Having chosen his new territory, Lear did not linger.
After nodding to Felena, he turned and left the hall.
In the afternoon, wetland lizardmen will be available for sale; this is the power he needs for his expansion.
Tomorrow is July 10th, and there will be new information to update, which fills him with anticipation.
But as soon as he stepped out of the hall, Jasmine, the maid who had driven for Philena at the Rose Manor, stopped him.
"Lord Lear, please follow me to the side hall; His Highness summons you."
The other person's long, golden hair shone like the sun, leaving a deep impression.
Is this Philena returning the favor?
Lear became interested and followed the other person into another, slightly smaller side room.
We sat down and had tea made.
After a short wait, an elegant and classical figure slowly entered, her long, ash-colored hair floating in mid-air, mysterious and unpredictable.
"Your Excellency Lear, I'm sorry to have kept you waiting."
Lear looked at this peerless beauty, revered by countless people.
"Your Highness seems to have something important to instruct you on?"
Philena approached him and looked at him with great interest.
"Lord Lear, you still owe me 100 gold coins. Are you planning to leave without saying a few more words?"
That money was borrowed through my own abilities, and Lear spoke with absolute certainty.
"We're all friends. Once I expand my territory and make money, I'll pay you back double."
friend?
Philena chuckled.
"That would be my honor."
After making a couple of jokes, she continued without waiting for him to speak.
"Your choice of the muddy swamp is indeed somewhat unexpected."
"However, it must have been a well-considered choice, so I won't go into too much detail."
"The blue crystal grass was retrieved yesterday."
He spoke with obvious gratitude on his face.
"This is the magical plant I needed for my advancement. You have been a great help to me."
Something needed for a promotion? No wonder they're so eager.
Lear then understood.
However, the opponent is already a level 16 archmage, and still wants to advance? Doesn't that mean they're aiming for level 17?
This is a true genius!
"His Highness lent me 100 gold coins, which helped me a lot."
"We're even now."
The other party received the item for promotion, and so did he.
The gains are hundreds or thousands of times greater!
Philena smiled.
"Your Excellency Lear, the accounts cannot be settled this way."
"I took the liberty of sending someone to inquire about your situation, and thus I have prepared some supplies for you."
"Hope this helps."
"Jasmine."
As soon as he finished speaking, the blonde maid stepped forward and handed him a list containing a long list of supplies.
Food, farm tools, ironware, and other miscellaneous supplies filled 30 horse-drawn carts.
In addition, there's the main attraction – 1,000 gold coins in cash, two hundred sets of standard armor from the Loran City Guard, plus 100 slave craftsmen!
After carefully reviewing the list, Lear gave Lorraine Rose a deep look.
This gift is too heavy.
Philena noticed his gaze and a smile appeared on her face.
"Is Your Excellency Lear satisfied?"
These supplies are alright, but the most valuable items are those two hundred sets of armor.
Even a standard set of armor costs as much as 20 gold coins, which would take an average person four or five years of working without eating or drinking to afford.
Two hundred sets would be worth 4,000 gold coins! That would take a worker 800 years to complete!
"I will remember Your Highness's kindness."
Upon hearing this, Philena blinked.
"Aren't we friends? Why be so polite?"
Lear stared at the other person for a moment, then suddenly smiled.
"Then let's get to know each other again, Lil Els. Best regards, Philena Lorraine."
Upon hearing this, the maid beside him changed her expression slightly.
How could an ordinary person address His Highness by his first name?!
But Philena keenly sensed that sincerity.
For some inexplicable reason, I felt a sense of honor.
Crazy?
Would she feel honored to receive recognition from a descendant of a fallen nobleman?
These are truly inexplicable emotions.
But her gaze softened.
"Philipina Loren, say hello to you, Lil Els."
She didn't know why the other party was so confident.
Since yesterday, I haven't felt the slightest bit intimidated by her.
Even though he still lives in a slum like Ninth Street.
However, the confidence that emanated from the other person was not feigned, which gave them a unique demeanor and charm.
She had met countless outstanding people, so she wouldn't be tempted by anything trivial, but she was still very much looking forward to seeing what the other person would do in the wilderness.
I hope you can reveal your hand and let me see what sustains your soul.
Don't let me down.
As she pondered, Philena seemed to have thought of something. She reached out and waved her hand, and a small, exquisite wooden cage appeared out of thin air in her hand.
Inside, there was a fat, grayish-brown worm munching on green leaves, just like a vegetable worm.
He handed the cage to Lear, his tone subtle.
"Lord Lear, this is a strange creature that I obtained by chance in an ancient ruin—a swamp mud worm."
"This creature is well-suited for raising in swamps."
"Legend has it that swamp mud worms can prey on dragons once they reach adulthood."
"However, it seems that the other party has been sleeping in the ruins for too long. I fed it a lot of magical plants, but I still couldn't replenish its essence."
"Perhaps it can recover after entering the swamp."
"A swamp mud worm, presented to you as a testament to our friendship."
Lear reached out and took it, looking at the tiny insect, about the size of his little finger, with considerable surprise.
This little creature will be able to prey on dragons when it grows up?!
As expected of a fantasy world, it makes no sense at all.
As for what the other party said, the feeding was not significant.
The corners of her mouth turned up slightly.
The Swamp God controls the life of the swamp!
"Thank you for your kindness, Your Highness."
With a hint of heartache, he pulled something out of his pocket and looked at the other person earnestly.
"Since Your Highness is so generous, I naturally cannot be stingy. This is my most cherished possession, which I present to Your Highness as a testament to our friendship."
Philena and the maid behind her looked over and saw a crooked, whimsical, colorful bamboo dragonfly in his hand.
The maid was stunned. Was that all?
His Highness sent so many gifts, and you're trying to fool him with this?!
Philena took it seriously, looked at the crooked, colorful bamboo dragonfly, and smiled.
The room felt like springtime, with flowers in bloom and the winter sun shining brightly, creating a wonderful atmosphere.
He carefully put it away, saying earnestly.
"I accept your gift. It's the first time someone has given me such a special gift."
He slowly placed his three long, slender, and fair fingers on his right eyebrow, raising them slightly towards the sky.
May the goddess always be with you.
He looked deeply at the boy, who was slightly thin but had an extraordinary bearing and deep eyes.
I hope you come back alive from the wilderness, my friend.
——
The already popular novel with over two million words and a 10,000-word pre-order rating, *Global Lord: Starting as a Desert Lord*, is even more exciting! If you enjoy lord-themed novels, give it a try!