Chapter 119 - 120
The answer came after a momentary silence.
"The labyrinth dungeon that we’ve been discussing over the past several days. Daniel and I spoke about this prior to our visit and we think it’s imperative that this dungeon be developed as quickly as possible."
"Developed?" said Caedmon, reluctance in his voice. "Surely you’ve heard the stories by now. The tunnels that have been discovered, they’re far more elaborate than is typical. Countless frontiersmen have already lost their lives there, far more than in any of the other labyrinths within Civus."
"Which is why we must develop it," said Daniel, who still showed signs of annoyance from the previous confrontation. "Dangerous dungeons attract the most exotic creatures, including danger beasts. Even if we exclude the fortunes of minerals that lie within those tunnels, the bodies of such creatures are worth untold amounts. If those tunnels have been there since ancient times, then who knows what sorts of things we’ll find further in?"
"Not to mention that only two levels of the labyrinth have been explored. We can’t risk allowing Ragnus to seize this opportunity from under us."
Caedmon pinched at his chin, a bit of anger flashing through his eyes. "But the dungeon is clearly on our side of the border. If the resources within it are as extensive as you believe, then the church wouldn’t simply let Baldor annex the land."
"You’re right," said Antoine, nodding along in a serious manner. "Father would likely have to negotiate with Rexus the Usurper, which would surely go nowhere considering the man’s mentality. Our kingdom can’t throw weight around with Loyarre to begin with, so it would likely escalate to a matter between empires, during which time the dungeon would remain open for anyone to slip inside and rob it of its resources."
"Which you think Ragnus will do?"
"Of course he will. Think about the amount of wealth that Crystellum brings him. It would be foolish to ignore the possibility of obtaining a second mine of such caliber, and he could easily get his king’s help in the matter considering how much that madman likes to spend."