The Herb King

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Aethelwolf slowly opened his eyes and turned his head to the side. Samira was sleeping soundly beside him with a blissful look on her face. They had a wonderful time last night and Aethelwolf had finally graduated from his virgin status.

He gently combed her hair and smiled lightly before kissing her forehead.

Samira didn't show signs of waking up so Aethelwolf didn't disturb her. He silently got up from the bed and left the room.

"Did you have a good time last night?" A cold voice drifted into his ears the moment he stepped out of the room. Aethelwolf turned his head and saw the elven princess, Aenwyn, looking at him with an expressionless face.

"What's up?" Aethelwolf immediately changed the topic. He didn't want to talk about his first night to someone.

Aenwyn looked at him and said. "Your Barden Territory already has a strong army, but you still lack Engravers. The Engravers I'm training don't have strong potential and they could at most become Level 3 Engravers. If you believe me, let me go back to the Aracan Kingdom. I'll gather my subordinates and bring them back here. I'll also try to persuade my mother to join your side."

Aethelwolf was surprised when he heard her words. It was no different than making the elves submit to him. "Would the Queen even agree to serve me? She is ranked 9th in the Heavenly Might Rankings and it would be difficult to persuade her. What about the future of your Aracan Kingdom?"

Aenwyn's expression was still calm as she replied. "My mother will do what's best for the kingdom. As for the rest, my brother can take care of them." She still holds resentment toward her brother for usurping the throne. She was also worried about her mother and her subordinates so she planned to take them back with her and join Aethelwolf's banner.

"I can't go with you, but you can bring Ramiel and his army." Aethelwolf muttered. Ramiel's army had already grown into an elite force and even Level 5 Espers would have trouble fighting them for they are in possession of highly advanced weapons like the magical cannon that was inspired by the modern world. It is a very destructive weapon of war and was very threatening even to top Espers.

"Thanks. I'll leave now." Aenwyn knew that Aethelwolf was a busy man so she didn't make things difficult for him. Besides, Ramiel's elite army was more than enough for the trip. She had seen their training and she believed that they were sufficient to deter the army of elves.

Aenwyn lightly bowed her head and left.

Aethelwolf stared at her figure with a thoughtful look on his face. If Aenwyn manages to convince her mother to join them, the Barden Territory and even the Leone Empire would become stronger. After all, the Queen of the Aracan Kingdom is a Level 5 Esper who was ranked ninth in the Heavenly Might Rankings.

After taking a hot bath, Aethelwolf convened the important members of the Lassiter Household and the Reynolds Household to discuss about the incoming competition.

Aethelwolf sat on the main seat as he scanned the people in the meeting room. "I summoned you guys here to inform you that we have been invited to join the competition for the top talents of the Regalis Continent. As a small empire, we can send five participants to join the competition. I want to ask your opinions on who we should send to participate."

Hearing this, everyone was surprised. The Leone Empire has never been invited to such prestigious competitions before.

"What kind of competition is it, King Aethelwolf?" Anton Lassiter asked.

Aethelwolf started explaining the nature of the competition to everyone and they all furrowed their eyebrows after they heard everything.

"The big empires would have the edge since they could send ten participants. They also have more talents than most small empires." Harold Reynolds muttered.

"King Aethelwolf, how about we send Young Miss Olivia? Her martial prowess is the strongest I've seen among the younger generation and no one is her match in the entire Leone Empire. Our victory in the martial arts competition is guaranteed if we send her as our participant." Julius Reynolds suggested while stroking his beard.

Hearing this, Aethelwolf shook his head. "She won't be participating this time." He muttered. Olivia was a magical beast and the other empires would certainly protest if she joins the competition. After all, magical beasts were innately stronger compared to others of the same level.

Everyone raised their eyebrows in surprise upon hearing this. Olivia was the top talent in the younger generation of the Leone Empire and other than her, only a few could be called top prodigies. They would be less confident if Olivia wouldn't participate.

"In the Alchemy competition, I think we can send His Highness Christopher. Although his martial prowess isn't the best in the younger generation, his talent in Alchemy is second to no one." Hyacinth suggested.

The others nodded their heads in agreement after hearing her words. They also acknowledged the young prince's abilities.

"How about sending Alec Ward for the martial arts competition? He is already a mid stage Level 2 Esper and his battle prowess is exceptional even against someone stronger than him. I've seen him fight on the frontlines in the last war. The kid is a real beast and if he is nurtured well, he could become one of the best generals in the empire." Suggested Einar in a stern voice. Although Alec Ward was the son of a traitor, he didn't hold any prejudice against him. The Ward Household has already paid for the crime of betrayal by fighting on the frontlines. They lost a huge number of their elite force and only a few of them remained.

Some people frowned when they heard this, but no one refuted his words. They also knew that Alec Ward was a powerful young soldier so he was the best choice for them.

Aethelwolf leaned on his chair and rubbed his chin. "Alec Ward? Alright. Bring him here." He commanded.