Chapter 39: Three Treasures
Perhaps it was because he already understood Guilliman's personality from Valesa.
Francesca didn't dither, nor did she care for formalities.
She maintained the elegant and beautiful demeanor of the Elven Queen, allowing Valesa to guide the Witcher to a seat not far from her, before she spoke:
"We finally meet, Mr. Guilliman."
"Actually, the first day you arrived here, I saw you from afar."
"Unlike other Witchers, you possess a unique aura that leaves a deep impression."
Hearing these slightly complimentary words, Guilliman smiled, sensing the Queen's goodwill.
He recalled the gestures of nobles bowing and returned a gentlemanly 禮節 to the Elven Queen before speaking:
"I've heard of your renown, Your Majesty."
"Some say you are the most beautiful woman in this world."
"Others say you are the most powerful sorceress in this world."
"Still others say you are the only Queen on this continent."
"However, I am a little curious, Your Majesty."
"Since you have been here before, why didn't you help your people by eliminating those two wyverns?"
"Surely, for you, those two wyverns are no more dangerous than two ordinary lizards."
Guilliman actually knew the reason, but as someone meeting her for the first time, he felt he should still ask to appear more normal.
Francesca's beautiful face showed a melancholic expression upon hearing this. She parted her red lips, sighed, and then said:
"The reason for this is very simple, Mr. Guilliman."
"Because I am an Elf, and the Elven Queen at that."
"Precisely because I possess powerful magic, countless eyes are always watching me, filled with malice, filled with covetousness, at all times."
"The more things you care about, the more weaknesses you have."
"To ensure my people do not suffer more malice, more difficulties, and dangers."
"I must exercise restraint, to make those watching me believe I am not dangerous, to believe everything is still within their control."
"Otherwise, some of my actions might even trigger another war between humans and Elves."
At this point, Francesca revealed a smile so fragile it was heartbreaking. She looked at the Witcher with her sky-blue eyes, clear as lake water, and said:
"There are many things I wish to do, but cannot."
"I can only watch many tragedies unfold, powerless."
"It is precisely because of this that today's transaction exists, Mr. Guilliman."
"Today, let us talk about this transaction openly and honestly. Do not treat me as a Queen, but simply as a sorceress in need of help."
"You can state what you desire, and I will state my request."
"Regarding the items you presented earlier, I am willing to purchase them for ten thousand Orens, which is higher than the black market price, enough to show my sincerity."
"You can also use this as leverage to exchange for what you desire, and once the transaction is complete, you will receive the remaining compensation."
Francesca's attitude was very sincere, without the condescending gaze of a powerful sorceress or the Elven Queen, nor the hypocritical deception of a noble or merchant. Instead, she spoke to him like an equal friend.
After Guilliman agreed to the transaction, she waved her hand, and three exquisite wooden boxes flew from a nearby cabinet to the table between them, neatly arranged in a row.
A black mask that only covered the lower half of the face, a gem emitting a faint blue light, and an emblem carved from the scales of an unknown animal lay quietly in the boxes, placed before Guilliman.
Francesca's voice was beautiful, like an orchid in a secluded valley, giving one a sense of peace and tranquility.
She softly introduced the three items.
"These three magical items are all from my collection, relics of powerful mages from history. I believe they might be quite practical for a Witcher, which is why I'm offering them for trade."
"This mask is called the Night Hawk Mask. When worn, it conceals your face, alters your voice, and forms a thin black mist around your body, like a stealth suit. It hides your appearance during the day, and at night, it allows you to blend into the darkness, making it harder to be detected."
"The blue gem is a Water Spirit Gem. Holding it in your mouth can provide you with about half an hour of oxygen. It also increases your swimming speed, allowing you to move through water like a fish, preventing you from drowning."
"As for the last emblem, I call it the Leap Emblem. It is the most valuable of the three items."
"By infusing it with magic, it grants you about three minutes of flight. Whether it's to cross terrain, overcome dangerous obstacles, or escape enemy pursuit, it is incredibly useful."
"However, this emblem has a usage limit; it can only be used once every two hours. But even so, the ability to fly is a very special ability, and I'm sure you understand its value."
After introducing these three powerful treasures, Francesca's face showed a faint smile, and she softly said:
"The Night Hawk Mask, two thousand Orens; the Water Spirit Gem, fifteen hundred Orens; and for the Leap Emblem, five thousand Orens."
"Trust me, Mr. Guilliman."
"If I were willing to sell them to wealthy merchants or great nobles, these three magical items would be treated as their family heirlooms, passed down through generations."
"Even at double the price, they would be easily sold."
After hearing Francesca's introduction, Guilliman also felt the price was not expensive, even a bargain, and at the same time, he was somewhat shocked by the sorceress's power.
These three magical items were clearly tailor-made for him, a Witcher.
And to be able to select such a suitable combination from her collection clearly indicated that the quantity and quality of her collection were astonishing, far beyond what an ordinary sorcerer could compare to.
She was indeed worthy of being from the Elven royal family, who once ruled the entire continent, and worthy of being hailed as the most powerful sorceress.
While the three treasures might not significantly boost his combat power.
They would, however, provide strong support for him in three aspects—sea, land, and air—enough to cope with many difficulties and battles that were previously hard to manage.
It was like adding wings to a tiger, a rare and invaluable opportunity.
This made it hard for him to refuse, and he couldn't think of a reason to do so.
Guilliman pondered for a few seconds, seemingly unfazed by the high price of the three items.
He said calmly:
"These are indeed excellent treasures, Ms. Francesca. A total of eight thousand five hundred Orens, I'll take them all."
"Additionally, I hope you can help me acquire a pass to enter Vizima City. I am willing to pay enough gold to purchase this pass."
"And please state your commission. If it doesn't violate my principles, I will not refuse."