Chapter 686: Buying Beats Building
Things were heating up in the Dark Forest.
All sorts of battle reports brought a completely different view of the war to Bay Territory, sparking curious discussions among everyone.
Everyone knew that a fierce battle had taken place in the Catachan demi-plane.
But due to information lockdowns and the confidentiality of those involved,
People only knew the fighting had been intense and fruitful, but not the specifics.
Everyone was interested in the situation, but also very cautious, with no intention of digging further.
However, the battles of Bay Territory were closely tied to everyone's future, inevitably causing concern.
Just then, there was a stir in the nearby Dark Forest.
The battle was now happening right at their doorstep.
Naturally, everyone in the territory paid close attention.
What was the current situation?
How were the casualties?
Was the territory in danger?
Would there be attacks?
The Territory Bulletin gave the answers.
The paper reported the basic information on the adventurers' battles.
Everything was documented in detail along with vivid images, sparking more discussion.
"Oh? Another ten thousand orc warriors wiped out yesterday. The adventurers really nailed it!"
"They retreated a bit quicker this time, so the kills were fewer than the day before."
"Mainly because the orc troops are adapting too. The adventurers need to stay sharp."
"Yeah, the orcs are definitely growing stronger. Looks like we can't underestimate them."
"Those orcs caused a ton of chaos earlier. Didn't we almost suffer from it too?"
"Tell me about it. Good thing the weapons and gear we made were solid. Otherwise, the adventurers might not have managed."
"Aren't those made right here? I heard there's talk of changing the models again..."
"Can you say stuff like that right now? You trying to get arrested for leaking secrets?"
"The territory already issued a notice yesterday. This stuff can be made public now. Otherwise, I wouldn't dare say a word."
"Besides, we're all from Bay Territory. Talking about this shouldn't be a big deal, right?"
"Can't be so sure. Didn't someone just get arrested and tried for leaking info and colluding with outsiders?"
"I heard that too. Turns out he was working with some Arcanist group from the Netheril Empire..."
"Why didn't they just trade with us? Why go straight to stealing?"
"Easy. They probably used to get away with that stuff and reaped lots of illicit gains. Now they're just unlucky to run into us."
"Hope the adventurers keep up the good work and keep it going in the next battles."
"That shouldn't be a problem. Our territory treats combatants better than most powers and organizations."
"Let's go ask the adventurers, see what they think?"
"Not a bad idea. Let's check it out."
"..."
All sorts of chatter drifted into Lola's ears.
She carefully took notes and analyzed, trying to extract more intel and secrets from the conversations.
Of course she wanted to uncover Bay Territory's hidden secrets and technologies. After many failed attempts,
Lola had become crystal clear: never do that kind of job yourself!
Because Bay Territory's countermeasures were terrifying.
Bay Territory didn't seem to invest heavily in visible defenses.
Yeah, even Lola thought so.
Even just the open deployment of Dragon Cavalry Unit No. 1 was enough to scare off most with ill intent.
In terms of personnel control, Bay Territory had even more impressive technology and systems.
Harsh to the point of extreme!
Lola couldn't believe people in Bay Territory could tolerate such strict management.
And still accept daily magic lie detection spells.
Didn't they want freedom?
But it was exactly these harsh measures that led to an undeniable truth.
Anyone who did shady things in Bay Territory—
No matter how strong they were—
No matter what their profession—
Would absolutely be exposed on the spot.
Lola had even witnessed high-tier spellcasters and elite Arcanists being caught red-handed by Bay Territory's inspector squads.
Those folks knew well how horrifying it was to be caught here.
Unless they could escape beforehand via some ultra-teleport that bypasses dimensional anchors,
They wouldn't even try to resist—just surrender outright.
Quietly waiting for their backing forces to negotiate or rescue them.
That was the smartest play.
Otherwise, Bay Territory would toss them into their nightmare-inducing prison cells.
If they resisted and someone got hurt or killed,
They'd be screwed—and their backers wouldn't be spared either.
A lesson paid for in the blood of thousands.
Lola had seen with her own eyes plenty of criminals publicly executed by Bay Territory.
Some were low rank, some high, but most confessed and accepted death.
Scenes like that were unthinkably shocking to her.
Which made her realize even more clearly—Bay Territory's hidden powers and means were truly terrifying.
Lola was even sure her own identity had already been uncovered by Bay Territory.
One of those watching gazes nearby probably belonged to their eyes.
Maybe they were just waiting for her to slip up.
Then they'd strike.
At first, Lola had been anxious and afraid.
But over time, she slowly relaxed.
Bay Territory really was a stubborn and strange place!
As long as you hadn't done anything genuinely threatening—
They didn't care about your identity or motives.
But Lola's assumption was wrong.
Anyone harboring malice, as long as they posed any real threat, would be dealt with immediately.
Only those who stayed quiet and posed no real danger were left alone by Bay Territory.
Each of them was personally "monitored" by Matthew Ser.
Bay Territory wouldn't risk its people just to play bait.
Thinking that, Lola carefully reviewed the list of magical weapons and gear published by Bay Territory.
They all looked like top-grade stuff.
And the Bay Territory Bulletin even listed their actual effects.
After hesitating a long time, she finally decided to report the more detailed intel—temporarily.
Of course, she wouldn't do it herself.
But Lola did spend a while thinking. Maybe she could approach this from another angle—
Buy it from Bay Territory!
After all, they were already selling to adventurers.
Trade caravans and supposed partners from major factions should also be eligible to buy, right?
While Lola was racking her brain trying to change the situation—
Misha had just finished devouring an entire crocodile egg and let out a satisfied burp.
She guzzled a big bottle of sweet and sour juice, patted her slightly swollen belly, and smiled blissfully.
Being full felt so damn good.
"Sigh, Lin Ren's recommendation was really spot on."
"This place's signature steamed egg dish is absolutely divine."
"Think I could get our family chef to learn it too?"
Lola's mouth twitched involuntarily at that comment.
She didn't answer Misha directly but patiently explained:
"She definitely can. It's not hard, after all."
"But she probably won't want to..."
Smart little Misha understood why Lola said that. She sighed helplessly and rested her face in her hands:
"Hmph, it's not as pretty or tasty as theirs, and she won't even try learning. Just wants to fake it with a spell."
"There's really nothing she should be proud of!"
Lola was a little stunned by that comment.
She never expected usually-carefree Misha to say something like that.
A lively young face flashed through her mind, and Lola couldn't help but frown.
Misha looked at her and instantly understood what she was thinking. She chuckled and shook her head:
"It's got nothing to do with Lin Ren. I figured it out on my own."
"This kind of thing isn't hard."
"I like something Lin Ren learned in school."
"Don't stay proud. Keep learning good things and strengthening yourself."
"There's even this old saying from the East—'If three people walk together, one of them must be my teacher.'"
"Everyone has their own strengths and shining points. I don't have to copy everything."
"But I can definitely patch up some of my own flaws."
Misha spoke softly, but it deeply shook Lola.
Looking into Misha's serious eyes, Lola felt waves stirring in her heart.
It was true!
Just like Misha said—though Bay Territory had shocked her countless times and taught the Cole Elves many lessons—
Did the Cole Elves really treat Bay Territory as a true threat?
Not at all!
They were still arrogant, thinking they could deal with Bay Territory with simple tricks and methods.
Like this very trade deal, for instance!
Based on Lola's understanding of previous deals with Bay Territory,
She was certain Bay Territory would agree to the upcoming trade.
But Bay Territory would definitely name a price that would make the Cole Elves uncomfortable—yet they'd have no choice but to accept it.
Thinking of that, Lola couldn't help but frown.
She wanted to change this passive situation.
But the ones making the actual decisions weren't her.
She was just the messenger in the middle.
Realizing this, Lola couldn't help but feel a little discouraged.
On the other hand, little Misha was far more optimistic. She gently patted Lola's hand and said brightly:
"Don't worry about it. Once Bay Territory becomes strong enough, everything will sort itself out."
"No need for us to stress. Just do the job well."
"The rest of our time belongs to us."
"Bay Territory's ideological education classes are really interesting. You should check them out."
"You might get a new perspective."
"I already made plans with Lin Ren to visit another good restaurant."
"They're hiring people to try cooking some magical fungi from the Catachan demi-plane."
"I heard those fungi are super dangerous, insanely delicious, and come with strange side effects. I want to check it out..."
Fungi?
Mushrooms?
Really that tasty?
Special effects?
Hallucinations?
Lola silently nodded.
She trusted Misha was smart and sensible enough not to let food distract her from big matters.
This young, carefree princess gave up the peaceful life of the Cole Elven Kingdom to come to the more dangerous Bay Territory.
What kind of thinking did that take?
Lola noted Misha's upcoming plans and then made her way to the Bay City administrative hall.
Buying supplies no longer required Butler Ralph to personally show up.
As for requesting a meeting with Lord Matthew—normal factions didn't even qualify anymore.
Lola just needed to speak with some Bay Territory staff to complete this trade smoothly.
Just like the previous times.
Still, looking at these newly released weapons and gear, Lola felt a twinge of unease.
Of course, after seeing many excited adventurers lining up to buy weapons—
And several trade caravan leaders chatting while queueing for bulk orders—she relaxed again.
No problem. At least for now.
Lola understood how Bay Territory operated. With no intentions to push boundaries, she submitted the trade request as usual.
Five minutes later—
Lola received the first batch of magical equipment and weapons.
The value of this batch exceeded 1 million gold coins.
Even the staff used to massive orders smiled warmly at her.
A bit dazed, Lola exited the Bay Territory government hall and returned to her lodging.
She calmly communicated with her caravan members.
Instructing them to transport the newly purchased weapons, gear, and supplies from Bay Territory's warehouse.
These would be sent to the Cole Elven Kingdom via five successive teleportation relays.
Lola had a hunch Bay Territory already knew her objective—and her Cole Elven backing.
But as long as no one tore off the pretense—
She would remain safe!
In fact, Lola had a nagging suspicion—
Maybe Bay Territory releasing these weapons was meant for the Cole Elves!
A bold theory, sure—
But just three hours later—
Lola received a reply from the Cole Elven Kingdom.