Inside the castle of Red Tide Territory, Louis was crouched among a group of children, with a smile in his eyes, patiently giving guidance.
The rehearsal for the Spring Festival was entering the final stages.
And this play was one he personally wrote: "Great Lord Louisâs Strategy to Crush the Evil Snow Vow".
"Come on! Carl, the next move needs to be more impressive, you are the protagonist of this play, the guardian of Red Tide Territory!"
"Yes!" The little boy puffed out his chest and tried his best to look imposing.
His cheeks were rosy from the cold, but his seriousness was utterly adorable.
A few children assigned to play the "Evil Snow Vowers" hung their heads, quietly complaining: "Ugh... Iâm not really bad."
Louis chuckled and patted their heads, "Being the villain is very important, without you, how could the hero be so amazing?"
The other ordinary-looking children nearby were rehearsing as "flowers and trees".
Playing the swaying background around the granary, they were enthusiastically shaking their handmade paper leaves.
"Remember, when the explosion scene comes, you all need to fall back together, pretending to be blasted away, got it?" Louis gestured.
A child raised his hand excitedly, "Master Louis, can we shout âAhâââ?"
"Of course, the louder the better!"
Sif, watching from the side, couldnât help but laugh: "Youâre really dedicated."
The script was simple and straightforward: Snow Vowers sneak into the granary at night, only for Louis to wisely and bravely use a fake granary to trigger a Fire Demon Explosion Bullet, destroying the enemy in one swoop, as the people cheered âLong live Louisâ...
A version clearly simplified from the "Qingyu Ridge Ambush", specifically modified for the less educated residents.
But one had to admit, the children were passionately engaged in their roles.
Especially the handsome boy playing Louis, donned in a "Lordâs Cloak", standing hands on hips on the platform, loudly proclaiming: "I, Louis, will not allow anyone to disrupt the peace of Red Tide Territory!"
He was full of vigor, and looked the part.
As the children rehearsed enthusiastically on stage, laughter and shouts arose continuously.
A guard came hurriedly, bowing to report: "My Lord, a wandering merchant has arrived outside, claiming to be from another place, wishing to see you to discuss business."
Louis raised an eyebrow, immediately understanding.
Wandering merchant?
Who else could it be? Itâs probably the "fiancĂ©e" Miss Emily, sneaking a look at him.
At that thought, he slightly curled his lips, with a hint of teasing.
Of course, though he was a bit curious, after all, he hadnât seen what this fiancĂ©e looked like yet.
But as a dignified lord, he couldnât just go meet a wandering merchant on a whim, it wouldnât be appropriate.
Moreover, the grand play was just reaching its most exciting part, how could he leave midway?
Louis straightened his cloak, stood up and looked at Sif, who was distributing red cloth strips to the young actors.
"Sif, could you go?" he said with deep meaning.
"This wandering merchant... might not be simple. Whether to do business is up to you, but feel free to invite them to join tomorrowâs Spring Festival."
Sif looked up at him, although she didnât quite understand Louisâs words, she nodded: "Alright."
She put away the red cloth embroidered with a sun pattern, gently flicked her cloak, and turned to follow the guard.
Louis, standing in place, watched her back, sighed lightly, but still had a slight smile on his lips.
Fiancée meeting a lover in advance?
Itâs really not that I have a bad taste.
He lowered his head to pat the childrenâs heads: "Come on, continue rehearsing, weâre about to blow the place away!"
...
Sif, following the guard, arrived in front of the group of "wandering merchants", her gaze stopping on the leader.
The other wore a gray-blue cloak, the hood half-covering their face, revealing only half a profile, cold white skin, cheeks with subtle scars, and limpid eyes.
A woman? Sif raised an eyebrow, a bit surprised.
But that was all; in these times, wandering businesses had all sorts of people, so she wasnât too surprised.
Just faintly feeling, this womanâs presence was too clean and swift, not like a typical merchant leader.
On the other side, Emily was also covertly sizing up this silver-haired woman before her.
That lovely short hair, deep blue eyes, and the kind of vibe that just screamed Northern Tribe...
Made Emily catch a subtle feeling quickly, too natural.
Emily had a hunch: this woman and Louisâs relationship... not simple.
However, she didnât show any emotion.
This world was polygamous by nature, a nineteen-year-old young noble, itâs actually unusual if he doesnât have a few close females.
Just a tinge of curiosity: turns out to be from the Northern Territory?
And... she had to admit, that face was pretty good-looking.
Then Emily smiled slightly: "Are you an official here?"
"I am Sif, Secretary to Lord Louis." Sif nodded.
"Secretary?" Emily raised an eyebrow, giving a seemingly smiling glance, "Iâm Amy."
"Hello, Lady Amy." Sif nodded politely, "Our lord is currently busy with affairs and unable to meet guests. However, I can make the arrangements."
"I understand that your lord is very busy, naturally understandable." Emily said calmly, but couldnât hide a little disappointment at the corners of her mouth.
She originally wanted to at least sneak a look at Louisâs appearance; after all, he is her fiancĂ©, but still couldnât fulfill her wish.