The towering lizard man, akin to a reaper of souls, cleaved through their ranks with each swing of his sword, mercilessly claiming the lives of their comrades.
If this continued, they would all perish here.
Boss, we can't hold on much longer," one voice called out.
The gray bear's expression grew grave as she recognized the lizardmen's formidable strength.
"If they persisted in this manner, death was their only fate.
" Gritting her teeth, she cleared the foes before her and bellowed, "Whip it! Whip it echoed the surrounding bandits.
In an instant, all the bandits turned to flee, some discarding their weapons as they sprinted into the distance, scattering in various directions.
Domiga and his comrades dispatched the few bandits they had forced to remain, while the rest could only watch their comrades retreat into the distance.
No pursuit.
Secure the battlefield.
We shall depart shortly.
Tavoc instructed from the rear of the group.
These bandits are difficult to eliminate.
They know the terrain better than anyone.
Once they sense defeat, they scatter.
Listen to Mr.
Talic.
Secure the battlefield.
The rest of you, start a fire and prepare a meal.
We<unk>ll rest on the road, Fongghao declared.
By this time, dawn was breaking.
Everyone, weary yet resolute, began to move.
Some tended to the battlefield while others ignited fires to prepare food.
As the sun rose, the expedition set forth once more.
The night's battle had left the soldiers utterly exhausted.
Yet, it was not the time for rest.
At the edge of the jungle, the fleeing bandits still watched from afar, observing the movements of the group.
Fortunately, the Iron Blood mercenary core had suffered losses, and the horses were redistributed among the others, allowing everyone to rest, even if just for a moment.
On the wagon, Fong Hao exhaled heavily.
"Mr.
Fong Ho, without you, the fate of the convoy is unimaginable," Tavick remarked.
Even though the events had passed, he still felt a tremor of fear.
Reflecting on the mercenary core subtle maneuvers, everything now made sense.
He had underestimated their greed.
"For the sake of money, they would betray even their employers.
" "I am now also a guard for the convoy.
It is my duty," Funha replied.
"No, this is a different matter.
You saved all our lives, Tavic insisted once more.
Nothing to worry about.
We are friends here, helping each other, right? Funhow languidly reclined in his chair.
By the way, how long until we reach our destination with such a hurried journey? The soldiers may not sustain their strength in the face of danger.
We will arrive shortly.
The caravan cannot afford a halt.
We must reach Lys's city before dusk.
If we stop now, we will have to spend another night in the wilderness, Tavoc replied.
No wonder Tavoc was so eager to press on.
Beyond his concern about a potential resurgence of the grizzly bears, he aimed to reach Lys's city before nightfall.
Otherwise, they would be forced to endure another night outside the city, which would be far more perilous.
The two exchanged a few words at top the wagon before leaning back against the seat, their eyes gently closing.
As twilight approached, the caravan finally arrived at the foot of Lisa's city.
The towering arrow towers and the seemingly endless city walls testified to its greater prosperity compared to Pearl City.
A procession of merchants hauling goods accompanied by guards stained with blood drew the attention of the Sentinels.
Tavic disembarked and spent considerable time explaining their situation, presenting various documents before the merchant convoy was permitted entry into the city.
Everyone was assigned rooms, each under the watchful gaze of a guard.
Exhausted, Fong Ha lay down on the bed and swiftly fell into a slumber.
Two hours later, a servant roused him from his dreams.
Tavic dressed him in regal attire and escorted him to the Lord's mansion.
As night fell, they arrived at the opulently adorned hall of the mansion.
Already bustling with numerous guests.
They were similarly attired, behaving with decorum.
Upon meeting, they exchanged polite smiles and greetings.
Yet, when passing each other, some muttered disdainfully under their breath.
The Lady of the Lord has arrived.
The servants's voice rang out, echoing through the hall.
At this proclamation, an immediate hush enveloped the room.
All ceased their activities and turned their gaze toward the staircase on the second floor.
Fong House stifled the yawn, scanning the surroundings.
What is happening? Are we not dining? Is this not a banquet? Chapter 229.
The Bone and Fabric Store 4000.
Word chapter.
At the staircase of the second floor, a graceful woman emerged, appearing to be in her 30s, though she was exceptionally wellpreserved.
Her wine red, gently curled hair cascaded down either side, and she dawned a fitted red gown that accentuated her voluuptuous figure.
A faint smile graced her lips as she descended the stairs.
Observing the slowly approaching Lady of Leys, Fongo silently concluded that the city lord must be in poor health.
However, upon reflection, this notion seemed flawed with the city as vast resources.
Procuring potions to enhance one as physical condition should pose no challenge.
Thus, it could be said that the city lord indeed lived in comfort.
Is everyone present? the lady inquired, her gaze sweeping across the assembly before settling on Fong Hao, who stood in the corner.
While all others bowed their heads, he maintained eye contact with her.
Realizing he had been caught in her scrutiny, Fong Ho offered an awkward smile and feigned interest in the hall decor.
"Madam, everyone is here.
" A servant responded softly from the side.
"Good," the lady of lees said as she gracefully ascended the platform at the front of the hall.
Addressing the gathered merchants, she announced, "Before winter arrives, I will represent less at the federal congress.
You are renowned fabric merchants within the city, and I hope you will present satisfactory works.
" Furthermore, those selected will enjoy a year of tax exemption for their shops in leiss.
" Upon her declaration, all the fabric merchants displayed expressions of eager anticipation.
The prospect of presenting a creation that would please the lady as well as the incentive of a year as tax exemption was a significant boon for any trader should the lady dawn a gown of their design at the congress.
It would serve as an unspoken advertisement ensuring prosperous business for years to come.
Additionally, it could elevate their shop s reputation beyond less allowing for further expansion.
Let us begin.
I trust you do not wish to toil until midnight before retiring, the lady urged.
Let us commence with the first Winston fabrics, the servant announced.
A portly man stepped forward, beaming as he presented his design sketches along with the prepared garment samples.
Lady Rebecca, this is our latest design, the Rose Knight crafted from.
He elaborated, detailing the materials and his design philosophy while weaving an elaborate narrative around the red themed attire.
Following him, the second shop showcased its offerings.
A somewhat effeminite gentleman whose gates swayed lightly approached were it not for his elaborate mustache.
Fongha might have mistaken him for a woman in disguise.