Chapter 2272 - 90: Fallen Believer

Fang Hong downed that glass of Elf Tears, but he wasn't used to alcohol and couldn't help coughing immediately.

Hilveld quickly patted his back.

"Here's your key, the rooms are on the second floor, turn right at the staircase, there are six rooms in total," the innkeeper shook his head as he looked at them, took out a keyring from the counter, placed it in front of them, and mentioned: "Nowadays, there are fewer adventurers staying in the Northern Territory. A month ago, you might not have been able to find so many vacant rooms."

Hilveld took the key, smiled slightly at him, "Looks like we're quite lucky. Don't worry, I'm sure once winter passes, this forest will revive again."

"I hope it happens as you said, madam."

Only then did the two return to the main hall.

Guests were discussing in hushed tones, adventurers wore long cloaks to ward off the harsh cold, even the natives donned coats that covered half their faces, giving the dim hall an air of mysterious dealings.

The gaps between wooden tables were serpentine; the dark red hearth flickered, its fire casting elongated shadows of table legs and chair feet, undulating over the uneven slate floor. Others in a corner of the hall found inconspicuous spots to stay, only moving to make room for the two as they approached.

Fang Hong pulled out a chair first, letting Hilveld sit down. The Lady Noble turned back, gracing him with a lovely smile.

Then Fang Hong pulled out his own chair and sat beside her. On his other side was Luo Hao, a hefty individual from the military, half-leaning on the table with a few unclear pages of a light window open before him, the cool-toned glow illuminating his chubby face.

Luo Hao straightened up upon seeing Fang Hong sit down, pointed at those pages, "You're here just in time, I think I've figured out the origin of the 'Holy Sanctuary'."

"Let's hear it."

"The 'Holy Sanctuary' used to be an autonomous organization called 'Crow's Claw Guard,' it was once active around Charter City."

"An autonomous organization?"

Luo Hao nodded, "Traveler's Swamp north of Charter City invaded Egon Forest, a region long frequented by beasts and anomalies. Due to Charter City's inadequate force to safeguard the outskirts, various autonomous organizations emerged, among them was Crow's Claw Guard."

Tianlan interrupted, "But I've heard Charter City is one of the four major cities in the Northern Territory—Rodell, Elpaxin, Charter City, and Gula Port. Isn't such a city capable of protecting its surrounding countryside?"

Hilveld smiled gently and said, "Theoretically, it shouldn't be so. However, the Kingdom's incessant infighting has weakened its power locally, and under such circumstances, those residing in rural areas can only look to protect themselves. Such autonomous forces are not uncommon in the Northern Lands, I've heard of some before, but this 'Crow's Claw Guard' is new to me."

Fang Hong gestured for Luo Hao to continue.

A candle on a three-pronged candelabra tray provided all the table's lighting, the dim glow illuminating every face; Tianlan and Gita listened intently, Parker was inattentive, Luo Yu was lost in thought, Spoon poked around the peas in a bowl.

Ai Xiaoxiao sipped water from a cup with both hands, eyes curious, though she'd been part of Seven Seas Travel Group for a while, adventuring with the group was still rare.

Miss Mei sat quietly at her position, calmly enjoying lunch, leisurely breaking bread, dipping in water, then swallowing bit by bit.

Miss Knight seemed completely unfazed by the scarcity, appearing quite content.

In front of Fang Hong were three wooden plates, serving a few slices of dark bread, a small piece of smoked fish, a cup of wine, mashed potatoes, and peas—just that for lunch. Supplies in town seemed scarce. Fang Hong picked up a piece of dark bread, chewed a little, and frowned—it hurt his teeth.

He turned, seeing Hilveld looking at her lunch with some resignation, unsure how to start. She wasn't extremely picky, but the bread had been stored for who knows how long, so hard it was infuriating.

Fang Hong gently took her wooden plate and switched it with his mashed potatoes.

Hilveld raised her head, somewhat surprised, and glanced at him.

Fang Hong scratched his head, "...Actually, I quite like this bread, let's trade."

Hilveld blinked, eyes full of mirth, and nodded gently.

Luo Hao watched their intimate exchange, feeling a thousand little wounds, couldn't help but comment, "Could you two consider a single person's feelings?"

"Luo Hao, if you could lose some weight, I bet some girl would fancy you."

"I feel somewhat offended."

Feeling stabbed, Luo Hao grudgingly changed the subject, "Let's get back on track. Though the Royal Household conflicts, the contraction of noble power in Elpaxin and Charter City regions enabled local autonomous forces to grow, it was the subsequent events that truly facilitated Crow's Claw Guard's rise."

Fang Hong quickly reacted, "I guess it's something that happened in Charter City."

Luo Hao gave him a thumbs up, "Smart, after Nikopolas's destruction of Charter City, Northern Tarun fell into chaos, many local forces vanished under the Dragon Beast invasion, but Crow's Claw Guard emerged as the most renowned autonomous organization here."