Chương 101: Long Spear Fortress

"This castle wasn't built just anywhere."

Noticing Richard's surprise, Isabella rode closer and explained with a smile, "The Plain of Miracles is called the Plain of Miracles because in the distant past, this place was the weakest point in the barrier between the human and divine realms on the Primordial Continent, and was frequently affected by the gods."

"On one occasion, when the God of War was fighting the God of Plague, he broke off a spearhead. The spearhead accidentally crossed the barrier and fell to the north side of the Miracle Plain, where it turned into a towering, white, pointed mountain about a hundred meters high."

"Countless years have passed. Some have come to worship, while others, ambitious or malicious, have extracted its divine power for their own use. The winds of the Miracle Plains howl ceaselessly, scattering the aura of the God of War from the mountain to the southern deserts—"

"Gradually, the mountain began to decay and collapse."

"Until a hundred years ago, the Schneider family from the Empire came to this place. They were devout believers in the god of war. After seeing the shape of this mountain, they could not bear to see it eventually become an ordinary thing, so they used the remaining part of it to build a magnificent castle."

"That's how Longgun Fortress came to be—at least that's what the Schneider family says."

As soon as Isabella finished speaking, a horn sounded, the castle gates opened, and a small squad of knights galloped out and came before the group.

"Ah, they've seen us."

Isabella turned her head and gestured for Jon to speak to the knight leading the group. A dozen seconds later, the knight respectfully dismounted, bowed to the group, and volunteered to act as their guard, leading them into the castle.

On the way, Isabella explained to Richard again: "Strictly speaking, Longgun Fortress is not part of the Empire."

"However, the Schneider family has close ties with the Empire and is a staunch ally of the Empire in its fight against orcs, vampires, and wasteland bandits. The current Earl Schneider was even born in the Empire and joined the Royal Knights in his youth."

Following the princess's words, the group arrived at a small square and dismounted.

The knights drove away the passersby around the square.

Then, more than ten richly dressed people came out of the tower opposite and came to the crowd.

"Your Highness, welcome to my territory—"

"No need for such formalities, Earl."

After some pleasantries and introductions, Richard learned that the man in the lead, wearing a red robe and with black hair tinged with white, was none other than the Earl of Schneider, Marek Schneider.

Behind him were his eldest son, second son, third son, and youngest daughter, who, though called young, were actually around eighteen or nineteen years old.

Further to either side were Marek's steward, his chief knight, and the priest of war stationed in the castle.

Under Richard's Eye of Insight, the latter two were displayed as a level 12 warrior and a level 12 priest, respectively.

The defenses here are indeed strong; no wonder Isabella said she wanted to rest here.

Come to think of it, without some ability, it would be impossible to gain a foothold on the Miracle Plain, which is neither bordered by the Empire to the east nor by the city-states of the Gulf to the west.

And then there's the magnificent fortress itself, built upon the spear of the god of war— It seems that even if the vampires send a large army to surround this place, it will be difficult for them to take it over.

present.

Isabella did not hide her purpose—there was no point in hiding it now—and Malek patted his chest and said that he would keep all those disgusting vampire monsters out and ensure the princess's safety!

Then he personally led everyone into the castle, saying that he would arrange a banquet to welcome the distinguished guests.

However, it is clear that in Count Schneider's eyes, not all distinguished guests are the same.

Some people are more expensive, while others are not.

The most expensive are naturally Isabella, Elsa, and Mary.

The entire Marek family surrounded them. Although they weren't as exaggerated as Holcher in their conversations, their sheer number still overwhelmed Isabella, and Elsa and Mary found it difficult to keep up.

The next most noble were the three siblings, Peiguoti, who were also nobles, and if you look closely, they might even be related to Marek.

Finally, there were Holcher and the other mercenaries, as well as Richard and Grace. Because there were too many people and too many different kinds of people when they first met, the introductions weren't very detailed, so Marek seemed to have mistaken Richard and Grace for mercenaries as well.

So, Malek sent only a servant to lead the mercenaries and the two of them into the rooms used by ordinary guards, and then told them that after resting for an hour, they could go to eat with the servant.

Although the difference was a bit too obvious, Richard didn't have any objections.

That's just how aristocratic manners are; it's not the first time he's seen it.

Besides, he didn't think he was any different from the mercenaries, so what did it matter if they lived together?

The standard rooms aren't bad either, and you can at least avoid hearing some awkward compliments.

Everyone gathered together, having a lively time, and I played the piano for them—it felt just like being back in a pub!

However, Richard did not end up playing the piece as he had hoped.

Just as he and the mercenaries were being led to a side hall to prepare for their meal, Malek's youngest daughter found him.

"Poet from afar, you have an impressively handsome face. I imagine your poems must be equally brilliant. Would you mind performing a solo for me?"

Ah, women.

Richard knew immediately that the charm of 19 points was at work when he saw this scene.

Unfortunately, he had no interest in doing such a thing at this moment and in this place—especially considering that Grace was staring at him with an ambiguous look not far away.

He pursed his lips, trying to find a good way to politely decline the noble lady in front of him.

Before he could speak, Amelie came over with a grin: "His Highness and Elsa noticed you weren't at the table and said they wanted to call you and Grace over~" Marek's youngest daughter: "?"

The noblewoman paused for a few seconds, realized what was happening, gave an awkward laugh, and then excused herself.

Richard shrugged at the mercenaries who were secretly glancing their way and sighed, "Oh well, I guess I'll have to sit at the kid's (Elsa's) table."

"Go, Richard, you deserve it!"

Holcher laughed heartily and raised his glass to him.

Unlike before, his tribute this time was no longer so deliberate, but rather came from the heart.

Less than ten seconds.

Richard and Grace went to the more luxurious main hall next door. After greeting the people on both sides of the long table, they were led by Elsa's little hand and sat down opposite her.

At the other end of the table, Marek and his eldest and second sons looked on with surprise.

I thought he was just an ordinary poet in the team, but his status is actually so high?

Princess, the future Grand Duchess of Ashes, even the three siblings of Peiguoti seem to respect him?

Who is he?

Richard, after taking his seat, had no time to pay attention to Marek and the others.

His gaze was drawn to a dish that had just been served.

【Name: Truffle Roasted Pigeon (Can be used for charm)】 Level: Common Description: All pigeons are destined to die, but the one before you dies a particularly delicious death.