Danmachi - Infinite Mana System!

Chapter 157 - Swamp King.

[Chapter Size: 1800 Words.]

Third Person POV
Orario.

...

...

"Welcome, visitors. This is unexpected—the princess of the High Elves here with a companion. To what do I owe the pleasure of your visit?" the goddess Bheara asked in a friendly tone.

The room fell silent for a moment before someone broke the quiet, speaking before either Lucius or Riveria could respond.

"So the rumors are true..." Uskari, the captain of the family, commented, looking at the two.

Lucius narrowed his eyes as he observed the elf scrutinizing both him and Riveria.

"What do you mean by that?" Riveria asked, her eyes narrowing in the same way.

"There are rumors—ones that have even reached us here, despite how secluded we are—about the Elven princess being involved with a human," Bheara replied, studying them.

"The rumors go further than that, my goddess... They claim the Elven princess has abandoned her race and is in a relationship with a human," the elf added.

"You are correct, and the rumors are true. It's quite obvious these two are in love," Bheara said with a small smile. Known for her Malicious Honesty, she made no effort to sugarcoat her words.

"What?!" The elf appeared flustered, still struggling to believe the rumors.

"It's true. Riveria is my woman," Lucius said, stepping forward. Riveria looked at him calmly, as both were prepared for such comments sooner or later. Being the heir to the throne, it was scandalous for Riveria to be involved with a human. Yet, Lucius had vowed never to let anyone insult her in his presence—his duty was to protect her.

"Hm... A man determined to fight for his woman. Admirable..." Bheara remarked with a note of admiration as she regarded Lucius.

"I think we should stop discussing someone else's relationship—even you, Uskari," Talvi interjected, ending the topic while turning back to the guests. "In any case, can we discuss the reason for your visit? Why are you here?" she asked, looking at them.

"Of course," Lucius responded, taking the lead as Riveria allowed him to handle the conversation.

"I'm here for two reasons. First, I'd like to purchase some ores from these mountains—I'm willing to pay handsomely. Second, I want to visit the Fountain of Life and acquire its elixir," Lucius stated plainly, his posture exuding confidence, which even the goddess couldn't ignore.

"Isn't that asking for a bit much?" Talvi murmured under her breath.

"Why are you making such an absurd demand?" one of the guards, a member of the Bheara family, asked, narrowing his eyes at Lucius as though the mage had insulted them.

"I'm not just speaking idly, nor do I intend to ask this without offering something in return. I have something that could compensate you," Lucius replied.

"And how exactly do you plan to achieve this? After all, I can't allow you to approach the Fountain of Life since we haven't prepared the ritual for the creature that inhabits it," Bheara said. A sacrificial ritual was necessary to appease the beast guarding the Fountain.

"You won't need that anymore. After all, we're here to destroy the Swamp Monster," Lucius declared.

"You must be joking," the goddess replied skeptically.

"Riveria, what level are you?" Lucius asked, not turning to face her.

"Six," she answered calmly.

"And tell me, what level am I?" he asked again.