Chapter 210: Conspiracy
At a small outpost west of Wind Orchid City, several soldiers leaned against the walls, chatting idly.
"Great news—the Shadow World Sect has been driven back."
"Phew. Lord Adrian is truly remarkable. Those blind rebels actually dared to oppose our far-sighted baron. Even those vicious Black Crow demons have disappeared."
"Yeah. Ever since my lord returned, the entire territory has been much more peaceful."
"No matter how you look at it, Wind Orchid Territory is safe. Look around—it’s quiet. No rebels, no Black Crow demons. A hundred times better than anywhere else."
"Why do I hear crows... and thunder?"
As they spoke, someone suddenly noticed something was off. The rumbling sound seemed to be growing louder.
"That’s... the Black Crow Banner!"
In the distance, a cavalry unit clad in black came charging forward, the Black Crow flag whipping violently in the wind. In the blink of an eye, they had reached the small fortress.
"They’re back!"
The people at the outpost felt their spines go cold.
They had seen what the Black Crow demons left behind—no survivors. Not even dogs were spared. All that remained were strange symbols... and piles of severed heads.
"No way..." The defending captain’s pupils shrank in shock. "Quick, light the beacon! Call for reinforcements!"
Before he could finish, a streak of silver light shot forward and blew his head apart.
The outpost descended into chaos.
In less than ten minutes—
The gates were breached. Flames spread everywhere, and blood soaked the ground.
"What? People from the Shadow World Sect attacked Adrian?"
Ashina held a captive, extracting shocking information from him.
After organizing the details, she reported to Phield.
"My lord, the Seventh Executor blasted open part of the city wall, causing massive casualties. Then she left unchallenged—no one even dared to pursue her. However, she didn’t expand the battle further. After killing a large number of soldiers, she withdrew."
The black crow perched on Ashina’s shoulder.
"The Shadow World Sect is more efficient than I expected."
Phield had originally thought their attack on Wind Orchid City was just talk.
Raising an eyebrow slightly, he mused, "If Adrian’s been beaten into submission, then our plan to lure him out through raids will be much harder to execute."
"Besides, he’s already signed mutual defense agreements with neighboring lords. If we get surrounded, we’ll lose more than just a layer of skin."
"So what do we do?"
Ashina felt frustrated. Their perfect plan had been disrupted unexpectedly.
"Relax. I have an interesting idea." Phield smirked slightly. "Have Kai bring the team back. Tell him this..."
Meanwhile, Miriam had been feeling bored these past two days.
After arriving near Wind Orchid City, Phield had sent out the cavalry, claiming they were delivering a message to his brother. As for himself, he rented a hunter’s cabin, wandering the mountains and rivers. That afternoon, he even hunted down a deer.
Flames licked at the meat, releasing a rich, mouthwatering aroma.
Phield elegantly cut a piece of steak and placed it into his mouth, the juices bursting instantly.
"Not bad. You two should try it."
He handed the knife to Miriam and picked up a book, flipping through it leisurely.
He’s actually not that bad...
The thought suddenly crossed Miriam’s mind. Even when borrowing the hunter’s cabin, he paid instead of taking it by force.
But then she shook her head, steadying herself. No. It’s all an act.
"What’s with you? Shaking your head like that. Someone might think the deer meat is hallucinogenic."
Phield chuckled at her conflicted expression.
"N-no, it’s nothing. I’m just... happy."
Miriam relaxed slightly, cutting a piece of meat and savoring it. Though they were Divine Chosen, the rebel forces were poor—their lives were nowhere near those of nobles.
After tasting something truly delicious, both of them visibly brightened.
Rapid footsteps approached. Kai hurried to the cabin door and knocked twice.
"My lord, urgent intelligence."
"Come in. How urgent could it be?"
Phield closed his book calmly, completely composed.
"My lord, it’s just..." Kai glanced at Miriam and Brinda.
"They’re my newly recruited... ahem... personal maids." Phield coughed lightly. "I’m not even in my own territory—what could possibly be that serious?"
"It would be better if the two ladies stepped outside for a moment."
Rubbing his temples, Phield laughed. "Fine. You’re still as cautious as ever. You two—wait outside."
The two of them obediently walked out, then immediately stood by the door, straining their ears to listen. A Divine Chosen’s hearing far surpassed that of ordinary people.
"Wind Orchid City has been attacked by the Night Owl organization. Your brother is furious and is arresting civilians nonstop, trying to find accomplices."
Kai’s words were explosive.
"Huh?!"
Outside, both women trembled.
"Lord Adrian is truly enraged this time. There will likely be a massacre."
Knowing they were listening, Phield chuckled. "My dear brother is quite amusing. Doesn’t he realize that as long as his subordinates want to enrich themselves, anyone can be labeled a rebel? Many innocent people will surely be killed. After all, once executed, their wealth becomes his."
Kai scratched his head. "Yes. Many have already been arrested. They’ll be tortured publicly to intimidate the populace."
"That has nothing to do with us."
Phield spoke indifferently. "Though I suspect the Night Owl will try to rescue them. After all, rumors say they save the suffering. And now, those lower-class people—who once lived peacefully—are being torn apart, their families destroyed. Night Owl should bear full responsibility. Just a bunch of fools stirring up trouble for nothing."
Hearing this, Miriam and Brinda felt as if struck by lightning, their minds spinning.
Phield continued speaking, but neither of them could process another word. Their thoughts were consumed by one question—who among their comrades had gone to Wind Orchid City?
A quarter of an hour later, Phield stepped out with a bow on his back.
"I’m going to hunt a Tier-Three magical beast—the Earth Bear. It’ll take three days. You two stay in the cabin. Don’t worry—I’ll leave five knights behind."
With that, Phield led his troops into the forest.
Moments later, the two women grew restless.
"What’s going on? Who was operating in Rick Province?" Brinda frowned. "If so many people die, Night Owl will become public enemies. When the rebels rise in the future, Rick Province will firmly side with the Sacred Griffin Empire."
"My mind is a mess."
Miriam rubbed her temples. "We should go take a look. Do what we can to help the innocent."
"Let’s go!"
Brinda clenched her fists. "No matter what, the mission of the Divine Chosen is to protect the weak."
The two quietly pushed open a crack in the door. Seeing that the cavalry left behind weren’t even patrolling—sleeping instead inside their tents—they didn’t hesitate.
Without looking back, they disappeared into the darkness.