Ordinary fantasy adventure in Faerûn

Chapter 517 Raphael's True Purpose
Having said this, Raphael turned around and stretched out his right hand towards Noshil.

"And I am the friend who is willing to lend you a helping hand in times of crisis. Perhaps with my strength, I cannot directly help you deal with Zariel's wrath, but in my County of Hope, you can avoid any eyes that want to spy on you, and avoid the claws that want to tear you into pieces, as long as you are willing to extend your hand of friendship."

Noshier looked at Raphael's phantom right hand, and his expression suddenly became extremely strange, because he really didn't expect that this guy could talk nonsense to such an extent in front of him. Should he say that he is worthy of being a devil who makes a living by talking? He can even talk such nonsense without any burden.

"...It sounds really generous, but why did I hear there is a motto among the devils? What does that saying go? Oh, yes, I remember the meaning of that saying, if you want something, you must pay for it. So tell me, Raphael, you have offered me such generous conditions, what do you want from me?"

Raphael smiled, but he didn't put his hand back. Instead, he kept that posture and continued speaking.

"You really hurt my heart when you say that. Is there any law in this world that says that the devil can't show a little compassion and kindness occasionally? Haha! Well, there's no need to say that, but the reason I approached you is really just because I admire you. But if you are really willing to give a little reward in return for this little help that is absolutely mutually beneficial to both of us, then it will definitely make our friendship last longer."

"So…what do you want from me?"

Raphael's eyes suddenly flashed. He didn't expect the topic to suddenly shift to this direction, but after a moment of thought, he decided to consciously reveal some information.

"Oh - nothing, just a trophy you captured in a previous battle. It's a crown with a very strange shape, but I've noticed that you seem to have a very good helmet, so for you, that thing is just a useless floating ornament, but it's different for me."

"That thing is of extraordinary value. If you are willing to accept my help, the only reward I need is those suspended iron pieces. And if you, my friend, are willing to meet my small request, you will become the most distinguished guest of Hope County, and my door will always be open to you."

Raphael's words were still calm and steady, but within this calm there was a wave of disturbance, because he had revealed his true purpose. The crown, the crown of Karsas, was the most fundamental reason why Raphael went out in person.

When Noshir heard this, he instantly understood Raphael's purpose. The crown of Karsas, yes, I should have thought of it earlier. Apart from this, what else do I have in my hand that will attract him?
But this is not right. My battle with the Mastermind was very secretive. All those who knew about it were eliminated by me in that battle. Except for the Three Death Gods who already knew the whereabouts of the crown, no one knew that the crown was in my hands. How did Raphael know this?

Moreover, this guy deliberately downplayed the true function of the crown. Did he think that I didn't know the true power of the crown, so he wanted to cheat it back with a lie? But how could he be so sure that I didn't know the true value of the crown? Who told him this information? Could it be...

"You have met Gotash, Raphael, and you got this information from him."

Nosir's words sounded like a question, but his tone was extremely firm. Raphael's expression suddenly became completely gloomy. He retracted his phantom hand and spoke to Nosir word by word.

"How did you guess that?"

Noshir smiled. "Because I know the true value of that thing, and I also know that besides me, no one else in the world knows that this thing is in my hands. As long as you know these two points, you will understand it after a little thought, brother."

Raphael sighed slightly in his heart. Indeed, as long as he knew these two points, plus my previous idiotic conversation that was like trying to cover up one's own faults, this guy would be able to understand where my information came from with just a little thought.

But Raphael never expected that this guy actually knew the true function of the crown. It was really strange. Wasn't he a barbarian? How could a barbarian understand this kind of artifact that only spellcasters could slightly explore? He didn't even have a spell slot, and he didn't have all the Nesser gems. It was impossible for him to use the crown at all?
"Ha, it seems I really miscalculated."

Raphael withdrew his hand, but his expression instantly changed from gloomy to an expression that showed everything was still under control.

Raphael was indeed puzzled as to how Noshier knew the true function of the crown, but no matter how confused he was, the fact had already happened. Alas, it seemed that he was destined to not be able to easily trick the crown out, but fortunately he still had a chance.

"Okay, you cunning fellow, now I have to admit that it's probably impossible for us to have a pure friendship. But since things have developed to this point, let's be direct, Noshir. Until now, I still think that we can still reach a mutually beneficial deal on some level."

"Oh, what do you say?"

Noshil asked with some interest. The guy in front of him finally took off his disgusting disguise and chose a more straightforward exchange of interests. This straightforward conversation was obviously much better than his previous deception that he had obviously treated himself as a fool. This also made Noshil want to talk more.

After confirming that he had contact with Gotash before, Noshier also realized that this guy must have some information that he was very interested in, such as...

"That damned Gotash, and that equally damned evil thought, I can tell you all the information about them, and it's free of charge. After all... this is one of my original purposes."

Raphael stopped pretending and spoke directly to Noshil, who also showed surprise at the same time.

"Oh? You don't charge any fees? So generous? You really surprised me, Raphael. I thought you would use this information to exchange the crown from me."

Raphael still maintained that grim smile.

"If you are really willing to exchange the crown for this information, then I have absolutely no objection, but you have obviously proved that you are not stupid enough to do so. After all, if you are really so gullible, then I can exchange your soul for a bag of beans right now."

(End of this chapter)