Bolunte and Tianna

Wodi has been stationed here for several days now, though it's just for show. In his opinion, it's a waste of his precious time to enjoy life.

If it weren't for that official's request, he would have been playing and frolicking with those young and beautiful girls in his own house long ago. Why would he need to stay in such a cold place with these roughnecks?

Speaking of which, the little sister that Jikade picked up is really beautiful! She has a slender waist and legs, an oval face, and big eyes—a rare gem. It's such a waste that such a girl is with someone as rigid and old-fashioned as Jikade!

If it falls into my hands...

As he thought about it, his face flushed red. But quickly, he patted his greasy face to dispel any thoughts of Tianna.

That was the girl that official had taken a liking to; how could he dare to have any improper thoughts? Just thinking about that official's cruel methods made his entire body of fat tremble like waves.

"Reporting to you, sir, news has arrived from the eastern battlefield that Captain Jikade has launched a full-scale offensive!"

A man who looked like a scout walked quickly up to him, bowed his head, and said in a deep voice.

Wodi was startled, but he quickly recovered and coughed twice.

"Hmm, good attack, good attack indeed. Pass down the order: we'll hold our positions and wait for instructions from our superiors, or until Jikade and the others can't hold out any longer before launching our attack," Wodi said somewhat casually.

He looked eastward, a cold smile appearing on his lips, thinking to himself, "Jikade, without my support, let's see how long you can last?"

Look at you! Lord Bolunte is so handsome and dashing, from such a distinguished family. For such a talented young man to take a liking to your sister is a blessing you two have accumulated over three lifetimes. And what did you do? You just dismissed him with a simple "I don't like him." Who do you take him for? A sweet potato from the Kurotsuchi?

If only you had agreed to that marriage back then! You and your sister wouldn't be stuck in this godforsaken place, surrounded by enemies. Maybe he would have even transferred you to headquarters, which would have meant a promotion and a fortune!

This forced him to maintain the facade of the Magic Council and come to his aid.

He was actually hoping the war would end sooner. If Jikade and his entire army were wiped out, he could use the excuse of preserving the overall situation to withdraw his troops, and then he could return to his mansion sooner to be with the pretty girls.

Wodi knew that Bolunte was forcing Jikade to agree to his marriage to Tianna, deliberately cutting off all support for him. Bolunte was adept at maneuvering among powerful figures; this was a piece of cake for him.

For example, the snowstorm might be too heavy, the support might not be timely, or the blizzard might cause accidents to the support team. Anyway, I'm almost at the front line under Bolunte's arrangements. If they want to investigate, I can just adapt to the situation.

"Sir, a man and a woman have arrived at our position. They claim to be messengers of Lord Jikade, but they are not wearing our Magic Council's combat uniforms." Suddenly, another mage trotted over and said in a deep voice.

"Jikade's messenger?" Wodi raised an eyebrow, then swaggered towards the military camp, his belly protruding. "If you don't see him, just say I'm sick."

"But..." the mage looked troubled. "They said if you don't see me, Captain, they'll force their way in."

"Force their way in? Hmph~" Wodi sneered, "What do they think this place is, that they can just barge in and do whatever they want? Fine, I'll just go see that messenger. Come on, take me there. I want to see if all of Jikade's men are this arrogant!"

Having said that, he walked away, led by the magic soldier.

"Damn it, those two arrogant bastards don't even know their place. Even that kid Jikade has to respectfully call me 'senior' when he sees me. These two are nothing but pawns, yet they dare to come here and act tough?" Wodi muttered as he walked.

However, when he actually arrived at his destination, he was so surprised that he couldn't speak.

"You... you are... Jikade's messengers?" Wodi's face turned red, and he stammered as he spoke.

That's what he said, but his small eyes were constantly fixed on Nuolin, who was standing next to Chiba.

That face, those legs, that figure, that tiny waist...

Hiss...

What Wodi couldn't stand the most was Nuolin's bewildered look, like that of a little white rabbit; it was truly...

Just as he was wavering, Chiba smiled and said respectfully, "Lord Wodi, we are indeed Lord Jikade's messengers."

"Hmm... hmm... not bad... not bad..."

Wodi stared intently at Nuolin with his small eyes, speaking absentmindedly.

A mocking smile played on Chiba's lips, but his voice remained gentle and humble, tinged with urgency and anxiety. "Lord Wodi, the war in the Eastern Dragon Corpse Valley region has begun. Lord Jikade has sent us to you for assistance... we... we're about to collapse..."

Chiba's voice drew Wodi's attention slightly. He coughed twice, realizing his lapse in composure. He immediately put his hands behind his back, trying to make his voice sound authoritative, and then waved for the other soldiers to go about their duties.

"Let's go to the military tent to talk," he said.

Chiba nodded emphatically.

Nuolin followed Chiba, and the three of them entered a military tent together.

After taking his seat in the main seat, Wodi waved for his subordinates to leave first, then looked at Chiba and said, "You two... are Lord Jikade's confidants, aren't you..."

"Yes..." Chiba didn't know what he wanted to say, so she could only reply with an "Mmm."

"Since he's Lord Jikade's confidant, he must have already made his choice by coming to me for help." Wodi stood up, shook his head, and sighed, "But even if he has made his choice, I might not be able to make such a decision for Lord Bolunte."

Chiba: "(•ิ_•ิ)?"

"I wonder if there is anything else you need, sir?" Chiba asked respectfully.

Although he didn't know who Wodi Lord Bolunte was that Wordy was, nor what the connection was between the three of them, he gleaned something from this sleazy, ugly, fat man: if he wanted to send troops, he'd have to offer some benefits.

At this moment, Wodi walked up to the two of them, his lecherous eyes sweeping over Nuolin's exquisite body without any restraint, clicking his tongue in admiration.

He suddenly sat up straight, the smile on his face vanishing, and his voice filled with authority. "Boy, for the name of justice, for the name of the Magic Council, are you prepared?"

Chiba almost burst out laughing. Was this fatso trying to fool him with such childish nonsense?

"Yes, sir. I believe that the moment I joined the Magic Council, I dedicated my body and soul entirely to justice." Chiba's face was solemn, his posture upright, and his eyes blazed with fervor. "I think I can give up everything I cherish for the sake of justice!"

He wasn't sure if it was just his imagination, but when he finished speaking, Nuolin beside him seemed to smile very faintly.