Chapter 149: Where Is Milin

Seeing her disciple’s expectant expression, Iyue had no choice but to open the can and take out an orange slice to put in her mouth.

‘…It really is sweet.’

“That’s right.” Alexis’s smile carried a hint of sarcasm.

“Seeing you hesitate like that, I thought you weren’t used to human food… Even though you’ve changed into this kind of outfit and swapped your bow and arrows for human firearms.”

She glanced at Iyue’s attire and the gun holster at her waist as she said this.

“People always need to adapt to the times,” Iyue said calmly. “Just like you, as the Captain General of the Ranger Corps, are also eating this more convenient canned food made by humans, aren’t you?”

“You’re not wrong. Times have changed, and the changes brought by humans are simply too great… Even an organization like the Ranger Corps has had to make some adjustments because of it.”

“But that doesn’t include swapping the weapons that have brought us countless honors for those things. The members of the Ranger Corps would never abandon their honor like you and use those weapons made by humans.”

As she said this, Alexis put away her smile… her expression became extremely solemn.

“I have no interest in discussing these topics with you. I am not your subordinate or a member of the Ranger Corps,” Iyue stated. “I am from the Northern Elancia… I am tracking two Demon Race fugitives.”

“Northern Elancia?” Alexis’s eyes flickered slightly, then she seemed to understand. “Ah… So you work for that lady. I’ve heard about what happened there too. When I was in Jingfeng City, I even received a new wanted notice sent from the Northland.”

“Ah, the new wanted notices have already been printed? And they’ve been sent to a neighboring country?”

Hearing their conversation, Lian stopped playing with the spirit.

During that conversation in the Northland Office, she and Iyue had told Se La everything about their experiences in the Pine Forest and the conversation they had with those two demon girls.

“I will immediately have new wanted notices printed… and I will also begin investigating the guards and servants in the Palace to find the mole Nefi arranged among them.”

That was what Se La had said at the time… and her efficiency in taking action was, as always, worthy of Lian’s trust and reliance.

“Well, that makes things easier. Have you or your subordinates seen those two demons?”

Although she was clearly misunderstanding something, Iyue had neither the time nor the intention to correct her.

She only briefly explained to Alexis about the battle that happened in the Pine Forest that day… and what Yin had told her about the subsequent plans of those two demon girls.

“I haven’t received any reports like that,” Alexis said. “Leiji, Se La… I remember I had you circulate that wanted notice. While on missions, has your squad seen those two demons?”

“Nope.”

“This subordinate has not seen anyone similar.”

“You heard them, right?” After listening to her subordinates’ reports, Alexis turned to look at Iyue and Lian.

“According to what you said, one of them is a Shadow Demon. So using something like a wanted notice to pursue them was never realistic to begin with. But since their target is the Grand Teleportation Array… they will inevitably stay in Fenglin City, waiting for the array’s energy to be replenished.”

“In that case, wouldn’t it be enough for you to just wait there? When the energy replenishment is complete, they will surely show themselves… and those two demons definitely don’t know that this girl overheard their conversation, right?”

“That’s true…”

At this point, Alexis glanced at Lian… who was stroking her chin in thought. That ball of Flame Spirit was perched on her head, looking very well-behaved.

“Ah… So this child is the girl from the rumors… No wonder she can be so intimate with spirits… That explains it.”

She gave Iyue an inexplicable smile.

‘…I declare in advance, the thing you’re imagining did not happen.’

‘Who knows? This child’s age seems to match the time when that lady disappeared. And she’s so close to you…’

“I can’t be bothered to explain to you.” Iyue rolled her eyes. “I have one more thing to ask you. Do you know where the daughter of the Northland lady is?”

“Of course I know. The reason I’m going to Fenglin City this time is precisely for her matter.”

“Where is she?!”

Hearing this, Lian and Iyue asked her simultaneously.

“Oh…” Their urgent manner made Alexis pause for a second, then a sly glint appeared in her eyes. “She’s in Fenglin City. She is being hosted by Lady Nefitalia and is now an honored guest of the family.”

The atmosphere around the campfire changed instantly. Seemingly sensing the change in Lian’s emotions… the Flame Spirit perched on her head flickered uneasily.

‘…Tell me everything you know.’

Iyue stared into Alexis’s eyes as she asked.

“This, this is something we can listen to?”

The Small Captain, Leiji, who had been eating with a spoon nearby, awkwardly grabbed her colleague’s hand, wanting to make a quick escape.

“Shouldn’t Se La and I step away first…”

“Let go.”

Se La gently patted her hand away and remained seated where she was. The ornament in her hair shimmered with faint color.

“It doesn’t matter. Those who want to listen can stay.” Alexis seemed to have no intention of hiding anything.

“I am heading to Fenglin City because of a summons from the Royal Court. Because what happened in Northern Elancia has not only been reported back to the Nelf Family’s main house… it has also reached the ears of the Royal Court.”

Lian’s shoulder suddenly twitched.

“That young lady is being called the ‘New Hero.’ Even you, who has been traveling far away for a long time, know what the identity of Hero and this title mean to Her Majesty the Queen, right?”

“I know, but…”

Iyue’s gaze also fell on Lian… it was a look filled with sympathy.

“It is said she is currently staying at the main family’s mansion. Soon, she will be formally received by the royal family. And for that ‘ceremony’ to receive her, we Captain Generals of the Four Great Forest Domains have all been required to attend.”

“Is this Her Majesty the Queen’s decree?”

“Precisely so.”

‘…She really is still the same as before.’

Just as Iyue was sighing with this thought, Lian stood up silently, grabbed her arm, and dragged her to a spot farther from the campfire.

“Wh-what do we do…?! Senia, she—!”

Lian’s expression was as flustered as her voice.

“Calm down. We won’t necessarily see Her Majesty the Queen… and even if we do, there’s no way she could recognize you looking like this.”

“But, but she’s that kind of person! I remember the look on her face when I rejected her back then…”

“I can’t help you with that. But given Her Majesty the Queen’s status… she certainly wouldn’t do anything to your daughter.”

“I’m afraid she’ll do something to me! If she sees me… she’ll definitely see at a glance that my face looks just like my own… Ugh…!”

Lian rubbed her hair… and the Flame Spirit perched on her head jumped around between her fingers, refusing to leave her and return to the campfire.