Dilemma

As you reported this matter, I tried to mobilize a few neighbors.

But no one wanted to rashly leave here, cross the treacherous Twilight Forest, and relocate to the unfamiliar Dragon Gold City—

That place was practically imaginary to them.

Father Lynn recalled the events prior.

When he mentioned "orc raids," the townsfolk looked fearful, as if they'd seen a wild beast.

But when he spoke of "crossing the forest," their expressions turned to cowering and resistance.

It was like when people are drunk in a tavern and someone mentions the Southern Defense War; they'd boast that orcs were nothing, that they could be taken down with a single hoe.

But whenever the strangeness of the Twilight Forest or werewolves were brought up, they'd be too scared to make a sound.

Because they truly lived next to the forest.

Having lived in this narrow corner for too long, they understood little of anything beyond the forest, relying solely on occasionally arriving merchant caravans for information.

Until they truly grasped the severity of the situation, no one was willing to abandon this fragile, yet warm cocoon.

"See, Poet? Did you think the obstacles only came from that little white pig and that mercenary leader?

We dwarves have a saying: 'The higher the stature, the greater the flaws!'

Elves are arrogant, giants are foolish, and orcs are merely wild dogs that only know how to roar.

And you humans—well, most humans are cunning, greedy, yet weak."

As Catherine and Father Lynn departed, Gravel simply stayed in the tavern, refusing to leave, determined to drink all the star plum wine in the establishment.

After all, if they had to flee, it was unlikely they could take much of it with them, and leaving it would only benefit those orcs.

Before he could drink, mock Tang Qi's naivete, and try to argue that "short people are the superior race."

Tang Qi interrupted him first:

"Think about it from another perspective. As long as they realize the danger, even if no one leads them, they'll spontaneously flee the town."

"You're as stubborn as a priest, those people would still spread their doctrine even when facing death!"

Gravel couldn't fathom Tang Qi's reasoning at all.

"Even if you convince those ignorant villagers, how will you deal with the trouble caused by the Nobles?

Do you know how many hurdles you need to overcome to achieve your naive goal?"

He said this to make Tang Qi back down.

To his surprise, the other party acted as if he hadn't understood and actually listed the current difficulties:

"Setting aside the townsfolk's reluctance to leave.

First, we need Melard's eyes beside us to ensure we can still recognize the path once we enter the forest.

Second, we need to confirm if Melard, upon learning the news, has any intention of escaping..."

Father Lynn interrupted him, stating with certainty:

"There are indeed Nobles in this world who, for the sake of honor, choose to face their doom alongside their territory.

But from the moment Lord Mel abandoned his people and moved to Dragon Gold City, it was clear his family had no honor to speak of.

Young Master Melard will definitely flee. Even if he doesn't, his steward will ensure he does.

And to appease the townsfolk and prevent unrest, he will likely choose to stay behind, organize defenses, and await rescue—

This conclusion is based on my observations of this territory over the past few decades."

This was a priest of noble morals.

It was precisely because of this that the old gentleman was willing to cling to his only straw of hope, trying to find a way to lead the townsfolk away together.

Tang Qi trusted him and continued:

"Then they are likely already preparing horses to leave. We absolutely cannot let him slip away quietly..."

"Perhaps in about an hour."

Catherine, recalling Melard's specific emphasis before she left, suddenly realized.

"Young Master Melard specifically asked me to bring him star plum wine at that time—I think he was reminding me to pack my bags in advance."

Intelligent people could always discern the deeper meaning behind words.

Tang Qi blinked, suddenly feeling a little uncertain:

"Are you so sure he'll take you with him?"

"He once told me that in front of noble ladies, he couldn't show his true self, or it would bring shame to his family—so he craves freedom and needs my cover."

"Then next are the mercenaries and the village guard—

That's easy, their numbers aren't that large. If that steward really intends to suppress us with force, find a way to incite the townsfolk, and they'll waver and reconsider on their own."

Tang Qi listed the obstacles in his mind, searching for a way out, then let out a soft sigh.

"Finally, there's the matter of time. That's a grand total of three hundred people, including even carts and horses. Even migrating north would be an extremely long procession..."

So we need to get as far away as possible before dawn."

As for the problems they'd face after fleeing, Tang Qi couldn't be bothered to think about them—

In fact, a large group like this entering the Twilight Forest was bound to run into all sorts of trouble.

But for now, he just wanted to achieve the "Town Evacuation" accomplishment. He couldn't force anything more.

"There's no more than two hours until dawn!

So, you want to incite a riot among three hundred civilians, including the old, weak, sick, and disabled, within these two hours, and then, in front of the Explosive Wolf, a bunch of leftover mercenaries, and the village guards under Little Beard's command, capture Melard, right?"

The dwarf almost spat out his plum wine, and by the end of his mockery, he could barely contain his laughter.

"This is fucking hilarious. I once thought there was no funnier joke in the world than 'a 12-year-old girl stealing a ton of star plums overnight'!

Two hours? You can't even finish the first part!"

"I can't do it alone, that's true."

Tang Qi didn't hide his inadequacy.

But Gravel felt that the poet's gaze was a bit like that of the cunning old ranger, Markwen, from their old team—

On their adventures, that old bastard would often make him, who walked at the front of the group, deliberately step into traps he had already seen.

So he subconsciously took two steps back.

"No, impossible. I'm only responsible for Catherine's safety right now. Don't think you can order me to do anything for you!"

"I promise you, everything I plan next will be under the premise of ensuring her safety.

If Catherine is in danger, I will definitely charge ahead of you—my life was saved by the Black Snake, this is what I owe him."

Tang Qi replied sincerely, then looked at Catherine.

"Of course, this also depends on your decision, boss. If you'd rather leave with young master Melard, I will respect your wishes and take back everything I just said."

The red-haired girl first looked at the golden oak tree and the tombstone, then glanced at the quiet tavern and the direction of the second floor.

She clutched the necklace at her chest and shook her head.

"I won't leave here alone. I will definitely bring my family with me.

But I can see that young master Melard's mercy will never extend to Anbi.

Mr. Tang Qi, you can tell me what I should do next."

"Good heavens..."

Gravel patted his head.

"I almost forgot, you humans actually have 'blindness and arrogance' in your heads!"

"I already have a plan."

Catherine's choice gave Tang Qi more confidence.

"This requires everyone present to help me put on a play—

If you don't mind, I need you to be the bad guys."