Patriarch Rylan then turned his attention back to Orion. "Though I don't have much at the moment, as I couldn't gather all of my wealth, I possess something that might be valuable enough to cover the cost of the Four-eared Elves'elves' accommodation," he said with a sigh.
After briefly contemplating, he stretched his right hand into his leaf-crafted attire and withdrew an orb.
The orb was about the size of a human fist, pulsating with gold, amber, and crimson hues. Delicate lattice patterns adorned its surface, resembling the intricate veins of a leaf.
"This is the 'Solara's Divine Eye,' a divine artefact that grants the user unparalleled insight, enabling them to perceive hidden truths, unravel mysteries, and discern the true nature of people, objects, and events with uncanny accuracy. The only problem is, being a divine artefact, I don't know how to use it yet," Patriarch Rylan explained as he extended his hand outward and placed the orb securely on the table for them to examine.
Orion, the Village Chief, Stronghold Leader Zogar, and Seth eyed the orb curiously when Patriarch Rylan first brought it out. However, after hearing his explanation, their eyes widened in surprise.
After Orion shared all the artefacts he had found with the warriors and the Prismerions, they were all familiar with what they were. They understood their incomparable value compared to standard weapons.
However, Orion couldn't help but narrow his eyes at the brilliant orb. After all, he also possessed two divine artefacts and understood their immense value. "Patriarch Rylan, are you certain this is a divine artefact?" Orion asked, his voice tinged with scepticism.
It seemed implausible that Patriarch Rylan could give out such an artefact, given its priceless value.
"Yes, I have had it appraised by many experts to confirm its authenticity. Some were even tempted to claim it for themselves, so I can assure you, it is genuine," Patriarch Rylan affirmed, nodding his head firmly.
Orion nodded in response. Nevertheless, even if Patriarch Rylan lied, he could have Aerialia examine the artefact and confirm its authenticity.
"Can I know how you came across a divine artefact, Patriarch Rylan?" Orion asked curiously.
Regardless of whether it was a high-level or middle-level divine artefact, Orion was aware that no one could acquire one without an extraordinary encounter, so he was truly curious about how Patriarch Rylan had managed to get his hands on it.
The Village Chief, Stronghold Leader Zogar, and Stronghold Leader Zogar Seth also stared at Patriarch Rylan curiously, wanting to know how he had acquired such an artefact.
Patriarch Rylan nodded, "I received this artefact after trying to save a strange man a few years ago on my way to the Village. Though he died shortly soon after, as gratitude, he gave me this divine artefact in return for safekeeping. So ever since then, I've kept it with me after confirming its authenticity," he responded with a sigh escaping his lips.
"Unfortunately, during one of my trips to confirm its validity and figure out how to use it, information about the artefact leaked, drawing the attention of a Grade 2 Runaway City, 'The Wandering Wolf Borough' Runaway City. This Runaway City was responsible for destroying the trading agreements I had made the 'The Sleeping Fox' Runaway City."
Orion, the Village Chief, and the others frowned when they heard Patriarch Rylan's words. The Village Chief couldn't help but ask, "So the trading agreement wasn't just broken because of the Kalna fruits?"
Patriarch Rylan nodded in response, "Yes. Though the Kalna fruit was part of why a Grade 2 Runaway City had taken an interest in us, their main goal was the 'Solara's Divine Eye,'" he said, gesturing towards the orb on the table. "Fortunately, they hadn't attacked us head-on because they were unaware of where it was hidden, so they could only bide their time until they found it."
"Though it's only a hunch, I think 'The Wandering Wolf Borough' Runaway City shared this information with 'The Sleeping Fox' Runaway City, which might be why they launched a sudden attack against us out of nowhere. Fortunately, I received information about their attack in time and fled with some of the four-eared elves we could carry. If not for that, I and the entire Four-eared elves would have fallen along with our 'Four-eared Lone Rabbit' Runaway City," Patriarch Rylan added.
"So, considering that this divine artefact is the major cause of our downfall, it shouldn't be surprising why I would willingly offer it up in exchange for the proper accommodation of my entire Four-eared elven race and, most of all, prove my sincerity to the Village and Orion's Cities."
"So, Warrior Orion, Village Chief Brane, do you think this payment is good enough to serve as fair compensation for the accommodation of the Four-eared elves in your territory?" Patriarch Rylan asked, shifting his attention towards Orion and the Village Chief.
Though tempted to respond and hold the orb to see how a divine artefact feels, the Village Chief remained silent, leaving the matter for Orion to handle.
However, without hesitation, Orion nodded in response. "Patriarch Rylan, a divine artefact is indeed enough to serve as fair payment for the Four-eared elves' accommodation, so with this, you no longer need to worry about what has occurred," he responded.
Patriarch Rylan sighed. His shoulders slumped, feeling like his body had just been released from a heavy burden. "Thank you," he said.
Orion nodded in acknowledgement.
"Since we are done here, I think it's time I meet with Captain Seig and his Lieutenant," Orion said, his gaze fixed on the Village Chief.
"Very well, you can go with Stronghold Leader Zogar and Seth. I'll be staying behind because there are still some matters I need to discuss with Patriarch Rylan," the Village Chief replied.
He observed as Orion briefly contemplated, then nodded in understanding. Orion retrieved a cloth from his pocket and carefully wrapped the orb before rising to his feet.
Stronghold Leader Zogar and Stronghold Leader Seth nodded in acknowledgement before joining Orion as they exited the room.
