At Lan's suggestion, everyone ended the dinner in time.
"If this continues, I'm even worried that someone will suggest stealing Yennefer's clothes and then use the portal to run around."
"Haha, Lane, you are really drunk. Who would do such a ridiculous thing?" Lambert laughed loudly and mocked Lane's thoughts.
The others, however, began to seriously consider what Lann had said, and shuddered.
It was indeed a great night, and everyone staggered back to their respective rooms.
…
As soon as Lan opened the door, he seemed to have entered another world, and a warm breath mixed with the familiar smell of perfume hit him in the face.
Take a deep breath, it's a mixture of orange, gardenia, and cedar perfume.
Looking up, I saw Triss squatting in the house. The red-haired sorceress was adding firewood to the fireplace. Her jade-like face was roasted red by the flames, but the temperature on her face was higher than the flames.
"Back? A little later than I thought."
Seeing Lann push the door open, Triss smiled and opened the window for ventilation, then poured a glass of water, slowly walked to Lann and handed it to him.
Even though Lan En was used to the service of servants, this feeling, this scene, and this person still made him feel a surge of emotions he had never experienced before.
He sipped the melted snow water bit by bit and asked Triss, "Are you here to check on my progress in magic learning again tonight?"
This had almost become a secret code between the two of them. Triss had long passed the time of being embarrassed. She nodded first, then shook her head:
"More than that, I actually came here to... say goodbye to you."
Lann's movements suddenly paused. He had never expected to get this answer.
"Goodbye? Where are you going?"
Based on Triss's past reactions, she should have tried every means to stay with Lann, just like what happened in Novigrad.
Now that Ciri has left Kaer Morhen and is with him, and Brokilon is about to join forces with Marshal Vissegerd, there will be a real general in charge. In this situation, Mossak and Triss can be freed.
Lann had originally wanted to take Triss with him to Skellige.
"I have two reasons." Triss explained softly, and it was obvious that she was also extremely reluctant. "The first is because Ciri...she will be with you for the rest of the time, right? I think it's better for you to have some time alone."
The sorceress raised her finger and gently touched Lann's lips, blocking his words: "I know Ciri doesn't mind... us, but she will still feel uncomfortable. She has been separated from you in Kaer Morhen for a long time, and she will come back soon, so I hope she can enjoy this time."
"Anyway." Triss smiled. "After she returns to Kaer Morhen, I'll have plenty of time to find you. After all, I know how to use the portal—and she'll still need a long time to learn."
Lann sighed and said, "You are such a good sister, Triss."
That's not right. In terms of seniority... maybe you are the younger sister?
It's a headache.
"You have two reasons. What's the second one?"
"The second one." Triss laughed and hugged Lan gently. The scent of orange and cedar became stronger.
"I am the royal advisor of Temeria. Have you forgotten? I am going back to Temeria."
Lann was really stunned this time: "You haven't resigned yet? You have been running around for me, and Temeria has no objection?"
Triss shook her head. "I can't say I don't have any opinions. It's just that I'm not the only royal advisor in Temeria, and now the kings don't trust warlocks as much as before. It doesn't really matter whether I'm here or not..."
At this point, she chuckled and said, "Don't get me wrong, I am now... half Cintra. Returning to Temeria was the result of a joint discussion between Mossak and I. I know that Temeria's attitude towards you is very problematic now, and I hope to mediate and win allies for you as much as possible."
"Not only Temeria, I also hope to increase the favorability of the warlocks towards you. You know, King Fortestai has a whole advisory group, and he is currently rejecting the warlocks. I think I can take this opportunity to win over the companions who have been neglected by the king."
Lann fell into deep thought. He didn't care much about Triss's suggestion to win over Temeria. After all, Temeria had Princess Adda, a staunch ally...
Instead, he was more interested in Foltestai's Royal Warlock Advisory Group.
Lann suddenly slapped his forehead. Triss had just avoided Ciri and turned around to look for Adda again. This feeling... was a bit subtle.
"What's wrong?" Triss asked in confusion as she watched Lann's sudden big movement.
He definitely couldn't tell Triss what he was thinking now, so Lan could only change the subject.
"No, no, nothing. I was thinking about the warlocks of Temeria. If I remember correctly, Keira Metz was one of them."
"Why, do you have any thoughts about her?"
If I remember correctly, Keira Metz was one of the founders of the Sorceresses' Coven, which was the largest gathering of warlocks in the North after the dissolution of the Brotherhood of Warlocks. In a sense, Keira was also one of the top ten warlocks in the North at that time, and was worth winning over.
Lan nodded without any defense: "I met her once and had a good impression of her. And her strength seems to be..."
The sentence came to an abrupt end because Lann suddenly sensed the bad atmosphere in the room.
The badge on his chest began to tremble violently, and the temperature in the room began to soar. Chaos energy quickly condensed in the room and then transformed into surging fire elements.
Lann felt the sorceress in his arms gradually becoming hot.
"The person I'm talking about is Fekaert. He's currently a member of the Warlock Supreme Council and he's quite powerful."
Lan nodded seriously: "I think so too. Although I have never met him, I have heard of him. He is a powerful warlock."
Triss continued, "Of course, Kayla is also good. I have a good relationship with her. If you are particularly eager to win her over, I am also willing to talk to her."
The temperature in the house got higher.
Lann sighed, knowing that this topic was not suitable to be discussed any further.
He hugged Triss fiercely and said, "Actually, I think having you is enough. But if you insist, I'll listen to you and you can make the arrangements."
Triss wanted to speak, but her lips were blocked. She was lost in thought for a while, but then she regained consciousness and used her fists, which Lan could hardly feel, to punch a few times and try to pull the head out.
"The window is still open and it's snowing!"
"Never mind it. Just keep the fireplace burning."
…
The dry wood was thrown into the fireplace, and the fire came into being. The trembling flames licked the grain of the wood, igniting it inch by inch, making it heat up gradually, until the two were completely integrated, bursting out with powerful energy.
Flame is mankind's first worship, the shelter of human life, and the most primitive and fanatical pursuit of mankind.
It is hot and fierce, but also continuous and gentle. If the firewood is arranged in the right order and structure, it can burn until dawn.
The temperature in the room reached its peak at this moment, and this time it was not due to magic.
…
…
[Character level increase +1]
The next morning, Lan was suddenly awakened from his dream by a chant that sounded like a holy sigh. He looked up and saw that the sky outside the window was just getting light, and the sorceress beside him was still sleeping soundly.
What's going on? Could it be that we can now gain experience from this kind of thing?
This absurd idea just popped up in Lan's mind, but he immediately dispelled it. He just chuckled twice and hit his head to laugh at his own bizarre idea.
If you don't kill any enemies and don't complete any quests, then the only ones who can bring you quests are your followers.
He adjusted his posture so that Triss, who was mumbling, could lean more comfortably in his arms, and then he gently opened the system panel to check the status of his followers.
The first thing that comes into view is the animal Black Wind, the newly contracted Troll Demon, and the soul Alice in the painting. These three have their own special situations, and there are no special changes in the panel.
But as he looked further, Lan's eyes gradually froze.
The following are sorted by level:
[Follower: Levin Brot
Level: 5
Mission: Bloodline Continuation Part 2, Racial Bridge, Town Revival]
It seems that Levin, a young man from a small town, has received the main mission?
…
[Follower: Milva (Maria Barin)
Level: 7
Mission: Walking with Lions Part 2, One Hundred Bows, Archery Instruction]
Female follower Milva, the last two tasks are fine, but what's the situation with this first one that seems to be a main task? And how to complete it?
…
[Follower: House Linewich
Level: 10
Missions: Last Wish · Part 3, Master Quint · Part 2, Heart of the Demon Hunter, Fortress Reorganization]
Only House is the one that Lann is most assured of. It was said that Lann had spent a year exploring in the capital of Cintra before he reached level 10. Unexpectedly, House had reached this level in less than half a year after obtaining the panel. It seemed that he had two main quests at the same time.
The ingredients are quite complex though.
…
[Follower: Kaiyan
Level: 10
Missions: Novigrad's Good Neighbors · Part 2, Drama Tour · Part 2, Blazing Fire, Cats' Home, Dream Walker, Midnight Ghost, Shapeshifting Thief]
Kaiyan's level increase is also very gratifying. Although the contract was signed relatively late, he started as a follower with special talents that surpass those of ordinary demon hunters. Lann estimated that he had been directly doing demon hunting missions that gave experience far exceeding that of ordinary side quests, so it was normal for him to progress faster.
Lann plans to go back to Novigrad to see him sometime. Judging from the task list, there seems to be quite a few unexpected gains.
…
[Follower: Ace Eloman Oman
Level: 12
Missions: The Way of the Knight, Little Painter, Apprentice Assessment, Radiant Face, Second Dream, Entrance Examination, Red High Heels, Diary of Two People, Orchid in the Valley, Mermaid Legend, Deep in the Island, Become the Focus, Listener]
Lan was silent.
Wonderful!
…
…
At noon, everyone gathered at the front gate of Kaer Morhen Castle. This was when Lann and his party were preparing to return to Cintra.
"I really want to ask you to stay a few more days, but when I think about our trip to Cintra later, I'll skip these cumbersome formalities." Vesemir patted Lan's shoulder, "See you later."
Lan nodded, and finally looked around the ancient castle: "Don't be too reluctant, we will come back later anyway. When we have time, we will fund the reconstruction and repair of this castle. It will definitely be better than it is now."
Vesemir shook his head and waved his hand fiercely behind him: "Geralt, why are you more shy than Ciri? Get out now!"
"I'm not shy, but I'm thinking about going through the portal soon."
Facing his mentor's ridicule, Geralt looked solemn.
Ciri jumped and pulled the white wolf behind Lann, while Yennefer followed with a smile while shaking her head, joining the team going to Cintra.
Although the Wolf Faction had to stay behind to pack their luggage, they still sent Geralt to follow Lann temporarily.
Or rather, Geralt was half-reluctant and took the initiative to follow, after all, Ciri had left.
Once the White Wolf left, there was naturally no reason for Yennefer to stay, and the sorceress, who exuded the scent of cloves and currants, was very happy about it.
"It's just right that Ciri will continue her magic lessons on the way. Lan, you can come too."
Triss and Lann's faces changed when they heard Yennefer say this.
Ciri had a bitter face. She thought this was a rare vacation, but she didn't expect the teacher to chase her so far.
As Mossak stomped the ground hard with his oak cane, a red portal opened in the courtyard, and the strong wind blew the snow and long hair together.
Lambert gloated as he watched Geralt's back disappear in a red light. Suddenly he thought of something and turned to Vesemir and said, "Can we go to Cintra on horseback later?"
"…We have a lot of luggage, so it may take us more than a month on the road."
"I know, but I'd rather it this way."
"… Go pack your things first, and we'll talk later."
…
…
Feeling of weightlessness and dizziness.
Landing, but this time Lane didn't retch.
It was not because Lann had adapted to the side effects of the portal, but because there was someone standing in front of Lann whom he hadn't seen for a long time.
This man and the old butler Ens had obviously been waiting here for a long time. When he saw the group land, he immediately showed a surprised and respectful expression on his face, and then performed a standard court ceremony:
"Your Highness."
Ciri was stunned for a moment, and then her eyes showed a light of surprise: "Visseykid?"
"Yes, your highness."
The man who was saluting looked very old, with gray hair and beard, but his body was still strong. No one would doubt whether a man of this physique could go into battle and kill the enemy.
He was wearing a set of high-grade plate armor that only he could wear in all of Cintra. There was a small lion head relief on his left chest, a navy blue cloak, a lion-headed long sword on his left waist, and a dagger on his right waist.
He is the Marshal of Cintra, the second most prestigious and powerful person in the Lion Kingdom’s military camp - the reason why he is called "second" is because Calanthe used to have a firm grasp on the military power, but now Lann's reputation is unmatched.
In the original timeline, the entire territory of Cintra fell and became a province of Nilfgaard. The remnants of Cintra led by Vissegerd became the last spark of the Kingdom of Lion. They settled in the Kingdom of Brug near the Brokilon Forest and waited for the opportunity to restore their country. Unfortunately, their hatred was used in the Second Northern War and they were used as cannon fodder by the northern countries.
So there is no doubt that this is a loyal veteran. Lane has been looking forward to meeting him, and now he finally has his wish.
After saluting Ciri, Marshal Vissekid straightened up. He hesitated between Mossak and Lann, and finally chose Lann as the second person to greet:
"Long time no see, Lan."
Even though he was still feeling dizzy, Lann forced himself to smile appropriately: "I missed you too, Marshal."
Unlike Ciri, although Lann is also a royal family, he was still just a "junior" in Cintra in the past, at least in the eyes of Vissegerd, the marshal who was second only to the emperor.
Even though Vissekid must have known about Lane's achievements from Mossak by now, it would still take some time to change some of his rigid ideas.
Lann didn't care much about it, there were plenty of opportunities.
Afterwards, Vissegerd greeted Mossak and even Geralt.
They knew each other. Vissegerd, with such seniority, had attended the engagement party of Ciri's mother, Pavetta. That was where Geralt and Ciri's fate began to intertwine, and it was also the reason why Mossack decided to stay in Cintra.
"Master, Your Highness." The old butler Ens saluted to Lan En and Ciri respectively, and then explained, "The Marshal arrived when you were out. I arranged a guest room for him in the mansion according to your previous instructions. And Consultant Mossak informed me that today is the time for your return, so we decided to welcome you here."
…
There were many new guests, including three ridiculous trolls, but the old butler still led everyone into the mansion calmly and arranged accommodation for everyone.
Lane and Visekid already had a lot to say, so they went straight to Lane's study.
"I brought about two thousand men." Vissekid's first words were revealing. "After the fall of the capital, I headed north to gather the troops that had not yet joined Your Majesty. Originally there were about five thousand men, but unfortunately many warriors died along the way. However, those who remained were all elite warriors who had fought many battles!"
This was previously counted by Lane, Mossak and others, and Lane was not at all surprised.
But what Visekid said next surprised Lann. He said, "Lann, I will be in charge of all the troops from now on."
Is this an attempt to seize military power?
Lann remained calm. Based on the few times they had spent time together in Cintra over the past year and his memories of his past life, he believed that Vissekid was not that kind of person.
To put it another way, with his current prestige, Vissekid really has no way to exclude him from the military system.
After seeing Lan's expression, Vissekid showed an expression of surprise but relief. After a pause, he took the initiative to explain: "Lan, you don't have to worry that I am trying to seize power. In fact, I am handing over power."
"Before Cintra is liberated, I will no longer serve as a marshal, but as a general, charging into battle." Vissekid said self-deprecatingly, "Cintra now has no troops that need a 'marshal'."
"And you, Lan, you need to take on more important responsibilities. You should stop doing everything yourself and start paying attention to your own safety. In fact, when I heard that you only brought a few people with you to the Northern Territory talks this time, I broke out in a cold sweat."
"Tomorrow I will swear allegiance to Her Royal Highness the Princess, and then hand over all military power to her. All military power will be handed over to you under the Princess's order, and all soldiers will salute you, including me." Vissekid said sincerely, "So you don't have to worry about me threatening you. I will not allow any conflicts between us before Cintra is restored."
"I'm just worried about your safety. I hope you won't go into battle and kill the enemy yourself again in the future. At least, you can't take risks again until Your Highness the Princess reaches adulthood."
Lann understood that this was indeed the problem of the old Cintra people of the True Lion Banner - they admired sword skills, were superstitious about military force, and despised all supernatural powers including magic.
Therefore, even though Vissekid had heard all kinds of rumors about Lann, he still said this at this moment. He still regarded Lann as a knight with "superb martial arts" in the conventional sense.
In a sense, Vissekid's perception was correct. The protagonists of this continent were mortals, and the army was enough to crush everything.
But Lane had long since departed from the so-called “norm”.
"Marshal, your advice is very pertinent." Lan En said sincerely, "I am far inferior to you in military matters. I also hope to learn more about marching and fighting by your side in the future."
"But... I may be a little different from the knight you normally know."
Lane made a "a little bit" gesture with his thumb and index finger and continued:
"How about this, I'll demonstrate my abilities to you. Let's find a slightly more open area."
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