However, he did not go south with the Sons of Bhaal's team to the small town of Belgoth east of Candlekeep, but continued north across Baldur's Gate and arrived at Dragonspear Castle next to the High Moors.
Unlike the last time I came here when it looked a bit desolate and dilapidated, here both the city walls and arrow towers have obviously been renovated and reinforced.
There were about one or two hundred fully armed mercenaries standing on top, vigilantly watching every move around them. Occasionally, a team on horseback would rush out of the castle and patrol along the large tracts of farmland around it.
Some farmers who have been attracted to settle here are diligently taking care of various crops, while some herdsmen are driving flocks of sheep, cattle and horses with dogs to graze on the lush weeds and bushes.
Located on the east side of the castle, near the small river and stream, a huge artificial lake with an area equivalent to more than 30 football fields was dug. Many ducks, geese and wild water birds can be seen playing in groups on the water.
Needless to say, this was definitely done with the power of the Oranli hydra, plus the tools used by the captured goblins, orcs, and half-orc slaves to dig it out bit by bit.
Judging from the scale, the current Dragonspear Castle already has about several thousand permanent residents.
They even retained a special group of goblin slaves responsible for building houses and city walls, repairing roads, and doing the dirty and tiring work of cleaning up garbage and unclogging sewers.
If things continue to develop as they are now, perhaps a new city will rise up in a few decades and become an important land trade hub connecting Baldur's Gate and Waterdeep.
What's more, the land within hundreds of kilometers around here is unowned and undeveloped.
Anyone who is willing to settle here can immediately obtain a full 100 acres of farmland that had been reclaimed and roughly cultivated by goblin slaves, as well as a fairly nice log cabin.
If you want to be a herdsman, that's fine.
The Castle Ranch area has a large number of small rock horses, long-haired sheep and other domesticated hoofed herbivores. As long as you pay a partial deposit, you can immediately get your own herd and ranch.
The first two types of livestock are specialties of the Supreme Wasteland. A lot of them were captured when clearing monsters around the castle, at least hundreds of thousands of them.
Although some were killed and some were sold to merchants, an astonishing scale is still retained today.
Among them, the rock horse is a very good beast of burden. It not only has excellent endurance, but is also very easy to feed. Dairy products, leather and dried meat made from it are also good commodities.
The wool of long-wool sheep has been the main product of Dragonspear Castle in recent years, and textile merchants from both Waterdeep and Baldur's Gate are scrambling to get it.
Especially after the opening of the airship route directly to here, it can even be sold to Luskan, Neverwinter and Silvermoon Alliance which are farther away.
Because these cities are closer to the polar cold, the demand for woolen fabrics and warm clothing is much greater than that of Waterdeep and Baldur's Gate.
The original entrepreneurial shareholders, led by Marshall, had already made a lot of money.
A small number of ambitious guys even want to completely occupy the High Wasteland in the east as a pasture in order to raise more long-wool sheep to meet the growing trade needs.
They completely forgot that the High Wasteland was not a safe place.
Ever since the Crown War, the ancient elven kingdom, Maielita, was completely destroyed by the dark elves before their fall with a terrible magic, and all the residents were killed together. Since then, it has completely become a paradise for monsters and beasts.
Whether it is trolls, orcs, hobgoblins, snakemen and lizardmen hiding deep in the swamp, or other carnivorous beasts such as wolves, bears, tigers, leopards, etc., they are enough to pose a deadly threat to outsiders who dare to venture into this area.
The reason why the area around Dragonspear Castle is relatively safe nowadays is entirely due to the large-scale cleanup carried out with the help of the Oranli multi-headed dragon.
But the problem is that they no longer have the Oranli Hydra, the super trump card that can deter all potential enemies.
If they continue to rashly push forward with large-scale land enclosure, the consequences will be absolutely disastrous if they anger the powerful dragons and large monster tribes of more than tens of thousands of people in the wilderness.
The farmlands, villages, pastures and livestock herds that were reclaimed with great difficulty outside the city walls would all be wiped out in the war.
Compared with the greed of other shareholders, Marshall, who regards himself as the general manager, always keeps a clear and calm mind.
He knew very well how the current prosperity and stability of Dragonspear Castle came about, which was why he took the trouble to travel across half of the west coast to Luskan to attend the Northern Lords' Conference not long ago, just to meet with the nominal lord Zuo Si, and respectfully report the progress of the work, while asking for instructions on what to do next, and also handing over the profits gained through accumulation and development over the past few years.
Yes!
This wise man did not swallow up all the wealth, including land and taxes, like many short-sighted fools.
He only took out about 30% to 40% and shared it with the shareholders who had started the business with him.
Marshall understood that the reason why he had been able to go smoothly over the years and no other forces had come to cause trouble was because of Zuo Si's notorious reputation and his ruthlessness and brutality in dealing with his enemies at all costs.
If they lost this umbrella of protection, not to mention the Zhentarim, the Cult of the Dragon and some other evil organizations, the monsters in the High Wastes and the Howling Trollwood would be enough to put Dragonspear Castle in great danger.
Not to mention that there is a portal connecting to the first level of Baator Hell in the basement of the castle.
Later, when Zuo Si became the lord of the new ninth level, a powerful and terrifying devil found Marshall almost immediately and signed a contract with him.
From then on, the two sides kept to themselves and no conflict occurred again.
The devils even built a town near the portal, allowing adventurers and merchants to go there to do business, or pay a certain fee to enter the hell plane through the portal.
Some demons came from underground to the surface and became the owners of some taverns, hotels and shops.
Although at the beginning, these evil alien creatures made everyone feel very uncomfortable, and even strongly vigilant and hostile.
But as they spend more and more time together, many people find that the devil is not as scary as the rumors say.
Just the opposite!
In many cases, they strictly abide by local rules and laws, and are even more honest than many unscrupulous businessmen. They also provide many magical services and soul contracts.
In particular, many desperate criminals are very willing to sell their souls in exchange for the protection of the devils in order to avoid being ripped open and torn into pieces by their enemies.
In addition, the presence of the devil means that souls can be traded here, and there are specialties from Baator for sale.
So instead of shrinking, trade became more prosperous than before.
Due to the implementation of limited slavery (only designated races can serve as slaves), many service venues are very fancy and perverted.
You can experience here the scenery that you can't see in other cities, such as lizardmen and snake maids, half-orc girls, drow ladies, orc strong men, etc.
It attracted a large number of guys who wanted to try it out of curiosity, as well as nobles, wealthy businessmen and hungry ladies whose XP was different from ordinary people.
Due to the lack of contraceptive measures, many mixed-race children around one or two years old, two or three years old, can be seen running around on the streets.
In addition, brutal and bloody gladiatorial combat and beast fighting are also the special features of Dragonspear Castle.
Because slavery has been completely abolished in Kalinshan in the south, it has naturally become the only place on the west coast of the entire Faerun continent where one can enjoy and experience similar excitement.
High-level demons and some evil wizards also transformed the trolls to make them smarter and trained many troll slave gladiators with skilled combat skills.
Because of their strong recovery ability, it doesn't matter if they are seriously injured or even disabled.
Anyway, after a period of nursing, they will be able to be active on the field again and satisfy the appetite of those spectators who are eager to see bloody killings.
In fact, the current Dragonspear Castle is far beyond Marshall's control.
Whether it was those powerful demons from hell or the increasing number of evil camp wizards, they all made him feel like he was sitting on the crater of a volcano and might be blown up to the sky at any time.
更不用提最近不知道从什么地方涌现出一大批有组织的黑暗精灵，还有一位自称是北地七姐妹——葵露的领导者，要求龙矛城堡为其在地下画出一片区域，打算建立一座地下城市，并声称这件事情获得了领主左思的许可。
到目前为止，这些黑暗精灵的数量已经达到了上千人的规模。
尽管到目前为止还没有表现出任何攻击性，但已经使得马绍尔感到寝食难安。
越来越复杂的局势，让这位商旅出身的中年男人意识到自己的能力已经不足以应付严峻挑战。
幸好！
随着一架满载物资和工具的小型运输飞艇从天而降，他终于长长的出了一口气，快步走上前去向自己宣誓效忠的主人深深鞠了躬，如释重负的感叹道：“索斯大人！您总算是来了！”
“你怎么好像很疲惫的样子？黑眼圈还这么重？男人过四十岁在某些方面就要稍微节制一点了，不然的话小心纵欲过度猝死啊。”
左思惊讶的看着那张灰蒙蒙的脸忍不住奉劝了两句。
要知道上次在路斯坎见面的时候，对方还是满面红光一副身体倍棒、吃嘛嘛香的架势。
可一段时间不见，这简直半只脚都快要踏进棺材了。
虽说费伦大陆的有钱人普遍都比较好色，很多允许多妻制或是一妻多妾制的地方，娶十个八个老婆都算很平常的事情。
哪怕是再实行一夫一妻制的地区也普遍会在外面养情人，再不就是隔三差五光顾红灯区。
没办法。
这种繁衍的生理需求源自于本能和基因，并不是说光靠道德、法律之类的东西就能完全禁止。
可问题是在放纵欲望过程中把自己活活玩死的终归是极少数。
大部分有权有势的人还是比较注重身体健康，感觉不舒服了立刻就会请牧师来为自己治疗。
“节制？纵欲过度？”
马绍尔先是愣了一下，紧跟着哭笑不得的解释道：“您以为我是天天晚上跟女人鬼混才变成现在这幅样子的？ 不！ 我这可都是被那些黑暗精灵、魔鬼，还有整天待在自己房子里，根本不知道在搞些什么危险魔法实验的法师害的。
尤其是最近越聚集越多的黑暗精灵，已经占据了城堡地下通往幽暗地域很大的一片区域。
一些冒险者发现他们正在沿着一片石笋和溶洞地带建造防御工事。
大人，您应该最清楚黑暗精灵在地表世界的名声有多么糟糕。
我非常担心他们会突然从地下冲出来大开杀戒。”
可左思却不以为意的耸了耸肩膀安慰道：“别担心，这些并不是传统意义上信仰蜘蛛女神罗丝的邪恶卓尔，而是幽暗少女伊莉丝翠的信徒。
他们当中有一个算一个，都是被传统黑暗精灵城市极度压抑的社会氛围和宗教迫害逼疯的逃亡者。
这些人只是单纯想要一个家，一个可以生存并繁衍生息的地方。
最重要的是，他们在地下建立城市之后，不仅可以成为龙矛城堡抵御来自幽暗地域威胁的前哨站，同时还能以此为前进基地拓展与地下世界的贸易。
想象一下，如果这里成为西海岸为数不多能够获取到幽暗地域特产的市场，那将会吸引来多少商人、冒险者和旅客？”
“那前提也得是不闹出什么事端才行。要知道光是他们的现身，就已经让生活在附近的月精灵和野精灵村落感到十分紧张，甚至还向我正式提交了抗议。”
在说这番话的时候，马绍尔脸上浮现出了无奈的表情。
他并不是一个合格的政客，更不懂得要如何处理这种延续了上万年的仇恨、敌视与排斥。
“这种事情你不要去管，直接交给葵露和伊莉丝翠的牧师去解决。
另外龙矛城堡现在连魔鬼都有了，还有必要去害怕一群逃亡的黑暗精灵？ 如果那些精灵部族无法忍受与昔日的仇敌一起生活，那就让他们自己迁徙走好了。
记住，一个合格的统治者固然要聆听来自各个方面的利益诉求，但也绝对不能什么要求都无休止的予以满足。
偶尔也要使用一些强制性的手段，迫使他们放弃不切实际的幻想，服从于整体的安排。
你不要把政治当成是在做生意可以讨价还价，同样也不要妄想自己推行的政策可以让所有人都满意。
有时候身为决策者，要做的就是牺牲少数人的利益来让更多人获益。”
左思非常干脆直接的表明了自己的态度。
毫无疑问，与部分黑暗精灵重返地表打破蜘蛛女神罗丝对于整个种族信仰垄断这件事情而言，区区几个精灵村落的反对声根本不值一提。
更何况该事件背后极有可能就是精灵神系支持的。
马绍尔脸上浮现出一丝苦涩的笑容自嘲道：“大人，我只是个商人，并不是个合格的统治者。
当初选择留下来重建龙矛城堡，也仅仅只是不希望看到自己的投资全部化为乌有。
可随着摊子铺的越来越大、情况变得越来越复杂，应对的挑战也越来越多，我发现自己已经没有能力在继续管理这片土地了。
如果可以的话，我想放弃眼下的权力继续当自己的商人。”
“伱真舍得放弃这一切？”
左思饶有兴致盯着这个中年男人眼睛问。
“说实话，的确有些不舍得。
毕竟现如今龙矛城堡的繁荣都是我的心血。
但也正因为如此，我不希望看到它在我的统治下从繁荣走向衰落。
身为一名商人，我能察觉到您正在做一些史无前例且足以被称之为伟大的事情。
尤其是横跨整个大陆西海岸的贸易同盟，对于生活在这片土地上的人们来说绝对是足以被铭记的历史性时刻。
所以我认为把权力交出来才是最好的选择。
我可不希望有一天突然成为您的敌人，亦或是您前进道路上的绊脚石。”
在说这番话的时候，马绍尔的语气中充满了严肃与真诚。
他不是傻瓜，也通过南来北往的商人跟冒险者了解了各地的一些情况，明白正在西海岸发生的剧变意味着什么。
“你很聪明，比我见过大多数人都要聪明的多。
好吧，我接受你的辞呈。
不过不是现在，要再过一段时间。
在此期间，你仍旧是这里表面上的最高统治者，但我会派一个副手来协助你解决遇到的问题与麻烦。
除此之外，我允许你和当初跟你一起在这里创业的股东们，保留自己现有的土地和财产，并且在适当的时候给与你们一些补偿。”
左思稍加考虑后很快也给出了承诺。
毕竟龙矛城堡的地理位置实在是太重要了，他绝对不可能在统一了整个西海岸之后还让这里继续维持现状。
而是要利用传送门建立一座同时连接巴托地狱、幽暗地域的大型贸易城市。
原本他还打算等搞定了其他事情之后，再找个机会与马绍尔单独谈谈，用财富和贵族爵位来换取对方交出权力。
可谁知道，这个商人比预料中还要聪明许多，竟然提前主动选择了交权。
“我这可远远算不上聪明，充其量只是比其他人更敏锐一点。哦，对了，您这次特地前来应该就是为了那些卓尔，没错吧？”
马绍尔扫了一眼源源不断从飞艇货仓内搬运出来的大量粮食、工具和钢筋混凝土等建筑材料。
左思微微点了下头：“是的。我答应过伊莉丝翠女神，会为这些黑暗精灵在初期提供一些生活物资，确保他们能度过最开始的困难时期。如果不介意的话，能告诉我葵露在哪吗？我有些事情需要跟她单独谈谈。”
“葵露女士几天前已经去了那些黑暗精灵的聚集地，并且还购买了大量的谷物、蔬菜、肉干和鱼干，应该是在带领他们建立新的家园吧。”马绍尔用不是很确定的语气猜测道。
“那正好，我也想要去看看这群信仰幽暗少女的卓尔与普通卓尔有什么不同。你要一起来吗？”
左思面带微笑向身边的龙矛城堡总管发出了邀请。
马绍尔赶忙摆手拒绝道：“不，不，不，我就算了吧。
城堡下边那些狭窄的通道和阴暗环境总让我感到呼吸困难。
不瞒您说，我在这里生活了那么多年，还一次都没有下去过呢。
更何况您带来的这些货物还需要我来组织人装卸，然后运到另外一边的仓库里。”
“你有幽闭恐惧症？那可真是太遗憾了。要知道在地表之下的世界，其实要远比大部分人想象中精彩有趣的多。”
说罢，左思也没有任何强求的意思，带上前不久才从银月城返回的戴维安，径直朝城堡内那个连通地下的隧道走去。
Because of the sudden attack by the devil last time, this place has been deepened and reinforced. From a distance, it looks like an independent small fortress. There are a full twenty soldiers deployed around it to guard it day and night.
Once an invasion occurs, the gate will be lowered immediately, completely sealing the entrances to the lower level and the surface, and at the same time, the alarm bell nearby will be sounded.
Most importantly, the original winding staircase has now been replaced by an elevator.
No matter whether it is people going down or people returning from adventure, they must go through the elevator. There is no other way.
Zuo Si and Davian took the elevator into the underground with an adventure team.
Zuo Si chose the opposite path and headed towards the gathering place of the dark elves.
But before they could walk far, a hellish demon came up to them with dozens of his men, knelt on one knee and saluted: "Supreme great master! The lord of the new ninth plane! The crown prince of hell appointed by Asmodeus himself! Your humble servant is here to wait for your orders."
"Are you my subordinate?"
Zuo Si was stunned for a moment, then stared at the other party and asked directly.
Because he didn't remember giving such an order.
"Yes.
My immediate supervisor is Ms. Gramiel, who serves as the Lord's Secretary.
She asked me to seize the portal and ensure that no other lords could use this passage to the continent of Faerun.
Of course, I also conduct some traditional business here.
Although the number of souls obtained is not large, I believe that it will increase rapidly after gaining a firm foothold."
The Pit Devil explained with a flattering smile on his face.
You know, with his level, he originally had little chance to see a big devil with a unique form like the Layer Lord.
Now that I have such an opportunity, I naturally have to do my best to perform (in other words, to flatter the boss), and at least leave a good impression to pave the way for future promotion.
All devils are opportunists through and through.
There are only three most important things in their lives.
One is to obtain more mortal souls through contracts;
One is to kill all the demons within sight;
Another one is to get promoted.
"Glamir? That's what it is!"
The image of the blonde with purple eyes, who always wore a low-cut business suit, black socks and high heels, instantly emerged in Zuo Si's mind.
Obviously, the reason why this Pleasure Demon of a very high status made such an arrangement was probably because Dragonspear Castle was under his name.
You have to know that the first level of hell is not a safe place.
Whether it's the dragon god Tiamat and her army of colorful dragons, the great devils exiled by the Lord of Hell, or the demon army rushing in from the abyss from time to time, once they cross the portal, they are enough to easily raze Dragonspear Castle to the ground.
In addition to the above, there are also high-level angel observers sent by the upper planes, Yug'groth mercenaries from the Scorching Hell, and lunatics who rushed over from other prime material planes to participate in the bloody battle...
Anyway, no matter which force it is, as long as they send a few people, they can destroy Dragon Spear Castle like crushing a bug.
Although Glamir did not know how important this small fortress standing on the continent of Faerun was to the lord he was loyal to.
But the devil's nature of pleasing her superiors determined that she would never make even the slightest mistake in this regard.
So a hell demon and his soldiers were sent over.
If nothing unexpected happens, a super-large fortress comparable to the size of Waterdeep City has probably been built on the other side of the portal, and a considerable number of devil legions are stationed there, ready to deal with any emergencies at any time.
Thinking of this, the corners of Zuo Si's mouth twitched slightly uncontrollably, and he hooked his finger at the Hell Devil kneeling on the ground.
The latter immediately understood what he meant, and hurriedly stood up and came closer, cautiously asking: "Excuse me, is there anything I can do for you?
"How much do you know about the dark elves who recently migrated here?" Zuo Si asked directly.
“A lot, even more than they know.
In fact, my devil spies noticed them when the first group of drow arrived.
At that time, these dark elves who had escaped from somewhere were tired, hungry, and in a mess, and many of them were injured.
At first, I planned to set a trap to trick them into signing a contract and becoming slaves of the Legion.
But who knew that the leading woman, during a break, accidentally revealed that the reason they came from so far away was that they had obtained your permission to build a city here.
Later, I hired some adventurers to make contact with the drow and discovered that they were all believers of the Dark Maiden Eilistraee. I gave them some much-needed food, potions, and daily necessities for free.
Now I am barely an ally with this group of interesting dark elves, and we occasionally do some business..."
The Hell Demon confessed everything he knew.
In particular, several of the more powerful families at this stage were also introduced in detail.
Just as Zuo Si expected, although these dark elves chose to abandon Lolth and believe in Eilistraee, the bad habits and values formed over tens of thousands of years were difficult to change all at once.
In particular, the family political system with the mistress as the core not only continues, but is also the most important force, without a doubt.
The eldest daughters in some families even actively wooed the devil in private, hoping to use external forces to kill their mothers and replace them.
It can be said that apart from no longer believing in Rose, more than half of these dark elves are no different from their despised compatriots.
The only consolation is that 30% to 40% of the people who escaped alone, without any family support, completely accepted Eilistraee's teachings and began to actively abandon the past and embrace the future.
Just like that, while listening to the report from the Hell Demon, we moved forward along the dark and deep tunnel.
About a few hours later, Zuo Si finally arrived at the area occupied by the dark elves.
As soon as they approached the perimeter, a sentinel quickly shot a poisoned arrow as a warning and shouted in the common language that they were not very proficient in: "Back off! Stranger! This is our territory, do not come near!"
But the next second, he was frightened by the Hell Demon walking out of the darkness, and his whole body was instantly soaked in sweat.
Unlike the mortals on the surface, the drow are quite familiar with the creatures of the lower planes, as the spider goddess Rose is also the lord of the abyss.
Especially the various demons, you can tell them all by heart with your eyes closed.
Even warriors without spellcasting abilities will receive study and training in this area.
Therefore, any dark elf who has received systematic training can recognize the Pit Fiend, the highest-level devil in hell that is equivalent to the Balrog.
The sentry couldn't believe that if his attack just now angered the opponent, he would end up being killed without a burial place.
Fortunately, the worst did not happen.
The Hell Devil simply glared at him with a warning and threatening look, and then a young human male came out with a kind smile on his face and said, "Hello, follower of Eilistraee. My name is Soth, I believe you should know who I am. Now please inform Ms. Kuilu and tell her that I am here to fulfill the promise I made with the goddess."
“Please… please wait a moment!”
The sentry, who had been to the gates of hell, tried to remain calm. He first used sign language to tell his companions to stay where they were and then he rode a large lizard and rushed towards the gathering place.
This lizard is a specialty of the underworld and is also the traditional mount of the dark elves.
Not only is it extremely fast, but it can also run on walls and fly over rooftops as if it were walking on flat ground. It can often jump more than ten or twenty meters away with one leap, which is equivalent to a high-speed all-terrain vehicle in the mount world.
About seven or eight minutes later, he came back with a few other dark elves riding lizards.
The woman in the lead, wearing a long silver dress, was obviously the chosen one of the Magic Goddess and the Dark Girl, and the youngest of the Seven Sisters of the North.
Like her other six sisters, she also possesses beauty that is unattainable for ordinary people.
Apart from the dark skin that is the distinctive colour of the drow, his facial features and facial contours vaguely resemble those of Elastro.
Of course, the reason why Zuo Si could recognize her so quickly was mainly because her stature was much taller than the other Zhuoers.
Generally speaking, the height of dark elves is between 1.6 and 1.5 meters (Drizzt's height of 1.6 meters is already quite good among his kind), and the tallest will not exceed 1.7 meters.
But what about Sunflower?
Her height was obviously over two meters, and it was unclear if it was because of Eilistraee.
This can definitely be regarded as a "giant" standing out among the dark elves, so it is very recognizable.
"It's a pleasure to meet you in person, dear Soth. I have heard a lot about you before, as well as praises from Simbu, Alustriel, and Lyra."
Having said that, Kui Lu jumped directly off the saddle of the underground lizard, opened her arms with a smile and gave Zuo Si a warm hug.
Fortunately, after absorbing Ob Nixilis's power, the latter's height suddenly increased to over 1.8 meters, otherwise he would only be able to reach the other's shoulders.
What's worse is that as a chosen one and priestess of Eilistraee, Kuilu has perfectly inherited her god's habit of not liking to wear clothes.
The silver skirt, which was made of some unknown material, was 100% vacuum and completely transparent underneath.
I couldn't see it clearly because I was far away.
But now, after close contact, even the mole underneath can be seen clearly, not to mention other aspects.
Of course, Kuilu wasn't the only one dressed like this. Several other female pastors around her were dressed similarly.
"Uh…nice to meet you too, ma'am."
Zuo Si smiled somewhat awkwardly, and tried his best to keep his eyes, not knowing where to put them, fixed on the other person's face.
Aoi Lu also pursed her lips and snickered in response: "Relax, there's no need to be so reserved, we don't really care at all."
"I don't quite understand. Why would Eilistraee require her priests to wear such revealing clothes on a daily basis? Isn't she worried that something might go wrong?"
There was a strong sense of doubt and confusion in Zuo Si's tone.
"What you worry about is actually what Eilistraee expects to happen.
Desire, mating, and reproduction were not something the goddess tabooed, but something she encouraged.
Because only when there are more dark elves pursuing unfettered and free will Rose's monopoly on the faith of the entire ethnic group become weaker.
And this can also make men less afraid of women to a certain extent, especially clergy who are pastors.
After all, in traditional dark elf society, men are usually lowly and despised.
Many times, when some men have sex with women, they often feel not enjoyment and happiness, but awe, fear and pain. "
Kui Lu gave a very direct answer.
As a voter who grew up in the underground world, she understands the social system of the dark elves and their true thoughts far better than outsiders.
It's different from what many old perverts imagine.
Because it is a matriarchal society, it is usually only women who can truly enjoy pleasure from heterosexual relations.
In particular, the "father-servant" who serves as the spouse of the mistress of the family often needs to satisfy many of the former's twisted and morbid desires.
Compared to them, the rich woman's happy steel wool is nothing.
What's worse is that when the mistress gets tired of her current "father-servant", she will find an appropriate time to kill him in a very cruel way and sacrifice him to the spider goddess Rose.
In this case, do men still want to get pleasure from sexual relations?
Dream on!
It is estimated that after a few times, it will cause strong psychological trauma, and may even cause serious functional disorders.
Unless he is a powerful warrior who is very important to the family like Drizzt's father, Zaknafein, it is rare for an ordinary squire to live more than ten years.
"So that's how it is."
Zuo Si immediately understood Iristrae's intentions and quickly took out a parchment scroll from his pocket and handed it over: "Here, this is the first batch of aid I brought. I believe it should be enough for you to use for a while."
"Food, tools, building materials? Great, this is exactly what we need right now. Thank you!"
Aoi Lu took a quick glance and an expression of undisguised joy suddenly appeared on her face.
After all, most of these Eilistraee believers who came from other places in the Underdark did not bring any supplies, and even filling their stomachs soon became a challenge.
She originally planned to discuss with Dragonspear Castle to allow some people to go to the forest on the surface to fish and hunt after nightfall.
But now, with the arrival of massive supplies, all problems have been solved.
There are enough building materials to build an underground city that can accommodate tens of thousands of people.
“You’re welcome.
All these materials are provided on loan and will have to be repaid bit by bit in the future.
Besides, I want you to be prepared to draw men to join the war.
As dark elves, notorious on the surface world, you must prove that you are different from your evil and cruel compatriots.
This way, I will have reason to persuade other countries and city-states to accept you into the trade alliance.
To achieve this goal, the simplest, fastest and most direct way is to send troops to join the coalition and then defeat the forces they believe to be evil.
This large-scale invasion of Zhentil Keep happens to be a perfect opportunity."
Zuo Si did not hide anything and openly stated the most important purpose of this trip.
You have to know that even a leader like Alustriel, who enjoys high prestige and the trust of the people in Silvermoon City and the Silvermoon Alliance, had to consider the political impact when dealing with Trist, and ultimately reluctantly refused him entry into the city he ruled.
This shows how bad the reputation of the dark elves is among the common people.
Not to mention that Zuo Si will accept thousands or even tens of thousands of dark elves this time, and allow them to settle close to the surface and trade with other cities.
Kui Lu answered without hesitation: "Yes! There are many goddess believers scattered in the dark area gathering here.
In two weeks at most, I will be able to raise an army of thousands of people and prove to the entire surface world that we are different from other dark elves."
Zuo Si nodded with satisfaction: "That's no problem.
Don't worry about weapons and equipment. I can provide a batch of weapons and armor that can be used in the surface world.
I will also make sure that you are not sent into combat during the day, but are instead able to take advantage of stealth at night.
If nothing unexpected happens, the war will break out in two months, and no more than four months at the most.
As for the supplies I brought, they are currently stored in the warehouse of Dragonspear Castle. You can send people to move them.”
And so, after a brief conversation, the two quickly arranged everything.
Especially Kuilu, as a voter, obviously noticed that there was something fishy about the massive invasion of Zhentil Castle, but she didn't say much.
Because she understood that this would be of great help in quickly gaining acceptance for her goddess's followers among the residents of the surface world.
Under what circumstances can two enemies who have been hostile to each other for many years reach a reconciliation? The answer is of course when a common enemy emerges.
It's just like the Ten Towns of Icewind Dale and the barbarian tribes living in that land have always been enemies.
As the evil artifact, the Broken Demon Crystal, recruited an army of monsters through enchantment and control and vowed to conquer this place, the former two put aside their past grudges and stood together to form an alliance.
Later, the barbarian tribe was integrated into Icewind Dale and became one of it.
Therefore, Kuilu believed that as long as the threat posed by the army of Zhentil Keep was great enough, and it would be best if they could defeat the army sent by Baldur's Gate once, then she would be accepted to a certain extent if she led the dark elves to fight and win.
As for why Zuo Si made such an arrangement, it was actually to make the best use of people and things.
After finally finding Fuzzol Chamberlain to take the blame, he would definitely squeeze out the last bit of his usefulness...
(End of this chapter)