Chapter 2885: 1579: Doubts and Surprises (Part 2)

Capítulo 2885: Chapter 1579: Doubts and Surprises (Part 2)

“But…”

Just as Lila was about to continue to argue her point, Leo Ray stopped her with a look.

There are still many questions that haven’t been answered yet. Without clarity, negotiating cooperation with the other party is undoubtedly premature.

“Understood, Your Majesty.”

Lila quickly got the hint and responded with a few more pleasantries, causing the other party to enthusiastically introduce the Deerman’s cuisine.

Accompanied by the Deerman Elder’s tour guide-like introduction, it wasn’t long before Leo Ray and his group arrived at the giant castle in the city center.

The situation here was almost identical to the city gate; even though the defense seemed strict, with Deerman soldiers patrolling everywhere, the castle gate was wide open, surrounded by luxury carriages left by the Deerman princes and nobles attending the banquet.

“Haha, dear guests, please come inside.”

The Deerman Elder maintained a smiling demeanor, guiding our group into the castle.

But at that moment, everyone’s steps suddenly halted, and they looked warily at the castle entrance.

In front of a squad of fully-armed Deerman guards, a mysterious silhouette paused briefly, then flashed by like a gust of wind, while the Deerman soldiers remained utterly unmoved, just like the nearby Deerman Elder.

At the same time, the same indistinct murmurs as before reached Leo Ray’s ears, now clearer than before.

“Bang bang… Ommoul…”

The voice faded quickly and disappeared.

“Your Majesty, just now, that…?”

Lila’s voice hinted at tension as she quickly asked Leo Ray.

It wasn’t just Lila; Fei’er, Moli, Hollis, and others all wore the same inquisitive expressions, clearly noticing the mysterious shadow.

Confronted with their questions, Leo Ray only nodded slightly, gesturing for everyone to stay calm while he recalled the noises.

The sounds came in fragments, twisted and frenzied, yet with a sense of urgency that was difficult to comprehend.

“Dear guests, is something wrong?”

Noticing the odd behavior, the Deerman Elder turned back with a puzzled expression.

“It seemed like there was a suspicious shadow appearing for a moment; perhaps we were mistaken.”

Leo Ray smiled lightly, probing the other party intentionally or unintentionally.

“You must be joking, Your Excellency. Our Deerman castle is so securely guarded that not even a fly can get through. How could there possibly be a suspicious shadow?”

The Deerman Elder laughed, clearly unconcerned, and continued leading the way.

Upon hearing this, Leo Ray exchanged another glance with the accompanying experts.

The mysterious shadow that flashed by must be the same one appearing from the start, yet the other party seems oblivious—is it feigned ignorance or genuine? That remains unknown.

But it’s clear that things are becoming increasingly bizarre.

Whether it’s the somewhat unsettling city, the mysterious shadow, or the previous questions—all indicate this place is truly unusual.

But where lies the root of the problem?

Doubts swirling in his mind, Leo Ray first nodded, signaling everyone to be ready for spontaneous reactions, then followed the Deerman Elder into the castle.

Upon entering the Castle Hall, a luxurious and opulent atmosphere immediately greeted them.

The hall was resplendent; the walls, floors, and even the ceiling were adorned with gems of various kinds, including rare, high-quality magic crystals.

“Wow, using valuable magic crystals as decorations? Plus, some rare treasures seldom seen at the Shadow Market? It seems the Moon Shadow Deer People have truly struck it rich.”

At the sight, even Moli couldn’t help but widen her eyes.

Even among the Forest Elves, hardly anyone would decorate like this because it starkly demonstrates one’s wealth and heritage. A monarch with true heritage and ancient lineage wouldn’t do this.

Not only Moli, but Lila and Hollis were also caught off guard. The extravagant magic crystals alone prove the Moon Shadow Deer People have emerged from underneath the shadow of the Broken Wing King’s domination!

But then again, this decor is rather overdone, isn’t it? Probably even in their Peak times, the Moon Shadow Deer People didn’t possess such opulence!

Lila, who had visited before, was especially shocked; the last time she was here, the castle was extremely modest, with peeling walls in the corners—a stark contrast to now.

The group continued to look around as they advanced under the guidance of the Deerman Grand Elder, soon entering a gleaming castle corridor leading to an intersection.

“Haha, dear guests, the Banquet Hall lies on the left, filled with our delicacies.”

The Deerman Elder said, with his rosy face showing a hint of anticipation, chuckling, “Even I can’t wait.”

And with that, the Deerman Elder resumed leading the way, while Leo Ray’s group hesitated as the mysterious shadow flickered again in the castle corridor on the right.

“Dear guests, what is it now?”

Upon seeing Leo Ray’s group focus on the corridor to the right, the Deerman Grand Elder’s expression changed slightly, and he quickly added, “That area is off-limits to outsiders.”

“Lord Clan Leader, I recall that area used to be the Reception Hall on my last visit. Why is it now a restricted zone?”

Lila, puzzled, casually inquired.

“Lord Clan Leader, dear guests are entitled to our finest hospitality, but it’s somewhat inappropriate to ask about our Moon Shadow Deer People, isn’t it?”

The Deerman Elder’s smile faded momentarily before returning, grinning, “The banquet has already begun. Please proceed, dear guests; even I can’t wait any longer.”

Upon hearing this, Leo Ray didn’t prompt Lila to ask further, simply signaling everyone to follow the elder.

Soon, the sound of merriment, clinking glasses, and hearty laughter reached them.

Accompanied by increasingly clear sounds, a grand Banquet Hall emerged before them.

The hall was equally opulent, magic crystal chandeliers casting warm hues, giving everything a golden glow.

The vast Banquet Hall contained numerous long dining tables, each laden with a variety of delectable dishes, at least ten times the scale of the Shadow Market banquet not long ago, with Deermen reveling and feasting en masse.

Seeing the Deermen’s delight in the feast, my group couldn’t help but frown slightly.

Their ornate clothing marked them as princes and nobles, yet their gluttonous manners, with grease dripping, lacked any semblance of elegance and nobility.

Many Deermen’s clothes were soiled with grease and food scraps, but they seemed unconcerned, continuing to eat ravenously.

Witnessing this scene, the group’s eyes almost popped out. It was akin to a pack of ravenous wolves.

“Dear guests, the Clan Leader is ahead; this way, please.”

The Deerman Elder, now holding a substantial piece of the Starfall Sect he previously mentioned, continued leading while devouring it, seemingly oblivious to the group’s astonishment.

Following the Deerman Elder’s guidance, the group traversed through the feast, ultimately reaching the largest dining table at the front of the Banquet Hall.

Immediately afterward, hearty laughter echoed across.

“Haha, dear guests, you’re just in time.”