Warhammer Divine Throne

"Duke Bilibali’s castle is right on the edge of the cliff, looking more like a shabby stone fence." Captain Pepe walked up to Laine and Fidmund, pointing to the small castle at the end of Bilibali City on the cliff, revealing his gold teeth: "Do you want to see him now?"

Fidmund turned his gaze to Laine.

"Hmm... what’s happening there? So lively." Laine hesitated slightly, suddenly noticing cheers and boos erupting from a tall building not far from the pier.

"The arena, Lord Laine." Captain Pepe spoke with great excitement, not waiting for Laine to answer, and continued on his own: "Lord Laine, surely you’ve heard of the Estalian duelists? The people here love dueling, love to watch dueling competitions, so in every city in Estalia, there’s bound to be an arena! I love the bullfighting, beast fights, and honor duels here the most!"

"Estalian duelists? Indeed, perhaps it’s the only notable thing about this country." Veronica crossed her arms, the Jialan Witch remarked with interest.

Laine nodded, acknowledging the fame of the Estalian duelists.

Unlike the Empire or Kislev, which spent most of their time warring against the northern bloodthirsty Barbarian Tribes, people here had time to devote energy to other pursuits, from science to philosophy, from crime to revenge. Here, bullfighting and fencing duels were the most popular activities, and this place was also the birthplace of fencing swordsmanship. The rapier favored by the Imperial Nobility and many Witch Hunters originated here.

In contrast to the northerners who preferred using Warhammers, sword and shield, and War Axes, the Estalians favored this elegant yet deadly weapon. Clearly, they rarely realized the dangers posed by enemies they might face, and how inadequate the rapier’s armor-breaking ability was when facing the heavily armored Chaos Warriors.

Despite this, the Estalian duelists still enjoyed great fame in the Old World. They especially loved traveling to Brittania and Tiriel, participating in numerous dueling contests and wars to hone themselves. The most outstanding and audacious duelists would even head to the Empire or even Kislev, battling on the front lines against Chaos.

"Interesting~" Laine suddenly smiled, then said, "Captain Pepe, take the Sea God Knights to find a place to stay; it’s best we rent the whole inn."

"Yes." The captain bowed deeply and voluntarily withdrew.

"Business first, let’s pay a visit to Duke Bilibali."

"Alright." Fidmund nodded.

Passing through the entire city, Laine’s party naturally drew the attention of the residents. However, there weren’t many people on the streets today; it was said that many went to watch the arena’s competitions. With few residents around, they didn’t dare approach Laine’s group. Nonetheless, there was no lack of gossip, especially the covetous glances aimed at the Dark Elf. More than thirty greedy eyes watched the beautiful Dark Elf, whispers emanating from corners and behind curtains.

This is the Southern Realm, the so-called land of freedom, where only the most basic laws exist, and society is more lively and chaotic. Unlike Brittania and the Empire, here people loudly challenge their Lord’s laws, chanting slogans of freedom. Here, with a hundred Gold Crowns to procure knightly equipment and sufficient tribute paid, anyone can receive a knightly title. Here, no matter the severity of the crime, so long as one doesn’t fall into becoming a Chaos Cultist, anyone can be released on bail after paying enough.

The threats of Chaos from the north and the Green Skin threat from the east are deemed real, yet the residents here have rarely seen Chaos Warriors adorned with skulls bringing slaughter and destruction, nor those robust Green-skinned Lads looting and burning. Hence they’re contented with their small lives. What they dread are only the pirates from the Pirate Duchy of Satusha in Tiriel and a few Beastman Tribes in nearby forests, but in their eyes, these are minor issues.

The Dark Elf grimaced under the scorching sunlight, feeling the covetous stares all around. Ollica’s eyes bore a rare killing intent, her hands nearly reaching for the Butterfly Double Daggers at her waist.

Butterfly Double Daggers, masterpieces by the Dwarf Rune Artisan Delong Feinson, the blades etched with Dwarf Runes, were sharp enough to cut through finely crafted human plate armor and tear through flesh.

Laine gently grasped the Dark Elf’s small hand under the lace gloves, signaling her to remain calm. The Dark Elf leaned against Laine, holding onto his arm, no longer speaking.

Veronica squinted at the Dark Elf. The Jialan Witch could sense the thick killing intent emanating from Ollica, revealing the Dark Elf’s clearly intricate background, while Fidmund focused on the streets of Bilibali, searching for possible clues.

Thirty minutes later, at Duke Bilibali Silva’s estate.

The white-walled, red-tiled mansion, built with stone slabs, stood four stories high. It resembled a villa with added walls rather than a castle. Only a dozen guards patrolled the wall nearby, their lazy demeanor suggesting more of sunbathing than duty.