Chapter 325: Chapter 291 Acceptance_1
Tong Yitong had been saved, but she fell into a prolonged coma.
Gryphon Island possessed a comprehensive healthcare system and recently recruited senior medical staff, ensuring Tong Yitong would be well cared for.
Renlun Investment Bank also allocated additional personnel to protect Tong Yitong.
The island’s defensive systems were being deployed at an accelerated pace, and the incident was under investigation.
Yan Xing did not stay to wait for Tong Yitong to awaken. With the Elven Great Army having entered Bloodcrown Mountain City, it would have been too impolite for him, as their Lord, not to make an appearance.
Moreover, Marquis Anderson’s actions had significantly heightened Yan Xing’s vigilance towards him. One can never be too cautious.
Yan Xing instructed his people to ensure Tong Yitong was well cared for, then departed Gryphon Island. After returning to Zhehai City, he brought a batch of supplies back to the Eternal Domain.
Then he rode his treasured horse, Feiying, to Bloodcrown Mountain City.
The sky was overcast, and the chilly north wind was biting.
The Elves entering Bloodcrown Mountain could smell ice and snow in the air. The north must already be covered with heavy snow, and Wildwind Highlands would soon welcome its first snowfall.
Arlanda organized the distribution of winter clothing and bedding to the Elves.
Thanks to her experience with refugee reception in the Eternal Domain, Arlanda conducted the entire distribution process smoothly.
Gao Sipa had prepared food for the Elves and was diligently working to provide them with housing.
The administrative office of Bloodcrown Mountain City issued tasks to the nearby Werewolf and Lizardmen Clans to collect dry firewood for the Elves to burn for warmth.
When Yan Xing arrived at Bloodcrown Mountain City, he saw a city full of Elves wearing green military greatcoats.
Some Elves had been settled into dwellings. Others, dressed in coats and wrapped in blankets, sat under the eaves, nibbling on their rations.
Nobility belonged to the Royal Elves and the High Elves. For the lower-ranking Elves, having a full stomach and a warm body in this weather was satisfaction enough.
Upon reaching Bloodcrown Mountain City, Yan Xing did not rush to meet Prince Elrado and Lady Karol. Instead, he first called Arlanda to his side to inquire about the situation during his absence.
The Elves had a very strong sense of hierarchy, and Prince Elrado’s status here was the highest. With him setting an example, the Elves were very orderly.
"My Lord, Thunderous Swamp is situated in a geothermal environment. Even in the coldest winter, the water here doesn’t freeze.
The clothing and shelter we’re providing for the Elves are sufficient for them to pass the winter safely; it’s much better here than in Snowland."
Yan Xing could feel that Thunderous Swamp was much warmer than the Eternal Domain. If it weren’t for the excessive dampness, this would be a good place to spend the winter.
"I see many Elves still sleeping rough. Get them all housed as soon as possible. If building houses is taking too long, then arrange for a shipment of tents from the Eternal Domain.
Stock up on firewood. Light torches to dry out the dampness.
Also, monitor the Elves’ health. This is a swamp, after all. If any Elf falls ill, send them to the Eternal Domain for treatment immediately.
Most importantly... ensure the Elves do not leave Bloodcrown Mountain City if possible.
The Swamp Tribes have their own customs. Within Bloodcrown Mountain City, I will protect the Elves. Outside the city, their lives and deaths are no concern of mine."
Listening to Yan Xing’s instructions, Arlanda felt deeply grateful to him.
Although she served the Eternal Domain, Snowland was her homeland, and the Elves were her kin. She felt a natural affinity for them.
"Yes, My Lord. I will convey your instructions to the Elves... My Lord, Prince Elrado has been insisting on an audience with you. Lady Karol is also awaiting your arrival."
Seeing that the Elves in Bloodcrown Mountain City were behaving themselves, Yan Xing felt less urgency to meet with Prince Elrado.
"Inform Prince Elrado and Lady Karol that I will prepare a banquet to host them tomorrow."
After instructing Arlanda to continue her duties, Yan Xing immediately dispatched a group of messengers on griffons from Bloodcrown Mountain City.
However, what Yan Xing hadn’t anticipated was the arrival of an unexpected guest at Bloodcrown Mountain City that evening.
"Mentor, what brings you here?" Upon seeing Count Theodore’s imposing figure, Yan Xing immediately ushered him into the Lord’s Mansion of Bloodcrown Mountain City.
Following the old Count were Hibel and Donna.
"My Lord..." Donna, clad in armor, offered Yan Xing a knightly salute, then knelt on one knee, presenting her sword with both hands.
Hibel spoke solemnly to Yan Xing, "Donna Isabella performed excellently during her time as my squire. In the defense of Anjik Fort, she was my most dependable support, and her actions did not diminish the honor of the Eternal Domain.
"She is a natural-born warrior, a companion to whom you can entrust your life.
"At Anjik Fort, I permitted her to become a knight.
"But she wished to receive her investiture from you."
Hibel gave Donna the highest praise, though her tone also held a hint of wistfulness, as if she wished Donna were solely her own.
Yan Xing looked at Donna.
The last time Yan Xing had seen Donna was after he had emerged from Thunderous Swamp. He had just arrived in Nuta City at that time, while Donna had gone to Storm City with Hibel.
Afterward, Donna had followed Hibel to participate in the battle at Anjik Fort. As the fighting intensified, their communication had become sporadic.
The Donna before him, though still a young girl, had gained a remarkable composure from experiencing the most ferocious battlefields.
In modern terms, she had the makings of a great general.
Kneeling, Donna looked up, meeting Yan Xing’s gaze, just as she had on the day he chose her as a maid—when she had stared defiantly and declared her wish to become a militiaman.
Yan Xing smiled. He took the sword from Donna’s hands and rested the flat of its blade on her shoulder pauldron.
"I, Yan Xing, in the name of the Lord of the Eternal Domain, bestow upon you, Donna Isabella, the rank of Knight.
"Welcome back, Donna.
"And congratulations on finally achieving your heart’s desire."
Yan Xing returned the sword to Donna and said, "Go to Gao Sipa and get a new set of clothes. Now that you’re back, you should wear our domain’s armor."
"Yes, My Lord!"
Donna, at heart, was still a young girl. Having been knighted by Yan Xing, she joyfully sprang up from the ground. She sheathed her sword and then ran off to get her new clothes from Gao Sipa.
After Donna left, Yan Xing turned to Count Theodore, who had taken his seat, and said, "Mentor, you are not in good health. For any matter, you could have summoned me to Nuta City. Why did you travel all the way to Bloodcrown Mountain City yourself?"
Yan Xing ordered an attendant to stoke the fire in the hearth and had another bring a blanket.
Count Theodore looked around the room and said to Yan Xing, "I believe my coming here was entirely appropriate. Otherwise, judging solely from others’ descriptions, I could never have imagined the sights I witnessed on my journey here.
"Yan Xing, you have astonished me profoundly.
"This place and the world outside are entirely different.
"You... where exactly do you hail from?"
Yan Xing gave an embarrassed smile and said, "I... I am merely a human Lord from Thunderous Swamp, hoping to use the special products from our swamp to earn some money and improve our lives here."
Count Theodore knew Yan Xing was evading the question, so he did not press the issue further.
"Then... could you explain to me why there are so many Elves in this city of yours?"