Mushroom Bug's News

A loyalty ritual is a type of contract, and contracts are part of the power rules of the Dragon Sleep Continent.

"The Dragon's Gaze is upon you."

The people of the Shadowflame Grand Duchy like to say this blessing, and it's not just a simple wish; it can actually become a reality.

There's no other reason.

The entire Shadowflame Grand Duchy, able to carve out a spring-like oasis in the freezing snow, relies on the power radiation of the Shadowflame Dragon.

Even beings like Clay Dragon Ross originated from the power of the Shadowflame Dragon.

The Shadowflame Dragon shelters every corner of the entire country, so contracts made in its name will naturally be influenced by its power.

This influence might not manifest in the short term, but it will certainly happen in the long run.

Followers can indeed break their oaths of loyalty without divine punishment. However, one day in the future, they will be backlashed by the power of the Shadowflame Dragon, paying a sufficient price through the rules of destiny.

It might be falling into madness during cultivation, the successive deaths of loved ones, or getting lost in a blizzard.

Therefore.

An oath of loyalty must never be made lightly. Once made, no one dares to break it.

"Perhaps it's just a ploy by the noble lords to solidify their rule, using the dragon as a gimmick to scare their followers," Russell thought idly after accepting the Wildcat Sisters, as he felt no mysterious effect.

A knight's oath of loyalty was just an ordinary ritual.

However, he certainly wouldn't show it. The Dragon's Gaze was a sacred belief for the natives of the Dragon Sleep Continent.

In short, taking in the Wildcat Sisters was a natural progression. Russell was self-aware enough to know it wasn't because he possessed some kingly aura that made people bow down instantly.

In fact, as long as a lord was willing to accept them, many Cave Freemen were willing to swear loyalty and live under the sun from then on. As for pursuing freedom, except for a select few, most were just trying to save face and hide their origins.

"My lord, the Wildcat Sisters have a relatively clean background. They might be descendants of escaped serfs from the past. We couldn't find any records of them being fugitives or even any criminal records in the Guangguang River Valley or the manors of several noblemen."

Tom, a Knight Retainer whom Russell had dispatched long ago to investigate the Wildcat Sisters' criminal records, delivered his report.

This put Russell even more at ease.

Half of the freemen were descendants of serfs who had fled noble lands. This was because most serf marriages were not free; they could only marry within the manor. If they wanted to marry someone from outside, they had to pay a hefty marriage tax.

Unable to pay but wanting to be together.

They could only flee to the caves, and not to local caves either. They had to follow merchant caravans and blend into the caves around other territories.

For reasons unknown, noble lords mostly turned a blind eye to serfs escaping.

"Very good, Tom. You've worked hard. Go and rest."

"Understood."

After dismissing Tom, Russell entered the dining room with Charles.

The Wildcat Sisters were wolfing down their dinner. The staple food in the caves consisted of mushrooms, moss, and some snakes and rats, which couldn't compare to the various delicacies prepared in the manor's kitchen—though Russell didn't consider them delicacies.

"My lord."

"No need to get up. Continue eating, and we can chat while we eat." Russell sat down.

He had already planned how to arrange for the Wildcat Sisters. "The news of your loyalty to me, and Eric's promotion to Phantom Beast Knight, has been kept secret by me. I believe you've already guessed the purpose."

"Are we going after the Lone Wolf leader?" Katie asked.

Russell smiled. "Going after the Lone Wolf Lisbon is only the first stage. The real goal is to open up the entire Xiangshui River Cave."

Charles elaborated, "Beyond the Wuyou Snake Manor is the border of the Guangguang River Valley, but my lord is not satisfied with just the land of Wuyou Snake Manor. He wishes to expand his territory to the entire Xiangshui River Cave."

"My lord is also interested in the Xiangshui River Cave? To be honest, it's quite barren and won't bring my lord much profit," Katie asked, puzzled.

"Even the most barren land has its value. In short, I want the Xiangshui River Cave and the labor of its freemen."

"Yes, I understand, my lord." Katie nodded. "What do you need us sisters to do? Please, command us."

"First, I need Lisbon the Lone Wolf's whereabouts. It would be best if we could lure him out of the Xiangshui River Cave. Second, I need to recruit freemen. Skilled artisans can run businesses in my territory, and those with strength can sell themselves as serfs... Of course, those with blood on their hands and those who are disobedient must be weeded out."

Katie frowned and said hesitantly, "My lord, it's difficult not to have blood on one's hands in that environment. I don't dare to hide it from you, but my sisters and I have killed people. Back then, someone tried to take advantage of us, and we ended up killing them."

"They wanted to take advantage of my sister... and me," Catherine added, though the last "and me" lacked conviction.

"Killing someone proactively and killing someone passively are two different matters. Since I've taken you in, I won't pursue past actions." Russell said.

If it were a time of peace, Russell would definitely stay away from murderers.

But this world was different. Russell's moral standards naturally had to be flexible to adapt to the rules of this world.

"Thank you for your understanding, my lord."

"Mm."

"Please rest assured, my lord. After this dinner, my sisters and I will return to the cave and pretend to pledge allegiance to the Lone Wolf Lisbon, then find an opportunity to lure him out of the cave. Once my lord eliminates Lisbon, my sisters and I will be able to integrate the Xiangshui River Cave and present the land and population to my lord."

"Good. I wish us success. You will then be able to walk freely under the sun." Russell raised his wine glass.

Charles also said cheerfully, "Beautiful people should walk openly on the streets."

His eyes kept roving over Katie and Catherine.

Russell glanced at Charles strangely, unable to understand why he found the Wildcat Sisters attractive.

Was it because of their deep worry lines, their pale white skin, or their sunken eyes?

Or perhaps, they looked like women in their thirties or forties at the age of twenty, possessing a mature charm?

The four raised their cups and drank together.

Then, Katie hesitated and said, "My Lord, I have some news, I don't know if it's true or not, but perhaps I should inform you."

"Please speak."

"Here in the Xiangshui River Cave, a rumor has been circulating that the Lone Wolf Lisbon once found a Mushroom Bug. They say it was with the help of this Mushroom Bug that he obtained enough cultivation resources to be promoted to Great Ranger."

"Oh!" Russell's interest was piqued. "How likely do you think that is?"

"I think it's very likely. Lisbon was just an ordinary Ranger before, but he suddenly became a Great Ranger in the last few years!" Catherine said confidently, "Without the help of the Mushroom Bug, he couldn't have rallied a group of people to monopolize the cave."

Charles said excitedly, "My Lord, this gives us another reason to clear out the Xiangshui River Cave!"

"Indeed, whether it's true or not, we must capture Lisbon and interrogate him." Russell already considered the Xiangshui River Cave his territory.

Since it was his territory, all magical creations on it naturally belonged to him.

The Lone Wolf Lisbon was stealing and robbing!

"Katie, Catherine, when you return, remember to gather more information about the Mushroom Bug. If you need to relay messages, have Kevin do it. I'll have Eric cooperate with you."

"Yes, My Lord!"