127: A plan

“You know little about us,” said the Beastkin, “but we know something about you.”

“From the moment you entered the Bull Family’s territory, our people have been secretly following you.”

Arthur asked curiously, “So, you can move freely in Qingfeng Valley?”

“Was this before Marcus fell into a deep slumber, or after?”

The Beastkin narrowed his eyes and pushed the wineskin towards Arthur.

“It was after he fell into a deep slumber.”

“I know the runaway bride is also in your party.”

Airo.

Arthur thought.

“She and her companions accomplished a feat no one had achieved for hundreds of years.”

“If it weren’t for one misstep, Marcus might have been completely expelled.”

“You know a lot about Marcus?” Arthur asked.

The Beastkin stood up, took off his robe, and revealed his upper body.

Arthur saw the three shocking scars on his chest.

“I was there the day Marcus fell into a deep slumber,” he said, “These are what he left me.”

“Even now, I can still feel the pain.”

“However, I’m not here to talk about that today.”

Arthur nodded, picked up the wineskin, and took a sip, expressing his attitude.

“Very good, young Baron.”

“The murderers of Dimitri are the Black Blood People.”

“They were hired by Joshua. This is the truth I want to tell you.”

“Why tell me, and not Dimitri’s two children?”

The Beastkin sat down again and replied, “That little girl named Heir does have some talent.”

This is probably due to her family’s ancient bloodline.

“Back then, her ancestors led the residents of Mist Town to drive away the undead.”

“But she ultimately cannot gain recognition. Do you know why?”

Arthur pondered for a moment before saying, “Because people are afraid of the power within her.”

“Hahaha, very clever, young Baron.”

“People are always fearful of the unknown.”

“Just like when they see me.”

“In Qingfeng Valley, unknown magic symbolizes misfortune.”

“Whenever outsiders arrive, those spellcasters will definitely be the primary targets.”

“The witches under Marcus will go to any lengths to abduct them.”

“Then torture them in every way before killing them for public display.”

“The priests of the gods suffer the most tragic fate.”

“The Dark Lord absolutely does not allow any apostles of the gods to spread their doctrines.”

“Believers will be executed along with the priests.”

“In that case, I’m fortunate,” Arthur said.

“The various forces in Qingfeng Valley are already eyeing you,” the Beastkin reminded, “It’s just that they’re busy with their own affairs and haven’t gotten to you yet.”

“You need to establish a firm foothold during this time as quickly as possible.”

“But Mist Town is not what it used to be; it’s no longer safe.”

“I brought the murderer of Dimitri.”

“He can help you identify Joshua.”

“This way, you will have one less threat to face.”

“Why are you helping me?” Arthur asked.

The Beastkin exhaled, grabbed the wineskin, and took a large gulp.

“Because I want revenge,” he wiped the wine from his lips, replying, “Our goals are the same, young Baron.”

“That is to completely eliminate Marcus and his minions.”

“If you have anything else you want my help with, you can say it now.”

“However, that will be a separate charge.”

“Since you can enter and exit Qingfeng Valley, I do have something I’d like your help with.”

This small guest room was on the south side of the temple bell tower.

Looking out the window, one could see the rising sun.

However, in a place like Qingfeng Valley, the rising sun was far less bright and warm than elsewhere.

The cold sunlight scattered from the clouds, only to be blocked by the thin mist.

The young Baron stared out the window, lost in thought.

After Duke Wild Dog left last night, he brought the Beastkin who killed the Mayor to the church and interrogated him in the bell tower.

The information obtained from the interrogation was consistent with his initial suspicions, but he couldn't bring himself to be happy.

The warm fire dispelled the cold, preventing Arthur’s mood from hitting rock bottom.

He wasn't sure if relying solely on this Beastkin could bring down Joshua.

The other party could completely claim this was slander, a conspiracy against him.

Especially since this witness was found by Arthur.

Duke Wild Dog had given him a double-edged sword; if he didn't use it well, he would hurt himself.

Flora pushed the door open and entered, asking softly, “My Lord, are we still going to Lookout Fort?”

Arthur shook his head and said, “I’ve already had others handle that.”

“How is that Beastkin doing?”

“Drax is watching him,” Flora said, “No one knows of his existence except Father Dragan and us.”

“Very good, keep watching him,” Arthur said, “I need to think carefully about how to use him.”

With that, Arthur opened the intelligence panel [Wow~ Golden Legend (Enhanced/Follow-up)] An avatar of a demigod is trapped in Mist Town. Search Mist Town and its surroundings to find clues to rescue him.

[Blue Intelligence (Follow-up)] There are many evil spirits in Maple Leaf Forest; they become quite weak during the day [Green Intelligence (Synthesis/Follow-up)] The Black Goat Caravan is preparing to purchase a disputed piece of land from the Bull Family and the Kalinshan Remnants.

You can send an envoy to acquire the land at a higher price.

[Green Intelligence (Enhanced)] The beast horde led by Duke Wild Dog bears no ill will towards Mist Town.

Their target is Rageclaw, the leader of the Black Blood People; cooperating properly with them will yield twice the results with half the effort.

[White Intelligence] The Lovich siblings and their followers’ attitude towards you has turned friendly.

Sheriff Greer’s attitude towards you has turned friendly, and Father Dragan’s attitude towards you has turned to trust.

[White Intelligence] Joshua is trying to get the Black Blood People to leave Qingfeng Valley in order to contact the Black Goat Caravan.

After reading the intelligence, Arthur pondered how to act.

After a long while, a plan gradually formed in his mind.

So, he quickly walked out of the room, found Flora, and asked her to go with him to the Mayor’s mansion.

On the way, Arthur instructed Flora, “The three Beastkin from the tavern yesterday should be at his house.”

“Find them and have them come see me.”

After Flora escorted Arthur to the mansion, she quickly headed to the gravedigger’s house.

The Lovich siblings and Arthur met in the mansion’s study.

Since the Sheriff resigned from his mayoral duties, this room had been vacant.

Arthur got straight to the point and asked, “Have you placed anyone with Joshua?”

Ismark shook his head, indicating he wasn’t sure.

Heir, however, replied, “I know one person.”

“He used to work for my father. I have some acquaintance with him and can talk to him.”

Ismark looked at his sister with a slight surprise.

“So, is that acquaintance enough for him to help deliver a false message?”

“That depends on the message,” Heir replied very cautiously.

Arthur then told the siblings his plan.