Wizard starting from shoeing donkeys Chapter 1439 - 492: The Missing Haleem (Part 3)

Rein was guided straight to the estate's banquet hall, as the hour for the evening meal had already arrived.

The sky was painted with the glow of the sunset.

As he walked, Rein admired the breathtaking scenery of the entire grounds and the expansive front garden.

Layers of late summer shrubs and flowers were in full bloom; even the grass was trimmed with precision, obviously tended to by a dedicated staff. Statues and fountains were positioned at regular intervals throughout the landscape.

The architectural design of the garden was rich with depth and layered beauty.

Inside the opulent banquet hall.

Rein and Trena took their seats across from one another at a long wooden table. It was draped in a silk tablecloth and embellished with fresh blossoms alongside seasonal fruits.

The primary course consisted of Angus Buffalo Ribs and salt lake Giant Salmon that had been char-grilled. Accompanying these were side dishes of Honey Roasted Duck and stewed Chocobo. Trena had instructed the kitchen to prepare double portions, mindful of Rein’s significant appetite.

"This is Tequila from Halis County. Its annual production is extremely limited. Lord Rein, shall we enjoy it together this evening?"

With a wave of Trena’s hand, a young maid stepped forward, carrying a bottle of exquisite, pale blue wine.

"Certainly, it would be my honor."

Rein took a small sip, a flicker of surprise crossing his eyes.

He noted that this Halis Tequila possessed a remarkably high alcohol content. It far exceeded the Bordeaux Aged Wine he had previously sampled and was even stronger than aged rum; beyond its fresh herbal fragrance, it possessed a distinct spicy kick.

He couldn't help but feel a spark of curiosity.

After all, a wine of this nature, regardless of its price, seemed poorly suited for a lady's palate, didn't it?

Could it be that Trena was an exceptionally seasoned drinker?

Rein glanced inquisitively at the stunning woman beside him, only to find that her reaction was the opposite of what he had imagined.

After just a single sip, Trena’s smooth, pale cheeks were already flushed with two red spots, and her beautiful eyes seemed slightly unfocused.

It was obvious she had no tolerance for strong drink.

"How interesting. Could it be that this is intended to..." Rein gave a slight smile.

Following a few more glasses, a faint heat began to radiate from Rein's abdomen. It indicated that this Tequila possessed a specific effect, which only served to confirm his inner suspicions.

Of course, given his powerful constitution, such an influence was practically nonexistent.

In the meantime, Trena’s gaze had grown hazy and silken. Her cheeks were a fiery crimson, and she appeared quite intoxicated.

Rein felt a stir in his heart, nearly giving in to the impulse to pull her close and cherish her tenderness for a moment.

However, a different thought entered his mind.

He turned his gaze toward Trena and said with a smile, "Councilor Trena, regarding that piece of witchcraft I inquired about last time—I wonder when I might be permitted to inspect it?"

Trena had assumed that under the aphrodisiac influence of the Halis County Tequila, Rein would first become romantically entangled with her, making the subsequent discussion much easier.

She had not expected that, in this moment of intoxication, he would suddenly raise the issue.

"This..."

"I am deeply sorry, Lord Rein. An unexpected situation has arisen regarding that matter."

"Oh?" Rein’s eyes narrowed. His entire temperament shifted instantly, and the look he directed at Trena became piercingly sharp.

From his perspective, it seemed the Federation intended to go back on their word or, perhaps, was attempting a form of coercion.

This was the behavior he despised above all else.

Even if it were a woman he found attractive, if she stood on the opposing side, he would show no mercy.

Caught by Rein’s intense glare, Trena’s intoxication vanished halfway instantly. She realized that despite his youth, he possessed an incredibly firm mind.

"Lord Rein, please let me explain. The situation is as follows... Zetaya... Haleem..." Trena stopped hiding the truth and began to slowly recount the events.

"Is that so?" Rein nodded, his face remaining composed.

Inwardly, however, his mind was racing like a storm.

The ancient Goblin Empire ruins in Zetaya—wasn't that the very location he intended to investigate?

Had the Federation actually discovered it before him?

Nevertheless, the fact that Haleem, the director of the Federation Mechanical Research Institute, and his team were trapped inside suggested that the site held unknown perils. It was clearly not a simple place.

After all, Valziger, the leader of the Ancient Wizard School, had also been ensnared there three thousand years ago.

Furthermore, he could tell that Trena was telling the truth.

Verifying this would not be difficult for him; he could get the full picture by reaching out to the Empire's spies within the Federation.

"Yes. Therefore, Lord Rein, I intend to gift this estate to you as additional compensation. Perhaps your friends or family might have a use for it one day?"

"Furthermore, I give you my word that if Lord Haleem is freed, I will see to it that the witchcraft is delivered to the Empire and placed in your hands immediately."

"And if the ruins prove too dangerous, we are prepared to compensate you with another Sect’s Dawn Killing Move. How does that strike you?"

Fearing further tension with Rein, Trena presented her terms all at once.

She then watched Rein with her beautiful eyes, a hint of anxiety showing as she waited for his reply.