The Perverted Lord and the Steward’s Delusion

"Yes, I take pride in defending the Lord and his property," a nearby guard nodded in agreement.

Steward Ka'ao, however, was deeply troubled, silently praying.

The footman, Waguàn, tried to console him: "Don't worry. Lady A'Shina is incredibly powerful, and the Winter Goddess will surely protect the Lord."

Ka'ao rolled his eyes irritably. "What do you know? I'm worried about what will happen *after* the Lord reaches Maple Leaf City. You must understand, Maple Leaf City has its own Chosen One."

"Huh? But... we're going for trade, not war. Surely there won't be a fight?" Waguàn's voice grew quieter, intimidated by Ka'ao. "Besides, with the Lord's charisma, I'm sure it'll be fine." Filard's recent conduct had thoroughly won over the servants.

"That's why you're just a footman, Waguàn. You have much to learn," the steward said with a smug smile, clearly enjoying showing off. "The official faith of Maple Leaf City is the God of Love and Union. Their Chosen One, the 'Peerless Dancer,' rose from the brothels. Countless nobles have fallen under her spell, willingly surrendering all their wealth and... bodily fluids."

"What? Such a thing exists?" Waguàn was stunned, his face flushing crimson just imagining it.

"Exactly. Otherwise, how do you think Maple Leaf City, a remote border town, became so wealthy? How does it possess several magical potion formulas and an irreplaceable commercial position? Do you think it's all due to Baron Maple Leaf's personal ability? Let me tell you, last time our Lord went to watch the female slaves relieve themselves! Utterly depraved! If the local lord has that dancer use her divine power on Lord Filard, given his self-control... *ahem*, never mind."

In Ka'ao's view, Filard was practically going on a beauty hunt. He might very well become too captivated to return.

Waguàn fell silent, left only to pray silently that their beloved Lord would not be corrupted by evil.

"Wait... did I say too much again?" Ka'ao suddenly felt uneasy. If his words reached the Lord or A'Shina, he'd likely be demoted from steward to stable hand—or worse.

Seeing Waguàn's innocent expression only made Ka'ao sweat profusely, worrying the footman might report him.

Truthfully, Filard wasn't keen on trading in distant Maple Leaf Territory either. But the foolish son of Baron Bull was probably still barring the fortress gates. Plus, having raided Bull Territory, Filard wasn't willing to gamble.

The Baron of Maple Leaf City was immensely wealthy, profiting hugely from potions brewed from his territory's magical plants. Filard was confident his Black Pearl Wine would fetch an excellent price.

"My Lord, must you go personally?" A'Shina sighed as she watched Filard meticulously polish his gleaming longsword. This hands-on Lord insisted on traveling to Highcastle Province himself. "I could handle it. The journey is perilous, and I would guard your property with my life, ensuring no mishaps."

"That's precisely what worries me. Who asked you to protect gold coins with your life? Gold can't buy a Chosen One." Filard patted A'Shina's head, causing a flush like peach blossoms to bloom on her cheeks. He patiently explained, "Besides, I need to meet Baron Maple Leaf in person. The produce of Nightfall Territory needs that deep-pocketed noble to absorb."

Filard left one reason unspoken: only he could detect monsters nearby. Without him, the caravan would repeatedly stumble into hordes of the undead.

Filard ignited the mist-dispelling lamp and hung it on the carriage. The caravan set off.

The warhorses' hooves clip-clopped on the road. Accompanying Filard were A'Shina, raiding cavalry, three guards, twenty slaves hauling goods, and the maid, Jiǎnzi, responsible for Filard's daily needs.

Leaving Starlight Grand Winery felt like stepping straight into hell. Twisted plants and ghostly shadows lurked everywhere, as if demons might fly out at any moment.

The slaves, terrified, glanced around nervously. Though tasked with carrying goods, Filard had equipped them with spears for self-defense.

"What a wretched road," Filard grumbled, eyeing the corrupted path sprouting small tentacles. It slowed the wagons considerably. "We must repair this road when we get the chance. Ideally, establish a trade route—a cement road directly linking Nightfall Territory to Maple Leaf Territory."

Before he could lament further, a flood of crimson skeleton markers rapidly converged on his mental map. "Careful, they're here," Filard took a deep breath.

"Awooo~!" A'Shina's direwolf howled, charging forward. Its long spear slammed down, unleashing a shower of blood and inhuman shrieks. Rotten corpses fell like harvested wheat, fragments of crimson gore and pale matter splattering everywhere.

The draconic wolf then shook its head, unleashing a sweep of ghostly blue flame that incinerated swathes of the undead.

The remaining cavalry swiftly drew blades or leveled lances, rallying before charging the encroaching horde. Though trained for only a short time, the demihumans were natural riders, quickly mastering mounted combat.

"For Lord Filard!"

"Charge!"

The cavalry thundered forward.

On Filard's minimap, red markers vanished rapidly. Simultaneously, more crimson dots swarmed towards them.

"Come on then!" Filard's fighting spirit surged as he drew his sword with a sharp ring.

Maple Leaf Fortress was another imperial border stronghold, boasting formidable defenses: ballistae, catapults, and numerous mage towers. Glowing magical crystals floated everywhere in the distance.

Crossing the threshold of Baron Maple Leaf's border fortress felt like stepping into another world. The endless grey mist vanished, replaced by vibrant clarity.

"My god! Those knights came from the Grey Mist!" Soldiers with local accents pointed at the cavalry shrouded entirely in black cloaks—even their horses were covered, presenting a terrifying sight. "How rare! Must be adventurers or the Empire's Survey Corps."

"Look at them—covered in filth from corrupted creatures."

"Close the gates promptly! Don't let mist-monsters slip in!" A commander cleared his throat. "Welcome to Maple Leaf Territory. Enjoy your spending."

"Thank you." Filard was surprised by the smooth entry. He'd prepared a bag of gold for bribes, unused. He exhaled deeply: "Whew~ Thought we'd face trouble."

The mule-drawn cart carried ten barrels of Black Pearl Wine and a crate of magical scrolls. The scrolls were old and worn; Filard feared if he didn't sell them soon, they'd only be fit for wiping one's backside.

"If we could establish a trade route, I wouldn't need to make this trip myself." Throughout the journey, Filard had evaded countless large undead hordes and destroyed several smaller ones. Otherwise, reaching Highcastle Province unscathed would have been impossible.

The cost had been minimal—only half a cartload of grain lost to a pothole.