Finn's commitment to assist was precisely what Lin En desired most. In the realm of Santilburg, having a Ban priest by his side could facilitate many endeavors that others would find insurmountable.
Santilburg serves as the stronghold of the Ban Church, where it has taken root and flourished over the years. With eight thousand priests and over a hundred thousand followers, the Ban Church stands as an indomitable colossus, one that few dare to challenge. Even the Santalin Guild, which is also entrenched in Santilburg, along with the lords who control trade routes and mineral wealth, can only coexist with this colossal church, forming a tripartite ruling class over Santilburg and nearly half the surrounding regions of the Sea of Moons.
The lords, the Santalin Guild, and the Ban Church intertwine and cooperate, though their interests do not always align perfectly. Together, they govern Santilburg and its adjacent territories.
Due to the fragmented nature of their power, numerous legal loopholes exist for exploitation. By cultivating good relations with them, one can engage in ventures that require minimal expenditure yet yield substantial profits—such endeavors would significantly aid Lin En in establishing himself in the north.
Lin En had already begun to formulate a vague vision for his northern aspirations. However, every new venture begins with challenges; he lacked the necessary funds, rendering the initial phase rather cumbersome. Yet, the prospect of Finn's assistance lightened the burden considerably, and the process unfolded more smoothly than he had anticipated.
With the matter settled, Lin En felt a wave of relief wash over him. After exchanging a few more casual remarks, Finn rose to take his leave. His original intention was to ascertain whether Gissasha possessed sufficient inclination to convert to the Ban faith, and Lin En's discourse had assured him that Gissasha had indeed encountered individuals well-versed in the doctrines of Ban, making her conversion a distinct possibility.
Thus, he hinted to Gissasha that he would facilitate their impending union. Gissasha, unable to contain her excitement, immediately embraced Reila with fervor, nearly bursting with the urge to announce her engagement to the world.
Her exuberance made it clear that she was not inclined to hear stories today. Lin En, too, felt the time had stretched longer than intended and prepared to take his leave. However, Gissasha called him back, assigning him an additional task.
"If you wish to join the northern expedition, before you depart, please document the tale of Trystan Duhlden's escape from Mosoblar. At the very least, it will serve as an entertaining diversion for me."
"That is quite a lengthy tale, encompassing the likes of Klinsynipon, Shadow Drake Shattering, and even the Seven Sisters, not to mention the Abyss..."
Gissasha's request left Lin En somewhat speechless; after this day, he had not planned to tell any more stories. Yet, with the young lady making her demand, he found himself juggling the curious egg's cage while suppressing the restless creature inside, all the while crafting a justification for her.
"Do your best."
Miss Vela, who had remained unusually quiet, interjected before her sister could unleash her frustration. Gissasha hesitated to retort, and Lin En fell silent as well. In comparison to the boisterous Gissasha and the petty Reila, Vela maintained an icy demeanor, and despite being the youngest, she wielded a certain authority that made Lin En reluctant to openly contradict her.
Gissasha said nothing further and departed with Reila in tow. Vela gestured for Lin En to leave, and she accompanied him quietly, seemingly wishing to escort him. As they walked to a secluded area, she suddenly spoke.
"Do you have a comprehensive plan for joining the northern expedition?"
"I possess a plan that holds a high degree of feasibility..."
Miss Vela interrupted him, her expression unchanged, as though she had not heard his words. Once he finished speaking, she resumed.
"I have a sum of money you may use."
Miss Vela offered no unnecessary elaboration; she didn't even inquire if Lin En wanted it. She understood well that to accomplish anything, one needs financial backing; even to recruit henchmen, capital is essential.
Taken aback, Lin En nodded in acceptance, refraining from decline.
Although he knew little about Miss Vela, he could discern her underlying motive: to her, this was an investment.
Upon entering this family, Lin En aimed to connect with the young ladies through adventurous tales. While Gissasha and Reila treated his stories as mere entertainment, Miss Vela appeared to react differently. When Lin En recounted Trystan's escape from his homeland, she seemed genuinely moved, her curiosity prompting her to inquire about his narrative.
"Is this story genuine? Can dark elves truly escape the grasp of the Spider Queen?"
At the time, Lin En was unaware of her thoughts and could only provide the simplest affirmation.
"Certainly. Moreover, many dark elves under the Dark Maiden have successfully escaped the Spider Queen's shackles; it is not uncommon."
Miss Vela spoke little thereafter, but when she later learned of Trystan's conversion to Melike, she appeared somewhat invigorated. Trystan's unique style piqued her interest, and as her questions multiplied, Lin En gradually realized one thing.
Unlike her two sisters, Miss Vela was not content with the status quo. She possessed greater ambitions—but what exactly she yearned for remained elusive to Lin En.
He discerned only that her disdain for this family did not stem from a sense of morality; rather, when she mentioned Duke Reani, an expression of longing crossed her face—not for the duke's lavish lifestyle or wealth, but for the power to slay kings at will.
Her ambitions loomed large; sadly, she was but a young girl without substantial influence. Uncle Robin would never allow her to venture from the family into perilous pursuits. With nothing but money to her name, she could only choose to invest in Lin En, attempting to carve out something unique.
Naturally, Lin En would not refuse the funds she offered; combined with Finn's assistance, this would serve as his initial capital.
Despite his modest origins, Lin En needed to devise ways to secure benefits for himself. Whether through charming the young ladies or persuading religious figures for investments, he could not afford to let any opportunity pass him by.
For these investments, he could only assure her that within his capacity, he would provide some form of return.
And therein lay the extent of his commitment—after all, he was not a benevolent benefactor, and he must consider his own interests first.
Miss Vela was well aware of this, yet she still wished to take a risk.
"In your endeavor to the north, I can offer you no more assistance. However, I must impart a piece of advice: if possible, it would be wise to enhance your strength as soon as you can. Your current power is, for any undertaking, rather insufficient."
It was not until they encountered a ghoul that Miss Vela halted her steps. As they parted ways, she spoke once more. Lin En, taken aback, nodded in agreement; she was right—regardless of how flawless his plans might be, his strength was indeed too feeble.
With only third-circle spells at his disposal, he was ill-prepared to face unforeseen circumstances.