I Don't Agree to the Terms
Chapter 128 - 91: Warping the Future with Present Truths_2

Chapter 128: Chapter 91: Warping the Future with Present Truths_2

Ekter was unsure, yet he was not willing to fall into a trap over such a trifle, especially since Gu Shanhai’s appearance made him somewhat puzzled by Merlin’s true intentions.

"I hope Sir Ekter can keep his word. I am merely an ordinary Druid, while Sir Ekter comes from a noble family—an individual in exchange for a clan. I believe Sir Ekter knows how to choose," Gu Shanhai’s meaning was clear: his death would mean only the loss of a lone man, but his entire family, including his descendants, would suffer from the curse. No matter how one thought about it, Ekter would be at a disadvantage.

Ekter didn’t take Gu Shanhai’s threat too seriously, since betraying Gu Shanhai had never crossed his mind.

If what Gu Shanhai said was true, then wouldn’t he have been duped by Merlin, the wizard? At that point, wouldn’t he be in an awkward position with both sides?

After their talk, Ekter left in a hurry.

Gu Shanhai was not worried that Merlin would reveal the truth because once he did, the bloodline protection on Ava that concealed him from prophetic divination would fail. Only after Ava pulled the Sword in the Stone, Excalibur, and received protection from his Lord, could the truth be revealed.

And that would be when he ascended to the throne as King.

Because of this information gap, it was inevitable that Ekter would not receive any relevant hints. Perhaps Merlin would hint and remind him in various ways, but Ekter’s preconditioned ideas would inevitably lead him to imagine in other directions.

Merlin’s fate of death was an inescapable issue and a political proof created by Merlin himself.

’Taking Ava back should not pose a major problem, but what about the journey back?’

Although Ava had undergone Knight training, his martial skills were modest. Of course, this was not an issue of his talent, but because he was sealed. Only after he pulled the Sword in the Stone, Excalibur, and became King would his power gradually be released; otherwise, his valor would surpass even Kay’s renowned bravery.

Even under a seal, his valor was evident at the youthful age of fifteen or sixteen.

’I can’t reach out to Mafas and the others, does this mean I’ll truly face the stand-off predicted by Mafas’s prophecy...’

Gu Shanhai was somewhat vexed, yet he had no regrets; the benefits were proportionate to the risks. If he succeeded, he would change dynasties and become a founding national hero. Moreover, he suspected the future political rise of Ava might be related to the Sword in the Stone, Excalibur, since everything started with that sword.

As for the druid group not recognizing Ava upon their return, that would be underestimating Gu Shanhai. He was adept at moral coercion, and both the Mark and Dragon Vein Sects would back him up, which was sufficient.

Besides, there was also an ambitious Druid Sect called the Returners. Continuing the ancient Priest function and once Ava became a Druid and revealed his identity, this sect would be the first to join and welcome the royal master, ushering Ava to become the Druid King and bringing the Druids back to the political center of power.

So, as long as he returned, Gu Shanhai would have an incredible number of allies.

...

The following day, Ekter came to find Gu Shanhai with Ava, his expression grim as though he had contacted Merlin through some means and not received the answer he wanted.

"Merlin has already arrived at the Royal Capital, yet he keeps that from me," Ekter said.

"And then?" Gu Shanhai countered, not seeing the significance.

"He also didn’t mention Ava’s situation, only saying that the truth would emerge after the Sword in the Stone, Excalibur, is pulled."

"So I suspect that it is he who supports Duke Snow Donia from behind. Once he succeeds, then the predetermined fate would be altered."

Ekter didn’t know Ava’s true identity, so naturally, he wouldn’t think that Merlin was backing Ava.

"I’ve no interest in the kingdom’s affairs, nor do I wish to know. I just want to ask one question: Are you prepared to let me take Ava away or leave him here? If you let me take him, I can guarantee that he will become a Dragon Vein Druid, and Kurus Brass himself will instruct him!" Gu Shanhai had no interest in engaging in riddles and mysteries with him—it was a straightforward deal, or else he would take his leave.

Ekter gritted his teeth: "Take him away; I hope he can live worry-free."

"What about you, Ava? Your father has agreed, but are you willing to come with me? The journey back... will be dangerous, but I will do my utmost to protect you," Gu Shanhai turned to look at the person involved.

"Dangerous?!" Ekter spoke first, clearly surprised since he naturally had feelings for his adopted son.

"Of course, it’s dangerous. Do you know who I’m up against?"

"We’re talking about wizards who move between all kingdoms, active in politics everywhere. Other wizards are like rats in the gutter, living in constant fear, while Merlin, with his evil lineage, can safely become the guest of honor for kings and nobility alike. Do you think such a man would abandon his ambition?"

Gu Shanhai rolled his eyes, this kid truly was clueless.

Upon hearing this, Ekter also fell silent. On the political stage, Merlin was indeed an anomaly, reaching heights unreachable by all other wizards.

Search the lightnovelworld.cc website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.