Otaku Translation: The Amber Sword V3C128

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Chapter 128: The Market of Green Tower – Part 1

When the pale-faced human, Nosda, stepped outside his door—a rare occurrence—the tree elves couldn’t help but greet him with both curiosity and warmth.

“Good day, Nosda.”

“The weather is lovely today—why not take a stroll?”

Their cheerful chatter left Nosda momentarily disoriented. Had so many beautiful elven maidens surrounded him like this in the past, he would have been overjoyed. But now, everything felt alien.

The sunlight filtering through the canopy seemed unbearably bright, and he instinctively raised a hand to shield his eyes. Long confined to his room, he found himself struggling to adapt to the outdoors.

“Are you unwell?” one of the elven girls asked with concern.

“No,” he shook his head, forcing a smile. His gaze drifted downward toward the town below. The tree elves had arranged his lodgings among three towering ancient trees northeast of the town. The view here was breathtaking—a platform formed a courtyard, housing not only his room but also several elven families who treated him kindly.

Yet, Nosda felt an unshakable sense of detachment. He didn’t belong here.

“What’s wrong?” he asked after gazing at the bustling town for a moment. “Why is it so noisy down there?”

“Many outsiders have arrived,” one elf replied.

“Outsiders?”

“Yes, humans—like you.”

“And lizardfolk too!” they chimed in excitedly. “Why don’t we go take a look, Nosda?” someone suggested.

Nosda hesitated, intrigued, but just then, an elven guard ascended from below. Spotting the young man, she paused, her melodic voice ringing out. “Nosda, you’ve come out?”

“Lady Claire,” Nosda recognized her; she had escorted him to this courtyard on his arrival. “I heard people from the outside world have entered?”

“Yes, quite a few,” the guard confirmed. “Do you still wish to leave? Most don’t venture far from Green Tower. The druid elders occasionally visit the outside world, but they wouldn’t bring you along.”

Suddenly, realization dawned on her. “Ah, I see. You want to check if any of them are your companions, don’t you?”

Nosda nodded.

“I heard one of them is a lord from the human world.”

“A lord?” Nosda frowned. “Why would a lord from the human world come here? Don’t the druids avoid dealings with them?”

“I’m not sure,” Claire shrugged. “But they seem to be guests of the elders. There are people from several nations—Cruze, Buga, and even Eruin.”

“Eruin?” Nosda’s eyes widened in shock. Suddenly agitated, he blurted out, “Claire, could you do me a favor?”

“I see. You want me to take you to see them, right?”

Nosda chuckled awkwardly.

“The outside world isn’t all it’s cracked up to be,” the elven guard sighed, shaking her head. “Very well, follow me.”

“Nosda, are you leaving?” someone asked.

Thinking of his wife, who might still be waiting for him back home, Nosda nodded.

---

Meanwhile, Brandon’s discussion with the druid elders had just concluded. The young lord informed the elder that the most direct solution to the Wind Circlet’s troubles was to locate the legendary Primal Ember preserved within Valhalla. According to myth, igniting the ember would transform the Black Forest into a sanctuary, resolving all issues effortlessly.

However, the specifics of how to proceed would only become clear after a reconnaissance mission scheduled for three days later. Based on the elder’s description, Brandon suspected the creatures attacking the druids beyond the Wind Circlet were a rare type of monster.

He had encountered them a handful of times and remembered their peculiar methods of attack.

Lost in thought, Brandon was startled when Antietta sighed beside him, “It’s so beautiful.” Turning, he saw the noblewoman gazing at an elf playing a flute on a nearby suspension bridge. The melody was enchanting, captivating all who listened.

Whether Antietta referred to the music or the place itself remained unclear.

Green Tower was renowned in Amber Sword for its breathtaking scenery. Suspended in midair against the backdrop of a majestic cloud wall, the town connected by vine bridges exuded an air of fantasy.

After leaving the Witherwood Council, Brandon had promised Antietta and Cinnabar a tour of this unique town. Today, the noblewoman seemed unusually cheerful—a rare sight that brought a smile to Brandon’s face.

The trio arrived at a market called “Centaur’s Hoof,” suspended in midair and constructed entirely of wood, spanning three levels.

Vines formed suspension bridges at each corner, though the market itself floated magically in the air.

Tree elves were present, but centaurs made up the majority of the population. The market offered a wide array of goods—grains, fabrics, strange plants, fruits, magical materials, rare minerals, and enchanted items.

The Black Forest’s abundant resources meant the market displayed an eclectic mix of wares. However, trade here relied on barter rather than gold or silver, which were merely valued as magical materials.

Brandon, Antietta, Funiya, and Cinnabar first watched a free gladiatorial match on the market’s third level. Centaurs, known for their volatile tempers, often fought among themselves, but designated arenas allowed them to vent their frustrations. Occasionally, tree elves held archery contests, though today’s visitors missed such an event.

Afterward, they visited a tavern run by tree elves, sampling a local specialty—a floral nectar. It tasted like fruit wine but packed a powerful punch. Brandon quickly realized his mistake; Antietta and Cinnabar weren’t players—they’d barely sipped the drink before their cheeks flushed red.

Brandon intervened hastily, preventing the two ladies from collapsing in a drunken stupor. That would have been quite the spectacle.

Antietta, however, wasn’t satisfied yet. From the bartender, she learned of Green Tower’s prized gemstones—tree gems. These stones resembled emeralds but were even more translucent and surprisingly affordable.

The noblewoman was immediately smitten. Emboldened by the alcohol, she playfully coaxed Brandon into taking them to see the gems.

Watching Antietta’s rosy cheeks and mischievous demeanor, Brandon shook his head. He hadn’t expected this usually composed and rational young woman to have such poor tolerance for alcohol. Even Cinnabar, whose cheeks were also tinged with red, seemed intrigued by Antietta’s suggestion. Brandon knew he couldn’t refuse.

He drew a conclusion: women were naturally drawn to shiny things—a trait they shared with dragons.

Fortunately, Brandon had the foresight to bring some magical crystals from the five-headed basilisk’s lair. Here, they served as hard currency. A single lower-grade moon crystal could buy a generous handful of tree gem jewelry.

When Brandon placed a small piece of flame-patterned agate on a centaur merchant’s counter, the seasoned trader recognized he had a big spender on his hands.

But selling tree gems alone wouldn’t earn much. The centaur subtly promoted his handmade jewelry while probing the young lord about potential interest in mysterious magical artifacts.

Brandon suppressed a chuckle. He was familiar with such shops—they offered affordable magical materials but rarely anything exceptional. Such trinkets might entice novice adventurers, but as a veteran, he found them beneath his notice.

“Brandon, let him show us something,” Antietta murmured, her cheeks flushed, her words slightly slurred. “Let’s see if it compares to what you can make.”

Finding the tipsy noblewoman oddly endearing, Brandon nodded. “Go ahead, show us.”

The white centaur’s face lit up. Selling even one or two magical trinkets would secure his livelihood for the month.

Mysteriously, he produced a pair of rings. “Sir, these magical rings were purchased from a witch. Legend has it they possess the magic of love. If your companions wear them, they’ll fall eternally in love with you.”

“What nonsense!” Antietta covered Funiya’s ears, glaring at the merchant. “Take them away! Lord Brandon would never buy such underhanded trinkets.”

Brandon chuckled, shaking his head. Two rings imbued with charm enchantments being marketed as love magic? By that logic, the Ring of the Wind Sovereign on his finger would qualify as a divine artifact blessed by the wind god.

Though, amusingly, his ring actually was a divine artifact—albeit an incomplete one.

Clearing his throat, Brandon said, “If that’s all you have, I think we’ll stick to tree gem jewelry.”

“Oh no, please!” The centaur hastily detained them. “I have something else—something truly special. You’ll love it, sir.”

Brandon raised an eyebrow. “You know we’re outsiders?”

The centaur grinned knowingly. “After decades in business, I know most everyone in Green Tower.”

“I see,” Brandon replied. “Business must be tough for you.”

The centaur’s face flushed with embarrassment, realizing his ploy had been seen through. Laughing awkwardly, he assured Brandon, “Don’t worry, sir. This time, it’s the real deal.”

“Oh?”

“It’s something I acquired from a witch—an outsider like yourselves.” The centaur retrieved a box, opening it to reveal a shield-shaped stone fragment.

At the sight of it, Brandon’s heart skipped a beat: Stone Key.

TLN: The entire third volume has been completely translated. You can read all of it through the links below.

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