126: Late-night visitors

Chapter 125: Late-Night Visitor

Joshua ultimately didn't take the Sheriff with him, giving the leader one last shred of dignity.

Besides, he was also worried that if he did, the Sheriff's subordinates might cause trouble.

Among the three factions in Mist Town, the Sheriff had the most warriors under his command.

Subduing this group of people was clearly not an easy task.

Upon returning to the church, Arthur immediately gathered all high-ranking personnel for a meeting.

"I'll return to Lookout Fort tomorrow and have the Pioneer Group relocate here."

As soon as Arthur's announcement landed, it immediately sparked a heated debate.

"Everyone!" He had to interrupt, "I know you don't want to see another faction appear in Mist Town.

"But the current reality is that Joshua has already become the largest faction here.

"To counterbalance him, I must have my own forces."

"I have no objections," the Sheriff suddenly said.

This attitude genuinely surprised Arthur greatly.

He had originally thought that the most conservative Sheriff would be the first to object.

Heir said with a worried expression, "This might cause even deeper chaos.

"I'm not trying to oppose you, Your Excellency, but once your people are stationed in Mist Town, this place will only become more divided.

"The townspeople are already anxious and uneasy; at that time, even more people might turn to Joshua."

"Miss Heir," Louis interjected, "Once upon a time, Mist Town was the sanctuary of Qingfeng Valley.

"We have always welcomed all who fight against darkness and will provide help and refuge to those brave warriors.

"Your father always did it that way.

"When did we become so afraid of outsiders?"

Everyone immediately fell silent.

Seeing this, Ruby loudly declared, "I think this is exactly what should be done.

"I opposed your people coming in at first because I didn't understand you, Sir.

"But Brussian told me you're a kind person.

"Then we'll support you. Besides, you even speak the same nonsense as Brussian, and only good people can speak that kind of talk."

"That's Druidic," Louis whispered to remind his wife, "The good people who taught my brother those words were Druids."

This earned Ruby a roll of her eyes.

The atmosphere in the meeting hall immediately lightened considerably.

Ruby continued, "Grey, your people will never follow this Sir.

"They don't obey anyone but you.

"If something really happened to you, they would surely fall into chaos. So I think this is very necessary."

The Sheriff sighed softly; Ruby's words were indeed reasonable.

As long as he was still there, he could always restrain his subordinates.

But if he were truly sent to the gallows, that group of people would likely spiral completely out of control.

"I'll talk to them and tell them not to cause trouble," the Sheriff said.

"You and the priest should both leave here!" Ruby interjected, "Before Joshua makes a move against you."

"Where to?" the Sheriff retorted, "Qingfeng Valley is now full of dangers. Aside from those merchant caravans with travel permits, people like us simply cannot survive in the wilderness.

"Moreover, once we leave, Sir Arthur will become the target of all.

"We cannot leave. Even if I end up on the gallows, I will have deserved it."

Ismark stepped forward and asked, "Is there no better way?"

"Law is law!" Louis said with a solemn expression, "If even we cannot uphold justice impartially.

"That will only hasten the demise of Mist Town."

Everyone fell silent once more.

The meeting finally concluded in such a somber atmosphere.

For Arthur, who was new to the area, he was powerless to interfere with the local judicial process.

He could only hope that the verdict for the Sheriff and the priest would be lenient.

Although that possibility was minuscule.

The moonlight was like a silk ribbon, and a figure quietly appeared on the roof of the Full Moon Tavern.

The figure was agile, and after flipping down from the eaves, he clung to the wall like a spider.

He reached out, pried open the window, and leaped into the room.

Arthur awoke from his sleep and immediately saw a tall figure standing by his bed.

Just then, the door was violently knocked open.

Flora rushed in from outside and, without a word, pounced directly on the intruder.

But her punch was easily blocked by the other party, who casually threw her aside. Flora spun in the air to dissipate the force, and as soon as she landed, she immediately attacked again, but the other party merely dodged, showing no intention of counterattacking.

"Alright, Flora," Arthur got out of bed, "You're not his match."

Flora stopped her attack and cautiously retreated to Arthur's side.

She knew this in her heart, but as the night watchman, she had to do her best to protect Arthur's safety.

"Who are you?" Arthur asked the intruder.

Using the moonlight streaming through the window, Arthur clearly saw the figure shrouded in a hooded robe.

This individual was exceptionally tall, comparable to Drax, and exuded an intimidating, primitive, and savage aura.

"I wanted to invite you for a talk," the person spoke, their voice rough and hoarse, "But you refused.

"It seems you are not as brave as the legends say, Baron."

"Duke Wild Dog," Arthur guessed the other's identity, "So it seems you've accepted my invitation.

"Flora, go get us some wine."

Flora hesitated slightly.

"Don't worry, I think this guest's late-night visit is certainly not to take my life."

"Have your attendant withdraw; I've brought wine."

Duke Wild Dog unfastened a wineskin from his waist.

Arthur nodded to Flora.

Though reluctant, she complied and retreated outside.

"I'll wait by the door, Sir," she said before exiting.

After the door closed, Arthur looked at his late-night guest: "I assume you have something important to say."

Duke Wild Dog sat directly on the floor.

He pulled down his hood, revealing a face covered in long black fur.

Arthur began to understand why he couldn't visit during the day.

His lycanthropy was too obvious; it could be seen at a glance.

"I know who killed Dimitri."

Arthur frowned and replied, "I heard that the Night Outcasts killed the mayor."

"Do you believe that?" The Beastkin retorted.

Seeing Arthur remain silent, he continued, "If you truly believe that, then you are not as intelligent as rumored.

"A Baron with neither courage nor brains—it's hard to imagine you dispelling the Night Mist."

Arthur merely smiled faintly: "You mistake caution for cowardice, and the pursuit of truth for ignorance.

"I also find it hard to imagine how you lead a pack of wolves."

The Beastkin laughed heartily: "You've got one thing wrong, young Baron.

"The Night Outcasts are not just werewolves; I lead a pack of beasts, not just wolves.

"You're confusing us with the Black Blood People."

Black Blood People? Arthur had heard that term.

Thanks to his understanding of DND, he knew that the Black Blood People were a group of Beastkin who worshipped Malar, the Lord of Beasts.

Typically, different Beastkin have their own deities.

For example, the werewolf deity Daragarr, the ratfolk deity Squawk, and so on.

However, some Beastkin choose to worship the more ferocious Lord of Beasts.

These Beastkin are like true wild beasts; they hunt down all living beings they deem valuable.