I Don't Agree to the Terms
Chapter 193 - 122: When a Rascal Becomes a Marquis and Might Be Granted a Marriage_2

Chapter 193: Chapter 122: When a Rascal Becomes a Marquis and Might Be Granted a Marriage_2

"Yes, the prophecy is like this..."

Gu Shanhai’s serious demeanor as he adapted the prophecy of the previous world’s Holy Grail gave everyone listening a grave expression.

"So, Minister Shanhai, you’re planning to go in search of the Holy Grail and need help?"

"That’s no problem, Minister Kay. You’ll take charge of this task and prepare a team that will satisfy Minister Shanhai as soon as possible."

Atilis knew that it had been an initial prophecy from Gu Shanhai and his subsequent assistance that had led to the rise of the Red Dragon King. Thus, he took Gu Shanhai’s current, very serious prophecy very seriously.

If it hadn’t been for the need to personally oversee the newly established reign, Atilis would have wanted to lead the expedition in search of the Holy Grail himself.

Naturally, there were no issues on Kay’s end. Having him prepare was perfectly normal; Gu Shanhai was the type to delegate and not bother with the details.

"Cough, Minister Kay, if you have time, help me manage that Marquis’s estate as well. You can take half the tax as payment, and exchange the rest for various treasures and inheritances," Gu Shanhai unexpectedly interjected.

Upon hearing this, Kay did not dare respond directly and instead looked towards Atilis.

Taken aback by Gu Shanhai’s words, Atilis was well aware that such an act was akin to giving up territorial lands. A Marquis’s domain was already larger than many small nations—gone were the days when the Camelot Kingdom was weak, its small territories barely scraping by.

"If that is what Minister Shanhai suggests, then Minister Kay, manage it on his behalf. However, forget about splitting the taxes; convert it all into treasures and inheritances for Minister Shanhai," Atilis decided. To him, these items were trivial compared to the power. A Marquis giving up lands was unprecedented.

Recouping those lands would be best since Gu Shanhai did not seem like a competent manager, saving the potential trouble of being undermined by subordinates.

Besides, the Kalome Kingdom was not in need of that small amount of tax revenue; it could be regarded as stabilizing Gu Shanhai’s position.

Merlin looked puzzled by the sideline but didn’t speak up, while Morico acted as if he hadn’t heard anything. This matter didn’t concern him; even though everyone was part of the Druid faction, internal divisions were unavoidable. Even though the Druids were unified by Atilis, small groups were inevitable.

Moreover, since Atilis had consented, it wouldn’t be proper for Morico to object. Atilis was not like those pliable kings one could manipulate; he was a true king who had earned his title through combat—more formidable than the founding monarch of Camelot.

The matter was quickly settled. Once everyone had received their rewards, the real feast of power began.

However, these matters had little to do with Gu Shanhai. To him, power was just a means to acquire resources; he wouldn’t be staying in this world for long and needed to liquidate his power promptly.

It seemed like mortgaging the future, but the Royal Family, to compensate for his losses, would undoubtedly offer him more of the resources he desired. In the past, these might have been scarce, but with the beginning of a prosperous era, there was certainly no shortage.

If he were planning long-term development in this world, it would indeed be a loss, but that was not his plan. The interests of this world only revolved around the Holy Grail for him, and there was no need to get tangled up in the quagmire of power and politics.

As for anyone who used this matter to suppress or ridicule him, Gu Shanhai would simply retaliate by tattling. Misfortune would always befall the other party.

It might seem to lack emotional intelligence, yet it was incredibly effective. Usually, anyone with a bit of sense would not provoke him; instead, they’d openly seek to court him—a person with significant influence in Atilis’s eyes and no direct political power was not only safe from Atilis’s wariness of factionalism but could also expand their connections. Why not do so?

No one wanted to make an enemy of someone so influential, especially when the king was at the peak of his power.

After chatting for a while longer, the three of them finally left together.

"His Majesty intends to betroth his sister, Morgan, to you," Kay said on the way.

"???" Gu Shanhai was utterly puzzled. What kind of development was this?

He had indeed seen her before, at the recent sacrificial ceremony, though he hadn’t paid much attention to her appearance. But the sudden emergence of this matter caught him off guard.

"She deserves better!" Gu Shanhai firmly rejected the proposal. She was no easy deal; not to mention that she belonged to an evil faction, she was also a very cunning queen of the sea with a scandalously high number of lovers, even including elves.

Of course, Atilis’s intention was a political marriage, where both could continue their own affairs independently. In this lifetime, Morgan had not made any moves against Atilis, not out of fear, but rather because Atilis was too fierce this time around, and she had never dared harbor such thoughts.

Therefore, she actually belonged to the leading wizards under Atilis’s command, and as she was one of their own, they planned to further strengthen ties through political marriage.

"I will advise His Majesty on your behalf. Morgan is indeed not suited for you; she is a wizard and her temperament isn’t really that great," Kay also expressed his agreement.

Morgan was an ambitious and capable strongwoman. Kay knew Gu Shanhai’s character as well; where possible, he would choose to lie down rather than sit up.

Atilis was only tentative on this matter, and it could easily be resolved with a word from Kay. Gu Shanhai had just handed over his actual power and territory, so he wouldn’t dwell on this for long.

"Mm, then I’ll trouble you, Kay. Also, have all matters of royal marriage or political unions rejected on my behalf; to me, they hold no great significance." Gu Shang added another request—he had no intention to stay in this world, nor did he plan to settle down, so why bother delaying others?

He could indeed take someone away, but bringing along someone who couldn’t keep up with him was in itself irresponsible, unless he was considering someone as extraordinary as Atilis or Merlin. Otherwise, he wouldn’t consider it.

Dragging his own progress while also having to worry about various things, even taking care of Little White seemed somewhat troublesome, and Little White was already a part of his own destiny, a proud stag amidst deer, how could others possibly compare.

The same went for Morgan; although she might be capable, most of her abilities seemed focused on the aspect of power. Taking her along would be a hassle, and moreover, her temperament wasn’t great to begin with, entirely incompatible with someone like Gu Shanhai who preferred the life of a relaxed cultivator.

"Did you see something?" Merlin asked, observing Gu Shanhai. His behavior seemed a bit like he was making final arrangements, which unavoidably reminded Merlin of the Holy Grail.

"Unspeakable, unspeakable. Some things, once spoken, lose their effect," Gu Shanhai mysteriously said.

For him, leaving was a problem, so he played this little trick, basically suggesting they come up with their own reasons for his potential disappearance.

He couldn’t very well admit he was a temporary player about to leave; that wouldn’t do at all. Leaving a way open behind him, just in case it came in handy in the future.

When dealing with others, he was decisive, but when it came to himself, he always left an escape route. This was Gu Shanhai’s consistent strategy.

"Mm, I understand. If there’s anything you need, just tell me," Merlin didn’t press further. As a wizard adept at divination and prophecy, he understood these matters. Asking and meddling might not cause any trouble, but sometimes the more you try to avoid a prophecy, the closer you actually get to fulfilling it.

So, if Gu Shanhai was confident, he would let him handle it; if even he couldn’t succeed, others’ interference would probably make things worse, not better.

"Have Kay prepare the team for the quest for the Holy Grail as soon as possible; that would be the greatest help to me," Gu Shanhai sincerely said, and he meant every word.