I Ascend to the Divine Throne through Arcane Means

The shrewd act of playing dumb reminded Kelleb of some encounters he's had with lords in the desert.

Indeed, I'm really not suited for these matters.

Kelleb took a swift gulp of ale, the rich barley aroma filling his mouth, slightly easing his weary spirit.

"How's it going? The negotiations don't seem very smooth?"

A familiar voice sounded, and sitting opposite Kelleb was his dwarf friend, Richie.

At this moment, Richie was leisurely pouring himself a drink while slowly savoring the grilled meat before him.

Cut into small pieces, the lamb lay on a hot iron plate, a tempting golden hue coating its surface, as if painted with the brilliant colors of the sunset.

The slightly curled lamb looked like glistening amber, with fat oozing slowly between the meat, dripping onto the grill with a "sizzle," as if playing a joyful symphony.

Richie put a piece of grilled meat into his mouth, chewing slowly, enjoying the exquisite taste, then took another sip of fine wine, a look of deep satisfaction appearing on his face.

He looked at Kelleb and said:

"What's up? Why did you suddenly call me to the Red Copper Tavern?"

"Just to be clear beforehand, because of the last incident, it hasn't been easy for me lately."

"I can help you come up with some ideas, but don't expect me to step in."

"Tsk~"

Kelleb looked somewhat displeased at his friend before him, feeling a bit of a headache.

One of the reasons why he called Richie for a drink today was indeed because he was running out of options.

Besides, this issue has dragged on for so long; even if negotiations succeed now, it wouldn't mean much to the War God Church.

He wanted Richie's help to meet the Dwarf King again or to gather some relevant information.

But now it seemed Richie had anticipated this and even preemptively set him up against it.

"Things haven't been going well for you lately?"

Kelleb slowly sipped his ale, looking at Richie, and asked.

"Indeed...not so well."

Richie's expression also turned bitter, his favorite grilled meat before him losing its allure.

"Last time didn't go successfully, and there are many things I can't get involved with anymore."

"Just like this negotiation of yours, I haven't received any information at all, really a case of the spirit willing but the flesh weak."

"If this continues, I probably won't hold onto my ministerial position much longer."

Kelleb looked at the helpless Richie, raised his glass to clink with his, and then drank the slightly bitter liquid.

For both of them, things hadn't been going smoothly recently.

"I really don't have much of a way with your affairs either."

After a moment of silence, Richie said to Kelleb:

"In fact, the collaborations you want to achieve, unless His Majesty gives the nod, are almost impossible."

"I don't know what His Majesty is thinking, lately seems too busy to pay attention to your matters."

"Besides the Royal Court, you could try seeking help at the temple."

Hearing Richie's suggestion, Kelleb said somewhat helplessly:

"But I don't know anyone at the temple?"

Compared to the Dwarf Royal Court, the Dwarf Temple was much more mysterious.

Many people didn't even know the location of the temple.

"Don't count on me, I can't do anything at the moment."

Richie understood Kelleb's intent and resolutely shook his head.

"Instead of finding me, you might as well seek out Minister Habeden, who you're negotiating with."

"I think they wouldn't refuse a request to meet and communicate with the temple."

"I see, okay."

Kelleb nodded and said.

This was all that could be done under current circumstances.

For a moment, the two fell back into silence.

At this time, a figure approached the table where Kelleb and Richie were sitting, pulled out a chair, and sat down.

"Hmm?"

Kelleb and Richie were somewhat surprised, looking up to see.

"Lord Lis?"

Kelleb looked at Lis sitting in the chair next to him, smiling at him, somewhat taken aback.

At the time of parting, he had left a marker for Lis.

Before leaving Lonely Mountain City, Lis could use that marker to find his location.

But he hadn't anticipated Lis appearing before him so abruptly.

It must be known, previously Lis had specifically instructed him not to tell others about his business in Lonely Mountain City.

Of course, Kelleb had adhered to their agreement.

But now, Lis appeared before him and Richie without any concealment.

Could it be that Lis had completed his business in Lonely Mountain City and that's why he appeared like this?

Lis didn't say much, instead, he took out an emerald green wine bottle and filled both Kelleb's and Richie's glasses.

Richie didn't know Lis, but seeing Kelleb's reaction beside him, he seemed to be an acquaintance of Kelleb's, so he didn't say anything.

However… the name Lis seemed somewhat familiar to Richie.

It seemed like he'd heard it somewhere before…

Lis opened the bottle cap, instantly filling the air with a fresh wine aroma, attracting the gaze of other patrons in the tavern towards this tempting scent.

Richie and Kelleb, both fans of fine wines, were no exception, looking somewhat greedily at the wine in Lis's hand.

Lis smiled, indicating for the two to enjoy freely.

Though this wasn't the fine wine from [Eternal Brew], it was also a fruit wine brewed by the Elf Kingdom using various precious fruits, with a taste that's certainly extraordinary.

Lis glanced at Richie, smiling as he said:

"I am Lis Cain, a friend of Kelleb."

"Are you Mr. Richie? I've heard Kelleb talk about you."

Richie couldn't resist and downed the wine in his glass in one go, exhaling a deep breath.

At that moment, hearing Lis's name, Richie froze for a moment, his expression changing, and he softly said:

"Are you the World Tree Favored?"

If he only felt the name Lis was familiar before, hearing the surname Cain, he quickly grasped it.

"Yes."

Lis didn't say much, sizing up Richie before him.

Richie felt Lis's gaze was somewhat strange, but under the influence of alcohol, didn't think anything of it.

Seeing Lis not elaborating, Kelleb didn't overthink it either and asked:

"When did you arrive at Lonely Mountain City, Lord Lis?"

Lis smiled and said:

"Just these past few days. I heard you were here, so I came to find you."

"Your Highness Lis, do you have any business here in Lonely Mountain City?"

Richie poured himself another glass of wine, softly asked Lis:

"Is there anything I can assist with?"

Knowing Lis's strength and status, his tone was quite respectful.

Indeed, it was due to his good relations with Kelleb; otherwise, Richie would demonstrate due respect to any legend.

Kelleb looked helplessly at Richie.

Earlier, he claimed he couldn't spare much effort, and now he proactively wanted to help Lis.

However, understanding that someone of Lis's status appearing in Lonely Mountain City would naturally draw attention from someone like Richie, a dwarf minister.

"There's not much of a matter."

Lis, smiling with squinted eyes, took a sip of wine and looked at Richie:

"Earlier in the small world, I encountered an attack from Evil God believers. After barely escaping, I naturally want to make more preparations."

"This time, hearing of Evil God believer attacks in Lonely Mountain City, I came over to take a look."

"Thank you, but those attacks were already repelled by King Preston. There shouldn't be further issues."

Richie said in a deep voice.

"I see, that's for the best."

Lis took a sip, smiling warmly.

After sipping the drink in his cup, Richie rose to take his leave, nodding goodbye.

The sudden visit of the World Tree Favored was an event of no small matter.

It wasn't something he, as an ordinary Dwarf Minister, could venture into.

Richie hadn't expected Lis and Kelleb to be so familiar with one another; he also hadn't heard of any connections between the World Tree Favored and the War God Church.

Meanwhile, after Richie took his leave, Kelleb asked:

"What brings you here so suddenly? Is there something going on?"

Smiling, Lis picked up his glass, his eyes twinkling slightly, and said:

"Nothing much."