...

...

The vast white snow rendered the desert desolate, with only patches of dark green pine forests breaking the monotony.

The cold wind howled like a knife, sweeping across and stirring up the snow on the ground, making it hard for people to open their eyes.

Chris wrapped his fur cloak tighter around himself, still shivering involuntarily,

"The northern winters are really not a place for humans to stay."

He cursed softly, exhaling a puff of white breath.

Even a knight like him couldn't withstand the approaching Icefield region.

The mission Rod assigned to him was more troublesome than imagined.

Find the territory of the White Claw Tribe, capture two Snow Rabbit People, gather intelligence—it sounded simple, but in reality, it was like walking on thin ice.

But since he chose to serve Rod, he had to see it through, even if the path ahead was covered in frost.

He turned his head to look at the small figure of the Snow Rabbit person beside him, his voice low: "How much further?"

The Snow Rabbit person's name was Kael, a guide sent by Rod, fluent in both the alien language and the language of the Empire, considered as a translator.

Kael raised a paw, pointing to the gorge between distant mountains: "Cross that gorge, and it's the territory of the White Claw Tribe."

"They'll be active nearby, looking for food, we should be able to find their traces."

Chris nodded and glanced at the sky.

It was already afternoon, the sun was beginning to set, time was pressing.

Kael turned his head, his azure eyes watching Chris, speaking gently: "Although they betrayed us, that was their leader's mistake, it has nothing to do with the other Snow Rabbit people."

He paused, his voice lowering: "I hope you...won't harm their lives."

Most Snow Rabbit people are quite honest and rather timid.

In fact, Chris didn't like hearing such weak words; if Kael were his soldier, Kael would be kicked over by him right now.

But in reality, Kael wasn't his soldier and in Frost Leaf Town was just a craftsman.

"I just want to catch a tongue, as long as they behave, I won't be ruthless."

Chris frowned, his tone hard: "But if they resist, they'll surely suffer."

He waved his hand, signaling Kael to stop talking.

Then he turned around, whispered orders to the soldiers behind, "Target the forest ahead, be aware of the surroundings, keep quiet!"

The soldiers immediately lowered themselves, moving quietly towards the direction Kael pointed.

Chris walked at the front, his sharp gaze like an eagle's scanning the forest.

Before they had climbed halfway, the commotion on the hillside made Chris stop abruptly.

He raised his hand, signaling the team to halt.

Through the pine forest, Chris saw forty to fifty Snow Rabbit people crouching on the ground, clawing desperately at the frozen soil.

Beside the Snow Rabbit people stood several Lizardmen holding long whips.

The whips occasionally struck the Snow Rabbit people, emitting a crisp "snap" sound.

The Snow Rabbit people winced in pain, immediately speeding up their clawing actions,

Chris observed everything calmly,

"White Claw Tribe...seems they're not doing well."

An unfamiliar complexity arose in his heart.

The fate of betrayers was never pretty.

He himself could be considered a betrayer.

He didn't know how Lord Rod would treat him.

Chris clenched his fists, his mind flashing with images of his wife and child.

No matter what, even if he suffered, he wanted them to live peacefully.

He took a deep breath, suppressing his chaotic thoughts.

He turned around, subtly signaling to retreat,

"Retreat for now."

A young soldier crawled forward, lowering his voice, anxious,

"We finally found their location, why not... just kill those Lizardmen directly?"

Chris turned sharply, his gaze cutting like a knife, his tone hard: "No."

The soldier hesitated, wanting to argue: "I counted, only five Lizardmen, we can handle them!"

"How do you know there are no ambushes in the dark?"

Chris's voice deepened,

"Even if you kill those Lizardmen, can you guarantee the Snow Rabbit people will come with us?"

He paused, his gaze sweeping across the young soldier's face: "If there's another betrayer in the White Claw Tribe, we'll be in a mess."

The soldier clenched his teeth,

"You're right, sir."

"Your suggestion isn't wrong, but it's not right for now."

Chris's voice softened, offering a bit of comfort.

He had no foundation in Frost Leaf Town, so having a soldier willing to propose ideas was precious, making Chris grateful.

Moreover, if it were before, Chris might have thought the same as the soldier, charging straight in, so he understood.

But after being ambushed by Rod, Chris learned to be cautious, still more cautious.

He would never make the same mistake again.

Every decision must be well-thought-out.

Chris looked up at the gradually darkening sky.

Here, near the Icefield Mountain Range, one could really freeze to death without a firesource at night.

Chris pulled his cloak tighter, ordered softly: "This time, it wasn't fruitless, at least we mapped out the route."

"Tomorrow, take others and investigate the surroundings thoroughly, then make a decision."

He waved his hand, leading the team to retreat silently, carefully erasing their footprints.

...

...

In the manor hall.

The people with some authority from Frost Leaf Town were all present.

Some sat on either side of the long table, some stood in the back.

"I know, today is the fourth week of the last month of winter, it's Winterveil Festival here."

Rod's gaze swept across everyone,

"I've prepared some Winterveil gifts for you all, you can collect them from Lawrence after the meeting ends."

"Thank you for your generosity!"

Everyone spoke in unison, bowing to Rod.

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