At the end of October, the Winter Dungeon could feel the approaching winter.
The bone-chilling rain fell for three days and turned into snowflakes on the fourth day.
On the fifth day, when the long-absent sun finally broke free from the dark clouds, Chilly Winter Castle had become a world of snow and ice that was covered in silver.
But the residents of Winter weren't in the mood to appreciate the beautiful scenery.
Most of them were running out of food.
"Is there no sign of food prices falling?"
In the study in the courtyard of the Lion's Roar Castle, the Duke Of St. Hilde asked as he added firewood to the fireplace.
Behind the Duke was a middle-aged man with an amiable temperament.
He had a pair of sea-blue eyes that were filled with waves of wisdom.
His white ponytail was carefully combed and blown to the back of his head. His clothes were exquisite but not extravagant. An ancient handwritten scroll was fastened to his waist, and his left hand was wearing a white glove.
Dawn White.
The residents of the Lion's Roar Castle called him Scholar Dawn.
Though the title of "Scholar" wasn't a noble title, it was still very precious.
Only those who had studied at the Empire's White Tower Academy and graduated were qualified to use the title of Scholar.
The number of graduates from the White Tower Academy could be counted with one hand.
Therefore, every scholar was the best candidate for a court official, and they were naturally the targets of the Dungeon Lords.
"No." Scholar Dawn shook his head. His expression was full of worry. "In the past three months, the price of food in the Northern Frontier has increased by more than 20 times!
It's definitely not just because of the poor harvest caused by the Trolls' invasion.
Someone is deliberately hoarding food and manipulating the price! "
"They're just merchants who are willing to sacrifice their lives for money." The Duke Of St. Hilde was full of disdain. "Issue a Duke's Order to the Dungeon Lords of the Northern Frontier to control the merchants in their territories.
If the price of food is still high in half a month, don't blame me for killing them! "
"Yes." Scholar Dawn nodded.
"Is there enough food for the Golden Lion Legion?"
"If there's no large-scale war, there's still enough." Scholar Dawn hesitated for a while before reminding him.
"However, Your Grace, I still suggest that you purchase another batch of rations, just in case."
Hearing this, the Duke Of St. Hilde frowned.
He clearly understood what Master Daun was worried about.
Famine was the easiest factor to trigger a rebellion.
Thus, the Duke Of St. Hilde immediately nodded and said, "Then let's purchase another batch."
"Alright. However, the price of food in the Empire is rather high right now, so I'm afraid … "
"No matter how high the price is, buy it for me!"
"Yes."
The Duke Of St. Hilde threw a few more logs into the fireplace.
Looking at the dancing flames, he suddenly asked, "Where is the Black Cavalry now?"
Scholar Dwayne carefully looked at the Duke Of St. Hilde's face, but he couldn't see any obvious emotions on his face.
"The latest news came yesterday. Black Cavalry has left the Northern Frontier and entered the Half-elf Kingdom."
"Yes." The Duke Of St. Hilde nodded, but he didn't give any instructions.
The raging flames were reflected in the duke's deep eyes, as if revealing his restless heart.
Seeing this, Scholar Dawn was about to leave when he suddenly heard a majestic voice from outside the castle.
"Duke Of St. Hilde, Otto Volkin, the Northern Prince of the Troll Empire, hereby challenges you to a duel in the name of revenge for His Majesty Murdoff!"
* Boom! *
A blazing flame suddenly exploded in the fireplace.
The Duke Of St. Hilde suddenly stood up and looked out of the window.
A troll warrior emitting a terrifying aura was standing at the highest point of the Lion's Roar Castle, looking down at the guards who were constantly gathering below.
Seeing the Duke Of St. Hilde about to leave, Scholar Dawn hurriedly stepped forward to dissuade him, "Your Grace, it is said that Prince Otto has just advanced to the Sanctuary-realm!"
"So what?" The Duke Of St. Hilde didn't have the slightest intention of backing down. "Am I supposed to hide in the Lion's Roar Castle and let him strut around outside?"
After saying this, the duke no longer cared about the stunned Scholar Dawn and strode out.
— — —
The southwest border of the Half-elf Kingdom.
The Black Cavalry was camping here.
After Marquis García finished drinking the meat soup, he casually wiped his mouth and asked Marquis Dawson, who was beside him, "We should be passing through the Shadow Canyon in another 30 miles, right?"
"Yes, Your Grace." Marquis Dawson's attitude was still as respectful as ever.
Even though he had been conferred the title of Marquis and had pledged his loyalty to the Duke Of St. Hilde, he still didn't dare to offend the Duke Of St. Hilde.
However, when Marquis García gathered the Black Cavalry and marched into the Half-elf Kingdom, this former "Chief Butler" of the Black Cavalry also came to help without hesitation.
"Send someone to investigate carefully." Marquis García ordered.
Marquis Dawson smiled and said in a slightly disapproving tone, "Your Grace, this is the Half-elf Kingdom. What danger can there be?"
"It's always right to be cautious."
"Okay, I'll arrange it." Seeing Marquis García insist, Marquis Dawson promptly nodded in agreement.
…
After the rest, the army set out once again.
Marquis García urged his horse forward in the Shadow Canyon, but there was a trace of worry between his brows.
"Dawson, have you sent someone to investigate this canyon?"
"Your Grace, please rest assured. I've already sent someone to investigate thoroughly. This place is very safe. "
Marquis García nodded and continued forward.
But the more he went forward, the more Marquis García felt that something was wrong.
That kind of feeling of trepidation shrouded him, as if something bad was about to happen.
"Stop!" Finally, Marquis García ordered.
"Your Grace, what's wrong? We're only halfway there. "Marquis Dawson hurriedly asked.
"It's too quiet here!" Marquis García's gaze was cold, as if he had realized something.
The next moment, he decisively ordered, "Turn around! The rear army becomes the front army, and the front army becomes the rear army. Withdraw from the Shadow Canyon! "
"Your Grace …" Marquis Dawson had a puzzled expression, "Your Grace …"
Marquis García ignored him and insisted that the military officer immediately go forward to give the order.
Just as the Black Cavalry began to change their formation, a loud sound suddenly came from the canyon.
Rumble!
Marquis García suddenly turned his head and saw a dazzling flash suddenly erupt from the two cliffs behind him.
The terrifying arcane energy was like the might of the heavens, blowing apart the two cliffs in the middle of the canyon.
Countless shattered boulders rolled down, smashing towards the waist of the Black Cavalry!
Bang! Bang!
Miserable cries and horse neighs resounded through the canyon.
Marquis García's face instantly became incomparably pale.
While he was in a daze, he suddenly felt a sharp pain coming from his waist.
Turning his head, Marquis García saw that the subordinate he had trusted the most had stabbed a dagger into his waist.
"Faran Dawson! You traitor! "
Facing the furious gaze of Marquis García, Marquis Dawson took a step back and smiled calmly.
"My apologies, Your Grace. Previously, when my subordinates were investigating this canyon, they weren't too careful."
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