The poet was overjoyed to see Yun Zhe and, without considering the hidden meaning in Yun Zhe's words, spilled everything he knew and didn't know, like beans pouring from a bamboo tube.
After the Aruru people established their new kingdom, everything was in disarray, but it was clear that the surrounding people didn't care about this nascent nation. The kingdom's first monarch, the great King Nemo of Aruru, didn't rush to prove his existence to the surrounding countries, nor did he exploit his people to the point of exhaustion, nor did he engage in large-scale construction projects to satisfy his greed after becoming king. Instead, he earnestly began to solve problems such as food, clothing, housing, and security. However, the land was too small and the population too large, causing him great distress. Someone suggested to Nemo that he start a mercenary business. He encouraged his Aruru people to go out and take on jobs, keeping all the earnings for themselves. As long as they didn't eat or sleep on the land, they could go wherever they wanted…
"You led an army of over two thousand men?" Yun Zhe looked at the poet curiously, as he didn't recall this guy having any leadership qualities.
"It wasn't me, it was General Cyrus. He felt that being a merchant's bodyguard wasn't profitable enough and it wasn't conducive to training his army, so he'd been looking for a country to become a mercenary and participate in real wars. And there just happens to be a war going on around here."
"Then why not go to the Duke, but instead go to the elves?"
The poet's eyes widened suddenly. "The general... the general doesn't trust humans and feels that he can't learn anything from them."
Yun Zhe was also surprised. He didn't expect that what sounded like an excuse was actually the truth.
"What a tragedy," Yun Zhe thought for a moment, and he understood the Aruru people's choice. After all, based on his experience, humans seemed to treat the Aruru people even less like human beings.
"If they cooperate with us, wouldn't that mean they're cooperating with humans?"
The poet's face suddenly furrowed; he hadn't considered this question. Now, being asked by Yun Zhe, he couldn't think of a good reason.
“The general should be able to accept a human who puts an Aruru in an important position. Besides, didn’t you save them? You saved the Aruru, which should be a plus for the general.” Another Aruru, seeing the poet speechless for a long time and his face getting redder and redder, couldn’t help but speak his mind.
Yun Zhe looked at the Aruru man with admiration. Although he was wearing tattered leather armor, it was clear that it had been carefully cleaned. Moreover, he looked more presentable than the poet.
What is your name?
"My name is Gidin, Lord Yunzhe." This Aruru was very respectful to Yunzhe, which made Yunzhe even more curious.
The poet looked bewildered. He glanced at Giddings, then at Yun Zhe, still pondering the question. But judging from their reactions, it seemed Yun Zhe's question had already been answered. The poet considered Giddings' words; they were indeed very correct and persuasive. He felt embarrassed and disappointed, realizing he had lost face in front of Yun Zhe and missed an opportunity to shine.
Looking at this naive poet, Yun Zhe suddenly felt that the person who sent a poet to handle this problem was either stupid or malicious.
"Poet, why did you become this...this special envoy?" Yun Zhe really couldn't understand what role the poet was playing here. The only word to describe him was "special envoy." He could only hope the poet understood his meaning.
The poet blushed. "I...I came because I'm familiar with the terrain here..."
Yun Zhe suddenly realized that it was the guide. He looked at Ji Ding. Ji Ding hurriedly said, "I'm responsible for protecting him," and pointed at the poet.
Yun Zhe felt relieved. Then he asked a very confidential question.
"Where are you all now, with over two thousand of you? Aren't you worried about being discovered?"
The poet glanced at Jiding, who stared at Yun Zhe with a slight frown, pondering why Yun Zhe had asked that question.
"They're at the border, don't worry, they'll be here soon. We have our methods, both stealthy and fast," the poet said hastily, as if he had found an opportunity to show off.
Yun Zhe was taken aback. "You're at the border? Which border?"
Gidding tugged at the poet's sleeve. "We can contact them now, and they'll be heading our way."
Yun Zhe glanced at the two Aruru people, then waved his hand. "Let's talk about it after our people arrive. Let's eat first. I'll go hunt some game. Tonight we're reuniting with old friends, so let's have something good to eat."
The poet nodded, still somewhat bewildered, a hint of joy rising in his heart. Gidding, however, was much more cautious. He felt that even if the poet was his savior, he should still hold back, so he strongly disapproved of the poet's earlier actions. Fortunately, the poet was rather timid, and after being rebuked, he stopped talking.
Ignoring their thoughts, Yun Zhe headed straight into the depths of the forest. His purpose wasn't to hunt, but rather to see if any spirits or similar creatures were lurking nearby, ready to eavesdrop on their conversation. Although Yun Zhe felt this was a case of judging others by one's own standards, he didn't stop his investigation.
Meanwhile, the elves had discovered the Duke's army's attack route. The Duke sent out several cavalrymen to scout around, advancing cautiously, while the main force moved slowly. Clearly, they were also looking for the main elf force in order to have a decisive battle.
This steady approach was completely different from the Royal Legion's high-profile, headlong charges. The elves' scouts roamed everywhere, searching as widely as possible for the enemy's movements, while simultaneously deciding which tactics to use to defeat the human forces.
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