Chapter 2033 - 546: Birds of a Feather (Part 4)

Previously, the altar was in the northern caves; these stragglers couldn't run far even if they escaped, but now the number of sacrifices continues to surge, coupled with the Dwarf Kingdom causing trouble. Remarkably, a small rogue ran to the south.

The damned person is still alive, which becomes a problem.

The summer night's darkness draped over the rolling hills and dense forest of Spinor Earl's Domain like a heavy curtain.

A steel train spewing white steam is racing along the newly laid tracks in the Campbell Duchy, its wheels producing a rhythmic sound as they roll over the rail junctions.

Inside the luxurious royal carriage, the warm light of the magic lamps dispels the darkness.

Erin sits on a velvet-padded soft chair.

Her gaze, however, cannot focus on the book in her hands, as she frequently glances at the pitch-black outside, her emerald green eyes tinged with a faint haze of worry.

"No need to worry."

Detecting the anxiety on Erin's face, Luo Yan gently places down his teacup and jokingly remarks in a casual tone.

"No matter how threatening the ratmen are, can they be more threatening than the Demon King of Thunder County?"

"...That may be true, but I still can't rest easy."

Retracting her gaze from the window, Erin looks at Colin sitting across from her, and after a moment of silence, she speaks in a soft voice.

"In the past, the ratmen did harass our borders, but mostly as scattered bandits, robbing and fleeing... yet now, their minions have infiltrated the northern border of the Earl Domain, even approaching near Cold Crow City. This organized infiltration is abnormal, and I'm worried there might be a bigger disaster behind it."

Campbell has a saying: A dagger concealed in shadows is often more chilling than a sword displayed openly.

Especially, Erin knows well.

Desire and ambition, these two things, are like moss in a gutter; if not removed immediately, they will grow feverishly in indulgence.

Moreover, there is no contact between humans and ratmen, so no one knows what those filthy rats are planning.

"...So we're going to address this trouble now, aren't we?"

Seeing Erin still embroiled in concern, Luo Yan assures her gently, lightly raising his index finger resting on the table.

The exquisite silver milk jug on the table seems to be lifted by an invisible hand, floating toward Erin, filling a cup with a warmly aromatic drink.

"This cocoa I brought from the Gana Continent, mixed with milk, transforms the originally plain sweetness to a rich and profound flavor."

"Thank you."

Erin holds the warm porcelain cup with both hands, the warmth spreading through her body from her fingertips. She was feeling hungry, and this slightly bitter yet sweet drink surprisingly suited her taste.

After drinking a cup of hot cocoa, the previously pale color of Erin's face finally reveals a hint of blush, her previously tense nerves relaxing somewhat.

Putting down the cup, she speaks again, her voice filled with deep perplexity.

"Colin, there's something I can't understand. Logically, it's still early summer, far from harvest time, and the food in the mountains isn't scarce yet. Why would the ratmen from the Ten Thousand Ridges Mountain Range choose to emerge at this time?"

This timing seems unfavorable for both sides.

Luo Yan takes a sip of his tea.

"Perhaps because the Northern Relief Army just withdrew from Twilight Province, some believe the Campbell Duchy is too idle and want to find something for you to do."

"Clang."

The silver spoon strikes the cup, emitting a crisp sound.

Erin gazes at him in astonishment, her eyes gradually clouding over with a trace of shadow, her index finger unconsciously gripping the cup handle tightly.

"You're suggesting... the mastermind is the Ryan Kingdom?"

Luo Yan remarks casually.

"I don't know, but I think this matter doesn't need guessing and isn't as important as we imagine."

In reality, the game is different from seeing move after move on a chessboard; players often make their moves independently, only revealing victory or defeat at the end.

Sometimes, there is even no victory or defeat.

As Demon King, Luo Yan cares not for any collusion between the Ryan Kingdom and the ratmen of Ten Thousand Ridges Mountain Range.

If there is collusion, it's merely convenient to handle together. If not, then let's dredge old accounts from the First Epoch.

Actually, this step is unnecessary, for there is no profit association between humans and ratmen. He plans to extend the railroad to the doorstep of the High Mountain Kingdom, thus conveniently uprooting those rat nests impeding the route.

The only thing piquing his interest is that entity hidden deep within the caves, which actually annihilated the scouts he dispatched.

Those were two Gold Level undead and two Silver Peak lizardmen.

Under normal circumstances, this team configuration should traverse that map unscathed, yet they didn't even stir a splash.

The Demon King unexpectedly hit a "roadblock."

Therefore, now some effort must be exerted, a serious kick administered.

Just then, two light but rhythmic knocks were heard outside the carriage.

"Come in," Luo Yan says.

The carriage door opens, and Sarah, cloaked in a travel cloak, steps inside. Standing by the door, she slightly nods, her amber vertical pupils shimmering with the light of spotting prey.

"Your Highness, there's a business matter requiring your decision."

This is a secret signal between them, indicating important intelligence not suitable for third-party ears.

Erin is a smart and considerate girl; she immediately looks at Colin, showing a smile of understanding and warmth on her face.