On the dusty road leading to Withered Wood Port, the dust rose in swirls, accompanied by the sound of horse hooves. In the distance, the figures of several knights appeared faintly.

General Hamoldon stopped and looked into the distance, a smile of anticipation gradually appearing on his anxious face. He had waited too long, and his current mood was like a parched land finally welcoming the rain.

Baron Ticky stood beside the general, his somewhat gaudy baron attire fluttering in the wind. His expression was noticeably nervous, and he kept tiptoeing to look into the distance.

"Prince has finally arrived," he whispered excitedly, rubbing his hands, "It's good that you're back... it's good that you're back."

He wasn't worried about the Queen of the Gutaf Kingdom swallowing down the Demon King, as those lizards were Her Majesty's right-hand support... His greatest fear was that Lord Demon King would abandon him here.

He couldn't continue this play on his own.

Standing on the other side of General Hamoldon, Captain Derek silently drew a cross on his chest.

"Saint Sis above... I hope that lord brings us good news."

Saint Yil Castle had already invested too much manpower and material at Withered Wood Port, to the point where it had begun to draw criticism from the Governor of the Eastern Coast—

After all, these resources were originally meant for the reconstruction of Seldo Port!

General Hamoldon's actions were clearly a massive gamble.

Derek simply couldn't imagine what they would do if the Gutaf United Kingdom refused the trade agreement?

Would they resort to robbery?

That was a nation with tens of millions of people, not like the Primitive Tribes scattered in the forests of the New Continent...

Derek had no doubt that victory would be on Saint Sis's side.

But the price might be more than they could afford...

The group of knights gradually approached, the lead rider dressed in a black cloak, with a Purple Moon Badge on his chest, appearing calm and composed.

Hamoldon immediately recognized the face—there was an aura of commanding authority emitting from those serene eyes.

As for the cavalry behind him, all of them were clad in tightly fitted armor, their silver helmets glistening, with only the dark holes of their eyes visible.

Suppressing his flamboyant smile, Hamoldon coughed deliberately, adjusted his military attire, and strode forward with confidence.

He opened his arms and spoke enthusiastically yet exaggeratedly.

"Haha, Your Highness, you have finally returned! I have been worried these past few days. My subordinates repeatedly suggested I send someone to check, but I thought you were still negotiating with the Gutaf Kingdom, and rashly entering their territory might lead to misjudgment, so I refrained... Seeing you return has finally put my mind at ease!"

During this period of interaction, he had somewhat picked up Ticky's overly forceful habits. The difference was that Ticky was acting, while he treated it as part of Gana Region's culture and learned it earnestly to connect with the locals.

"Your judgment was correct, General. Although the Gutaf Kingdom does not reject us, they certainly do not appreciate us invading their territory, defying the Dragon God's taboos... whether from the sky or the ground. Besides, this was not my first meeting with the Queen of Gutaf, so there's no need for such tension."

Luo Yan gently reined in, and the horse neighed, coming to a steady halt.

With a gentle and reserved smile, he elegantly dismounted from the horse, then turned to look at the few beside Hamoldon, his gaze amicable.

"Baron Cosia, Captain Derek, sorry to keep you waiting."

"Not at all, Your Highness, it is my honor to wait for you." Captain Derek nodded deferentially, visibly flattered.

Beside him, Ticky Cosia instinctively attempted to kneel in a salute, but a mere subtle glance from Luo Yan deterred him.

The nearby military chaplain frowned slightly, faintly sensing a very faint bad aura, and instinctively looked towards the nearby woods.

It felt like there was demonic spiritual magic...

However, he would never guess that this aura was not from a fairytale Enchanting Demon King, but rather from the Prince Colin standing before him.

Hamoldon also smiled, waving his hand.

"No worries at all! Just as long as you're back safely. Your Highness, after your tiring journey, please be sure to rest for a moment."

This sentiment of relief from your return was absolutely heartfelt.

To be honest, he always felt quite guilty as the revered Prince had just returned and barely rested for one night before turning back due to his matter towards the Lizardman's Kingdom.

The two weeks' journey through the mountains was not easy.

Luo Yan smiled and replied gently.

"The journey wasn't too exhausting; having lived on this land since childhood, I'm used to traveling through mountainous paths. However, the affairs of the Gutaf United Kingdom were indeed cumbersome, and persuading their queen required considerable effort from me... Fortunately, as Prince, I did not disgrace my mission."

Hearing this, Hamoldon's eyes lit up, with uncontrollable excitement and eagerness: "Then... does this mean the negotiation was successful?"

Luo Yan smilingly nodded in affirmation.

"Since it was a task entrusted by the general, I certainly couldn't have you return empty-handed."

Luo Yan intentionally did not lower his voice, ensuring that all the surrounding soldiers heard the good news.

The murmurs swiftly spread among the soldiers behind Hamoldon, with joy appearing on each of their faces.

Although General Hamoldon had not told them the reason for coming here, they more or less guessed—most likely the grain in Saint Yil Castle was running out.

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