Chapter 183
Our Discord Server: https://discord.gg/PazjBDkTmW
Chapter 183: Shopping Frenzy
After returning from the hospital room, Jesse followed Greed back to the rental to get his luggage. Of course, the magic wand was left behind. Before leaving Dalaran, Jesse didn’t plan to show up with it.
On his way home, he thought he should practice using Mage Armor sooner. Having Mage Armor in a fight with Gorefiend might lessen the damage, right?
But Mage Armor was really difficult. Despite his passion for learning spells, he would still feel lazy every time he thought about it.
Since leaving Stormwind, he had memorized many spells but never really practiced them. Partly because it was indeed dangerous, and partly because he was always busy.
Especially after the battle with the black dragon in Southshore, he was unconscious for two to three days, missing a lot of time.
Tonight, he planned to ask Professor Duchamp for help.
Regardless, he had to start practicing. His strange journey on the continent of Lordaeron was already halfway through, and it was already December 12th today.
When Jesse knocked on the door, it swung open almost instantly.
Standing inside, Duchamp asked, "Jesse, why didn’t you try to get in touch with me? Yesterday night you left without a word of where you were going."
"I couldn’t reach you about what happened last night, teacher," Jesse said helplessly. Walking in, he noticed Duchamp looking tense and asked, "Teacher, what’s wrong?"
After a pause, Duchamp said, "They said the Dalaran Vault has been robbed."
"I warned them at the meeting," Jesse replied.
The teacher sighed and picked up a cup, saying, "If you hadn’t been right, they might have just dismissed you as a young apprentice talking nonsense. But now that you were right, they will surely come here to ask you questions."
Jesse knew Duchamp was right. It was only a matter of time before Kirin Tor found him. As Duchamp hadn’t even finished his coffee, there was a knock on the door.
"Master Caro Duchamp, has Mr. Jesse Seso returned?"
The speaker’s tone was very formal, sounding like someone from Kirin Tor.
Duchamp shrugged helplessly, and Jesse had to go open the door.
Upon opening the door, they saw a fairy standing outside.
The fairy was dressed in a blue robe with a gold sash and cloak, long golden hair cascading down to their waist, and a beautiful gemstone necklace around their neck.
Both in appearance and demeanor, the fairy seemed more like a pure Quel’Thalas school mage rather than a member of the Kirin Tor elves.
"Hello, I am Remy Starminder from Reliquary. Is Mr. Jesse Seso available?"
"I am Jesse Seso."
Jesse wondered why Reliquary had come to see him.
Could it be that the magic wand had been discovered by someone?
That’s not possible…
He suddenly had a lot of worries in his mind, but still nodded and asked, "Is there anything I can help with?"
Remy glanced inside the door, greeted Duchamp, and said, "Mr. Seso, this is the shared building you live in, why don’t we go out and find a restaurant to talk slowly?"
He saw the bandages wrapped around Jesse’s shoulder and asked, "Is your injury okay?"
"Just eating… should be fine."
After saying goodbye to Duchamp, the two of them arrived at "Blue Meeting". After Remy skillfully ordered a few things in Elvish, he cleared his throat and looked at Jesse.
"Mr. Jesse Seso, let me explain my purpose first."
Remy’s Common language was almost perfect, not to mention Jesse’s distinct Brill Farm accent, even the Menethil Royal family may not sound as good as he did.
"Do you know about our group, the Reliquary?"
"I have heard of it," Jesse said.
Remy nodded and said, "You might think Reliquary is a group loyal to Quel’Thalas and the Sunstrider royal family. While it may seem that way on the surface, our goal is not about loyalty or who we serve. We search for ancient magical relics, artifacts, weapons, and uncover their secrets and knowledge. Our ultimate aim is to help the Quel’dorai break free from dependence on magic forever. Some call this problem magic addiction."
"I have heard of this," Jesse nodded.
Remy Starminder spoke so seriously that when various snacks and dishes were served, Jesse, although very hungry, felt a bit hesitant to eat and ended up just sipping on some juice.
Remy Starminder continued, "I introduced myself because I hope you won’t be wary or hostile towards me. Although we are not of the same race, I would never do anything to harm the alliance between elves and humans. I am here as the head of the Quel’Thalas Embassy in Dalaran, recommended by Aethas Sunreaver. He briefed me on what happened at the Language Orcish exchange meeting last night."
Reliquary, Language Orcish exchange meeting, Aethas Sunreaver.
Despite Remy beating around the bush, Jesse was almost guessing what he was up to.
"So you want that Teron Gorefiend’s command, right?" he asked.
Remy Starminder said, "Mr. Jesse Seso is indeed as sharp as I thought."
"What’s so sharp about it," Jesse thought, anyone could see that.
Is this guy just sweet-talking me with sugar-coated bullets?
Even though he thought so, it didn’t stop Jesse from feeling thrilled inside; this bullet had pierced through his armor.
He glanced at the food on the table, swallowed a bit of saliva, and said, "But this letter is just a letter. The contents on it have already been deciphered by the masters at the meeting. With the memory of Master Aethas and his students, they should have remembered everything clearly by now. I don’t quite understand. Isn’t the Reliquary supposed to be an organization searching for magical artifacts? Are you trying to find all the remaining artifacts based on just a few words?"
"The one remaining artifact," Remy corrected.
He picked up a piece of pickled fruit and put it in his mouth, saying, "Have you not heard that the Dalaran Vault has been stolen? From the strong reaction of the Kirin Tor, it seems that the stolen item should be the Eye of Dalaran, the legendary artifact of the Council of Tirisfal."
"However, you should not know about the Eye of Dalaran, Mr. Jesse Seso. Do not mention it lightly, or there will be trouble. I am telling you this to show my sincerity."
"Regarding the use of the letter… it’s more than just the Orcish language written on it," Remy said leaning back on the chair. "If you have taken enchantment classes, you should know that those with strong magical powers, whether warlock or mage, inevitably leave behind traces of magical disturbances when they touch certain things. Humans call this magical resonance and the ability to sense this energy is called Sympathy. This is an important ability for searching Sacred Tools and ancient artifacts, Mr. Jesse Seso. Just like how I can tell that you met with my kin two hours ago and the injury you sustained was caused by a Death Knight. I’m not a Farstrider who can sense a Forest Troll from hundreds of meters away, nor do I have spies all over Dalaran reporting to me. But I don’t even need to ask you if I’m right, so you can see the power of Sympathy."
Jesse thought to himself that this guy indeed had something… wondering if he could "Sympathy" out other issues on himself?
Remy didn’t say anything else and continued, "High-ranking inspectors of the Reliquary can uncover hidden information on a mage’s letter that linguists cannot discern, including but not limited to his magical power, mental state, physical condition, and emotions… Based on these clues, we can gather a great deal of additional information, turning something that may initially seem of little value into a priceless treasure."
"I see." Jesse nodded.
"If you’re willing, Mr. Jesse Seso, please make an offer," Remy Starminder’s sudden change of pace caught Jesse off guard. After going around in circles earlier, now this direct approach?
Jesse’s mental price was initially 4 gold coins, a judgment he made back in Stormwind. But since the Reliquary seemed wealthy, it wouldn’t hurt to ask for a bit more.
"I’ve never done this kind of business before, sir," Jesse said. "Please state your price!"
"10 gold coins," Remy stated.
"How about 13?" Jesse replied expressionlessly. After speaking, he suddenly realized that Remy had just said 10 gold coins, gold coins!
Jesse had only decided to add a bit to whatever price Remy said, not expecting Remy to state a price he hadn’t even thought of!
Remy Starminder, touching his chin with a hint of golden beard, said, "13 gold coins is already over the budget provided to me. Sir, if you cannot accept 12 gold coins, then I’m afraid the deal is off."
"Alright, 12 it is," Jesse forced himself to sound calm. "This letter has already become a trouble, and I’m eager to be rid of it."
"That’s right," Remy Starminder asked, "Do you still have that order with you?"
Jesse opened the bag and spread out the crumpled Orc order on the table.
Remy picked it up, glanced at it, then looked at Jesse, and said, "Yes, that’s the one, no problem."
He placed a bag on the table, added two gold coins inside, and said, "Thank you very much for being willing to provide this valuable material, Mr. Jesse Seso. Please enjoy it slowly, I must take my leave now."
Jesse watched Remy leave the tavern, touched the money bag on the table, and touched the wound on his shoulder, making sure it was all real with a hiss sound.
Then, he turned to the Gnomish sommelier wiping the table in front and said, "Hello, sir, could you please pack up these snacks… Thank you."