CHAPTER 253 - Paving The Way

This was a very tempting proposal, so Han Shuo was immediately interested. However, he didn't immediately agree. Instead, he said, "As you know, I'm a member of the Dark Mantle. Besides, I have a lot of things to do myself, so I don't have much time to spend on the military."

"I don't think that will be a problem. You're a mage, so you should have plenty of time on your own. As long as you gain the title of Duke and your own land, you will be free to do with your time as you see fit, as long as there are no problems within the territory you rule," Lawrence replied immediately, as if he had been prepared for his answer.

"Then what do you want me to do?" Han Shuo was confused for a moment, then asked as he looked at Lawrence in confusion.

"First, I will help you find a place in the military. As long as you've made enough contributions, I can use my connections to help you gain the identity of a noble. Once you receive the title of duke, I'll help you lay your hands on some territory. Everything will be fine as long as your territory develops well," Lawrence seemed to be very familiar with such things as he began to explain everything to Han Shuo with a smile.

When he left Valen City, Han Shuo knew that sooner or later, his fate would be tied to Lawrence's. With his current strength and the existence of the Cemetery of Death, Han Shuo believed that he would be able to escape unscathed even if Lawrence lost the power struggle.

If he wanted to climb higher, he would have to rely on a person who could help him. Lawrence was certainly a suitable candidate. He was someone who'd won the King's affection and had some power. Moreover, with Candide's help, Han Shuo believed that it wouldn't be too long before he gained power.

"It looks like we are really going to be bound together," Han Shuo smiled and said to Lawrence.

Lawrence laughed happily and said proudly, "We have been on the same side for ages. Ever since I returned to the Empire, I have been helping you pave your way. Now that you've graduated from the Necromancy Department, and so quickly, things have become even more convenient for me."

Han Shuo couldn't help but be shocked when he heard that. He hadn't thought that even Lawrence would receive the news of his graduation so quickly, apart from Candide. It seemed like the two of them really paid him a lot of attention.

"Alright, I'll fill you in on some of the details, then we'll go over the plan. With your strength and intelligence, I think it won't be difficult for you to reach new heights in the Empire as long as we work together," Lawrence was obviously very happy as he excitedly said to Han Shuo.

After that, Han Shuo and Lawrence discussed for a long time inside the carriage, forging a bright path for the two of them between their plans.

The coach stopped after a long while. The driver said in a low voice, "Young Master Lawrence, we've arrived at the Rose Garden in the northern workshops!"

"All right, I must give you a proper welcome on your rare return. Come, let's go in and enjoy ourselves!" Lawrence said to Han Shuo after lifting the curtains and jumping down from the carriage.

Han Shuo raised his head and looked around as he stepped out. He saw a magnificent building in front of him, with roses carved into the white marble walls. At the same time, he also saw numerous beautiful carriages parked all around.

Meanwhile, the experts who had been following Lawrence came over from a corner of the street and stood behind him like guards.

"You stay out here. There won't be any problems in the Rose Garden, so don't worry," Lawrence turned his head back to look at the people, then ordered quietly.

"Sorry, young master Lawrence, we're just following orders. We have to protect you wherever you go," a rather loyal knight in heavy armour replied in a muffled voice.

Han Shuo could feel an intense killing aura coming from this knight. The symbol on his chest plate showed that he was an earth rider. From the calluses on his large hands, it was clear that he was someone not to be messed with.

"Jino, we're just going in to relax. Normally, nothing happens in the Rose Garden. How can we go in together when you're all wearing armour? Why don't you stay outside?" Lawrence continued to smile, without getting angry at the earth rider for being so determined.

"No, orders are orders. We cannot disobey our orders!" The earth rider named Jino was a stubborn person and once again rejected Lawrence with a stern face.

"Hehe, all right then. I have no problem if you can go in!" Lawrence chuckled slightly and then pulled Han Shuo inside. When he reached the entrance, he glanced at the guard with his eyes, then rushed in, tugging at Han Shuo.

Jino and the others followed, but were stopped by force when they reached the entrance. The guards refused to let them in no matter how much they tried to explain.

Han Shuo knew from the Yin Demon's surveillance that the outside guards had been left outside by Lawrence. However, the hidden guards led by Lucky tried their best to sneak into the Rose Garden by various other methods.

However, the defences of this Rose Garden were surprisingly good. It was protected by overt and covert experts. They included powerful swordsmen and mages who specialised in various elements. These people were quite powerful and protected the surroundings with great responsibility. Apart from the old assassin, Lucky, who'd managed to sneak in, all the other experts had been stopped outside.

Han Shuo noticed that this Rose Garden covered a large area, thanks to his Yin Demon's surveillance. There were numerous artificial mountains, flowing water, hot springs with pavilions inside, and every single room was decorated in an extremely opulent manner. In one of the large halls, a beautiful woman in revealing clothing was stripping off her clothes as she swayed her hips in a mesmerising dance.

Muffled moans echoed from several smaller rooms as many noble lords and young masters spent vast sums of money here to enjoy all manner of services.

Lawrence seemed to be very familiar with this sort of place as he walked straight in. All the guards, open and hidden, recognised Lawrence. Not only did none of them stop him, they often greeted him.

"Ugh, now I know what this place is!" As the three yin demons had quickly circled the extremely large rose garden, Han Shuo couldn't help but blurt out after understanding what kind of place this was.

"Haha, all people should know what kind of place this is. All the expenses here today are on me, so just consider it as me welcoming you back." Lawrence laughed openly as he walked straight in and found himself in a large crowd. There were young and beautiful women dancing in the centre of the hall, with some people who were either rich or noble watching from the sidelines. When they saw Lawrence come in, they also greeted him with smiles.

There were many soft animal-skinned chairs around the hall, along with fresh vegetables, exquisite snacks and glasses of expensive alcohol, each costing a gold coin. A large circular chandelier, five metres in diameter, cast an ambiguous light on the scene, making the women dancing to the light music beneath it look extremely sexy.

"Hey, Lawrence, it's been a long time," a man who was clearly a fop of a rich family greeted Lawrence as he led in a thinly covered woman who oozed sexiness.

"Bruno, why do I always see you here?" Lawrence casually picked up a glass of amber wine from a table laden with other drinks. After taking a sip of wine, he replied to the weak dandy.

"Life is so boring. There are only a few places in the northern workshops that interest me. That's why I come here. Isn't it the same for you?" Bruno winked at Lawrence and said meaningfully.

"All right, I came here just to entertain my friend. I won't chat too much with you this time, so let's have a good discussion next time," Lawrence apologised and then dragged Han Shuo across the hall to another quiet place.

Lawrence had led Han Shuo through a corridor, around a few corners and after a few moments into another quiet hall. There was no one in this hall, but there was a magic barrier around it.

Lawrence took out a scroll and cast a spell. The scroll emitted a hazy azure light and the surrounding walls cracked open under the light. Lawrence turned around and motioned for Han Shuo to enter with him.

Han Shuo was shocked as he looked at the passageway under the light. He asked as he was clearly confused, "It is very normal for a place like this to have a secret passage, but how do you know about it?"

"Of course I would know about it, because I am the true owner of the Rose Garden. Bryan, since we're being honest with each other, I won't keep this secret from you!" Lawrence laughed and then pulled Han Shuo inside. There were quite a few magical seals along the corridor that went all the way to the bottom.

There were many things that surprised Han Shuo about this hidden place. But what shocked Han Shuo the most was that the true owner of this gold mine was Lawrence. No wonder Candide had said that Lawrence wasn't easy when they first met. It seemed that he knew a lot about Lawrence.

"Come, I'll take you to meet Phoebe and my master. I think he will be very interested in you!" Lawrence was very pleased with Han Shuo's surprise as he laughed and pulled Han Shuo inside.