Chapter 104: The Inescapable War

“On the contrary, if we take in Viss, then when conflict arises with the Lizardmen in the future, we can leverage Viss’s influence within the tribe to call upon those who secretly reject Kotar and Basson’s rule, those opposed to war with Derlin Town, to lay down their arms. There might even be a chance to persuade them to join us in overthrowing the illegal reign of ‘Demon’s Child’ Kotar and the ‘Regicide’ Basson!” Roger concluded firmly and resolutely.

Hearing Roger’s words, Joan found herself growing a newfound respect for the second young master of the mayor’s family, admiring his far-sighted insight.

“Roger, have you ever spoken these thoughts to your father?”

“I wanted to, but unfortunately never got the chance,” Roger shrugged helplessly. “In my father’s eyes, I’m always just a clueless kid—he can’t be bothered to seriously listen to my ‘big ideas.’”

Everyone has their own difficulties. Joan understood Roger’s frustration and agreed wholeheartedly with his analysis. She immediately offered to shelter Viss until the day he chose to leave voluntarily.

Regarding the security threat the Cold-Blooded tribe’s coup posed to Derlin Town, the three young men, powerless and inexperienced, fretting here was futile. Joan advised Dick and Roger to find an opportunity to speak openly and honestly with the mayor. If that failed, they should seek Flint’s help; after all, the old dwarf’s sense of justice wouldn’t let him stand idly by when the town’s survival was at stake.

As the night deepened, Dick and Roger, fearing to arouse their father’s suspicion, dared not linger outside too late. They bid farewell to Joan and Viss and left. Joan, unfamiliar with Viss and having little to say, initially intended to descend the mountain with the Dingdoer brothers. Suddenly, she remembered something, and after seeing the brothers off, she returned, gazing at the beleaguered Lizardman prince, hesitant but wanting to speak.

“Mr. Vida, I truly shouldn’t trouble you; if it’s inconvenient... I’ll leave at once!” Viss rose resolutely and stepped toward the door.

“Don’t misunderstand; that’s not what I meant.” Joan raised a hand to stop him, hesitating before speaking. “Do the names Kohn and Chud, two Lizardmen, ring a bell?”

“Kohn... Chud...” Viss murmured to himself. “Those names are common in the Cold-Blooded tribe. Can you give me more detailed descriptions?”

“Both are shamans,” Joan added without expression.

“Shamans?!” Viss was startled, staring at Joan in silence, his expression shifting rapidly. After a long pause, he spoke. “I think I roughly know who you mean. Those two brothers disappeared mysteriously over a month ago. Rumors say they were murdered by a human mage working with a gray pouch beast, but there’s no solid evidence... Mr. Vida, could this have something to do with you?”

“If it does, what do you intend to do about it?” Joan retorted calmly.

Viss looked at him intently, then turned his gaze to Gray. With the human mage and the gray pouch beast both present, the truth was clear.

“Mr. Vida, I don’t know what grudge you bear against Kohn and Chud. Frankly, even if I did, I wouldn’t want to meddle,” Viss said sincerely. “It’s not because I’m currently struggling for survival and depend on you. It’s because those brothers were disciples of Basson. Publicly, we belong to opposing factions; privately, we’re not just strangers but bitter enemies. Unless they died defending tribal honor, I have no obligation to avenge them—and from what I know of Kohn and Chud, they’re not the kind to sacrifice their lives for tribal pride.”

“Indeed, as you suspected, my conflict with Kohn and Chud was purely personal, unrelated to tribal honor,” Joan briefly recounted his and Gray’s grudge with those two Lizardman shamans.

“Mr. Vida, in the past this wouldn’t have been a major issue. My father wouldn’t have rashly drawn swords over two hot-headed shamans. But times have changed. Elder Basson might use the death of his beloved disciples as leverage—and besides...” Viss’s eyes showed a trace of pity as he looked at Joan.

“Alas, Mr. Vida, I must tell you some bad news. Kohn and Chud are Kotar’s own brothers. ‘Demon’s Child’ is not known for tolerance or reason. You... take care of yourself.”

Joan felt a chill spread through his heart but forced a calm expression. “In a few days, I’ll leave Derlin Town for Leyton Port to study. If Kotar wants revenge for his brothers, he can come find me at the Leyton Port Arcane Academy.”

“No matter how mad Kotar is, he wouldn’t dare invade the capital of the Alfheim human colony to seek revenge. Mr. Vida, you’ll be safe in Leyton Port. But... forgive my bluntness, as Mr. Roger just said, the feud between you, me, and Kotar’s faction is merely an excuse for him to exploit. If Kotar is determined to invade Derlin Town, even if you and I leave, he’ll find other pretexts to launch his aggression.” Viss said meaningfully.

Joan could not deny the Lizardman prince’s reasoning. The rebel faction led by Kotar and Basson only needed one excuse to invade Derlin Town. Whether that excuse involved Joan or Viss was irrelevant. The real question was whether the town council, led by Jason Dingdoer, shared such clear-sighted awareness. Joan dared not be optimistic.

After bidding a heavy-hearted farewell to Viss, Joan left the forest cabin. Passing by his grandfather’s house, he hesitated long before summoning the courage to knock and enter.

Old Tyrell was dozing in his armchair by the fireplace. Hearing the knock, he yawned and looked over, instantly sensing the heavy burden on his grandson’s face. The sleepiness vanished, and his eyes sharpened.

“Speak, what trouble have you gotten into this time?”

Joan was impressed by his grandfather’s keen insight. Sitting opposite the old man, he recounted the day’s events in the woods in full detail, including his and Gray’s grudge against the Kotar family.

Tyrell frowned deeply and only sighed after Joan finished.

“It seems the peaceful days of Derlin Town are numbered. A storm of blood and fire is coming.”

“Grandfather, what should I do?” Joan asked anxiously.

“You don’t need to worry about these things. Go back to sleep, and keep me informed of any news.”

Tyrell stood up with the aid of his cane, shuffling over to the wardrobe. Opening its door, he took out a set of tailcoat formal wear and a top hat, carefully brushing off the dust.

Joan didn’t understand why his grandfather suddenly had an interest in dressing up in clothes he hadn’t worn in years, and he didn’t dare ask. Filled with puzzlement, he left the old man’s cabin.