97: Arrival at Gol Best

Three days later, in the afternoon, the snowfield reflected a halo like diamond stardust, and on the distant high mountain, the golden spire of the Morning Glow Temple was bathed in a miraculous beam of light cast through the gaps in the clouds.

Randall wore a longer, larger blue velvet cloak adorned with gold threads over his thick beast-hide cloak.

Whenever his cloak billowed, the cold glint of silver armor flashed beneath the beast-hide cloak.

The enormous white divine warhorse he rode had pale golden eyes, and its silver mane was braided with ice crystal bells; with every step, the powerful muscles beneath its shimmering, silken coat displayed a fluid elegance.

Behind the Holy Knight were John and George, slightly shorter, riding white horses of the same breed, with equally exquisitely braided manes.

John and George wore similar silver armor, now emblazoned with the holy emblem, and their tall figures, draped in the same blue velvet cloaks as Randall, also appeared noble and extraordinary.

The two, together with the leading Holy Knight's imposing presence, formed a formidable and sacred aura.

Behind the three white horse riders, two identical white horses pulled a magnificent dark blue four-wheeled carriage, its body carved with exquisite patterns and outlined with golden lines.

The windows on both sides were inlaid with colored glass, but they were shrouded by a light, five-colored mist swirling around the carriage, making the entire vehicle indistinct and hard to see clearly in the haze.

At the driver's position, the Anm Trade Company's deputy manager wore a formal suit under a thick beast-hide cloak, with a top hat on his head.

Behind the four-wheeled carriage were the villagers Bore and Ever, dressed similarly to John and his companions, but riding two piebald ponies.

Further back were more than a dozen freight wagons, plowing deep furrows in the snow-covered road.

The massive procession was grandly entering the market boundary outside Gorebest's southern city.

The leading white horse riders and the magnificent carriage drew out most of the people in the market.

Randall, in particular, with his exceptionally tall stature and handsome appearance, attracted a large number of women and girls who ran alongside his horse.

Some elderly women knelt and made gestures of prayer.

“John! That’s John! And George!” Someone in the crowd recognized them.

The two nodded slightly towards the crowd, a brilliant smile on their faces.

Fortunately, the convoy did not encounter any large, organized bandits over these three days, and Randall seized the opportunity to repeatedly instruct everyone on etiquette.

Judging by today's results, it was indeed effective.

At this moment, I was sitting inside the magnificent four-wheeled carriage, my dark blue velvet coat shimmering with a deep-sea vortex-like glow under the sunlight, silver threads entwined like vines around the cuffs; whenever I moved my arms, the silver threads transformed into flowing moonlight streams.

My black breeches, made from northern shadow wolf hide, were tailored to fit my leg muscles, making my figure appear even more slender.

Randall helped me select more than a dozen magnificent pieces of jewelry from Eileen's legacy, adorning my entire body.

At the standing collar, a magnificent pearl and diamond collar pin held the silk cravat in perfect folds.

The tips of my white silk shirt collar were adorned with two dragon blood gems, their crimson glow refining my jawline to be even more sharp.

Three antique gold chains draped diagonally from my right shoulder to my waist, with intricate enamel badges and miniature bas-reliefs alternately set between the links.

Hidden beneath the silver embroidery on the cuffs were several pearl cufflinks, the two largest of which shimmered with a strange iridescence.

[Cufflinks: Pearl White Ioun Stone] x 2

Legend tells us that this special Ioun Stone was crafted from the soul of an imprisoned troll.

This pearl white Ioun Stone grants its wearer the ability to restore 1 hit point every 5 rounds.

Data:

Equip Ability:

Restores 1 hit point every 5 rounds

Weight: 0

...

Matching them were a pair of classic diamond ear clips, with rose-cut diamond chips scattering a star-ring halo around the earlobes.

[Cursed Ear Clips]

These ear clips can quickly blind, deafen, and silence the target.

But perhaps the greatest threat of these terrifying ear clips is that anyone can use them.

Special Ability:

Casts Blindness, Deafness, and Silence on the target, consuming one charge per use (target is unaffected by all effects if they pass a saving throw).

Charge Ability:

Once per day per ear clip for Blindness, Deafness, and Silence.

Weight: 0

...

Pinned to my lapel were several gem brooches of varying styles.

[Brooch: Pale Green Ioun Stone]

Before his death, the aged hero Riga Trueblood made his final plea to his wizard companion, Spectorio: that his skill and tenacity as a warrior might endure.

Though he knew this would leave the warrior's soul lacking these attributes, his friend reluctantly agreed and transferred these qualities into an item.

Now this pale green Ioun Stone holds these essences, granting its owner Trueblood's strength and skill.

Data:

Equip Ability:

Zero-level hit bonus: +1

Hit points: +10%

Weight: 0

...

[Brooch: Gray-Red Ioun Stone]

This Ioun Stone emits a gray-red light, subtly giving a sense of calm. While pleasant, it does not seem to enhance its basic protective magic.

Data:

Equip Ability:

Armor Class: +1

Weight: 0

...

[Imp Brooch]

Every elemental plane has its native creatures, the lowest of which are the imps.

These imp-like creatures appear to be composed of the dominant element of their respective planes.

For such unintelligent creatures, they are unusually cunning and are often found serving as wizard familiars.

This magnificent gold ring is set with four gem fragments—emerald, ruby, sapphire, and diamond—surrounding a grinning imp's face.

Data:

Equip Ability:

Fire Resistance: +10%

Cold Resistance: +10%

Lightning Resistance: +10%

Acid Resistance: +10%

Charge Ability:

Summons 1d4 Imps once per day Duration: 1 round

Weight: 0

...

The emerald tassels hanging from my waist chain lightly tapped my breeches with the rocking of the carriage, each gem retaining the natural growth patterns of its original vein.

Why didn't Eileen use these magical items that night?

It felt like she had been waiting for someone to end her life; this thought suddenly popped into my head and startled me.

Looking out the carriage window at the enthusiastic crowd, I gripped the silver handle and gently lowered the window, a polite smile—practiced under Randall's strict training—on my face, waving to the crowds gathered on both sides of the road.

Amidst the crowd, discussions rose and fell:

“Look, that’s Lord Lion Black, one of the youngest and wealthiest lords on the continent of Ferun!”

“I heard he recently inherited a large tract of land south of Gorebest.”

“Lord Black is personally visiting the market this time to recruit a large number of workers and mercenaries to build a magnificent castle in his territory!”

It seemed Old Hather had entered the city early last night and arranged everything perfectly, with significant results.

Black was Eileen's surname; at a small meeting a few days ago, Village Chief Hand suggested I also inherit this surname, and now my identity is Eileen's seventh-generation descendant's nephew.

Hand even prepared my birth certificate for me.

At dusk yesterday, Randall escorted Old Hather ahead to Gorebest to book hotels, apply for market stalls, and cleverly spread news and weave rumors, fully preparing for today's itinerary.

Old Hather had confessed to me three days ago that he had indeed been a spy in Amn in the past, but he solemnly swore that from now on, he would only be loyal to me, to his dying breath.

This morning, Randall rushed back to rejoin our convoy; after tidying his appearance, he led the team into Goresberte.