I was a lord farming, how did I become an emperor?

Chapter 213 Wildcat Howling
……

……

After both Vika and Durant left.

Only Vivian remained standing beside Rhodes.

Rod leaned back quietly in his chair, one arm hanging down, the other hand resting on the table, his fingers still rhythmically tapping the wooden table.

Rhodes had considered the matter of the Red Griffin family.

If Rhodes wants to participate, he can indeed gain some benefits.

But it was too far from Frostleaf Town for Rhodes to reach.

Moreover, Rhodes was already overwhelmed with matters in the Northern Wastes, so he didn't want to waste any more time and energy.

Rhodes had no intention of extending his reach beyond the North if the Red Griffin family hadn't caused trouble.

But now it seems... Avril's stepmother is quite rude.

A person like that probably wouldn't want to see Avril Lavigne living a carefree life.

Narod must make arrangements in advance; he cannot wait until others are about to make things difficult for him before taking action.

However, since Rhodes has spent so much effort planning this, he must get something in return.

If the Red Griffin family has no male heirs, Avril could also be the heir to the family title.

In that case, Rhodes would be the "regent husband".

If you're lucky, you can get a territory for free.

"Since you've provoked me, don't blame me for being ruthless."

Once the flames are ignited, there are no innocent people left.

As Rod was deep in thought, Avril pushed open the door and walked in slowly, her face full of worry.

Avril walked over and sat down next to Rhodes, gently taking his hands in hers as he tapped the table.

"Is it a matter concerning my family?" Avril asked softly.

Rhodes slowly turned his head, his brows furrowing into a deep frown.

"Who told you that?"

"Darling, if you don't want anyone to tell, who would dare to tell me?"

Avril sighed softly: "I stopped Durant in the yard just now, and he kept his head down and wouldn't say a word."

"I'm not trying to pry into your secrets, just darling."

"You sent Vivian away because there must be something you don't want her to know."

Avril explained in a calm and unhurried tone, "But you never guard against us. We know all the secrets of Frostleaf Town."

"What we can't know right now must be something that concerns us."

She paused for a moment: "So the only thing related to us is my family."

"I never expected you to become so smart after becoming a wizard apprentice."

Rhodes smiled, held Avril's hand tightly, and then pulled Vivian into his arms.

His gaze swept over the two identical yet strikingly different faces, and he sighed.

"I don't want you to worry, I don't want you to feel pressured."

Luo Deyou said, "I can handle this myself, you don't need to worry about it."

I believe you, darling.

Avril said softly, "We all believe in you."

She held Rod's hand tightly: "But if you have any feelings, be sure to share them with us. We are your closest people."

"Ok, I know."

Rhodes nodded seriously.

"So don't be angry, everything can be resolved."

Avril took out a neatly folded piece of paper, unfolded it, and presented it to Rhodes.

"Look, this is the potion you wanted to improve your knight's aptitude, Knight's Roar, made by a wizard."

"This is a good thing. It can not only help me cultivate, but it might also help Durant and Gunther."

Looking at the neat and beautiful handwriting, Rod's mood improved considerably, and he couldn't help but kiss Avril across the table.

He put away the recipe, pinched Avril's cheek, and immediately stood up.
"However, a single medicine formula is not enough to calm my emotions."

Rod pulled Avril back and put his arm around Vivian's slender waist.

"I'm very angry right now."

……

……

Falcon Territory.

On a small road outside Shilu Town.

A ragged beggar staggered forward, his worn-out cloth shoes crunching softly on the fallen leaves.

He squinted, his eyelids drooping, like a drunkard crushed by exhaustion and alcohol.

His steps were unsteady and swaying, as if he might collapse by the roadside at any moment.

In this era, beggars like this are everywhere, and nobody cares.

We walked to the edge of the woods.

He stopped, reached for his waist, and slowly unbuttoned his tattered trousers.

A stream of urine hit the grass, making a soft splashing sound.

He hummed an off-key tune, but his eyes kept scanning his surroundings.

no one.

He quickly pulled up his pants and nimbly jumped into the woods.

At that very moment, his dejected appearance vanished.

A sharp gaze swept through the dark woods.

He raised his finger, put it to his lips, and made a few short bird calls.

The crisp whistle echoed through the woods, like some kind of code.

He immediately stopped what he was doing, held his breath, and listened intently.

The birdsong gradually faded away, and the air became deathly still.

no respond.

"Strange...it should be here..."

The beggar was puzzled and tried to take out a map from his pocket.

At that moment, a dagger was placed against his neck.

The dagger's blade pressed against the skin, bringing a chilling sensation.

The beggar froze, his breath caught in his throat.

"code word."

"The night whispers."

The beggar quickly replied, "The code for this mission is 'Slaughter Unleashed'."

The dagger was moved slightly away, but not completely removed; it remained against his neck.

Suddenly, some figures appeared in the corner.

They were all draped in black cloaks, obscuring their faces.

"Target location."

The leader, a man in black robes, asked in broken Imperial language.

The beggar didn't answer, but instead asked in the code: "The code and your name."

"The first battle of the Sharp Blade".

The man in black robes replied without hesitation, "I am the person in charge, Vika Silverclaw."

The beggar breathed a sigh of relief, his shoulders slumped slightly, and he casually pushed the dagger away from his neck.

"This code word is really hard to remember."

The beggar grumbled and rubbed his neck, saying, "I am Lieta, the person in charge of Shilu Town. It's nice to meet you."

Vika didn't mince words, asking coldly, "The information I need?"

Without hesitation, Leta reached into his crotch, pulled out a tattered animal hide, and presented it to Vika.

"All the information is on here."

Vika frowned.

The Lynx Man has a naturally keen sense of smell, and with Vika so close, the pungent odor was very clear.

Vika, however, forced herself to stay still and went closer to take a look.

The charcoal lines, barely visible in the dim light, mark the layout and information of Shilu Town.

Lita pointed to the map and said, "There are six people in that group, five soldiers and one messenger, and they all stayed at the tavern in the middle."

"They booked three rooms, the first three on the second floor of the backyard. You can see them as soon as you go in."

“All five soldiers wear chainmail and will take it off to wear pajamas when they sleep, but the night watchmen will not. Be careful.”

"You knew they sleep in pajamas?" Vika asked, slightly surprised.

"Hehe, don't worry about that."

Litta didn't explain further, and continued, "The weapons are all common one-handed swords and daggers, and two people also carry bows and arrows."

Lita paused for a moment: "I've also planned out the escape route for you, but..."

He looked at Vika with some hesitation:

“There are guards at the entrance to the town, the wall is three meters high, and there are fences and moats around it.”

"How are you going to get in like this?"

Leta suggested, "Or you could find an opportunity to make your move on them as they leave town?"

Vika gave a cold laugh, her eyes gleaming beneath her cloak.

"A three-meter-high wall can't stop us."

His voice was deep and carried an undeniable confidence.

Lieta nodded without asking any further questions.

“If you are exposed, I will create chaos in the town.”

He lowered his voice and said solemnly, "When the time comes, you can take the opportunity to escape."

Vika nodded slightly and took the map.
"Thank you for your help, Reta."

"My duty."

Lita smiled and said, "Good luck to you."

Lita didn't say anything more.

He slowly retreated, his gaze sweeping over the figure in black robes, before exiting the forest.

……

……

It was late at night. The night was deep, and the chirping of insects whispered in my ears.

Darkness, like a thick curtain, enveloped the entire town of Shilu.

The Lynx Man roams freely in the darkness, needing no torches.

The faint starlight was enough for them to see the shadows of trees more than ten meters away.

Vika walked at the front, her steps light and silent.

They arrived quietly at the edge of Shilu Town.

The clansmen behind him followed closely, their movements equally silent, like ghosts flitting through the night.

The gates of Shilu Town came into view, and the figures of the guards on the watchtowers were clearly visible under the torchlight.

As Reta said, a frontal infiltration would inevitably lead to discovery.

Following the map's directions, Vika circled around to an inconspicuous corner.

The stone walls here are much higher than three meters, nearly four meters, and covered with thorns.

But Vika, who was lying in the grass, didn't pay any attention.

He turned around, his gaze sweeping over his clansmen behind him.

"The first operation must not fail."

His voice was low and cold.

“We must prove our worth to Lord Rhodes so that we can secure our position.”

"Only in this way will we have the opportunity to ask him to help us reclaim our heritage in the future."

The clansmen nodded emphatically, their gazes resolute.

Vika turned around and waved to the stone wall.

Three lynx-men darted out of the bushes, braced themselves against the stone wall, and lowered their heads.

"on!"

At Vika's command, the lynx-man charged forward, his feet sweeping over the shoulders of his tribesmen, his claws gripping the cracks in the stone wall, and he vaulted over the thorns and over the stone wall!

It nimbly rolled upon landing, its movements as light and agile as a real lynx.

Vika wasn't exaggerating; these stone walls couldn't stop them at all.

Most of the residents of Shilu Town have fallen asleep.

The whole town was quiet, with only the occasional bark of a dog.

Vika crouched in the shadows, his eyes scanning the surroundings as he looked around the map for directions.

He had already drunk a guiding potion before the operation, and the entire map was in his mind.
The tavern is located on the south side of the town center, and you need to go through two alleys to get there.

Vika made a gesture to his people.

Several dark figures immediately dispersed, moving in different directions along the base of the wall.

Their steps were light, their boots making no sound on the gravel path.

Vika led the way, his body pressed against the wall, moving forward using the shadow of the eaves.

The air was thick with the stench of urine and feces, which made Vika feel disgusted.

This disgusting place is nowhere near as good as Frostleaf Town.

A gust of wind blew by, stirring up the withered branches at the street corner and making a soft rustling sound.

In the distance, a dog barked twice, and the figures of militiamen carrying torches appeared at the alley entrance.

Vika immediately stopped and pressed himself against the wall, and all the Lynx people quickly disappeared into the shadows.

Listen carefully, and once the footsteps have gone far away and you've confirmed there's nothing amiss, Vika waves his hand, and the group continues on their way.

The outline of the tavern appeared at the edge of the field of vision.

The low wooden house had a tattered thatched roof and walls blackened by smoke.

Similar to the tavern in Frostleaf Town, it has a tavern in the front and an inn in the back.

But it was nowhere near as clean and tidy as the tavern in Frostleaf Town.

Vika pressed himself against the door, listening intently.

Late at night, even the tavern was no longer noisy, except for the deafening snores.

Apart from that, Vika could only smell a strong odor of alcohol and sourness.

Ignoring him, Vika went around to the back of the tavern and found a low wooden fence.

He crouched down and checked the gaps in the fence to make sure there were no traps.

Vika waved his hand, and the two tribesmen gripped the top of the fence with their claws, then gracefully flipped over and landed in the backyard.

A soft meow sounded, indicating that there was no danger or enemy.

Immediately afterwards, Vika led the others quietly into the backyard.

The backyard was quite spacious, with barrels of wine and firewood piled up.

On both sides are warehouses, kitchens, and stables, and directly in front is the hotel where you stay.

Vika squinted and saw a faint light through the crack in the door.

……

……

"Damn! This place is freezing!"

In the lobby of the hotel, a tall soldier sat beside a brazier, rubbing his hands together.

"Isn't it spring now? Why is it so cold? It's freezing!"

He exhaled a puff of white breath and stomped his feet, trying to dispel the chill from the soles of his feet.

"I don't understand why anyone would live in a place like this."

"Stop complaining."

Another soldier comrade yawned, “We’ll leave as soon as we’re done. We won’t be staying long.”

The tall soldier chuckled coldly: "Heh, that's what you said last time, and you got rejected by Viscountess Giant Bear."

He added a piece of firewood to the brazier: "We've come here again, and it's even colder than Bear Territory."

"If Baron Ace of Falcon Territory does not agree this time, we estimate that we will have to continue negotiations."

The tall soldier poked at the firewood in the brazier.

"If we agree, should we also warn that damned Baron of the Wasteland to bring Avril back?"

"Why did you take on such a terrible job?"

The tall soldier grew increasingly angry as he spoke, and couldn't help but spit out a curse.

"I just don't understand, Avril is already hooking up with that damned baron, why does Madam still care about her and find her men?"

"This is a game of aristocratic power; of course you wouldn't understand."

His fellow soldier chuckled dismissively, his hand on his hip: "Alright, stop complaining, I'm exhausted."

"Watch for a bit, I'm going to sleep."

"Alright, alright, go to sleep. This crappy place isn't dangerous."

The tall soldier waved his hand: "Leave the second half of the night to me."

As soon as he finished speaking, his companion responded with a snore.

"grass."

The tall soldier spat again, picked up the bag, and poured himself a mouthful of liquor.

The orange flames flickered, casting swaying shadows on his face.

"Boom!"

A soft knocking sound rang out, and the tall soldier turned his head sharply.
"who!"

The tall soldier gripped the one-handed sword at his waist, about to wake his companion, when several meows came from outside.

"Damn wildcat."

The tall soldier cursed and released his grip.

I was just about to lift the water bag and take a couple of sips when

"Meow--"

The cat's meow rang out again, shrill and urgent, like a baby's cry mixed with a low, guttural sound.

The voice was shrill, able to pierce the silence of the night, rising and falling, like a call or a complaint.

The tall soldier couldn't help but feel annoyed.

"Damn it! Are these stray cats still in heat in this freezing weather?"

The tall soldier couldn't resist any longer. He gripped his sword, quickly walked to the door, pushed it open, and stepped over the threshold.

"You horny, filthy cats, if I find you, I'll chop your whole asses off..."

"Pfft!"

The tall soldier's voice suddenly turned into a short, abrupt murmur, like a cat's meow that had been cut off!
His hand instinctively reached for his neck, blood gushing out between his fingers, warm and sticky.

"Gulu..."

The tall soldier wanted to say something, but he could no longer control his body and fell straight to the ground.

Immediately afterwards, two figures darted out from the shadows, one on the left and one on the right, and caught the soldier's body steadily, gently placing it on the ground.

At this moment, Vika, who was hanging upside down above the door frame, released his claws and silently flipped down.

"Insulting Lord Rhodes?"

Vika snorted coldly, not admiring his own masterpiece, and swung the bloodstained dagger forward.
"Let them hear the sound of the lynx, then kill them."

The lynx-man swept past like a gust of wind, the firelight casting flickering shadows on the wall.

The dagger flashed, and another night watchman coughed up blood, his snoring abruptly stopped, and he died silently in his sleep.

The lynx-man then silently darted upstairs, used his dagger to pry open the door latch, and began reaping lives like the Grim Reaper.

Having learned from the previous lesson, Vika forbids anyone from talking nonsense; only killing is permitted.

Unsurprisingly, the other four also died in their sleep.

The air was thick with the stench of blood, the only sound the crackling of the brazier.

Fortunately, there were no other outsiders in the hotel besides these six people.

Otherwise, Vika wouldn't mind killing a few more.

Because the lord had ordered that he and his people must not be exposed.

“Take their coins and armor with you. Sherry said the lords all like them.”

Vika gave a low command, and his tribesmen quickly ransacked the inn.

A moment later, Wright delivered a letter to Vika.

The envelope was made of thick parchment with neatly trimmed edges.

The surface is smooth to the touch and has a subtle fragrance of pine resin.

The opening was sealed tightly with wax, and there was also a noble's emblem.

Unfortunately, Vika couldn't understand the text or the badge.

But Vika knew this must be important; it was a letter from a nobleman.

Vika carefully tucked the letter into his pocket and put it away, then waved his hand.
"Clean up all traces and leave."

(End of this chapter)