Chapter 2994 Before Departure
Night fell once more, with the brilliant moon hanging in the sky.
Arriving at the garden, Matthew found Lucius already waiting as promised. Moreover, the surroundings were unusually quiet.
"Mr. Lucius, did you take care of those spying on us?" Matthew asked, gesturing toward the group of black-robed figures behind Lucius.
"Oh, you mean those pests? I found them bothersome, so I took care of them for you," Lucius replied casually. "How's that for hospitality? You know, Matt, once you and Ivy tie the knot, Basha's Sacred Mount will be yours, along with thousands of fighters at your beck and call. So, what do you say? Tempted?"
Before Matthew could respond, Lucius' excitement took over. With just a nod from the former, he would start arranging the wedding without delay.
However, Matthew shook his head firmly and refused. "Mr. Lucius, please don't try to make fun of me anymore. I'm already content with Sasha by my side."
Lucius, the Lord of the Sacred Mount, was persistent, his words becoming more and more out of line. From his demeanor, it seemed he was already certain from the start that Matthew would come to the Sacred Mount.
In reality, the Sacred Mount was not Matthew's first choice. If possible, he believed the best option would be to send his wife, Leanna, and others back to Cathay. However, when he proposed this, not only his two daughters but even the crown prince and his men insisted on staying. According to them, even if they were sent back, they would find a way to return to Seraphis in secret.
Now, with no other option than Basha's Sacred Mount, his only concern was Lucius. This man was neither entirely good nor entirely bad, walking the line between both. He could orchestrate elaborate schemes to manipulate Matthew into marrying Ivy, gradually forcing him into marrying her. Yet, at the same time, he also provided Matthew with considerable help in martial arts.
Matthew was moved by their determination, but he felt somewhat helpless, too.
This time around, he was probably lending a hand for the sake of his beloved daughter Ivy. Or rather, one could say it was definitely for Ivy.
Lucius wasn't discouraged by Matthew's straightforward refusal. Instead, he graciously replied, "It's fine. Young couples always find dissatisfaction over time as they spend time together." Then, he. abruptly changed the subject.. "Speaking of it, you're quite bold, aren't you? Taunting those assassins like that. Even if you're not concerned for yourself, you should think about the people around you. Although they're just a bunch of trash, getting them riled up won't do you any good."
Matthew shrugged and replied nonchalantly, "I'd rather face a fierce tiger head-on than deal with a venomous snake lurking in the shadows. Besides, this bunch hardly qualifies as tigers; they're more like wild dogs!"
Lucius, sharp as a tack, instantly grasped what Matthew meant. "You want to lure them out and then deal with them, correct? I didn't expect you, all polished and proper, to have such a devious mind."
Matthew unabashedly gave a mock bow. "Thanks for the compliment, Mr. Lucius. But all of this hinges on you providing me with a secure base. Only then can I make my move."
After the recent attack on Leanna,
he made a decision. He needed to establish a secure stronghold for those around him, especially upon learning that Zedbar had hired horde of assassins and
a
ove
mercenaries. That only hardened his
resolve.
Lucius waved his hand cheerfully. "Hey, no worries! Once you're in the Sacred Mount, we're all family. No need to be so formal." The word "family" here carried a deeper meaning.
He continued, "The spot's all set for you, right behind the main peak, on the plains. Plenty of space to build a town, more than enough to meet your needs for the Martial League. There's no time to waste. Let's hit the road!"
Matthew nodded in agreement before he turned and headed back to the villa.