I was an apprentice in Ferren

Chapter 189 Destroying Spiders
Upon hearing the Moon Elf's words, DuPont was immediately conflicted.

Since the collapse of the Elven Empire, Faerûn has entered a chaotic period of flourishing diversity.

Adventurers live here. Nobles and slaves coexist, and various systems such as clans, councils, and kings are all available. A population of a few million is already considered a relatively powerful force, and with the intervention of the gods, various abstract customs have been preserved.

The maid is one of the less abstract ones.

According to human custom, maids and male servants are generally servants that only the aristocratic class can have. However, in some city-states with greater influence, the wealthy class can also have them. After being selected and bought out for a large sum of money, their service, from dressing and washing to warming the bed and serving as dogs, is entirely up to the master's needs. They can also be given to others as a token of friendship. It can be said that after entering the home and undergoing training, these young men and women will no longer bear any personal mark and will directly become the master's private property.

Of course, for high elf nobles, sleeping with elves of other classes is a sign of their lack of charm. Unable to obtain their ideal lovers, they resort to these barbaric means to obtain sexual resources, which is a shameful practice. If discovered, they would be ridiculed in the newspapers.

After all, considering themselves an elegant race, elves are much more reserved in this regard.

They generally do not acquire servants through buying and selling. Instead, they recruit other elves to become their servants by offering generous treatment and leveraging their family history. They then bind these servants with virtues such as loyalty. The more servants they have, the greater their family's power. Some outstanding servants, such as stewards of large families, may even be nobles with titles.

It can be said that the servants of those great families possess far more resources than ordinary commoners. Whether they go into politics or become adventurers, the knowledge of these noble families can save elves decades of detours. In addition, having connections in the council makes things easier. As long as you demonstrate sufficient value, you will be rewarded with military merits or political achievements.

This is the main reason why the Elven Council cannot get rid of the actions of the nobility, and also the reason why many commoner elves willingly degenerate and strive to become the lackeys of the nobility.

After all, even for elves, decades is a very long time.

While humans were still indulging in lust, the elves had already begun to discover the potential of these servants. Queen Moonflower was known for having a private army of up to a hundred people called the Sisterhood of the Moon. In their spare time, these women were the Queen's personal maids, while in wartime they were skilled archer and halberd-wielding magic warriors, and there were even paladins among them.

The outside world generally thinks this is an exaggerated number, just like Yongju Island claims to have more than a dozen legendary figures and thousands of high-level players. But if they have such strength, why don't they reclaim their homeland?
However, when DuPont heard that Moonflower was going to give her guards to him as maids, he knew that the Moonflower Sisterhood was probably real.

The drow assassins who came to hunt them down that night were at least level 5 drow warriors. After breaking free from those assassins, I stealthily went to ambush them, which took at least two minutes.

During this time, the four members of Moonflower withstood more than 20 Drow warriors and two fifth-ring spellcasters head-on. Although one guard was seriously injured, it was still a very glorious achievement.

Drow are not goblins; they possess effective magical equipment and deadly poisons. If it weren't for the two guards' superior combat skills, they certainly wouldn't have been able to wait for my reinforcements.

And this magic warrior, whose level is around 9 or even 10, is being offered to me directly?

This gift is probably more valuable than these legendary boots.

Thinking of this, DuPont shook his head and refused: "Forget it, I'm used to being a carefree person. It would be too much trouble to have someone serving me, not to mention I can't afford to support them."

"Hey, haven't you made a lot of money lately?" Yuehua took out a small knife to peel an apple. "Didn't your mentor say he would give you 10 gold coins as a nutrition allowance?"

"Come on, this is probably just a casual extortion attempt." Others might not know, but DuPont knew perfectly well that his relationship with Lavoisier was merely superficial acquaintance: "If they actually give me half a percent in compensation, that would be a case of the dean having a change of heart, after all, I'm not dead."

"I see." Moonflower handed the apple to DuPont, then took out a gift box: "This is from Jade Star. It's not very expensive, but it should be quite useful for you."

DuPont accepted the gift, only to find a pair of thin leather gloves inside.

Swordsman's Bracers
Quality: Cherish

Attribute 1, Swordsman: When using combat skills, your combat skills and combat skill protection are all increased by +4.

Attribute 2, Excellent: When attacking with sword-type weapons, your attack bonus is increased by one.

Value: 4000 gold coins
Upon seeing the gloves, DuPont immediately understood what the other party was thinking.

I used to wear agility gloves, but with these boots my agility is now 20, so my old gloves should naturally be replaced.

"You guys are really thoughtful," DuPont said with some emotion. This was the most valuable gift he had ever received. "I feel a little embarrassed accepting it all."

"According to those strange knightly novels, a life-saving grace should be repaid with one's body?" Moonflower said with a smile in her eyes, like a little fox who had stolen a chicken and was in a good mood: "But I do have a small favor to ask you for help with."

"It's nothing, just say what's on your mind." DuPont tossed the apple core aside, wiped his mouth, and said, "We're all buddies."

“Actually, besides observing the system of the Mage Kingdom and building good relations with the local church, one of the things I came to Arua this time was to find a suitable marriage partner.” Moonflower said, pointing to herself, “But actually I have no interest in this kind of thing. I’m only 120 years old and have plenty of good years ahead of me. But even though my mother understands me, those old men in the council are always putting pressure on me, which annoys me a lot.”

Upon hearing this, DuPont immediately understood and asked with some surprise, "Do you mean you want me to be your boyfriend?"

“Yes, I think you’re quite suitable. Although you’re young, that just shows you have potential.” Yuehua said, clearing her throat. “But don’t worry, that’s just in name only. In reality, you only need to accompany me to some occasions every year.”

"You don't need to say anything or do anything. After those banquets are over, you can go back to the academy if you want, or go on adventures if you want. I won't care if you date other people, just be careful not to let others find out."

As she spoke, she took out a ruby ​​with white star patterns: "I will never let you help me for nothing every time I attend. I will tell you in advance and give you a travel allowance. How about that?"

"This business is worth taking." DuPont stroked his smooth chin. Going on a trip and getting a free meal can earn you a thousand gold coins. As a man, he's not afraid of losing anything. There's no such thing as a business that involves ripping off kidneys in this world. Only a fool would refuse this.

However, for some reason, he felt something was off: "But I remember that your elven royal family wouldn't allow love between humans, right? Even if your mother agreed, would the council agree? I remember that elven nobles strictly prohibit intermarriage with other races or even other elves, right?"

"That's all in the past. If selling a princess could buy the loyalty of a legendary powerhouse, they would probably applaud if I married a goblin thief." Yuehua couldn't help but snort when she mentioned this, and her tone softened when she looked at DuPont.

"Of course, the most important thing is that you have enough potential, your current strength is not bad, and your appearance is considered beautiful among elves. When we go to Evergrande Island only occasionally and don't stay there permanently, who can control me? Just like the Seven Sisters of the Northland, several of them are humans with elven blood, and there is even a drow, but do you see the Elven Royal Court controlling them?"

Having already taken the shoes worth 70,000 gold coins and not caring about him privately, DuPont found it hard to refuse such a small favor: "Oh, okay then."

“Then it’s settled.” Yuehua said, taking out a delicate square box. “This is for you. Remember to wear it when we go out together. Whether you wear it or not is up to you.”

DuPont opened it, and there was a ring without any gemstones, but it looked exceptionally smooth.

The precept of the mind
Grade: Extremely Rare
Value: Incalculable
Attribute 1, Greater Haste: When equipped, you can cast the sixth-circle spell "Greater Haste" once a day, which is restored when the moon appears each day.

Attribute Two, Communication: As long as you are in the same plane, you will be able to use communication with another ring wearer, but this may be affected by environmental factors, and this attribute requires periodic replenishment of mana.

Attribute 3, Mindset: When wearing this ring, you will be telepathically connected with another ring wearer within 100 yards. This connection can be blocked.

Attribute 4, Location: If there is no shielding effect, the other party can know your approximate location.

The ring is engraved with ancient High Elf script: "Gifted by Laziar Moonflower on the 16th of the Prosperous Month of 1356 to Irene Dupont."

Note: This ring may only be worn by Irene du Pont or members of the Moonflower family.

Warning: If anyone else wears this ring, a disintegration spell will be triggered immediately.

"Does it have to be so formal?" DuPont coughed lightly, but still accepted the ring box. Damn, a sixth-circle spell every day, and a Greater Haste spell at that, plus the ability to ambush people—this thing is perfect for me!
"Why don't you try it on?" Moonflower held out her hand, showing the ring on her middle finger. "To be honest, I'm quite curious about what you're thinking right now."

"Never mind then, I don't like people prying into my thoughts." DuPont shook his head, but still put the ring on the middle finger of his left hand: "How do you block this thing?"

Moonflower rolled her eyes at DuPont and said irritably, "Just use your mental power to control it."

"Oh, oh." Pretending not to notice Moonflower's displeasure, DuPont felt much better after blocking it out and immediately activated the spell on the ring.

In an instant, DuPont felt his body not only become much lighter, but his muscles even burst forth with extra power.

Sixth Ring Transmutation Spell: Greater Haste
Effect: Creatures affected by this spell will move at twice the speed and have two additional attacks. The caster will not feel fatigued after the spell's effect ends.

Duration: 3 rounds (6 seconds per round) + 1 round/cast level
Warning: This spell can only affect one creature, and the casting speed and spell effects of the target under the effect of acceleration will not be affected.

Note: This spell was once widely used in the Elven Empire and the Nether Age, but now it is only in the hands of a very small number of mage tower owners.

Does this increase by two attacks per round?
DuPont's heart was racing a little; this was especially true if he coordinated with the rapid movements.
Under Yuehua's puzzled gaze, a dagger quietly appeared in Dubang's right hand. The dagger flew up and down rapidly in his hand, and then with a flick of his wrist, the dagger spun quickly between his four fingers. However, just as she was getting a little dizzy, she heard Dubang gasp, and the dagger fell to the ground.

"Hey, what's wrong?"

"It's nothing, just a finger cramp," DuPont said, touching his nose with his left hand. He bent down to pick up the dagger, but his right arm was so painful that he couldn't even lift it. The muscle congestion hadn't subsided, and even the veins were bulging.

You are currently suffering from a muscle strain; Strength -2, Agility -2.

Damn it, I've never suffered such a huge loss even when fighting the drow.
She took out her healing staff and cast a healing spell on herself to dispel the pain. Only then did Moonflower, who had been watching this scene, realize: "Did you just use some kind of technique? Did it fail?"

"I guess so. My father taught me a lot, but you still need to practice a lot. If you get rusty, you might lose your life." DuPont said, rubbing his stomach. "I'm going to eat. Do you want to come?"

"It's lunch break now. Didn't you just finish eating an hour ago?"

"Maybe he's still growing." DuPont shook his hand. "Also, I usually get hungry quickly after a battle. If you're not going, I'll go."

As Yuehua spoke, she looked at DuPont, who had turned and walked away without waiting for her, and sighed silently in her heart.

It seems we'll have to wait quite a while for this young man to mature.
Moonflower followed, but only drank a refreshing smoothie and silently watched DuPont eat. After finishing her meal, she said goodbye and left, while DuPont quietly took off his ring.

Unlike the Moonflower who comes during lunch break, the Paladin only visits occasionally at night. If she sees this thing, she might overthink it.

However, after today's class, it was Dorothy who appeared first.

Despite the hot weather, the female pastor was dressed very formally, with a conservative style that seemed almost apathetic. When she saw DuPont, she picked up the scripture from her waist and said, "Sit down, it's time for counseling."

An hour later, the pastor, having redone her makeup, quickly left, leaving DuPont lying on the hospital bed, pondering the many problems that had been troubling him recently.

How can we accelerate the vitality of elven society at the lowest cost? What stage of capitalism does Harua's current social situation fall into? And will the mage tax, which has caused so much resentment among countless mentors and apprentices, be fully collected by the end of the month?

He didn't lack those few hundred gold coins, but as a member of Harua, should he support this unreasonable and exorbitant taxation, or secretly rally the discontented apprentices and win them over with low-interest loans? Would the nine-ring interdimensional teleportation allow him to accurately return to Earth?
Just as DuPont's brain cells were rapidly activating, and he was beginning to consider whether he should leave a unique mark on this world, the door was knocked on again as the sun set.

It's Deva.

“I brought you smoked steak, and I also found the rice and casserole you mentioned last time. I tried to buy some of these from the Far East caravan, but they were so expensive!” The paladin said, taking out a casserole with rice still warm inside. “Is this what you’re looking for?”

"Yes, yes, yes." Upon seeing the familiar white rice, DuPont immediately forgot about the future of humanity and took out two small bowls: "Hey, wait a minute, I'll go to the cafeteria to see if they have braised pork hock. With some meat broth, this stuff is much tastier than bread."

After DuPont finished speaking, he stomped downstairs. After he left, Deva frowned and quietly took off her sensory headband.

There were at least three women in this room. The rose scent seemed to belong to the female priest, and I had smelled the faint lily scent on the half-elf school doctor before.

DuPont is a patient, so it's normal for these two to come, but the jasmine scent made the paladin grind his teeth.

This wretched fellow, a priest who worships elven gods, why does she keep running around human mage academies? If word gets out that she's having an affair with DuPont, does she even want to marry another elf?

Sigh, could that really be what he's thinking?
With the white moon above, not only do I have to keep an eye on those female apprentices and Priestess Shuni, but even the high elf royal family is shamelessly trying to curry favor with me. The pressure is really immense!
Shouldn't Mother take DuPont on as an apprentice and transfer him away, so these annoying guys won't be able to find DuPont?
Just as the paladin was racking his brains to figure out how to defend against two or three attacks, he suddenly felt a violent tremor under his feet and above his head.

She immediately put the steak and rice on the table into her spatial bag before grabbing the iron window next to her to steady herself. However, after a few seconds, the tremor stopped, and countless gleaming iron golems suddenly appeared on the academy square.

In front of all the golems, two golems, one gold and one silver, simultaneously lit up red with their eyes. They clumsily raised their right hands to their chests, bowing to the man in fine clothes atop the white tower like heavily armored knights.

"My big toys, it's time to set off!" Lavoisier's mocking voice rang out above the academy, followed by a huge, unstable ripple appearing above the plaza.

The golems moved forward clumsily, their bodies creaking and their precise movements causing the ground to tremble.

The marble floor tiles, which had just been waxed, were roughly trampled into pieces by the golems. The apprentices who stayed overnight cast feather spells and came to the bedside to watch the hundreds of steel golems walk toward the portal.

The raw materials alone are worth around 5000 gold coins. Although the market price is 15000 gold coins, where can you buy one without connections?

Finally, when the fifth floor of the academy, which was also an inverted triangle-shaped mage tower, passed through the portal, DuPont couldn't help but touch his nose.

Didn't this guy say he wouldn't go until the end of the month? How come he's back in the middle of the month?

When the enormous portal, hundreds of meters wide, reappeared in the academy square, it was already the end of the month. Some steel golems, missing limbs, tattered and corroded, and some black flesh golems returned. At that moment, an old man with white hair, dressed in a gray robe and wearing a peaked hat, smiled knowingly in the square.

Beside him stood a dozen or so men and women with serious expressions. Veronica was at the very end, holding a staff and looking solemn, seemingly lost in thought.

Even the most serious instructors were in no mood to teach. The apprentices rushed to the square, and when the drab mage tower appeared, they couldn't help but erupt in a thunderous cheer.

Lavoisier, atop the mage tower, yawned rather rudely. His robes, which once shimmered with seven colors in the sunlight, were now tattered. With a hint of disgust, he kicked the row of female drow heads at his feet off the tower before opening his arms to the white-haired old man.

"Dad, I'm home!"

As the mage finished speaking, the gold coins that had been forged into spiders rained down on the edge of the mage tower.

On the 16th of the prosperous month of 1356, Archmage Lavoisier led his legion in a surprise attack on the Drow city of Chidnasa. After 13 days of fighting, the top ten families of Chidnasa were wiped out, and the remaining families returned to the Northwest Academy with the ransom raised by the newly crowned number one family.

Historically known as the War to Exterminate the Spiders.

(End of this chapter)