Chapter 106
It is a kind of deliberate conservatism.
She was tall and slender, wrapped in a complex long dress with a deep black main color. The material of the dress was neither gauze nor silk, and it flowed with a faint moonlight-like luster, as if shadows were floating on it as she walked.
Her skin was an almost transparent, cool white, which contrasted sharply with her dark clothing. However, most of her skin was covered by the wide, long dress, with only her hands and her chin, which were not covered by the veil, exposed to Han Fei's view.
Calm, dignified, and noble, with a hint of melancholy in the background.
This was Han Fei's second impression after she fully revealed her figure.
The static character art in the game simply cannot perfectly capture the aura of this Banshee Court.
"A very interesting team."
The gaze of the Banshee Queen Lamat swept over Han Fei and the girls behind him from beneath the black veil.
"One Lupo, one Sarkaz, a pair of Sankta, and..."
Despite the veil separating them, Han Fei could still feel the scrutinizing gaze of the Banshee lord.
Han Fei, however, did not show any fear.
He's seen many important figures; he's no longer the naive newbie who used to get a little flustered just seeing the Emperor's Blades.
He stepped forward and introduced himself very politely and appropriately, "I am Han Fei, an ordinary mercenary, and their boss."
"Um?"
Lamat's gaze lingered briefly on Ines. "But she doesn't seem to see you as her boss."
As she spoke, her gaze returned to Han Fei 'Han Fei face, silently awaiting his answer.
"Ines? She's my spoils, not my employee. I don't pay her a salary." Han Fei grinned, revealing a set of clean, white teeth.
"I see."
Lamat nodded noncommittally.
She had no intention of interfering in the private affairs of strangers.
Seeing this, Han Fei stepped forward again, placed one hand on his chest, and said in a gentle yet clear voice, "Madam, I understand your wariness about our sudden visit. But please rest assured, we have no ill intentions."
He paused briefly, his tone carrying a deeper meaning, "Furthermore, please allow me to speak frankly, I am quite familiar with Her Highness Theresa and the current chaotic situation in Kazdel."
"I am well aware that these are turbulent times, and your prudence is entirely justified and I fully understand."
At this point, Han Fei's gaze suddenly became focused, as if trying to pierce through the symbolic black veil and reach the deep eyes behind it.
Lamat did not look away despite being stared at.
The long years had given her unwavering composure; this level of scrutiny was far from enough to make her feel ashamed.
However, a very slight discomfort, like a pebble thrown into a deep well, created barely perceptible ripples.
She was a reclusive widow, and this veil served as a barrier to keep out unwanted outside attention.
Despite her imposing presence as the ruler of the royal court, few dared to gaze upon her so directly, even with the intense passion of youth, attempting to penetrate this barrier and "look" at her for an extended period.
Today, however, a young man who is "not afraid of death" has arrived.
She could clearly sense that there was no intimacy or lewdness in Han Fei's gaze, only a pure and earnest expression of wanting to look into her eyes when speaking.
But it was precisely this passionate and unreserved honesty stemming from youth that made her feel a long-lost and unfamiliar sense of unease.
Her River Valley subjects prostrated themselves in awe, while visitors from afar proceeded with utmost caution. It had been far too long since she had been gazed upon so closely and intently by such vibrant, uninhibited eyes.
But this strange feeling vanished in an instant, not even having time to leave a clear trace in her heart. Because Han Fei had already steered the conversation to the core issue:
"Personally, I tend to support Princess Theresa's ideals." His voice was sincere. "And I think you should feel the same way, so there seems to be no reason for conflict between us?"
Lamat was indeed a supporter of Theresa, and for this reason, she even sent her own son to Theresa's side.
Faced with a young man who claimed to also support Theresa's theory, Lamat hesitated for a moment before speaking.
"Young people."
Her voice was deep and serene, as if it had traveled through time, "What you've said is ultimately just one-sided talk."
Lamat's eyes, which seemed to see into one's soul, gazed intently into Han Fei's eyes through her veil.
"But."
She paused slightly, as if making a decision, then said, "You have indeed convinced me."
Her tone softened almost imperceptibly, yet still carried an undeniable authority. "Then, please don't betray this trust. Don't do anything unnecessary."
Volume 1: Chapter 140 Emerging from the River Valley (Revised)
Han Fei replied politely, "Please rest assured, madam, I am willing to complete the subsequent actions under your watchful eye."
It was just a supply box; Han Fei didn't think anything unexpected would happen.
--Unless there's an ambush inside.
But the possibility is too low, Lamat has no need or reason to do so.
As the ruler of the royal court, Lamat doesn't really need to resort to ambushes to deal with Han Fei.
"I hope so."
Lamat said softly, then turned around, "Please come with me."
Han Fei and his group followed Lamat into the River Valley.
The River Valley is not a desolate, pristine landscape; there are architectural complexes within it.
Houses of varying heights stand on both sides of the River Valley. These houses are not just for show; each one bears obvious signs of life and is clearly the dwelling place of the Banshee.
Interestingly, Han Fei couldn't discern the style of these houses.
If I had to describe it, it would be Kazdel style, rugged yet with a touch of the delicate charm unique to the Banshee race.
Han Fei was initially worried that the mission location might be in an awkward place, such as the house of a Banshee, or even the house of Lamat.
Fortunately, that didn't happen.
Following the blue punctuation mark, Han Fei arrived at the largest house in the River Valley, right at the door of which the punctuation mark was located.
Looking at the house in front of him, Han Fei subconsciously asked, "Is this your home, Lamat?"
"Um."
Lamat responded softly, her voice as gentle as Nightingale in a secluded valley.
"Could it be that this commission was given to you?"
As Han Fei spoke, he walked to the door and began placing the supply boxes.
He took out his phone and started the loading screen. After the loading screen finished, he took a large supply box out of his bag and placed it on the ground.
Lamat stepped forward, looked at the supply box, and asked, "What's inside?"
"I have no idea."
Han Fei explained very sincerely, "I haven't opened it, so I don't know what's inside."
"I see."
Lamat nodded slightly, then said, "Then, your task is complete."
Han Fei understood her meaning; she was telling him to leave. He then said:
"Thank you for your generosity, Ms. Lamat. Well then, we won't bother you any longer."
There was really no need for Han Fei to stay here.
This Banshee Valley is impossible to search, and Lamat most likely wouldn't want Han Fei touching and groping around.
Fighting is impossible; if we do, we'll be waging war against the entire Banshee Valley.
However, before leaving, Han Fei felt it would be better to mention it to Lamat.
He then added, "Ms. Lamat, you should be able to contact Princess Theresa, right? Or at the very least, you should be able to contact your son."
Lamat glanced at Han Fei, a scrutinizing gaze falling on his face from behind her veil.
"What you up to."
"It's not what I want to do."
Han Fei explained softly, "It's what Theresis wants to do."
Lamat was somewhat puzzled, so she remained silent and gestured for Han Fei to continue.
"Theresis has gathered a group of heroes from Kazdel and trained them to be assassins, preparing to assassinate Princess Theresa," Han Fei explained. "I think it would be best if you reminded Her Highness."
Lamat asked, "How did you know?"
"Because I saw those assassins on my way here," Han Fei replied immediately.
But this answer clearly did not satisfy Lamat.
"A plan I didn't even know about, and you, just by seeing those people, can you determine their identities and purposes?"
As soon as she finished speaking, a hint of curiosity appeared in Lamat's eyes.
She didn't doubt that Theresis really had such a plan, because a little attention to the current situation would tell her that Kazdel had now reached a point where it absolutely needed only one king.
If either side wants to resolve this unrest quickly, there is only one way—beheading.
If the other king is killed, the civil war in Kazdel will naturally come to an end.
Kazdel only needs one king.
Even if the king's beliefs differ, the Sarkaz will still follow him.
This is Kazdel tradition.
But Han Fei's statement was indeed a bit of an exaggeration; he was able to determine their identities simply by looking at their faces.
This made it hard for Lamat not to suspect his identity.
Facing the gaze of the King of the Royal Court, Han Fei remained completely calm and asked confidently, "If I said I had seen the future, would you believe me?"
Lamat showed no surprise, and said softly, "The Cyclops Court also possesses similar abilities."
She paused, then asked, "Then tell me, what do you see of the future?"
Han Fei simply said, "Theresis will win."
"I see."
Lamat looked surprised; the years had given her experience enough to make her as steadfast as a rock.
Moreover, this is only Han Fei's opinion.
Although, judging from the current situation, Theresis does have the upper hand, and most of the Sarkaz are willing to follow tradition and follow Theresis.
Han Fei paused, then added, "And your child will not be harmed in this turmoil; he will grow up to be a qualified ruler of the royal court."
When she mentioned her son, Lamat's voice softened, and she said, "Afaniel is a good boy."
"Speaking of which, Ms. Lamat really doesn't intend to get involved herself?"
Han Fei carefully considered his words, trying to maintain the appropriate tone in the conversation, "As far as I know, several other royal courts have already personally intervened."
"Afaniel will support Theresa in my place." Lamat's voice was gentle yet carried an undeniable authority. "This is a necessary trial for him as the heir, and a test for him to become the ruler of the royal court."
The words had faded, and the conversation should have ended there.
However, Lamat's gaze lingered on Han Fei's vibrant and angular young face, her eyes seemingly pausing for a moment behind the veil. A barely perceptible sigh was hidden in her voice as it rang out again:
"The future of this land will be shouldered by those who come after; my era will eventually fade into the background."
Sensing the desolation and alienation in those words, Han Fei did not back down. Instead, he looked directly at the invisible silhouette behind the veil, his tone sincere and earnest:
"Please don't say that. Time may flow, but the wisdom and perspective it sculpts are irreplaceable treasures. This accumulation within you carries far more weight than mere 'youthful brilliance'."
He paused, then added, "And I see no signs of aging on you."
The air seemed to freeze the moment Han Fei finished speaking. Lamat did not respond immediately, but fell into an extremely brief yet unusually heavy silence.
Her aura, which was as calm as an abyss, seemed to fluctuate almost imperceptibly, like an ancient well to which a stone has been thrown; the surface was calm, but ripples spread out from the depths.
Her gaze did not dodge; instead, it lingered on Han Fei's face for a long time, with a hint of scrutiny, through the hazy veil, as if measuring how much sincerity, how much unintentionality, or how much deeper probing was hidden in his words.
Unconsciously, her fingertips, clad in black gauze gloves, lightly brushed the edge of her veil. The movement was as subtle as brushing away a speck of dust, yet it served as a silent reminder.
--It reminded her, and also the eyes opposite her, that the existence of this thin veil was precisely to isolate her from all inappropriate prying and judgment in the world.