After the meal, Chateau did not serve Oripus with fruit, but treated him with Oripus' own "Bonu leaves".
After three cups and two cups, Xia Duo finally got to the point. He held the tea cup with three fingers and slowly rotated it in front of his eyes, but his eyes fell through the tea cup on the elf opposite:
"Chief Oripus, although this Bonu leaf is good tea, it is a pity that it only has this tea!"
Oripus' face was slightly startled. He didn't know whether Lord Xia Duo wanted more tea leaves or something else, but no matter which type of tea, it was a huge risk for him, so he could only pretend not to understand and said vaguely.
:
"Bonu original leaves are indeed very good, but even in Cormanso, not all elves can drink them. Speaking of which, this kind of tea is also related to you, Lord Shado!"
"oh?"
Although he knew that the other party was changing the subject, Xia Duo was still attracted by the "related to him" in Oripus's words, so he asked, "Clan Chief Oripus, can you elaborate?"
"sure!"
Oripus put down the tea cup and explained seriously, "Speaking of tea, elves have actually been drinking tea for a long time. The origin has long been unknown, but this Bonu tea has only become popular in the past ten thousand years.
Yes, before Saint Nodel went to the Eastern countries and Eastern legends spread, there were Easterners in the North, and Bonu tea was brought by them."
At this point, Oripus paused and continued: "The word 'Bonu' has a very ancient history, and its original meaning has long been lost. Now it is only used to refer specifically to 'Bonu tea'."
"Bonu? Oriental?"
Various Elvish words flew up and down in Shaduo's mind, colliding fiercely, and finally a long string of characters appeared. In a tone that was different from modern Elvish, he quickly read: "bo-susi-art-enus!"
"
Then it was repeated several times until it was completely converted into modern Elvish.
When Oripus heard this, his eyes widened and his long ears twitched. He was obviously very surprised, "Lord Shado, I didn't expect you to be proficient in ancient Elvish language?"
What surprised him even more was that he had just figured out the origin and meaning of the word "Bonu"!
Seeing Oripus's surprised and excited look, Shado himself was not excited at all. He knew that he was just taking advantage of the ancient elven kingdom that he had projected. In fact, he didn't do much research on the elven language.
It's just that I can speak and write.
The so-called "Bonu" is actually the modern abbreviation of the phrase "Guests from the East in the early morning" in the language of the ancient Elf Kingdom Maiyelita. (There is only one mainstream Elf language text, but the pronunciation is different in different countries. Ancient and modern
There are also differences)
If he hadn't understood the Maiyelita language, and if Oripus hadn't told him that Bonu tea came from the East, he wouldn't have thought of this.
In fact, his interpretation is not necessarily the true historical origin, but it is just satisfactory in this situation.
And since "Bonu" is interpreted as "guests from the East in the early morning", regardless of whether Oripus's statement that "Bonu tea comes from the East" is a commercial boast or it is true, Chateau
It was natural for this "Oriental" to ask about the seeds of the Bonu tea tree, or even directly search for them.
So, Xia Duo stopped beating around the bush and went straight to the point, "Chief Oripus, I like this kind of Bonu tea from my hometown very much, uh - I also miss it very much, ahem - I hope Chief Oripus can do it for me.
Collect some Bonu tea trees.”
"..."
Oripus was a little dumbfounded. After a long circle, he finally got himself in, "Lord Shado, this-"
"Chief Oripus, is this difficult?" Xia Duo said casually, pretending not to know.
Of course it’s difficult!
Not to mention that there is currently a drow war in Cormanthor. Even if not, the leakage of Bonu tea trees is an extremely serious crime. Once exposed, whether the Silverleaf family can survive, let alone return to Cormanthor, is a question.
!
It's almost just that Oripus didn't say these words directly. He looked around, trying to deal with it, but Xia Duo had already focused on this, how could he let him pass easily.
However, Shado also knew that it would be difficult to directly instigate others to betray, so he provided a convenient way for Oripus, "Chief Oripus, do you think the elves who come to Nese will carry tea trees with them?"
The seeds are already outside the borders of Comanso. As long as they are secretive enough, how can you possibly know about them in the country?"
Detection spells are not omnipotent, and there are many precautions. What's more, there may not be elves specifically watching this area. Otherwise, a large number of elves would not be allowed to enter Netheril so easily, and the control would have been eliminated in advance.
items.
When Oripus heard this, he felt that it made some sense. The risk would be greatly reduced by obtaining it from other elves, but he still hesitated, "Isn't this good?"
"What's wrong? It's just a normal transaction, not a forced sale. In addition, the leader of the Oripus family also knows that I like to study ancient elven society, ancient elven language, ancient books, ancient magic weapons, etc.
Yes, please also ask Chief Oripus to pay attention to me."
"Um--"
Oripus was a little hesitant at first, but when he heard about ancient books and ancient magic weapons, he immediately understood Sha Duo's intentions, and at the same time, a trace of greed ignited in his heart.
The so-called "ancient books, ancient magic weapons" are just human terms. In the eyes of elves, this can actually be called another name - "inherited classics, handed down treasures"!
Oripus knew that the Silverleaf family's inheritance was shallow. If there were no special opportunities, the family would not be able to give birth to even a high mage in ten thousand years.
And now, maybe it’s a special opportunity!
As far as he knew clearly, the Yue Xilan family who also came to Savile Town had the supreme inheritance, at least part of it. With the name "Yue", they had a deeper heritage than the Silver Leaf family.
And now happens to be the time when families like Yuexilan are at their weakest. They don't even have an elite mage, but the Silver Leaf family does.
If we can "trade" some information from them, the Silver Leaf family may have greater development in the future.
However, Oripus was not blinded by the illusion of a growing family. He clearly knew the risks involved. Who knows if those families would have one or two powerful heirlooms in their hands!
If a peaceful transaction can be made, it is best to make a peaceful transaction. If not, his desire has been aroused, and he is willing to take a chance on the possibility of the family's rise.
Just like this, you have to be more careful.
Thinking of this, the way Oripus looked at Sha Duo became extremely complicated. It would be great if there was no such thing as Lord Sha Duo, and it was just his own idea, and only his own family knew about it. How great would it be?
pity--
"Lord Xia Duo, I am willing to find Bonu tea seeds for you, but I also hope that Lord Xia Duo can provide some convenience."
"good!"
Xia Duo stroking his hands, stood up, and then one person and one elf moved to the study room to continue discussing the specific details of the transaction.