https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-545-Lanchi-s-Snowy-Journey-with-the-Young-Girl/12584826/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-547-Lanchi-s-Favorability-Has-Decreased/12584831/
Chapter 546: Lanchi Acknowledges Sigree's Wisdom
Chapter 546: Lanchi Acknowledges Sigree's Wisdom
That night, Sigree finally arrived with Lanchi at an independent city-state called "Greyt Stone Fortress", also known as Little Stone City.
The sky had turned pitch black early, and only the twilight and lamplight guided their way.
The tall city gate was covered in thick snow.
"It's been dark for three or four hours, but it's only seven o'clock."
Lanchi stepped off the sled, took out his pocket watch, and exclaimed in surprise.
In Little Stone City, there were probably only a few hours of daylight, and even less further north.
This was why the snowfield was known as the Land of Eternal Night.
He and Sigrid had once traveled to Brandla, the northernmost city of the Protoss Empire, and if they went further north, they would enter a similar region of perpetual darkness, known as the "Eternal Night" in the mortal world.
"Don't worry, whether it's night or day, I'll get you to your destination on time, as per our contract."
Sigree had already jumped off the sled and started unloading Lanchi's luggage.
This guy seemed to have brought a lot of tools, so the luggage was heavy, with three large boxes.
Including hers, there were four in total.
"Mhm."
Lanchi watched as Sigree worked.
One of the reasons his secretary had highly recommended Sigree was because of her exceptional endurance during the night. She could practically ignore the poor visibility and snowy weather, ensuring that her customers arrived at their destinations safely.
With her as their driver, they would be able to rest in a Beastman city-state every day. There were six of them in total, and on the seventh day, they would successfully reach the Demon Realm.
As soon as they entered the city, they spotted the post station, where adventurers and their mounts could rest for a small fee.
Sigree handed over the reins of the sled and the Snowfield Spirit Deer to the Beastmen of the post station. The experienced caretakers quickly fed and groomed the deer, ensuring they were well taken care of for the night.
"By the way, I want to remind you that the recent situation in the Poulant Empire may have attracted some unwanted creatures to the snowfields. You should be mentally prepared for that."
Sigree returned to Lanchi's side and shared this warning as they waited by the roadside.
This was also the reason why she had been reluctant to take on new jobs recently.
However, the offered price was too good to refuse.
With this single job, she could ensure that the orphanage had no financial worries for an entire year. Even if war broke out, the nuns could take the children and escape to a neighboring country, avoiding the fate of becoming refugees.
"Alright, but can you give me more details about these creatures? I'd like to be prepared."
Lanchi asked, his interest piqued.
"Those blood clans... If the Honing Empire has designs on the Poulant Empire, they have likely already begun infiltrating the Pukelo Kingdom and the Kingdom of Idies, which lie to the east and west of the Poulant Empire. By passing through these two kingdoms, they can reach the snowfields and lay their plans."
Sigree didn't seem to expect Lanchi to take her words at face value, and she spoke casually, sharing her thoughts.
"The blood clans will definitely want to block off the northern snowfields behind the Poulant Empire first and then surround and consume the Poulant Empire from the land. Of course, these are just my speculations, and they may differ greatly from what those imperial politicians are thinking. After all, they probably see the Honing Empire as the main threat, not the blood clans."
She knew that clients like Lanchi, an artist of his caliber, would likely put more stock in the words of his equals, the nobility, and might not take her one-sided speculations too seriously. So, she didn't mind sharing her thoughts.
Of course, someone of his privileged background, who seemed to live in a world of castles and palaces, might not even care about her insights on the situation.
In any case, if the blood clans did succeed in taking over the Poulant Empire, they probably wouldn't bother killing someone like him, a harmless and artistically talented human plaything.
And she, as a thorn in the blood clan's side, would be their first target for elimination.
But she was no longer afraid. Her parents and tribespeople had been slaughtered by the blood clan, and she had long learned to endure the darkness and loneliness, merely scraping by day by day in this world.
"Wow," Lanchi exclaimed, looking at Sigree in surprise.
"What's so wow about it?" Sigree asked, tilting her head in confusion, unsure why he was reacting this way.
"You're so smart," Lanchi marveled, gazing at the diminutive figure beside him.
He felt like they were on the same wavelength, their thoughts in sync.
"What do you mean?" Sigree didn't understand why Lanchi was suddenly praising her, as she had been prepared for him to dismiss her thoughts.
"I mean you analyzed the situation so thoroughly. Your insights are far superior to those of the noble lords in the parliament," Lanchi said, exasperated, throwing his hands up.
"Oh..." Sigree wasn't sure whether to believe him, but she appreciated that her employer was at least considering her advice.
Of course, it was more likely that the painter truly didn't care about the situation in the Poulant Empire, so he took the word of a child without questioning her reasoning or offering any counterarguments.
If possible, she really didn't want to encounter the blood clan again, especially in the snowy fields between the city-states of the Land of Eternal Night.
If they were to cross paths, the nights would be extremely dangerous for her.
Unless she escaped the snowfields, she wouldn't be able to survive until dawn.
The blood clan was practically invincible.
After a brief chat, Lanchi and Sigree met with a local driver who helped them with their luggage and took them on a tour of the city.
Little Stone City stood at the southernmost edge of the Land of Eternal Night, a place of perpetual winter where snow covered the vast land. It was a community primarily inhabited by beastmen, blending rugged, primitive beauty with the modern influences of human city-states.
Among the six city-states along the route, Little Stone City was the southernmost and the closest to the Poulant Empire, making it the most "civilized" in terms of relations between beastmen and humans. Trade was frequent, and the city bore the marks of human culture.
As one ventured deeper into the Land of Eternal Night, conditions became harsher, and by the time one reached the last city-state, humans were rarely seen, and even demons might make an appearance.
"This city-state is relatively safe, but starting the day after tomorrow, don't wander off on your own. Stay by my side at all times," Sigree instructed as she gazed at the familiar architecture of the city-state, the buildings constructed from sturdy stone and specially treated wood to withstand the harsh cold and snow.
Little Stone City was the city-state she visited most often in the Land of Eternal Night, and while she had been to the others less frequently, she was well aware of their treacherous environments.
"Okay, I will," Lanchi confirmed.
Heeding the advice of his guide was crucial, and having a reliable bodyguard by his side brought him peace of mind. This included the plans for the following day—meeting with the grand duke and restoring the statue in the city-state.
It was said that within the temple of Little Stone City stood an ancient relic statue of the God of Rocks and Protection, who watched over the land and the oaths of the beastmen with solemn dignity.
Also known as the Earth God, this deity wielded earth-attribute divine power, as recorded in the Creation Records.
He was the deity revered by the bear tribe of Little Stone City.
Lanchi and Sigree continued their journey into the heart of Little Stone City, traveling along roads paved with gray stone slabs. On either side were low-lying buildings, and the streets bustled with furry beastmen donning unique garments. Occasionally, a human figure could be spotted among them. The bustling downtown area was illuminated by bright lights even in the depths of night.
After a journey of over ten minutes, they finally arrived at their lodging for the night—the luxurious Snow Bear Hotel, the finest in the city-state.
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
Report
