Miss Witch Doesn't Want to be a Diva

"I don't know exactly how much you need, but if the shortage isn't too large, I can help you solve it all," she said boldly, a statement that stirred one's heart. No wonder she seemed completely without combat strength, yet managed to consolidate and manage such a large force.

"That depends on how much you have. I'm afraid it's not something a single settlement like yours can solve," Guy shook his head.

"Oh? It seems your numbers have expanded greatly—dozens, hundreds, or even more?" The other party counted on her fingers. Although she was probing for information, her rather charming and natural demeanor made it hard for anyone to be angry.

"This..." Guy didn't know how to respond for a moment and realized he had let something slip.

To think he slipped up on such a trivial question, making such a simple mistake, he felt a rush of shame.

"Alright, Guy, let me handle this," Hexia stepped forward, placing a hand on Guy's shoulder to have him step back.

Looking at the seemingly harmless and naturally poised leader of the fox-tail species in front of her, Hexia shook her head slightly. She blinked, shattering the invisible charm the other had crafted.

Guy, who had traveled with merchants since he was young, couldn't possibly be without vigilance, but the leader of the fox-tail species before him was even more skilled, with that invisible charming ability permeating through, unwittingly causing Guy to speak his impulsive truth.

Hexia pondered whether this was the racial talent of the fox-tail species or the personal strength of the smiling-eyed leader before her.

"I don't know how much information Master Lu Qing has on us, but if you knew enough, you wouldn't try this little trick in front of me." Her tone shifted from gentle to icy, instantly breaking the atmosphere that had been created.

"Miss Hexia speaks so heartlessly," the other party's gaze shifted, still probing but completely without the composure and ability to control the situation she had on arrival.

"But I think I have been quite tolerant of your probing behavior."

The girl raised the cuff of her black dress, revealing slender fingers that traced lightly through the air. Invisible ripples spread, and while others seemed to not react, only the fox-tail leader in front of her had her pupils contract, struck as if by lightning, goosebumps rising on her skin.

As an absolute powerhouse in various areas of spiritual consciousness within the Federation, the completeness and refinement of the Songstress lineage's system and techniques are not something the transcendent ones still in the primitive tribal stage can aspire to. The Songstresses even disdain deception, choosing to persuade all around them with the most genuine emotions, which won't lead to resentment or betrayal—something incomprehensible to those still reliant on language and seductive inducement.

Seconds later, the fox-tail species leader seemed gripped by extreme terror, trembling and nearly unable to stand. Someone beside her hurriedly supported her, starting to suspect Hexia and her group of some trickery, preparing to raise their guns and aim to shoot.

"Stop!" With a slightly frantic gesture, Lu Qing raised a hand, motioning her subordinates to cease.

"I apologize deeply; it was my offense to Master Hexia. Please forgive me." Her attitude completely changed, bowing with utmost reverence before the trio, leaving even those beside her somewhat puzzled.

In this situation, Guy and Flan exchanged glances, seemingly surprised but also unfazed because this young lady always managed to do the unexpected.

With the fox-tail leader bowing in apology before her, Hexia waved her hand dismissively, then shifted her gaze, releasing her perception and consciousness to scan over the entire camp.

"I need a considerable amount of food, not just what's within your camp. If you have any other means to obtain it, do tell me as well."

"Yes," Lu Qing adjusted her attire and ordered chairs to be brought, inviting Hexia to sit before carefully reporting one by one.

...

"So, you mean the ones you were skirmishing with weren't the main Wolf Blood tribe but the abandoned settlement wandering on the fringes."

"Yes, after Wolf Blood newborns are born, if they are disabled or not strong enough, they are abandoned by them. Over time, these cast-off members form an abandoned settlement, wandering everywhere, unwelcomed by any side. But if they are completely wiped out, it's easy to offend the main Wolf Blood tribe."

"If you want to acquire a large amount of food, simply finding forces like ours won't do because the places with truly abundant food sources on the plains are controlled by the Wolf Blood tribe. Especially that big river, which is rich in all kinds of fish. The slaves controlled by the Wolf Blood tribe catch these fish and turn them into dried fish, used as currency on the plains."

"That means dealing with the main Wolf Blood tribe is unavoidable; will they agree to trade?" Hexia looked up, asking the voluptuous fox-tail leader standing before her.

"Most likely not. They prefer to seize directly. Only small goods might be deemed not worth the trouble of robbing, permitting an exchange."

"The amount of food Master Hexia needs isn't a small amount. If it's a large trade, the quickest way is to find the Wolf Blood tribe. But they will undoubtedly become greedy unless you intimidate them, making them retreat in fear," speaking without various cunning and schemes, the fox-tail species leader became much more straightforward and concise.

"I understand," Hexia stood up.

It seems her usual fair and gentle approach wouldn't work on the plains.