Chapter 328 Li Lin’s Position
Although Demacia's territory is less than one-third the size of Noxus, the kingdom is very rich in products.
Even in a border town like Renwall, the food used to entertain distinguished guests is no less sumptuous than the upper-class family exchange banquets in Piltover.
Li Lin's main mission here this time was to help the soldiers repair their eyes, and he originally wanted to decline such an invitation.
However, due to Jarvan IV's hospitality, Li Lin still sat next to him and accepted his hospitality.
Because this was a banquet specially hosted by Jarvan IV to entertain Li Lin, it seemed that he wanted to communicate with him on some serious matters.
Except for a few musicians in a corner of the hall, Li Lin didn't see any guards.
Continuous tunes with a strong Demacia style echoed softly. This was the permanent band specially hired by His Highness the Prince from a tavern in the town called "Shining Yinting".
This band uses what Piltover considers to be a traditional classical music performance. The singer is a rather delicate and beautiful girl who does not look too old.
The girl's voice is high-pitched, crisp, and as smooth as running water, and her singing style has a hint of Ionian charm.
Although she is not as heavenly as Seraphine, after all, she has no magic talent and cannot use magic to bless her voice.
Li Lin recognized her as an Ionian at a glance.
Jarvan IV noticed Li Lin's expression and introduced him with a smile: "Her name is Aitra, and she is a popular person in Shuoyinting Tavern."
Aitra?
Li Lin raised his eyebrows, subconsciously feeling that this name seemed to have been seen somewhere before, and seemed to be related to a certain person.
It's just that it was too long ago, and he couldn't recall such very detailed content.
"I like her singing very much. She is fully qualified to join the royal troupe."
Jarvan IV looked at the Ionian girl with a hint of admiration, "But two days ago I asked her if she would like to return to the capital with me, and she refused."
"Is there such a thing?" Li Lin was puzzled. "Being able to join the royal troupe should be a supreme honor for her, right?"
Jarvan IV laughed, "I asked her the same question at that time. What do you think she answered?"
With a smile in his eyes, he shook his head helplessly, "She said that I didn't want to enjoy the glory and wealth of the Bouvier family. I came to this remote area because I hated the atmosphere of hypocrisy among the nobles."
The Bouvier family…
If the Crownguard family of Galen and Lux is the left arm of the Lightshield royal family, then the Bouvier family is the right arm of Jarvan III.
Especially the head of the Bouvier family, Barrett Bouvier, has been a good friend of Jarvan III since he was a child. The relationship between the two is just like Jarvan IV and Galen.
Although he has already retired due to his old age and has taken a back seat, he still enjoys the respect and trust of Jarvan III. He often discusses state affairs with Jarvan III in the Hall of Valor where the king works.
The figure of Sona suddenly flashed in Li Lin's mind, and combined with the identity of Aitla Ionian, he suddenly understood.
When Noxus invaded Ionia, Sona and some orphans, who were adopted by the Shilana Monastery in Galen Province, boarded a ship to seek refuge in Demacia.
The people who responded to them happened to be the Bouvier family.
There were nine children who accompanied Sona, but eight of them did not choose to stay in the end.
Etra and Sona, who also have musical talents, are best friends. Even though they haven't seen each other for several years in the original world line, this friendship has not deteriorated.
"Hmm...a very straightforward little girl." Li Lin took a sip of pure wine and said with a smile.
"The Bouvier family is an important supporter of the Demacia Illuminati, and Lord Barrett and my father are brothers."
Jarvan IV also raised his glass and took a sip, and continued with a smile: "She can refuse even such a generous offer. She is unwilling to become the adopted daughter of the Bouviers and give up her glory and wealth. This is something that most people cannot do. Arrived."
"Maybe she still cares about her hometown."
"Just like you?" Jarvan IV looked at Li Lin, "My intuition tells me that you are a person with a story... After Noxus was defeated, why didn't you return to Ionia?"
"There is nothing left that I am attached to in Ionia."
When Jarvan IV asked him this question, Li Lin couldn't help but recall the two familiar yet unfamiliar faces in his mind - "his" parents.
They were supposed to go with him to Piltover, but because Noxus breached the port city gate, they were unable to board the fleeing ship. They were pierced by swift arrows and then perished in a sea of fire.
Although today's "Li Lin" actually has nothing to do with them, this memory lingers in his mind.
Whenever he thought of it, his eyes couldn't help but moisten.
Jarvan IV seemed to notice the change in Li Lin's mood. He was silent for two seconds and immediately apologized: "Sorry, I didn't expect this. This is my fault. I will punish myself."
As he spoke, he filled himself up with wine that was not low in alcohol content and poured it into his stomach.
"It doesn't matter, it's been many years anyway."
A hearty smile appeared on Li Lin's face, and he also drank a drink with Jarvan IV.
"Actually, I chose to stay in Piltover, partly because I discovered my talent, and also...I met her."
"Really? Meeting your soul mate is not an easy thing." Jarvan IV couldn't help but sigh, "I wonder when I will find my princess..."
"It'll be soon."
Li Lin thought of Shyvana.
If nothing else, with his own intervention, the King of Demacia would not be assassinated.
With Jarvan IV's attitude, he would not marry Lux, and he might actually marry Shyvana as his princess.
By then, the Demacia royal family will have the blood of dragons and can be called the "Kingdom of Dragons"...
After a period of time, Jarvan IV and Li Lin told each other some strange things about Demacia and Piltover, and they laughed from time to time.
They were like a pair of old friends who hadn't seen each other for a long time, telling each other about their past experiences.
After three rounds of drinking, when the band's performance in Shuoyinting Tavern ended, Aitra and the others left.
Jarvan IV, who was somewhat drunk, took a deep breath and said to Li Lin: "It is truly a great honor for me to get to know Galen of the Crownguard family and you from Piltover!
"If there is a chance, I must introduce you to Galen! That stupid boy is still working hard to join the Fearless Pioneers!"
"You are too generous, Your Highness..." Li Lin looked into Jarvan IV's eyes and saw his hesitation, "What seems to be on your mind?"
"Hey, this kind of thing..." Jarvan IV sighed heavily, with tears glistening in his eyes, "I got the news that Ted, the personal guard who covered my breakout before, my adjutant, and also my mentor, was promised Texas captured him alive."
He paused for a moment, "Noxus sent a messenger, trying to exchange him for the Noxian prisoners captured by Demacia..."
"Is there any need to hesitate? Of course the soldiers' lives should be the priority." Li Lin said without hesitation.
"Of course...of course, that's what I thought too." Jarvan IV clenched his fist and hit the chair's deputy hand hard, "But they demanded that I must attend the prisoner exchange meeting in person."
Black Rose hasn't given up on her plan yet...
Li Lin frowned, "This is a conspiracy."
"My new adjutant, Alberk, and the new Sword Captain of the Fearless Vanguard Regiment, Pardek, who came this time, also think so."
Jarvan IV shook his head, his expression seemed calm, but the cold eyes in his eyes were enough to explain his mood.
"They persuaded me not to participate in the negotiations with Noxus. They also said that Lord Barrett will arrive here in less than a week and take me back...
"It is precisely because of my recklessness and mistakes that so many soldiers were buried outside Demacia, and even the heroes' souls were unable to return to their hometowns.
"Now that I heard the news that Ted is still alive, I really can't convince myself to give up on him...
"If it were you, Li Lin, I can see that you are a wise man. If it were you, what would you do?"
Jarvan IV raised his head, his blue pupils moving in the slightly red and swollen eye sockets, and his gaze finally rested on Li Lin's face.
It turns out that you seemed a little uneasy throughout the whole banquet, and you have been worried about this...
"In fact, there is no need to consider this issue at all, Your Highness." Li Lin said calmly, "If I were you, I would participate in this negotiation meeting and exchange Ted back... because I have enough cards."
Jarvan IV couldn't help but widen his eyes.
"I will help you." Li Lin smiled, "After all, we are friends... aren't we?"