Chapter 115: Poetry of the Elves
Hobner held the wine glass in his hand, with a stern face and said nothing.
The atmosphere suddenly became tense, and everyone else fell silent. The timid ones didn't even dare to breathe.
Senluo frowned.
He didn't expect that his uncle, who had been through thick and thin with his father, would become so unfathomable.
Money and power can indeed change a person.
After he brought the princess into this luxurious house, the other party did not mention helping them at all, but instead invited a singing and dancing troupe to perform at the banquet.
In the past, Sen Luo would have turned around and left.
But now, for the princess, he had to swallow his anger.
“Hehehe——”
A charming laugh broke the silence in the living room.
Everyone looked at Simu in surprise. She was wearing a gorgeous dress. She was smiling at Hobner, her narrow brown eyes full of charm.
"Respected Master Hobner, Mr. Al is the mainstay of our troupe. If he stays at your house, we won't be able to participate in the Vientiane Festival troupe competition held in the royal city." Sim raised his glass in greeting. "I'd like to ask Mr. Al to play another piece to liven up today's banquet. What do you think?"
Hobner laughed heartily. "So you're going to the Royal City to compete? Then I really shouldn't have stolen your love. In that case, please play another piece for me, Mr. Al."
With the host's hearty laughter, the stiff atmosphere in the living room was eased, and everyone else seemed to be wound up again, eating, drinking, and chatting in a relaxed manner.
Most sat down with a gloomy face, glaring hatefully at the black-haired young man holding the harp.
Don't think that he won't recognize you just because you changed your clothes.
This guy is clearly the hateful civilian he met in the clothing store!
He was just about to settle the score with him, but unexpectedly the man came to his door first.
It turned out to be a musician from the song and dance troupe.
He is indeed a pariah.
Although his father admired him, they had many musicians at home and did not need one more.
If he really stays, I'll kill him.
Moster picked up the glass and took a big sip.
Shu Li looked left and right, feeling that things couldn't be let go so easily.
This gentleman named Hobner looks like a difficult guy and will never be dismissed by Captain Simu's few words.
Sure enough, Hobner said, "Mr. Al's piano skills are so superb, he must know the poetry of the elves, right? Why don't you play a piece for us all to see if the poetry of the elves is really as magical as the legend says."
The people in the chorus looked at each other, especially the musicians, whose eyes widened in shock.
Simu didn't expect Hobner to make such an impolite request.
How can ordinary human musicians play the elves' poems casually?
That's poetry that will shorten your life!
No matter how skilled Mr. Al is at playing the piano, he is just a human musician. He only appeared at this party to help her out.
If her life span is shortened because of this, she will never be able to forgive herself.
"Master Hobner, I'm afraid your request is a bit unreasonable. As we all know, if humans play elven poetry, at best they will shorten their lifespan, at worst they will lose their lives. If I want to win the chorus competition, I have to rely on Mr. Al!"
Sim pointed at the beautiful girls in the group. "We've been listening to music for so long, why not change the program? The girls are dressed so beautifully, we should let them show off their talents."
The girls in the chorus all smiled sweetly, posed coquettishly, and showed off their proud figures.
Everyone else's attention was drawn to the girls, but Hobner remained unmoved. He stared sharply at the black-haired young man in the field, insisting that he answer himself.
Sen Luo clenched his fists, his face turned ashen, and he hated himself for harming his savior.
If he had known that Hobner would become so unreasonable, he would not have come to Daoto City.
He probably guessed his identity as a wanted criminal and secretly sent someone to inform the Knights of Hermon.
Nasha's face was tense, and her heart was filled with disgust towards Hobner.
According to Sen Luo, this Master Hobner was a high-level swordsman who had formed a powerful adventuring team with his father.
Due to some accidents, Hobner left the adventure team and moved his family to Otto City, where he started a mineral business and became very successful.
This time, Senluo took her to see Hobner to ask for his help and send them to the royal city.
When Hobner learned that Sen Luo was visiting, he welcomed him very warmly. He held a grand banquet to entertain his old friend's son and invited a singing and dancing troupe to entertain him.
Nasha really dislikes such occasions.
As a princess of a country, she often attended banquets and saw the hypocritical faces of the nobles.
Hobner is as hypocritical as those nobles. His smile doesn't reach his eyes, and he even has bad intentions.
This banquet did not seem to be a genuine treat for Sen Luo, but rather a display of his wealth and power to Sen Luo.
Sen Luo has a high talent for swordsmanship and has reached the level of a great swordsman at a young age. So many people escorted her out of the country of Pedam, but in the end only he survived.
The so-called friend, could it be that Sen Luo’s father is just wishful thinking?
At the party, she saw someone she knew.
The musician performing the solo was actually that annoying black-haired young man.
Oh, I shouldn't say I hate it.
He gave Sen Luo a high-level purification stone and saved Sen Luo's life, so he should be thanked.
Nasha doesn't want anything to happen to him.
This old man Hobner is the real annoying guy.
When will the party end? I'm so annoyed!
Most was elated.
He knew that his father would not let this lowly musician go easily.
Elf poetry, whoever plays it will shorten his life.
Tsk tsk tsk, he wanted to see how this lowly musician responded.
Hobner ignored Sim's words and spoke slowly, "Mr. Al, I don't mean to embarrass you. It's mainly because after listening to your music, the headaches that have plagued me for a long time have been relieved. It's incredible! I heard that elven poetry can allow people to see the fantasy world they desire. I yearn for it very much. I have invited many musicians and bards, but unfortunately, none of them can meet my requirements."
Now that things have come to this, if Ilio refuses again, it would seem ungrateful.
"Elf poetry... I can play it, but..." Ilio said with a smile, "Everyone sees different visions. I can't guarantee that you will see the vision you want."
Hobner slapped the armrest of his chair and laughed, "Mr. Al is indeed a straightforward person! It doesn't matter, no matter what kind of illusion you see, I won't blame you!"
Elio said, "Not only me, but also the others in the troupe."
Hobner said, "Okay."
Ilio adjusted his sitting position slightly and began plucking the strings of his harp. His deep black eyes gazed at the middle-aged man in the first seat, and he spoke in a low, slightly hoarse voice, "Then, I will play the elven poem 'The Girl and the Swordsman' for everyone."
Sim lowered his head and slipped the blade between his fingers back into his sleeve.
The Milia Dance Troupe had never suffered such humiliation since their debut. The last person to insult their group was already buried.
Ned Hobner?
She took note.
Mary felt extremely guilty and apologized to Shu Li softly: "Little Amo, I'm sorry..."
Shu Li shook her head: "It's not your fault."
So, no need to apologize.
The chorus asked for help, and Ilio was willing to help. It was supposed to be a simple task, but no one expected that the person he was serving would be a rude and unreasonable man who relied on his wealth and power to force his way.
If Ilio doesn't agree, no one from the chorus will be able to leave the house today.
This world is completely different from his original world.
Without legal constraints, the upper class can do whatever they want to the lower class without even facing any punishment.
This world is too dark.
Fortunately, Ilio was not an ordinary human musician, and playing the elven poems had no effect on him.
However, being threatened to play the same instrument was very unpleasant.
Apparently, Elio thought so too.
Shu Li understood the hidden meaning in his words.
"I can play the elven poetry, but I am not responsible for whether the illusions you see are good or bad."
This is very Ilio.
Shu Li turned to look at the black-haired young man who was tuning the strings of a guitar.
Ilio noticed his gaze and winked at him from an angle where Hobner couldn't see.
Shu Li nodded in understanding, raised his right hand to cover his chest, and touched the storage ring hidden inside his clothes.
As everyone expected, Ilio's fingertips gently stroked the strings of the harp. Suddenly, melodious music rang out in the hall, with a tone as clear as spring water, which lifted people's spirits.
His piano skills were even more refined than before, and he played incomparable music that made everyone's soul tremble in an instant.
"In that distant time and space
The Bakat River flows quietly
Beautiful elf girl
Descending from the sky on a snow-white unicorn
Found a human swordsman lying by the river
Kind elf girl
Rescued the injured human swordsman
..."
A slightly hoarse man sang an ancient elven poem, accompanied by beautiful piano music, and a picture scroll slowly unfolded before the audience's eyes.
Poetry infused with magic opens up a magical fantasy world.
People who had never heard of elven poetry showed an expression of fascination.
Hobner's originally nonchalant face suddenly froze, and he unconsciously put down the wine glass in his hand, sat up straight, and looked straight ahead.
While everyone was in the illusion, Shu Li took out a tiny seed from the storage ring without anyone noticing. With a flick of his finger, the seed fell accurately under Hobner's chair.
The silent wood magic caused the seed to germinate and grow automatically without soil, and within seconds, a small purple flower bloomed.
The small flowers gave off a sweet fragrance that quickly spread in the air and silently entered Hobner's nose.
When Shu Li saw the confused look on Hobner's face, she knew that the fragrance of the flowers had worked.
This is dark grass. When ordinary humans smell the fragrance of its flowers, it will trigger negative emotions and temporarily enter a state of madness.
Paired with the magic of elven poetry, it will draw out the listeners' deepest fears.
Hobner wanted to see the illusion, so he and Ilio fulfilled his wish.
"...Young swordsman
A prince from Cecilia
He and the beautiful elf girl
Travel together
Embark on a magical adventure
..."
Hobner's breathing suddenly became rapid. A dark cave appeared in front of his eyes, and an armored swordsman was crawling in a panic.
A shrill scream came from deep in the cave. The swordsman climbed faster and rushed out of the cave with all his strength.
However, he was too tired, his physical strength and energy were about to be exhausted, and only the instinct to escape supported his body.
"Ned... Ned Hobner... save... save us..."
The swordsman heard his companions' shouts from behind, but he acted as if he didn't hear them and continued to move forward.
Suddenly, someone grabbed his calf.
"Ned...you can't escape alone...you have to take us out with you..."
The person holding his calf pleaded weakly.
"It was you...it was you who instigated us to come here and explore...You can't...leave us alone..."
The swordsman turned around and kicked the man hard.
"Let me go! Let me go now! You're so useless and holding me back! If I had known you were so weak, I wouldn't have come here to explore!"
"No, you can't leave! Bunker is still deep in the cave...Aren't you his friend? How can you abandon him?"
"Bunk..." the swordsman murmured, "He's a great swordsman, he'll be fine."
We both started practicing swordsmanship since childhood, so why is he still at the great swordsman level in his thirties, while Bunker is already a great swordsman?
There is only one word difference between a great swordsman and a great swordsman, but there is a world of difference in their strength.
He is jealous of Bunker, how could he possibly turn back and save him?
With a ruthless heart, the swordsman raised his sword and stabbed the guy who grabbed his calf.
“Ahhhh—”
A shrill scream came from the cave.
The swordsman killed anyone who blocked his way and struggled to climb out of the cave. The glaring sunlight hit his face, making it impossible for him to open his eyes.
Hobner, who was in the illusion, saw the swordsman's face clearly.
He is...himself fifteen years ago!
Hobner looked around in horror and was shocked to find that the nightmare that tormented him every night was reappearing clearly.
Why is this happening?
Shouldn’t illusions present beautiful scenes?
How could the past that he wanted to bury the most be ruthlessly picked out and appear in the illusion without any warning?
Hobner had a splitting headache.
Suddenly, the scene changed. The embarrassed swordsman knelt on the ground, begging another swordsman covered in blood: "Bunk... I was wrong! I shouldn't have brought everyone here! It's not that I didn't help, it's that my ability is limited! Really, really, you have to believe me!"
The swordsman called Bonker looked at him expressionlessly and raised his sword towards him.
"Ned, take up your sword!"
Ned's pupils constricted and he sweated profusely.
"You've fled before the battle, abandoned your comrades, and killed them. You've dishonored the name of a swordsman," Bonker shouted. "If you wish to refute me, take up your sword and fight me to the death!"
Ned trembled as he grasped the sword on the ground. He gritted his teeth and roared angrily, "Bunk, who do you think you are? You're just a commoner with some talent, and you dare challenge me, a nobleman, to a duel!"
Hobner held his aching head and watched his younger self pick up his sword and rush towards his former friend.
When a greatswordsman duels with a greatswords master, the result is predictable.
"when--"
Ned's sword was knocked away by Bunker and fell to the ground. His legs softened and he knelt heavily, but Bunker's sword did not stop and stabbed straight at his head.
“Ahhhhhh—”
The fear of death made Ned scream shrilly.
“Ahhhhhh—”
At the banquet, Hobner, who had already entered middle age, was panic-stricken and let out the same shrill screams as in the illusion, and his usual majesty was swept away.
Many of the other people who fell into the illusion looked as frightened as Hobner.
Some of them waved their limbs, some knelt down and begged for mercy, some cursed, and some burst into tears.
The members of the chorus were the least affected. When they came out of the illusion, they were surprised to see the ugly behavior of the Hobner family.
Shu Li held up her delicate chin and enjoyed the wonderful scene at the banquet with relish.
"...Beautiful elf girl, the Sword of Carlos will fight for you..."
Ilio finished playing the last verse of the poem and slowly put down his fingers.
The piano music disappeared and people gradually woke up.
Those who experienced the terrible illusion found themselves in a miserable state and their faces turned pale.
Hobner came out of the illusion and sat there with a dull look in his eyes, not coming back to his senses for a long time.
Most was the least affected of the Hobner family. Although he was usually arrogant and domineering, his fights were minor and no one was killed. In the illusion, he was the one being beaten.
After coming back to his senses, he saw the chaos at the banquet, then looked at his father who seemed to have aged ten years. He frowned, raised his hand and pointed at the black-haired young man who had put down the harp, and asked sharply, "What did you just do, you bastard?"
Elio clutched his chest, looking frail. He gasped, "What...what did I do? Master, didn't you see or hear me? I simply followed your father's request...and played an elven poem that would shorten my lifespan...cough cough cough..."
He covered his mouth, hunched his shoulders, and coughed violently.
Shu Li silently chanted a spell, causing the dark grass to wither and turn to ash. Then, pinching her thigh muscles, tears streaming down her face from the pain, she leaped from her seat and ran towards the coughing Ilio.
“Argo—” He cried and threw himself into the young man’s arms, “Are you okay… Woohoo… I don’t want you to die…”
Ilio embraced the crying little goblin, lowered his hand from covering her mouth, and said soothingly, "Be good... I'm fine... cough..."
Shu Li grabbed his hand and saw blood on it. She cried out in shock, "Waaaaaah, Argo, you're vomiting blood! Wuu ...
The child's crying is heartbreaking.
Those who wanted to rebuke the musicians hesitated.
Most wanted to ask a few more questions, but when he saw the musician vomiting blood and the little kid crying heartbreakingly, he swallowed the words that were about to come out of his throat.
What's wrong with a musician risking his life to play the elves' songs for everyone?
Moreover, before playing, he specifically stated that everyone saw different illusions, and that one should not blame him just because he saw a horrible scene.
The girls in the chorus were infected by little Amo's crying and started crying at the same time.
Mary knelt down and confessed: "I'm sorry, Mr. Al, it's all my fault..."
Sim stood up and bowed slightly to the chief. "Your Excellency, Master Hobner, please allow our troupe to conclude its performance tonight."
She didn't want to stay any longer.
No matter what status and position Hobner holds in Daoto City, he is already on her assassination blacklist.
Yes, on the surface she is the leader of the Milia Dance Troupe, but in reality she is an assassin who kills evildoers.
These noble lords, relying on their power and influence, oppress the common people and do all kinds of evil. They should all go to hell.
Originally, she didn't want to attack Hobner. After all, he was just passing through Daoto City and wanted to earn some money. But he went too far, so don't blame her for being rude.
Hobner, who had been in a trance for a long time, regained his composure. Seeing the weak musicians, the crying children, and the determined Captain Simu, he said in a deep voice, "Mester, go get them a thousand gold coins."
"Father..." Most exclaimed.
One thousand gold coins can buy a big house in the central area of Daoto City. How can the singing and dancing troupe be worth this price?
"Go quickly!" Hobner gave Moster a sharp look. He did not dare to object and hurried to get the money.
Sim said, "Thank you, Master Hobner, for your gift, but... no amount of gold coins can replace Mr. Al's lifespan."
Shu Li cried even louder: "Wuwawawa——Argo——I don't want you to die prematurely——"
Hobner pinched his brows, annoyed by the child's crying. He reached for the storage bag hanging around his waist, took out an exquisite box from it, and asked the servant next to him to send it to the musician.
The servant took the box respectfully and quickly handed it to Ilio.
Elio coughed several times, then held the box in his hand and asked weakly, "Master Ho... Master Hobner... what is this?"
Hobner said, "This is the treasure I obtained in the Wobba Canyon fifteen years ago at the risk of my life."
"This..." Ilio said, "Since it's Master Hobner's treasure, how can I... take it?"
Hobner waved his hand and said, "A gift once given cannot be taken back. Go away!"
Since the host had spoken, the chorus naturally would not shamelessly stay. After receiving the 1,000 gold coins, they packed up their things and left one after another.
Shu Li sobbed and supported the weak Ilio, walking at the back.
Sen Luo looked at their departing figures, clenched his fists, straightened his back, and said solemnly: "Uncle Hobner——"
"Senro," Hobner interrupted him, "Do you know why we can no longer hold swords?"
Sen Luo was stunned: "Why?"
Hobner looked at him deeply and said slowly, "Because...your father, Bonker, personally destroyed my sword hand."
"What?" Senluo was surprised.
Nasha became nervous and couldn't help grabbing the corner of Senluo's clothes.
Hobner said, "It seems your father never told you about me and him. You only know that I'm your father's friend, but you don't know that he and I are enemies. Coming to Otto City to ask for my help was clearly a wrong decision."
Sen Luo quickly pulled Nasha over and held the hilt of the sword with his other hand.
Hobner chuckled, "If I wanted to deal with you, I would have informed the Hermon Knights long ago, not held a banquet to entertain you."
Sen Luo remained silent and stared at him warily.
Hobner looked at Nasha, who was wearing men's clothing, and asked, "She is the princess of Pedam, right?"
Sen Luo's muscles tensed, and he frowned, "Uncle Hobner, since you have no intention of informing on me, please forgive me for not staying here any longer."
As he said that, he pulled Nasha up and was about to leave.
"Wait a minute," Hobner said, "don't you want to hear what I have to say?"
Sen Luo looked around and saw the guard standing in the corner. He calmed down and sat down again. "Uncle, please speak."
Hobner looked at him and said with emotion: "You are very good. I am really happy for Bunker. Unlike my son, he is just a loser who gets into trouble every day."
The useless Moster glared, but dared not say anything.
Hobner continued, "I once did something that wronged your father, and he ended my path to becoming a swordsman. Since then, I've been stuck at the Grand Swordsman level, unable to break through. This has become a thorn in my heart, keeping me awake at night and giving me frequent headaches. Just now, that Al musician from the chorus used elven poetry to open up those old wounds of mine."
"Senluo, I'm sorry to your father and to so many people." He murmured, "But I don't regret it."
If I had not made up my mind at the beginning, I would have died in that horrible cave.
"I'll take you to the royal city." Hobner looked at the surprised young man and said calmly, "The current Dalia Kingdom is no longer the powerful Dalia Empire of the past. Without my help, even if you enter the royal city, you won't be able to see the queen."
Sen Luo asked: "Why do you want to help me?"
Hobner picked up his wine glass and said thoughtfully, "Just think of it as me repaying your father for not killing me!"
In the small hotel, Shu Li walked upstairs with a large backpack on his shoulder, a magic wand under his arm, and holding Ilio, who was pretending to be weak, in his hand.
"Mr. Al, little Amo, please wait a moment." Sim called them.
The two men stood at the stairs, looking at her.
Sim took the large purse containing a thousand gold pieces from Bart's hand and pressed it into Ilio's hand.
In an attempt to appear weak, Ilio almost lost his grip. "Captain Ximu, what are you doing?"
"I'm very sorry that you were hurt because of my error in judgment. You deserve these gold coins." Ximu's expression was rarely serious.
Elio stared at her in silence for a moment, then said, "Since Captain Ximu insists, I'll accept it. You don't have to feel guilty. My loss isn't that great."
He took the purse, let Shu Li hold it, and then slowly went upstairs.
It was not until they entered the room and closed the door that the two finally took off their disguises.
"Oh, it's so heavy!" Shu Li threw the big purse, backpack, and magic wand to the ground, sat on the chair, and touched his neck.
"My throat is sore from howling."
Crying and shouting is really tiring.
"Good cooperation." Ilio, despite his earlier weakness, lifted the large money bag with one hand, weighed it, and said with a bright look, "It's quite substantial, barely enough for tonight's payment."
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