Steampunk Era: Mad Abield
Chapter 967: Section 633: Some Promises (Part 1)

Chapter 967: Section 633: Some Promises (Part 1)

On the way there, Malin had already imagined at least two hundred ways for old Hagelberry to die, but upon arriving at the old man’s mansion, he realized that things were different from what he had thought—gosh, all the distinguished Dukes of the Northern Kingdom had turned up, and there were quite a few powerful Earls as well, with hundreds of people following old Hagelberry to welcome Malin’s arrival.

At this moment, Malin finally understood and could only offer a wry smile as he stepped forward to shake hands with this cunning fox: "This fishing hook of yours is not bad; it even managed to reel me in."

"I think if I invited you over for a meeting, you definitely wouldn’t have come," said old Hagelberry with a smile on his face, reaching out for a warm handshake with Malin.

Sure enough, with Malin’s temperament, how could he possibly want to have a discussion with these fellows—he was a Southern Duke and Prince, why should he deal with these ambiguous Northerners at all.

But there’s a saying that holds true, since he was already here, Malin could calm down and listen to what the Nobles had to say.

The Dukes, who were on average two to three generations younger than old Hagelberry, did not speak first. Instead, they left the opportunity to their Uncle Hagelberry, and this old man wasn’t even mentioning any serious troubles.

They just wanted to know from Malin if the Northern ideology was indeed preparing to wage war against the Nobles and the royal family.

They were deeply worried.

Malin had a million complaints he wanted to express, wondering what on earth they were thinking: "What are you and the other Dukes thinking, asking me such a question?"

"You are acquainted with the people of Northern ideology, Mister Malin," a Duke stated, only to be quickly silenced by a hand over his mouth from one of his friends.

Malin shook his head; this young Duke still seemed too naïve: "If I were acquainted with members of Northern ideology, do you think I would share my friends’ thoughts with you? Speaking of which, you all are certainly not friends with them, are you?"

Here, Malin crossed his legs, stroking the somewhat anxious hand of Lulu that was offered to him, while he observed the people present: "You should all know that Mendel is the founder of Northern ideology, and his death deeply angered its members. I even thought for a time that it was you who had killed him."

"How could it be us, there may be some who are rash among the younger generation, but for us older folks, Northern ideology is not our greatest enemy and opponent. Our human adversaries are only Chaos itself. As long as the Northern ideology remains human, I would absolutely not agree to let the young folks wage war against them—it’s not in humanity’s interest, Mister Malin," old Hagelberry’s words resonated with Malin.

"Of course, I didn’t doubt you all along, but Grandfather Hagelberry, you’re not wrong. I soon felt that as long as your generation is in charge, you and Northern ideology will not come into conflict. And now, we have made a new breakthrough; we have evidence that someone hired the Dark Guild to kill Mendel. We are still tracking the instigator, but what is certain so far is that it’s not the royal family." With this, Malin looked towards the Dukes and their followers: "Gentlemen, please heed what old Hagelberry has said. Northern ideology and you are not enemies. Thus, there’s no need to fear the sword from them—at least until the investigation into Mendel’s death is completely resolved, you will not be at war with each other."

Upon saying this, Malin raised his hand to signal the Dukes and Earls to cease their whispering.

"I can vouch for Northern ideology because I believe that in their eyes, you also will not be humanity’s greatest adversary. So, as long as Chaos exists, and as long as you do not instigate a civil war, you will not become enemies."

"Mister Malin, it seems you prefer to be friends with Northern ideology," a senior Duke said, watching Malin, his words hinting at an underlying message, to which Malin nodded with a smile.

"Yes, you could say that."

Malin’s answer was very brief, but to the Nobles, it was as heretical a statement as there could be.

But Malin was Malin, a Legendary Mage, and a Legendary Psychic. The Nobles could not and dared not attack him en masse.

All they could do was look at Hagelberry, and the old man turned to Malin: "Malin, why do you prefer to make friends with those idealists of Northern ideology and not with us Nobles?"

"Because their dreams are too beautiful, old Hagelberry. Do you know, over the years, I have seen too many families who have escaped from the Northern Kingdom to Carterburg. They come to the South in droves for various reasons. I have witnessed desperation that none of your families have ever seen. I can trust you because in the town you’ve given me, I’ve seen townsfolk who still wear smiles. Though they may not be well-fed, they have the will to live on. You open your hunting grounds to the citizens, allowing them to hunt for food to feed their families, ensuring that no young ones linger on the brink of starvation, and no family faces desperate grief."

Looking at old Hagelberry, Malin turned to the Nobles sitting opposite him: "And what about you, gentlemen? Please ask yourselves if you’ve been as benevolent to your people."

No one could answer Malin’s question. Malin shook his head: "I am the High Priest of the Goddess of Harvest, and in my life, there is too much suffering in this city, while Northern ideology is sworn to save all of this. Do you think, who will I choose to