A Consensus Reached

Inside the vast mansion, the corridors are identical in style and design, and there are many forks in the road.

Moreover, each room is not marked with any symbols or door numbers, making it easy to go to the wrong one.

The woman in a red robe was in charge of arranging rooms for Han Dong and his group.

Her dignified demeanor and graceful gait perfectly complemented the grand mansion.

Since the Earl himself disliked bright light, there was no lighting decoration inside the mansion.

Considering that Han Dong and his friends were human, the woman carried an old kerosene lamp in her hand.

"My lord, and your friends, this area is the VIP lounge."

The Earl dislikes having multiple people share a room, even couples, and hopes you will follow this requirement.

During my stay, I will be responsible for your food, clothing, lodging, and all other needs, and will be at your beck and call...

When you need me, just whisper my name— Julia.

Six iron keys, each bearing a mark of wild laughter at its end, were handed to Han Dong.

She deliberately ran her delicate fingers along Han Dong's palm, while simultaneously casting a captivating glance.

Immediately, the maid extinguished the kerosene lamp in her hand, and the dark red light disappeared into the dark corridor.

In this way, the remaining time was entirely entrusted to Han Dong and his group.

The atmosphere became slightly awkward for a moment.

"Let's all come to the room and discuss this first..."

Han Dong used a key to open one of the VIP rooms.

The fireplace in the room had been lit in advance.

The floor was covered with a fluffy, comfortable carpet. The room as a whole did not have much 'blood-red' decoration, and was not much different from the rooms of human nobles.

"Everyone, now that we've come this far, let's follow the Earl's arrangements and participate in the ' Red Banquet ' as planned."

Although the Invitation Letter was issued by the Earl, it actually came from someone of a higher status.

The letter contains the "Old King's Seal," and given my lord's special status, we are attending this banquet as 'VIPs,' so the Earl would never attack us.

Before and after the banquet, as long as we don't break the rules, we're safe.

Moreover, this "Red Banquet," held only once every few years, might allow Captain Lucius to obtain higher-quality [Blood Brew] to bring back to the Holy City.

In addition, this direct in-depth exploration of the Scarlet Manor can also yield more investigative information..."

"OK."

Lucius showed neither anger at being tricked nor any change in expression due to the rapid turn of events; instead, he adopted a passive attitude.

"Speaking of which, Nicholas, you've been hiding this very well. Although I had my suspicions, I couldn't be completely certain... I never imagined you had such close ties with the outside world."

"Seniors, please take a look..."

As he spoke, Han Dong secretly handed a prepared note to Lucius, asking him to pass it on to Senior Sister Zhen and Senior Brother Lunze... It detailed a special plan, a special request given by Mr. Black and White.

"This is the main reason why I chose to go deep into the mountain villa and participate in the banquet... This matter concerns the safety of the Holy City itself."

If this is done well, the senior students will receive great rewards from the Holy City and will surely occupy an important position within the Knight Order in the future.

Lucius's face darkened after reading the note.

"This kind of thing... Mr. Black and White actually entrusted you with it?"

"It's not entirely me, I have companions too, haha... Moreover, Mr. Black and White specifically named and arranged for Senior Lucius's team to escort you, which means he probably wants Captain Lucius and you to join the plan as well."

Indeed, it's very difficult, but it's also a great opportunity to find the mole.

"Alright... There are still three days left until the Red Banquet, which should be enough for us to familiarize ourselves with the Scarlet Manor and explore its internal structure."

Furthermore, please try to avoid using these kinds of manipulative tactics on us in the future... Although your motives may not be wrong, they make us very uncomfortable.

Han Dong scratched his head awkwardly. "If I directly say that I plan to go deep into the Scarlet Villa, I obviously won't get your permission, senior... Okay, I'll try to avoid this kind of thing in the future."

Thank you for your understanding, seniors.

It's getting late, everyone should go back to their rooms and rest.

Once it was confirmed that there was no danger, everyone returned to their rooms.

Having traveled from the Holy City to here, plus the events of falling into the valley, encountering the indigenous people, and searching for the mixed beast, more than ten hours had passed, and the group, who had maintained a high level of concentration throughout, were all somewhat tired.

"Abel, Demps, you should both go back to your rooms and rest. If you need anything, feel free to contact me... There is absolutely no danger in staying at the villa."

Abel, I will create your chance to break the cycle of birth.

Take these next few days to rest and recharge.

"Um."

After they returned to their rooms...

Han Dong took a deep breath and leaned back onto the soft bed.

"The first step of the plan was successfully completed. Captain Lucius's reaction was much better than I expected... We entered the ' Scarlet Manor ' as VIPs without any major incidents."

This time, the Earl took the deed to the Scarlet Villa directly to the mountainous region north of the Holy City to hold the "Red Banquet" held every few years, and even sent out a large number of Invitation Letter within the Holy City.

Its purpose is most likely aimed at 'humanity'.

Of course, some creatures from the surrounding areas may also attend the banquet... What is the purpose of such a massive banquet? I must find out within three days of the banquet starting.

"Oh dear... this is quite a heavy burden."

Just then.

The Pink Octopus hidden inside Han Dong's body slowly emerged.

It then transformed into Nicole's human form.

Standing at the window, Nicole gazed at the bustling scene of the manor through her night vision.

Wow! Wow! Wow! (Three shouts)

Nicole is incredibly interested in new and exciting things, and this magnificent mansion made her eyes light up; she even wanted to stay there for a while.

She would touch every object in the room with her pink tentacles.

"Nicole, why don't you go back to the prison to rest later?"

Nicole pretended not to hear.

With a series of gurgling sounds, her lower body completely transformed into its octopus form. With a leap, she pressed her entire body against the soft, natural-smelling bed, closed her eyes, and pretended to be asleep.

But because the bed material felt so comfortable, Nicole's lower body kept wriggling.

Since there was nothing he could do about Nicole, Han Dong could only take a shower first... The VIP room was very spacious and the carpet was quite comfortable, so he could find an empty spot to sleep later.

Just as Han Dong was about to get up.

Nicole, who was pretending to be asleep, suddenly jumped up and hugged Han Dong.