**Chapter 98: To a Place Without Hunger**
Alden squinted against the bright light, momentarily taken aback by the figure making her way toward him.
“Princess Elsinara?” he exclaimed, his voice a mix of surprise and curiosity.
“I hadn’t intended to drop by,” she replied, a playful smirk dancing on her lips, “but when I caught sight of the God-Given Phantom of my deity from a distance, I couldn’t resist the urge to come see you.”
He nodded slowly, processing her words. “And what’s your plan now?”
“Frost King,” she said, her tone shifting to a more serious note, “I can’t quite tell if you’re leaning toward Veyla or Leona. Either way, the situation doesn’t seem favorable for you.”
Alden raised an eyebrow, sensing the weight of her words. “That doesn’t sound particularly promising.”
With a casual wave of her hand, Elsinara continued, “You see, I’m the strongest among the three princesses and possess the most substantial resources. Whatever they might offer, I can match it, and then some.”
Alden wasn’t surprised by her confidence. With the Ice Goddess’s blessing coursing through him, his influence in Astralon had soared to new heights. Naturally, Elsinara would see him as a valuable ally to court.
“So, what exactly do you propose to give me?” he inquired, his tone steady.
She paused for a moment, her gaze drifting to the magnificent Blossomveil House that loomed behind her. “That house will be yours. And once you claim it, both Veyla and Leona will fall into your grasp as well.”
It was clear to Alden that she believed her allure would be enough to sway him.
“Is that all you have to offer?” he replied, shaking his head in mild disbelief. “I’m not particularly interested in that kind of arrangement. I have no shortage of women in my life.”
Elsinara hesitated, her brow furrowing slightly as she considered her next words. “Then perhaps you could enlighten me about what Veyla and Leona have promised you?”
“I can’t divulge that,” he stated firmly, feeling a strange mix of intrigue and caution. “But I do see potential in you.”
He continued, “Veyla, despite having Queen Fiona’s support, is too blunt and unrefined for roles that require subtlety. As for Leona, her foundation is weak. If not for that incident, she might have posed a genuine challenge for the Astralon Chamber of Commerce. But now, that opportunity has slipped away.”
A spark ignited in Elsinara’s eyes. “So… you’re willing to assist me?”
“I will,” he affirmed, “but I require the Blessing of the Gods. Do you know how we might obtain them?”
Her expression soured slightly. Even she knew that the gods’ blessings weren’t something one could simply hand over.
“I can point you to those who possess them,” she replied, “but first, I need your help to eliminate someone.”
“Who do you have in mind?” he asked, curiosity piqued.
“Clarice!” she exclaimed, her voice firm.
Alden raised an eyebrow, skepticism creeping into his thoughts. “Is this some sort of loyalty test?”
“Something along those lines. Are you in?”
Ding! A notification chimed in his mind. “Princess Elsinara has issued you a quest. Do you accept it?”
“Quest requirements: Kill Clarice. Time limit: 15 days. Quest penalty: Unknown. Quest reward: Seven clues to the Blessing of the Gods.”
Alden’s eyes widened, his heart racing at the prospect.
That reward was nothing short of extraordinary.
Seven clues!
Even if they were merely hints, following them could very well lead him to the coveted blessings of the gods.
Killing an NPC for such a reward? There was no reason to turn it down.
“I accept,” he declared without hesitation.
This quest was pivotal for the revival of the Ancient Eastern Empire. Clarice was no longer a formidable obstacle in his path.
From his assessment, she was likely a Level 50 golden boss equipped with some unique tactics.


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