Luo Yan pressed his index finger against his brow, his voice filled with sorrow.

"So... the ones I rescued from the water, they sold their souls to the Demon?"

General Hamoldon nodded, speaking in a heavy tone.

"It seems so at the moment... I trust my soldiers, and your territory has not suffered corruption from Hell over the years, which suggests that the original inhabitants of Withered Wood Port are simple and honest people. This only leaves one explanation—they ran to the depths of the Sun Step Mountain Range and drew a Teleportation Array for summoning demons. At this point, cursing them is meaningless. We can only take precautions to prevent greater consequences."

Luo Yan's expression became complex upon hearing this, and after a moment, he sighed.

"So that's how it is... When I took them in, it was only out of noble duty. I couldn't leave those who fell into the water to drift without support. Besides, Withered Wood Port was originally established by surviving castaways, and it was my ancestor's teaching, passed down by my father, to shelter the Imperial citizens left here. What reason did I have to refuse them? But who would have thought... they would repay me like this."

Ticky, who was daydreaming, suddenly noticed Lumier, disguised as a servant, giving him a look. Quickly stepping forward, he said with a face full of sorrow.

"Your Highness! These worms are not worth saving! Let's drive them out—"

"No, Baron Cosia," Luo Yan shook his head, cutting off Ticky's words with an irrefutable tone, "even with such an occurrence, I must say, only a very few betrayed us... As General Hamoldon said, we cannot ensure everyone is loyal to us; some will sell their souls to the Enchanting Demon by night."

Hamoldon quickly responded, "Yes, er... but I was referring to the Demon."

"Same meaning," Luo Yan shook his head, then cast his gaze toward the bonfire outside the tent, "Because of such a regrettable incident, we should not close our doors to the citizens of Saint Sis but rather treat those who share our beliefs well. Closing our doors would push them into the Demon's grasp, and their resentment would become our endless trouble... I think it's precisely because they've been neglected for so long that they strayed, and I'll take responsibility for that cost."

"Your Highness..." Ticky stared at Luo Yan, for an instant seeing him as the Holy Father in the Holy Word Book.

He seemed to be glowing!

After a pause, Luo Yan continued.

"To prevent them from being corrupted by the Demon, we should provide them a better life. This, I believe, is one of the missions entrusted to us nobles by Saint Sis—isn't that right, General Hamoldon?"

Upon hearing these words, Hamoldon stood respectfully, unable to resist placing his fist against his chest.

"...Indeed, Your Highness, your magnanimity is truly admirable! Nobles who uphold their noble duty like you are becoming increasingly rare."

Luo Yan's expression was calm, and he nodded modestly.

"The general praises me. Just as you fulfill your duty as a soldier, I merely fulfill my duty as a noble."

If only the nobles of the Holy City were like this gentleman—

A fleeting thought crossed Hamoldon's mind.

Those fellows mostly abandon their duty, remembering only their power and the wealth it brings, even wanting a share of the disaster profit from the 'Great Storm.'

He deeply detested this.

Perhaps it was for this reason that he passively refused to collaborate with those merchants.

Even though, as the Quartermaster said, it would actually be a good solution, far easier than building a port and quarry in unfamiliar seas.

Seeing the moved expression on Hamoldon, Luo Yan continued sincerely.

"I wish to do something for my subjects and also for those Imperial citizens suffering from the storm's aftermath, but my own strength is too small... Would you lend me a hand?"

"Your Highness, you overvalue your words. Your aspirations are admirable, and it is my honor to assist you."

General Hamoldon respectfully performed a noble's salute, warmth burning in his eyes as if lit by fire.

At this moment, in his eyes, there was nothing of the Enchanting Demon or those illusory evil thoughts.

He found his purpose here!

"If there's anything I can assist with, please let me know!"

Luo Yan nodded slightly, looking at the general with appreciation, and continued.

"My ancestors taught me that to solve your immediate needs, you must first find others' urgent needs."

"First, please tell me what you need."

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