Octavion didn’t care whether Bernard agreed or not-his decision to settle down in Allardland was final.
“I’ll listen to you,” Lorelei said with a faint smile, choosing to follow Octavion’s lead in everything.
Turning to Jared, Octavion asked, “Jared, may I stay in Allardland temporarily?”
Though Bernard was the rightful king, Octavion deliberately addressed Jared instead, making it clear that he had no regard for Bernard’s authority. His blatant disregard underscored how little he thought of the king’s position.
“Of course!” Jared replied without hesitation. Then, turning to Bernard, he added, “King Bernard, could you arrange accommodations for them?”
“Understood, Mr. Chance!” Bernard responded at once, readily setting off to make the necessary arrangements. There wasn’t a trace of displeasure on his face-he wouldn’t have complained even if Jared had asked him to relinquish his throne entirely.
“Go home and be more careful in the future. I’m living in Allardland now, so stop coming here to stir up trouble!” Octavion turned his gaze to Talcott, who had been hiding in the background.
“Understood, Your Highness!”, Talcott nodded hastily before spinning on his heels and bolting away. He had been itching to leave but hadn’t dared to take a single step without Octavion’s permission.
Even if Octavion weren’t staying in Allardland, Talcott wouldn’t have the guts to cause trouble here-no, not even if he had ten times the courage.
Bernard swiftly made all the necessary arrangements, and everyone who accompanied Octavion was settled into their rooms for a well-deserved rest.
Meanwhile, in the chamber Bernard had prepared for Octavion, Jared and Octavion sat together, indulging in a lavish feast of spiritual wine and an array of spirit beast meats.
After three rounds of wine, with warmth coursing through his veins, Octavion suddenly lowered his voice. “Jared, besides sparring with you, there’s something else I need to discuss.”
Jared raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “Oh? What is it?”
Octavion hesitated briefly before speaking. “I wanted to ask… could you spare my father? Please don’t kill him.”
Jared blinked in surprise, momentarily taken aback. “Kill your father? Why would I do that? Do I even have the power to kill him?”
“Jared, while you may not yet have the strength to threaten my father, I know you’ll surpass him one day. So I’m begging you if he ever offends you in the future, please spare his life. Don’t kill him!” Octavion’s eyes were filled with earnest pleading.
Jared chuckled. “You think so highly of me? I appreciate that. But as long as your father doesn’t provoke me, I have no reason to retaliate. I hold no grudges against the Tenth Hall.”
Octavion’s expression darkened. “He will come after you. I know my father-he would never let a mere Ultimate Realm cultivator challenge his authority. You killed Tavon. If he doesn’t retaliate, he’ll lose all respect in the Ten Halls. Not only will he come for you himself, but he’ll keep sending people to kill you!” His voice was firm and direct.
Jared’s brow furrowed slightly, a hint of annoyance creeping into his voice. “Your father came after me with the intent to kill, and you expect me to spare his life? Why don’t you plead with him to spare mine instead? I have my own principles-I don’t go looking for trouble, but if someone comes for me, I won’t hesitate to strike back.”
“Jared, can’t you do me this favor?” Octavion asked, his tone almost pleading.
“No.” Jared shook his head firmly. “We just met. The fact that I’m letting you live is already a huge favor.”
To Jared, his connection with Octavion wasn’t even close to friendship. At best, they were acquaintances-perhaps even adversaries. Why should he show Octavion any respect?
“Then can I at least owe you a favor?” Octavion pressed on, unwilling to give up.
Jared scoffed. “Your favor isn’t worth anything.”
Octavion fell silent, his gaze sweeping the surroundings. Once he was certain no one was nearby, he leaned in and lowered his voice. “I recently came across a treasure map. Rumor has it that it leads to a hidden cave left behind by a powerful immortal. But the place is riddled with danger. If you’re interested, we could join forces. When the time comes, you’ll get a share of the treasure-consider it my bargaining chip for your help.”
