Li Aili returned to Emerald Castle.

“Alright, let’s wait and see what Albert does,” she said.

Arthur stopped Conrad from stepping forward and took Ellie's shawl from her.

“Judging by the time, I should go and tell the kitchen to prepare dinner,” Conrad said.

The Duke and Duchess did not stay in Clark for their meal.

Clark has very few living beings that can breathe, so it seems rather awkward to have a table full of undead that don't need to eat eating with them.

"I really want to eat strawberry cake today, please, Conrad."

Conrad smiled slightly. "The berries delivered from the plantation this morning were excellent. I'll have the cook bake you a sweet strawberry cake."

"Perhaps you should meet with Mrs. Joanna before your strawberry cake is baked. She seems to have some very difficult matters on her end."

So, Li Aili, who was about to go upstairs to change her clothes, could only go to the study to meet Joanna first.

Joanna tore off a 'Devil Delivery' flyer and stormed into Li Aili's study, shouting, "Your Highness!"

"What's wrong?"

Li Aili was very curious. She had only been gone for half a day, so what earth-shattering event could have happened in Emerald City that made Joanna so flustered?

"The leader of the Assassin's Guild, the behind-the-scenes owner of the Helles Auction House, and several other big shots who have a lot of influence in the Badlands... they're all here."

Li Aili: "..."

Li Aili had heard of these people before; if translated, it would be something like 'a group of bad guys came to visit'.

Li Aili straightened her back and sat up straight, like a meerkat on alert.

What are they here for?

Joanna became even more uneasy upon hearing this question. "They didn't say. They said unless they see the Lord of Emerald City, otherwise..."

The other party is no ordinary person; they are all accompanied by extraordinary professionals with powerful auras.

With neither Ellie nor the Duke present, Joanna dared not be too forceful.

“Let them come to the castle. I want to see what the ‘Dark Forces Alliance’ is up to in Emerald City.”

Joanna felt reassured by Ellie's attitude.

Li Aili: "And Leongor, let him bring all his 'masterpieces'."

Joanna: "..."

Ten minutes later, in the reception hall of Emerald Castle, Li Aili's ring was filled with highly lethal alchemical potions.

On the left stood Leongor, with bottles and jars hanging from his body, and on the right stood the Duke, whose face was expressionless.

The duke turned his head and saw the silly elf waving to him in a friendly manner.

'Why is he here?' the Duke asked his wife with his eyes.

Li Aili returned a knowing look to her husband, "Don't worry, there are plenty of us. We can blow these bad guys up!"

The 'foolish' elf beamed with delight: Oh! Has someone else come to test the medicine?

Duke: "..."

Soon, more than twenty people dressed in black cloaks were led into the 'reception hall' by the smiling demon butler.

These people's faces were completely hidden in the shadows cast by their hoods, making it impossible to discern their race at first glance.

A figure emerged from the 'black cloak', stepped forward steadily, and performed the etiquette of a human nobleman before Li Aili, who sat on the lord's throne.

"Good day, Your Majesty, the great Lord of Emerald City, the Duchess of Emerald Valley, and the Queen of the Lost Bloodline."

Li Aili: "..." So I have so many titles now.

This was the first time Li Aili had received such an audience. She ran her fingers over the jade inlaid on the lord's throne. "Good day, guests."

"Before you is the owner of the Helles Underground Auction House. My surname is Helles and my given name is Helles Helles Helles."

"Let me introduce you to this man, the master of shadows, Solomon, the guild leader of the Assassin's Guild."

Leongor leaned closer to Li Aili and whispered, "Ah, this guy is wanted by a lot of people. They say if you throw him into the Adventurers' Guild, you can get at least 100 million gold coins..."

Li Aili swore that the sound of swallowing was definitely not hers; it must have been the elf next to her!

"This is the founder of the Thieves' Guild, 'The Invisible Hand' Thomson."

Leongor: "This is also very valuable! 98 million gold coins! I heard he stole one of the Seven Secrets. The 98 million is only for this person; the cost of seizing the Seven Secrets is separate."

These twenty-odd visitors weren't just visitors; they were practically a 'financial gift package'.

Li Aili felt that if Leongor continued his introduction any longer, she would have to ask the guards at the door to lock it.

“...Leongor”.

Leongor: "?"

"Please, shut up. I don't want Emerald Valley to be known for 'double-crossing'." Something seems off, but now is not the time to explain.

Finally, the owner of the Helles auction house finished introducing his companions.

After exchanging some pleasantries, Helles and his companion looked at each other...

To be honest, Li Aili was extremely excited at this moment.

How she wished that these twenty-odd evil forces would suddenly rise up and attack her, the weak human lord.

That way, she can openly count the 'bounty money'.

But reality often runs counter to ideals.

Thump, thump, thump, several dull sounds.

Treasure chests were placed on the floor of the reception hall.

"This is just a small gift; I hope you'll accept it."

The lid of a box was lifted, revealing it filled with ruby ​​dragon gems (from ruby ​​dragons), each at least the size of a fist.

These ruby ​​gems are of exceptional quality; each one could be the 'main stone' on a magic staff, and they are priceless and unavailable for purchase.

The last time was at an auction jointly held by the three major underground auction houses, where a green dragon gem was sold. It was only half the size of an adult's fist, but the price was bid up to 5.6 million gold coins.

And here... a whole box, at least 400 rubies.

As one box after another was opened, nearly a hundred treasure chests were revealed, each containing priceless treasures. The gleam of the treasures connected, even adding a touch of 'pearl' to the dome of the reception hall.

Li Aili: "..."

Li Aili's expression changed.

She cautiously began, "So, what brings you all to Emerald City?"

The behind-the-scenes owner of the Helles Auction House bowed deeply. "Your Highness, could you please introduce us to the Pumpkin Lord who protects this place?"

At this moment, Li Aili: Meow meow meow? ? ?

Leongor: (⊙_⊙)?

Duke: "..."

Li Aili almost blurted out: What melon are you talking about, what lord?

For a moment, she almost thought that this group of big shots from the 'lawless land' had all gotten lost and gone to the wrong place.

Helles lowered his voice, as if discussing a god in private, "You know, the one who can turn a dragon into mincemeat with a single blow."

"It was attacked by ten thousand Saint-level warriors, yet it still stood firm."

"The Pumpkin Grand Lord, who protected the peace of Emerald Valley with his flesh and blood, no, with the body of a pumpkin!"

Li Aili: "…………"

Leongor: "………………"

Arthur: "".

The silence in the reception hall was deafening.

Hai Man looked at the silent Emerald City Lord with some trepidation, then gritted his teeth and said, "We can raise the price!"

Li Aili: "!!!"