This question troubled him for a moment, but he could only take it step by step. After all, Druids were different from Silver Elves. Silver Elves completely sealed off their contacts with the outside world, while Druids, though reclusive, did not completely sever all connections.

However, this contact was very rare.

The elder of the Senia people thought for a moment. Although he did have suspicions whether these people had ulterior motives, based on Yue'er's description, the other party had the power to level their village completely, so it seemed they had no need for deceit and intrigue.

Moreover, they had destroyed an entire squad of Noble Cavalry.

Thinking about this, the elder couldn't help but be a little terrified. But he was also worried and fearful; unlike the young people in the village, his experience told him that Baron Grudin would not let this matter rest easily. Retaliation would likely follow soon after.

At that time, how would the village defend itself?

So he originally wanted to keep Brand and his party here, at least for this winter. Unfortunately, he was blocked as soon as he spoke. This made him think that these people didn't care about their survival, they just wanted to make a trade.

However, this trade seemed they had no qualification to refuse. Thinking about this, he couldn't help but sigh deeply, looking somewhat helpless.

"I understand, Lord." The elder hunched over his body, answering helplessly, "I will arrange it for you as soon as possible, please rest assured."

Brand listened to these words, remained expressionless, and merely nodded.

...

Watching the backs of the Senia elder and his group leaving, Brand finally felt relieved. But he still couldn't help but sigh. He understood the elder's concerns, but he had no time to stay here for the entire winter.

Moreover, staying here wouldn't necessarily help—

He didn't mind telling Grudin that he was responsible for all this, but he couldn't guarantee that the capricious, baron-pretending scoundrel wouldn't retaliate.

Or rather, retaliation was almost certain.

"Brand, can we help them?" Roman tugged at his sleeve from the side.

"Unless they are willing to enter the forest with us, but even then, we can't provide them enough food to survive the winter. The only nearby place to procure food is Grudin's territory, but Little Roman, do you think he would provide it for us?" the young man asked calmly.

Miss Merchant's eyes flickered.

"I'll stay." The red-haired girl sitting on one side placed the war-hammer on her shoulder and turned her Hu Po-like eyes to look at Brand.

Brand touched his forehead—on Qian's forehead, the same black pattern was spreading like a shadow. Everyone knew she was having nightmares every night, almost suffocating, but the girl never mentioned her condition when she was awake.

"You can't stay, Qian." He sighed and answered, "I don't even dare to let you stray too far from me. Spending a few months here would be too dangerous for both you and these people."

The red-haired girl bit her lip and huffed lightly, as if indifferent to her condition. But Brand's words touched her; she indeed couldn't stay. If she turned into a Divine Envoy, these people would also be doomed.

Antitina looked at everyone, equally silent. Although she didn't like the Senia people, facing this scene, she couldn't help but clench her fists.

At this moment, Brand stood up, straightened his black coat, and exhaled. He glanced back and said, "I'm going out for a walk—"

Everyone was stunned.

In their impression, this young lord was not someone who liked to wander around. But seeing Hu Que and Qian instinctively want to follow, Brand quickly raised his hand:

"Hu Que, Qian, you stay. Let me be alone for a while, and you also take a good rest and prepare for the upcoming journey."

Hu Que and the red-haired girl were slightly startled.

Be alone for a while?

...

Among the Senia people, there is a famous custom that they firmly believe the soul of the deceased will linger around the living, blessing them to overcome the tough conditions of the Black Forest generation after generation. Therefore, they build longhouses for these deceased, and designate the most important meeting place within the longhouse.

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