The [Wind and Thunder King] exhaled a stale breath after satisfying its bloodlust.
"That felt good! I don't have any other goals right now. Is there anything you want to investigate? I might consider helping."
The corner of Wan Lan's mouth twitched. "You certainly picked a side quickly."
The [Wind and Thunder King] laughed freely, feeling that it had never been so carefree.
"Once a move is made, there are no regrets. The wind leaves no trace. I never look back."
A glint flashed in Slyder's eyes, but he quickly concealed it. He glanced sidelong at the [Wind and Thunder King] and, after thinking for a while, abandoned the idea that had flickered through his mind.
"No need. I don't trust you."
He turned around.
"Since the mission is over, let's explore separately. Knight Gerard, Knight Kelin, I'll leave that one to you."
Gerard blocked Slyder's path, standing ramrod straight.
"Sorry, Duke, but this mission does not include independent exploration."
Slyder froze for a moment, then his face turned livid. "That bastard Si Erweiqi tricked me again! He never intended to let me investigate!"
Wan Lan pressed a hand to her forehead, speechless. "Duke, is it possible that His Majesty meant you couldn't act alone?"
She had been a little puzzled earlier. Why send New Rome's strongest publicly known fighter on a mission like this? It felt rather like using a sledgehammer to crack a nut.
She did not consider herself valuable enough to warrant sending the duke, let alone Gerard as well, with his imperial authority. She was not the center of the world, and New Rome had better things to do.
Now, seeing Duke Slyder's reaction, she was certain. The purpose of sending Gerard was clear: in part, he was here for Slyder.
It seemed there was a