bookbashuk Chapter 565:Merchant Route
Chapter 565:Merchant Route
Once Ethan returned, he did not waste time resting, and instead he immediately began preparing to leave because the attack on Frostvale had already shaken him deeply and it did not let his mind settle.
Even though things had been handled for now and Rathlos and Amber managed to take care of the situation, and with his father-in-law stepping in to shield the higher ranks the immediate danger was under control, Ethan still could not relax.
His land had been attacked.
His people had been targeted.
And even though the situation was stable for now, he knew it would not stay like this for long, and just waiting here while hoping things would remain fine did not sit well with him.
He clenched his fist slightly and exhaled.
"When my land is being ravaged by those beasts, how can I stay here calmly?" he muttered to himself.
There was no hesitation in his heart anymore.
He needed to go back.
No matter what he might face after returning, whether it was political pressure or danger from the Empire, he had to leave and take control of the situation himself.
The only problem was the route.
Ethan turned toward Carrion and asked for details, and soon a merchant was called in while a detailed map was placed on the table between them.
Carrion stepped forward and pointed at the map while speaking calmly.
"There are currently three routes to Arcadia," he said while handing the map over.
Ethan leaned slightly forward and looked at it carefully.
"One is through the Anning Pass, and another is through the long plains, but both of them are currently occupied," Carrion continued, and his brows furrowed slightly.
"Our supply routes are also affected, and I am not sure how the other two clans will react after what just happened."
Ethan's gaze moved across the map slowly while taking in every detail, and his expression turned more serious as he thought about the situation.
"There is a high possibility that the three might join forces and attack the elves," he said after a moment.
Carrion nodded.
"We are aware of that, and we are already under high alert while making preparations," he replied.
Ethan stayed silent for a few seconds while thinking, and his fingers tapped lightly against the edge of the table as he weighed his options carefully.
Then he made a decision.
"I will take the merchant route," he said.
Carrion looked at him.
"That route is longer and less stable," he said.
"I know," Ethan replied, and his tone was steady.
"I will disguise as an elf and travel along with the merchants, and that way I can pass through without drawing too much attention."
He paused for a moment and then added with a faint smirk.
"And if things go wrong, I will just beat the shit out of whoever blocks the way and run."
Carrion blinked once, and then he let out a small breath, but he did not argue further.
Ethan then turned his head toward Hale, and his expression softened slightly.
"I might be able to survive after returning," he said, "but what about you?"
Hale sighed as he heard that, and his shoulders dropped slightly while his expression turned complicated.
He already knew the answer.
Once he returned, things would not be easy for him.
He could be imprisoned or worse.
The army did not forgive easily, and once someone fell under suspicion or punishment, others would jump at the chance to crush them further.
Hale rubbed the back of his neck and let out a breath.
"Ethan, you know what awaits me," he said slowly, and his tone carried acceptance.
"So I was thinking… maybe I can work under you in disguise.
A wide smile spread across Ethan's face.
A Mythic rank fighter asking to work under him.
That was not something he would refuse.
"Of course," Ethan said immediately, and his tone carried clear approval.
"In fact, I want you badly to work for me, and I swear I will pay you well enough."
Hale looked at him and then gave a thumbs up without hesitation.
"Deal," he said.
Ethan laughed lightly as he heard that, and the tension between them eased slightly.
...….
The palace had returned to its usual calm, and the soft glow of light filtering through the carved windows made everything look peaceful, while gentle rays of sunlight spread across the polished floor and the quiet air carried a faint scent of flowers.
However, that calm did not reach the two figures standing inside the inner chamber, and the stillness around them felt heavy instead of soothing.
Queen Lyria stood near the tall balcony, and her gaze stretched far beyond the forest as if she was looking at something much farther than what the eyes could see, while the wind gently moved the edges of her dress and brushed past her hair.
Behind her, Micheal stood quietly with his staff in hand, and his expression remained serious as he observed her while maintaining a respectful distance.
For a few moments, neither of them spoke, and the silence between them was not empty but filled with unspoken thoughts and tension.
Finally, Micheal broke it.
"The situation is spreading faster than expected," he said, and his tone was low but firm while his eyes remained focused.
"The demons have allied with the Orc and Beastman empires, and now they are pushing against the humans from multiple directions while forcing the fronts to collapse one after another."
Lyria did not turn immediately, but her eyes narrowed slightly as she listened.
"I know," she replied softly, and her voice remained calm even though the meaning behind her words was not.
"The reports have been consistent."
Micheal stepped forward slightly, and his brows furrowed as concern deepened on his face.
"This is no longer a controlled war," he continued, and his grip on the staff tightened just a little.
"It is expanding, and if this continues, it will not remain limited to just those sides."
He paused briefly before adding.
"Right now, only we and the dwarves remain neutral."