James emphasized the key point: "Especially for Blue Star Humans, the message conveyed is even clearer and more powerful. We can tell outsiders that everything Lord Shen Mu did, regardless of the means, was ultimately for the survival of Blue Star Civilization, to secure a foothold for Blue Star Humans in this cruel Twilight Realm! Even former enemies, as long as they can contribute to this goal, can be integrated into the system. My Lord, this is standing on the moral high ground, a righteous banner to rally people. In the future, when recruiting exiled Blue Star elites and technical talents, this example will be more powerful than a thousand words."
Shen Mu turned around, the torchlight reflecting in his deep eyes, where cold calculation and understanding seemed to flicker.
He spoke slowly, his voice not loud, but like cold metal striking stone: "Very good, you understand it very thoroughly."
He paused, and the cruel curve on his lips reappeared, his words carrying a bone-chilling command: "Buying horse bones is a facade for outsiders. As for these two bones themselves, when have they ever left my palm?"
He took a step forward, and the sense of oppression intensified: "Manid, implement the highest level of surveillance on Zhang Bo and Yang Di. Their residence is a cage. They are forbidden from contacting any non-designated personnel. All their words and actions must be recorded daily, without missing a single word or phrase. Their diet and daily life will be handled by designated Lake Rat Gang Destroyers. If there are any signs of unusual activity… you know what to do."
Shen Mu's gaze swept over the two like ice picks: "They are a signboard to proclaim Deherim's 'all-embracing' and 'for the future of Blue Star,' but the life and death, honor and disgrace of this signboard are solely at my whim. Letting them live is to squeeze out the last bit of residue about the Green Leaf Group, about the Wood Elf Plane, and about all their connections behind them. At the same time…"
He looked up at the darkness leading deeper into the dungeon, as if his gaze penetrated layers of stone walls: "…It is also to appease the hearts of certain 'compatriots,' to tell those Blue Star Humans with doubts that under my rule, even enemies have value, as long as that value serves Deherim's grand blueprint and the continuation of Blue Star Civilization."
Manid and James bowed deeply at the same time, saying in unison: "Understood, My Lord! All for Deherim!"
There was no confusion on their faces, only the respect and awe that came from deeply understanding the power dynamics.
Shen Mu said no more, his figure once again disappearing into the deep shadows of the castle corridor, leaving the steward and medical officer in place, with no more doubts about their lord's profound methods.
They did not chat much.
Shen Mu's figure completely vanished into the shadows of the castle's inner corridor, as if his will had once again sunk into a deeper, grander blueprint.
Manid and James exchanged glances, understanding the heavy responsibility in each other's eyes without needing words.
Zhang Bo and Yang Di, these two "horse bones," would be Deherim's new banner, and also two sharp blades hanging over their heads. Their value must be firmly guarded until they were completely drained.
The grim atmosphere of the Castle District had not yet dissipated when a piece of news, like a stone dropped into a pond, came from the direction of Deherim's towering east city wall, breaking the heavy silence.
"Report—!"
A messenger, a Swadian Light Infantry, agilely leaped down the steep stone steps and ran to Fatis, who had just exited the castle dungeon area. He knelt on one knee, and after his chainmail's rise and fall of breathing subsided slightly, he quickly reported:
"Commander Fatis! The eastern watchtower reports that a considerable cavalry force is rapidly approaching! Approximately three hundred riders! About five miles from the castle! Their attire is of the Kujit Steppe style, and their formation is slightly loose but their momentum is fierce! The leader is presumed to be… Knight Aleron!"
Fatis was slightly stunned: "Aleron has arrived?"
Previously, Shen Mu had dispatched Aleron to New Rivadin in the east, garrisoning this newly built Vigia Castle with a good number of Swadian Light Infantry and infantry, as well as Vekia Archers, and even arranging the recruitment stable for Kujit Steppe Bandits there.
It could be considered that he valued Aleron greatly.
Especially since they needed to guard against the Hell Devil from the east, even when conscripting troops to attack the Green Leaf Group, Aleron was not called back.
Now, Aleron must have known about the battle that had occurred.
So he rushed over to see.
Bonfires danced merrily in Deherim Castle's spacious courtyard, brightly illuminating the smiles of the generals and soldiers gathered around them.
The air was filled with the rich aroma of roasted meat, the mellow scent of ale, and the boisterous laughter of people celebrating the decisive victory over the "Green Leaf Group."
This was a victory feast.
Deherim's courtyard was immersed in the revelry of victory. Bonfires crackled, and the fat from roasting meat dripped into the flames with a sizzling sound. The air was fragrant with the smell of char, ale, and the meticulously prepared spices of the Halfling.
Aleron arrived, covered in dust from his journey. As soon as he appeared, he felt the boisterous warmth of surviving a disaster and achieving a great victory.
Fatis was the first to stand up and greet him, his laughter hearty: "Aleron! Even the fiercest steppe wind can't keep up with your horse's hooves! It's a pity that the protagonists of this celebration are already us, who have returned from bathing in blood!"
His tone carried good-natured teasing, yet could not hide his warmth.
Bestour, shaking a glistening roasted deer leg, said gruffly: "Late-arriving Vigia Eagle! Come, sit down! The cold of New Rivadin shouldn't keep you from enjoying Deherim's warmth and fine wine!"
Manid and James also smiled, raising their cups in greeting, their faces showing genuine welcome and a touch of the victor's pride.
Aleron strode to the bonfire and saluted Shen Mu, who was seated at the head of the table with a calm expression but deep eyes: "Lord! I heard of Deherim's great victory, and with no threat warnings from the New Rivadin direction, I immediately dispatched three hundred elites to lend support and congratulate you and all the brothers who fought to the end!"
His gaze swept over the faces of the others, which still showed traces of fatigue but also excitement. His tone was sincere, yet also held a faint regret at not having participated.
"You've come at just the right time," Shen Mu said with a smile, waving him to a seat: "Deherim's bounty needs to be shared with all who contributed. Manid has prepared amply, and the feast is just getting into full swing. Taste the Halfling chef's skill, it will not disappoint you."
Aleron sat down as instructed, and a servant immediately brought a steaming platter—thick-cut lamb chops roasted until golden and dripping with juice, venison glistening with honey, fragrant carrot and cabbage stew, and a piece of pumpkin roasted crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Beside it were slices of bread drizzled with golden honey, smoked fish, and dried meat slices, while large oak mugs were filled with frothy ale and clear beer.
The rich aroma instantly dispelled his travel fatigue. Aleron praised it sincerely, then forked a large piece of lamb. The rich meat flavor melted in his mouth, with just the right amount of spice—it was indeed a rare delicacy.
As he feasted heartily, he gulped down refreshing beer. The warmth in his body dispelled any envy, leaving only an urgent curiosity about the battle.
After a few bites of warm food and good wine, Aleron could no longer hold back. He turned to Fatis, who was directly opposite him, his emerald eyes shining brightly in the firelight: "Fatis, tell me quickly! The news from the east was fragmented. I only know that those 'Green Leaf' guys dared to actively attack our heartland? And even attracted the Undead Legion? How did you hold them off, and how did you finally bury them completely?"
Fatis put down the half-eaten deer leg, wiped his greasy mouth, and his expression became serious and solemn.
He used a twig to sketch a simple outline of Deherim on the sandy ground in front of him: "Aleron, those guys' courage and plan were indeed unexpected. They chose the most impossible and most dangerous move—under the cover of night and thick fog, they gathered elite troops to directly assault our core city defenses! And it was a two-pronged attack: one force from outside drove a massive Undead Legion to assault the city walls, creating chaos and pressure; the other was their most elite sword dancers and the Blue Star Human elites under Yang Di, who, using some secret method, stealthily infiltrated directly into the Castle District where the Lord was! Their intention was 'beheading' him!"
Aleron gasped, tightening his grip on his wine cup: "Truly insane! And then? Did they… break in?"
He glanced at Shen Mu, who was at the head of the table with his usual composure, unable to imagine the scene at the time.
"We held them off!" Fatis's fist slammed heavily onto his knee, his voice low but powerful: "But it was close! The battle on the city walls was incredibly fierce. Waves of undead, carrying the chill of decay, surged forward, and grappling hooks slammed against the stone with a thud! Our brothers stood their ground on the arrow towers and battlements, boiling oil, rolling stones, and arrow rain never ceased! Many brave soldiers fell on that terrifying night. Although we barely repelled that strong assault, we paid a bloody price and saw clearly their desperate determination and infiltration capabilities."
At this moment, Bestour, who had been silently gnawing on sausage and gulping down beer, raised his head, his hawkish eyes flashing with cunning and ferocity. He licked the grease from the corners of his lips and interjected: "Haha, Aleron! The best part is yet to come! Those guys who thought they were so clever, thinking they gained an advantage? Dream on! The Lord had already set up a net, just waiting for their 'clever move'!" He let out a low laugh, "They wanted to play a surprise beheading? We'll show them what 'trapping the dog in the house' means!"
Fatis nodded, taking over the narrative, pointing to the simple diagram on the ground: "Exactly. It was this seemingly dangerous infiltration operation that allowed Lord Shen Mu to see through Yang Di's desperate nature! He concluded that after this setback, the Green Leaf Group's main forces were crippled, and their morale was shaken. Even better, in the enemy's camp, Yang Di's self-important chief agent, Zhang Bo, had long been completely under our control, becoming our pawn without even realizing it."
Beside them, Lezalit put down his iron spoon. He was eating a plate of well-stewed vegetables, maintaining the table etiquette of a true Swadian Knight.
His voice was clear and calm as he added tactical details: "Through the 'information' relayed by Zhang Bo, combined with the Lord's precise foresight, we were certain that Yang Di would demand a speedy 'peace talk,' attempting to buy time for respite and a possible comeback. We played along with their scheme: on one hand, we dispatched a 'deterrent' force, mainly composed of new recruits, to openly march towards New Uxhall and station there, creating the appearance of waiting for negotiation results; on the other hand…"
A battle-fire flashed in Fatis's eyes, and he sharply drew a large arrow on the map:
"On the other side, shortly after Zhang Bo set off with his 'peace negotiation team' to the Wood Elf Village, our main force! The true elites—Swadian Sergeants, Rodok veteran spearmen, Holy Tree Knight Order, heavy crossbowmen… under the cover of night, poured out of Deherim! Following pre-scouted secret paths, using the remaining visibility obscured by the necrotic aura, they force-marched directly to the Wood Elf Village! Like a sharp knife, they tore through their weak outer defenses!"
Bestour triumphantly gulped down a large mouthful of beer, setting his mug down with a thud: "Those pointy-eared fools were still dreaming! Thinking our 'deterrent force' was watching their negotiations from afar? I led the cavalry like steppe wolves pouncing into a flock of sheep! Their arrow towers? Useless! My men directly threw burning oil jars onto them! Their walls? Couldn't stop my blade! In the chaos, those once-proud Wood Elf Archers couldn't even form an effective arrow rain before they were scattered! The infantry brothers then followed up, sweeping them away!"
James, who had been listening quietly, spoke gently: "Aleron, you wouldn't believe how busy the castle was then. When Fatis and the others returned, tired and wounded, my operating tables were full. The light of Holy Light spells didn't dim all night. But thanks to the 'bait' the Lord had set up in advance, their main force crashed against the castle's strongest defenses, and then their foundation was completely destroyed outside. Otherwise, the cost would have been much greater."
Manid smiled, using bread to wipe the last of the meat juice from his plate: "Bestour is right, he deserves a big entry in the ledger of merits! And of course, our excellent Commander Fatis and Lezalit's arrangements."
Aleron listened, captivated, his fists unconsciously clenching as he asked repeatedly: "What about Yang Di and Zhang Bo? Yang Di… is he dead?"
Bestour snorted: "Hmph, that fool Yang Di! Seeing his lair taken, he tried to run at the end? He was… uh, well, he didn't escape, thanks to the Lord's hidden agent in the negotiation team! As for that two-faced Zhang Bo? Yang Di's dying counterattack stabbed him through, but he's currently gasping for air in the dungeon. Those two scourges won't cause any more trouble!"
He seemed to have been vague about Yang Di's true state, but emphasized the outcome.
Aleron let out a long breath, his eyes filled with shock, envy, and even more, admiration for Shen Mu's cunning and his comrades' bravery.
He raised his large oak wine mug, his voice booming: "That was truly brilliant! This is a textbook example of a counterattack and a complete cleanup! Although I couldn't fight alongside my brothers, hearing of such a satisfying victory is also a joy! To Lord Shen Mu! To the warriors who fought bravely!"
He drained the ale in his mug.
Everyone responded in unison: "To the Lord! To victory!"
The atmosphere in the courtyard grew even more enthusiastic. (End of chapter)
