door changed again.
This time, Duke Fushir spoke: "Yes, the person has arrived."
The door finally opened.
The person who opened the door was a tall man with the usual good looks of the Xiyue Clan, but he had long golden hair that the Xiyue Clan would never have. Even in such a dark environment, he looked extremely brilliant.
This is Sartre, his appearance is different from ordinary Xiyue clan because he is a hybrid, a hybrid of Xiyue clan and human.
According to Teague, his birth was not a happy one, drenched in his mother's blood and tears. He also hated his blond hair very much. If he wasn't worried that it might burn Duke Sharina's eyes, he would probably shave himself bald, so don't praise his blond hair in front of Sartre.
Sartre glanced at the two people following Duke Fushir, with a bit of scrutiny in his eyes.
After a while, he withdrew his gaze and bowed to several people in a standard manner: "Please come in."
Going around the small front hall, Xiao Zhi finally saw Duke Sharona.
Her condition is not good, half leaning on the bed, her face is almost as pale as the dead Teague, a magic circle exuding milky white light enveloped her, Xiao Zhi, who had seen white magic before, recognized that it was white magic characteristic energy.
White magic is constantly repairing the wound on Duke Sharina's chest, but there is a faint flow of wind energy on her wound, constantly cutting and tearing her wound, hindering the progress of wound healing.
Such a process should be very painful, but Duke Sharona's expression was very calm, she said to Xiao Zhi: "It is you who want to find me to cooperate?"
"Yes." Xiao Zhi quickly introduced his reason for coming and how he learned about the current situation.
Duke Fushir whispered beside her about the simple discussion between the two of them.
Duke Sharina glanced at the pale Teague: "Tiger is dead... It's a pity, I wish you all the best in Hesse."
Teague was a little surprised by the attention he received, and he quickly saluted Duke Sharina: "Thank you for your blessing."
With the help of this greeting, the relationship between the two parties has been slightly closer. This is also a technique of conversation. After all, when negotiating, it is quite rude to go straight to the topic, and it will easily expose one's own eagerness and hole cards.
The more important the time, the less impatient the rhythm of the conversation.
Duke Sharona looked at Xiao Zhi, she couldn't see the clerk's face clearly under the white gauze: "I heard that you are from the Xiyue clan."
Xiao Zhi shook his head: "The rumors are always inconsistent with the reality."
Duke Sharona showed a smile, which made her pale face a little more angry: "What about your relationship with the lord?"
Xiao Zhi: "... the lord?"
Duke Sharona waved her hand, signaling Sartre to hand over a document to Xiao Zhi.
The document records the rumors popular in Hesse during this period, such as "the lord of Hesse and the clerk walking in the rain", "the lord of Hesse favored the clerk, and even gave him all the rights of Hesse", "the lord of Hesse openly doing that sort of thing with the clerk in broad daylight”…
Xiao Zhi's pupils dilated in fright: "..."
What the hell are these! ! !
If it weren't for the fact that he was facing two real powerful men, he would have thought that he was squatting on the street at this moment, reading some low-end lace tabloids! How come the rumors are so clear, logical, and well-founded, if he is not one of the parties involved, even he will believe it, okay
It must be that the people in the trade zone usually have too much work! When he goes back, let them work overtime collectively, overtime hard, and see who can find time to spread gossip!
And... it has all been passed on to the Dolly Alliance.
If all these profiteers know about it, then the whole continent will not be far away...
Xiao Zhi was glad that his head was covered with a white gauze, which could cover his expression on the verge of losing control at the moment. He tried his best to control his body language, trying to hide his shock.
Duke Sharona was still leaning weakly on the head of the bed. Although he was smiling jokingly, his eyes were as sharp as if he could see through his white veil: "So, what is your relationship with the lord?"
Xiao Zhi's heart suddenly tightened for a moment, he understood that this was Duke Sharona's temptation.
She is testing her position in Hesse, and she is also weighing the risks and benefits of cooperating with her. Even if he is seriously injured and at a disadvantage, Duke Sharona is still not easy to deal with.
If you admit it, it will undoubtedly increase the bargaining chip in this negotiation.
but…
His first name...
After weighing it in his heart for a moment, Xiao Zhi finally just put down the information in his hand lightly, and said lightly: "The rumors are naturally somewhat exaggerated."
This sounded like he was denying it, but his movements were relaxed and comfortable, and there was a sweet smile in his tone, which seemed to mean something.
The author has something to say: "Actor's Self-Cultivation"—by Clerk Hesse