31: Dad’s kindness (thanks to the monthly ticket from Qiongguiyouxiewu1917662))

Wolf Fang Keep’s treasury housed a collection of strange and peculiar weapons and armor.

These items were either spoils of war from enemies, sincere offerings from others, commissioned by previous Earls, or generous gifts from the Royal Family.

The dazzling array of armaments momentarily overwhelmed Arthur.

This was the second time he had stepped into the treasury since his birth.

The last time was to witness his eldest brother Robert’s coming-of-age ceremony, accompanied by his four other brothers.

Each of his brothers, even Richard, received a piece of armament upon coming of age.

Richard had even boasted about it for a long time back then.

“You already have a weapon, why don’t you choose a suit of armor?” the Earl suggested.

Arthur acknowledged, then paced back and forth in the treasury, carefully making his selection.

A good while passed, but he still hadn’t picked anything out.

This couldn’t be blamed on him; whether in his previous life or this one, his knowledge of armaments was quite limited.

Seeing Arthur’s troubled expression, the Earl seemed to suddenly recall something and muttered softly, “Perhaps… perhaps that item can be given to you.”

“Father?”

“Come, follow me.” A flicker of excitement crossed the Earl’s eyes as he quickly walked towards a corner of the treasury.

Arthur followed closely behind his father and soon arrived before a shimmering silver armor.

“I heard you are not only a Priest but can also cast miraculous divine spells,” the Earl said, pointing at the armor, “Then this armor might just be perfect for you.”

Arthur looked up at the painting above the armor, which depicted a stern-faced middle-aged man with resolute eyes, exuding an air of authority.

“That is your ancestor,” the Earl noticed Arthur’s gaze and explained, “The fifth-generation head of the Evil Wolf Family, Constantine.

He was a remarkable individual who led the family in expanding their territory and even beat those sissies from the Falcon Family into a pulp.”

Arthur recalled learning about the deeds of “Gray Wolf” Constantine when he studied family history in his childhood.

“Unfortunately, he died young, passing away before he was forty,” the Earl’s voice was filled with regret, “He died at the hands of a Hags.

Although he bravely slew three Hags, those three cursed beasts collectively placed a curse on his armor.”

Upon hearing this, Arthur couldn’t help but frown, a premonition of ill fortune rising in his heart.

“Once the person wearing this scale mail is injured, the wound will continuously fester, and no divine spell can heal it.

Moreover, the most troublesome part is that once you put it on, you can never take it off again,” the Earl said.

Arthur remained silent.

The Earl seemed to realize that his recommendation was not quite suitable and quickly added, “However, this scale mail is made of mithril, and its texture is as soft as clothing.

It feels almost weightless when worn, yet its defensive capabilities are first-rate.

Once you comprehend higher-level divine spells in the future, you’ll be able to lift the curse; it’s perfectly suited for you.”

Arthur suspected his father might have some misunderstanding about the divine spells of a Priest.

He finally couldn’t help but ask, “Father, all these years, have you never thought of sending it to the Church and asking a Priest to remove the curse?”

“Of course I tried, or rather, your grandfather tried,” the Evil Wolf Earl recalled, “Back then, he sent this scale mail to the temple in Esputa and asked the Archbishop for help.

But the Archbishop found after the ritual that divine spells alone could not remove the curse.

He said a special method was needed, but he couldn’t explain what it was.”

A special method? Arthur quickly pondered in his mind.

As far as he knew, Priests could cast the Third-Circle spell Remove Curse, but that only applied to ordinary cursed items.

If this scale mail itself was a magical item, then that method wouldn’t work to remove the curse.

And the reason the Archbishop couldn’t explain it clearly was because to further understand the method of removing the curse, one had to attune with the scale mail.

This was a very time-consuming and arduous task, and failed attunement would also have an impact on oneself.

“Father, you think too highly of me. If even the Archbishop couldn’t break the curse, do you think I can?” Arthur said with a bitter smile.

The Earl, however, had a serious expression, “I don’t understand the ways of you Priests, but I know that one should not give up easily.

Looking back at the Evil Wolf Family’s history of several hundred years, only two Mages and three Priests capable of casting divine spells have emerged.

In my opinion, your appearance is no accident; you must bear a special mission.

If you don’t even have the courage to try to lift the curse on your ancestor’s scale mail, then your level is just that.”

At this point, the Earl paused, his tone softening, “Of course, if the curse isn’t lifted, this is a Waste.

I’ll allow you to pick another item. Consider this scale mail a gift from your ancestor; whether you can use it is entirely up to you.”

Arthur truly admired the Earl’s confidence, but he was also genuinely exhausted.

Whether it was the Direwolf, the Orc Gladiator, or this cursed armor, all required him to solve numerous problems before they could be used.

“I understand, Father, thank you for your kindness.”

“No, you should thank your ancestor. Alright, hurry up and pick something else.”

Arthur really didn’t want to bother picking anymore and pointed to a battle-axe hanging on the wall not far away, “I’ll take that one.”

The Earl looked in the direction he pointed and frowned, “That’s an Orc weapon; I confiscated it from an Orc chieftain back then.

You have good taste; the axe head is indeed made of excellent material. But you can’t use that thing; very few humans can use such a heavy axe, I should say.”

“You gave me an Orc Gladiator, Father,” Arthur explained, “He doesn’t have a suitable weapon right now.

The weapons bought in the city are either too light for him or not handy; I think this axe is perfect.”

Upon hearing this, the Earl nodded thoughtfully, “I completely forgot about that. You managed to subdue that Orc so quickly?”

“He didn’t have many choices,” Arthur said.

“Alright then, so be it.”

-----------------

The Orc Drax had been waiting at the entrance of the inn since early morning. His tall, burly physique and fierce appearance caused those around him to give him a wide berth.

But compared to being locked in the arena, this was nothing.

He was very grateful that Arthur hadn’t chained him up like a dog but had given him a great deal of freedom.

To repay this trust, he reined in his innate brutal nature.

He tried his best to ignore the disgusted looks humans cast his way, and he tried his best to ignore them spitting at his feet.

So when Arthur handed the battle-axe to him, the Orc was visibly stunned.

He took the battle-axe from the two servants and swung it a few times, scaring the two servants into hurriedly retreating.

“Can you use it?” Arthur asked from horseback.

The Orc nodded, “It’s quite handy.”

“That’s good. Consider it a thank-you for blocking the sword for me last night. Now, all that’s left is to get you a suit of armor.”

“No need, Ar… My Lord,” the Orc shook his head, “I’m not used to wearing armor. This is fine.”

“Alright then, let’s go to the dock,” Arthur commanded.

The Orc acknowledged, stepped forward, took the reins, and voluntarily led Arthur’s horse forward.