Michael looked at the letter that Elpara handed over, and his face gradually became solemn.

"What's the Duke's new directive? Michael. Jon hadn't read the letter yet, but he couldn't help but worry when he saw the faces of Michael and Lady Elpala.

"Jon, you and Joseph should read the Duke's letter first." Michael handed over the letter.

Jon unfolded the letter and read it to Joseph: "Ladies and gentlemen of the Timber-Felling Fortress, I know about the Timber-Logging Fortress and the Lumberjack Loggers in the Water Mist Forest some time ago. First of all, thank you for your heroic battle, your efforts have brought glory to the Zammir. Ms. Spado and Anthony were also attacked several times during their patrols – there were casualties among the soldiers, but both were safe. The newborns and centaurs of their orc friends have moved south to Longtalon, with Carlo guarding them along the way - despite causing some of the civilians to fear as he makes his way through Thorn Village, but not to cause a riot. Sunderland temporarily placed them next to Herring Creek. Anastasia summoned more than thirty priests, priests and nuns, and grandmothers, who provided food and healed the wounds of some of the displaced people that Anthony had gathered. For now, the homeless are housed in a ranch between Fort Longclaw and Flower Town, where the temperature is decent. Wenna, Kyurem and Brando are guarding the border, and the guy from Gegit has not moved yet. ”

"It's all good news!" Joseph said.

Jon continued, "The temperature anomalies have not been evenly distributed from many places. In some areas further north of Neverwinter, temperatures have risen. Jorgen believes that the temperature anomalies are mainly concentrated between the Mist Forest and the Crewd Hills. I have sent additional people to investigate around the Krude Hills and Winterless Town, and there are many beasts and demonic beasts in the Water Mist Forest, which are extremely dangerous. Elpala and Jon are in charge of guarding the logging fortress to guard against the onslaught of beast tides, and Michael, Joseph, you two lead the team into the Mist Forest to investigate the cause of the abnormal temperature. ”

Joseph also had a solemn face. Jon is in a good mood, and presumably being able to defend the fortress with Elpala will help him launch his love offensive.

Michael saw that several people understood the situation, and said: "I noticed when I cast a spell in the water mist forest a few days ago, the water vapor in the forest is abnormally large, the blue mana is very lively, and the mobilization of red mana is a little obscure, and their flow is blocked by something. ”

"It seems that the cause of the low temperature in the Zamir Territory is hidden in the water mist forest." Elpara affirmed.

"I'll lead a team with Joseph to investigate the situation, but we won't be taking too many people with us. First, the logging fortress is crowded with personnel, and second, there are too many people to attract the attention of wild beasts, and a small number of people is conducive to stealth operations. Michael suggested.

"Mr. Michael, please take me with you!" Giver pushed open the door to the council chamber and shouted to Michael.

"No! Geville! You are still too young ... Michael immediately objected, but was interrupted by Ms. Elpala before he could finish his sentence.

"Michael, take him with you."

Michael didn't expect the always steady Elpala to make such a suggestion, and he threw an inquiring look at Elpala.

Elpala explained, "Don't look at Geville's young age, but he's also experienced a lot in the Timber Fortress in the past few years. Gvir was often in charge of guarding the logging team – he was familiar with the situation in the Mist Forest. And, Michael, don't underestimate young people. Geville's swordsmanship and archery were excellent—not far from when the Duke was younger. ”

"Oh? God, this is the first time I've heard of this, and I'm sorry, Givell, I underestimated you. I trust Ms. Elpala very, completely what she has to say about you, well, count you in. Michael said.

"Great! Mr. Michael! I'm going to get ready! Giver looked happy and excited.

"But..." Michael's words changed, "However, if you go with you, you can only be considered an adjutant, and as an adjutant, you must follow the orders of Joseph and me." ”

Giver immediately stood up and saluted: "Yes!" Sir! His serious appearance made everyone in the audience laugh.

"Well, sooner rather than later. We need to choose who to start with. I decided to take a small squad of people into the forest. Too few people is too dangerous for the Mist Forest, and too many people make the team bloated and not conducive to action. Michael said.

"It's exactly the number of people in a mercenary squad, and it seems that the configuration is similar to that of a mercenary squad, right?" Joseph asked.

"Well, it looks like you've got experience, Joseph." Michael was surprised.

"I know you've had adventures, Michael. But what you don't know is that I was a serious mercenary before I got the title of knight. Joseph said with a little pride, he didn't pay attention, and he unconsciously straightened his chest as he said this.

"God, you're hiding a lot of it, Joseph. So, we have a wizard, a two-handed swordsman, a guide and a ranger, and we need two scouts, three guards, a hunter, a priest or a priest. Michael concluded.

"That's right, however, I want to remind you that there are no priests and priests in the Timber-Cutting Fortress." Elpala reminded.

"Oh, there are no priests and priests in the logging fortress... Michael repeats it nonchalantly.

Suddenly, he slapped the table and stood up and shouted, "What! We don't have sacrifices and priests! Sky! We don't have priests or priests! Okay, okay. Looks like we're going to have to bring a few more guards. Geville, go and pick a few capable lads, and find two men with good eyes and quick legs to be scouts, and take Sando with the hunter, I remember that he was a good hand at raising wolves, and knew the beasts of the woods very well. Find four more able-bodied brothers, and they'll be left with the work of guarding! ”

"Yes, Mr. Michael!" Geville took the order and went to pick the right person.

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Early the next morning.

"Several. We're going to set off for the Mist Forest, and we're on the duke's orders to investigate the cause of the temperature anomaly in the Zanmir territory. Now, put your names on it. Michael's tone was serious, but his sleepy eyes severely undermined his majesty.

Several people lined up and stepped forward one by one and announced their names.

First of all, there are four strong men, who are the guards. The two were very young, looking to be in their twenties; The other two are middle-aged, one bald and the other bearded.

"Report sir! My name is York, I'm in charge of the guards, and I'm the butcher of the fort. The bald head said.

"Report sir! My name is Tom, I'm in charge of the guards, and I'm the captain of the third logging team in the Timberfortress. The bearded middle-aged man reported.

"Sir! Under Gendry Brown, in charge of the guards, the position is a private of the first class in the Logging Fortress! Gendry said proudly.

"Oh, you have a last name, you seem to be literate." Michael asked out loud.

Gendry explained: "Yes, sir, my father was an accountant at the Orzhov Chamber of Commerce, and my father taught me to read!" ”

"Very well, Mr. Brown, return to the team."

"Report sir! Under Jinx Jonathan, in charge of the guard, the position of Cadet Knight of Fort Longtalon, the Forest Trail has the honor of fighting alongside you! ”

"Oh, it looks familiar, Jinx, behave well, I hope you will have the pleasure of cutting the swallowtail when you come back this time."

"Long... Sir, my name is Rook, and I'm in charge of scouting, no... There are no positions. Luke was a little nervous, and his words were a little unrelenting.

Joseph cast an inquiring glance at Geville, who quickly patted Luke on the shoulder, signaling him not to be nervous, and then explained to Joseph and Michael: "Luke was originally a thief, but he only stole a few pieces of bread. The local magistrate sent him to Fort Longtala, where his father spared him from prison for a year as a first-time offender. He did not leave after the end of his service - he was an orphan and remained in the logging fortress. The boy was a fast runner and a good looker, and Lady Elpala was planning to make him a lookout in the near future. ”

"I see, I think Rook will be useful." Joseph nodded.

"Report sir! My name is Pete, I'm in charge of scouting, and I'm a Timber-Fortress Private - I'm an archer and also good at making traps and climbing trees. ”

Seeing that everyone had finished their brief introduction, Michael ordered: "Very good, everyone, now go back and prepare your belongings, gather here in two hours, and head to the Water Mist Forest!" ”