The Lord Demon King is Unfathomable!

Why isn't there enough to eat?

Naturally, it's because of the storm... I heard that all ports along the eastern coast were damaged, and so were the grain-transporting ships.

Although slightly different from the truth, it's not far off.

Soon, this news will appear in the taverns of Withered Wood Port, serving as a crucial step in Luo Yan's plan.

General Hamoldon, excited, lowered his voice and said, "Prince, this is a significant matter. Could we discuss it in private?"

Luo Yan nodded slightly and then signaled his trusted aide to rest in place. He looked at Hamoldon calmly and gestured for him to lead the way.

"Of course, lead the way."

Hamoldon suppressed his wild joy, immediately turned, signaled Ticky to arrange the entourage, and personally led Luo Yan towards the fortress on the hills near Withered Wood Port.

As they walked, they talked about information concerning the Gutaf United Kingdom, and Luo Yan spoke candidly to Hamoldon's questions—

though he mainly spoke about the parts that were more favorable to himself.

Fortunately, Gana Continent is vast enough for him to discuss freely. After all, General Hamoldon would hardly verify it himself, and even if he did, it would be no easy task to traverse such a vast continent.

"... Their beliefs are quite barbaric, adhering to the primitive culture of blood sacrifice. They are not shy about cannibalism. Can you imagine them having clergy dig out their own hearts on the altar to offer to the Dragon God? I could barely stand to watch from afar."

"Have you been to their Temple? I've always been curious about what Gutaf looks like," General Hamoldon asked curiously.

Luo Yan shook his head, speaking in a humorous tone.

"Allowing me into their Holy City was the greatest courtesy they extended to me. If I went further, I might lose my eyes."

Hamoldon paused for a moment, then said with a bitter smile.

"That really is hell."

Luo Yan nodded.

"Yes."

Actually, hell is not like that.

But there was no need to pretend to know it well here.

The group quickly arrived at the fortress near Withered Wood Port.

As Luo Yan passed through the gate, he was slightly taken aback, looking at the mansion standing in front of him, he thought for a moment that he had come to the wrong place.

The chaotic tent clusters had disappeared, replaced by a three-story villa. The wooden and stone walls were sturdy, with windows wiped clean.

The surroundings had been cleared of clutter and mud, replaced by paved gravel paths and neatly trimmed lawns.

Even in an imperial border town, such a residence would be considered quite decent.

Is this still my fortress?

"This is a surprise prepared by General Hamoldon for you!" Baron Ticky stepped forward tactfully and said with a smile, "Upon learning that your residence was destroyed in the storm, he proposed building a new one for you. As luck would have it, there were leftover building materials from constructing the port, so he diverted a construction team to erect this building."

Luo Yan turned to look at Hamoldon, a smile of satisfaction and gratitude on his face.

"Thank you, General."

Hamoldon laughed heartily and waved his hand.

"No need to thank me, Prince. It was merely a small effort! As long as you feel comfortable living here, it's all worth it!"

Hearing this, the quartermaster following not far behind General Hamoldon twitched his eyebrows slightly, resisting the urge to retort.

For General Hamoldon, it certainly was a small effort, but for those doing the work, issuing the materials, and accounting— it was not.

Clearly, this guy was using imperial military resources for personal favors again.

But he only complained a little.

Compared to other generals, Hamoldon, who didn't blatantly covet gold coins, was already incredibly frugal.

Though frugality didn't mean savings, as he usually ended up spending more...

Unaware of the quartermaster's intriguing expression, Hamoldon enthusiastically led Luo Yan into the mansion's interior.

Passing through the foyer, they soon reached a meticulously arranged dining room.

In the center of the dining room was a carved wooden long table draped with a white linen tablecloth. Candles flickered brightly in the candelabra, and silver tableware was neatly placed, creating a very elegant and comfortable atmosphere.

The kitchen had already prepared today's lunch, and a server pushing a cart brought in the dishes one by one. The starters were cream clam soup and citrus-marinated salmon, paired with white wine.

Hamoldon personally pulled out a chair for Luo Yan and then picked up a bottle of wine on the table, pouring into Luo Yan's glass himself, smiling warmly and sincerely.

"Prince, this wine is a top-quality selection that I brought specially from Saint Yil Castle. Please let me entertain you today!"

Having feasted on Withered Wood Port's delicacies for so long, this naval general felt a bit of guilt, so he had his men bring some prized selections from his wine cellar at Saint Yil Castle.

Luo Yan raised his glass and took a sip, the wine's aroma rich and the taste smooth.

He nodded in satisfaction, complimenting.

"The taste is indeed excellent, General, you're considerate."

Hamoldon laughed heartily, raised his glass in response.

"As long as the Prince likes it! Allow me to toast you in the name of the Imperial, thanking you for your diligence and contribution!"

"May General always be victorious, may our Emperor have a long life, may the Imperial prosper."