Eric was overjoyed when he heard the news.
Aside from his intention to wholesale "specialties" to the Halun merchant group, he also missed Old Jack very much, as the man had given him many pastry recipes.
His impression of Corbin and the others wasn’t bad either. Merchants pursued profit, and while Corbin was the same, he was a man with his own principles. This point alone was enough for Eric to view him differently.
Moreover, his tribe had actually used white liquor to exchange for a lot of supplies and gold coins with the Halun merchant group, which could be considered Eric’s first pot of gold. Naturally, Eric had a very good impression of them.
He was just about to pack up to go greet them when Old Jack arrived first, leading Tara and mercenaries carrying things.
Today, Eric was separating corn kernels with his tribesmen in the square. Hearing the warrior report that the Halun merchant group had arrived, he finished shucking the pile of corn in front of him and was about to leave when he saw a Snow Wolf person leading several people over.
Humans in the other world had personalities leaning more toward the West. Old Jack spread his arms and hugged Eric as soon as he arrived.
Fortunately, Eric had used a cleansing spell beforehand, so it wasn’t impolite.
"You guys have arrived! Great. Come, let’s go inside to talk."
The square was right next to the cafeteria, near Eric’s house. He took the things from Tara’s back, easily shouldered them, and walked ahead to lead the way for the group.
Mun and a few little Snow Wolf cubs were playing with the corn nearby; seeing this, they followed along.
Old Jack was relatively calm, but Tara couldn’t hold back, secretly turning his head to look around.
In the human world, his height was considered very tall, but in the Snow Wolf tribe, there were many people one or two heads taller than him...
His eyes couldn’t help but widen.
Some smaller beastmen passing by were about his height, and there were some slightly shorter ones, which gave Tara a strange sense of balance in his heart.
Before, when he followed the Halun merchant group here, he saw quite a few beastmen, but he had never been at such close range, surrounded by so many beastmen to observe.
There were also fluffy cubs running underfoot. It really made his hands itch; he just wanted to stroke that glossy fur.
The Hadu tribe had completely shattered his prejudice against beastman tribes. The neat houses were even more beautiful than those in the human world.
"Worthy of a tribe led by you. To have so many races, and living so harmoniously." Old Jack stroked his beard, looking in amazement at the colorful beastmen passing by, and there were even Dwarves.
At this moment, Evan walked over from the other side. First, he politely nodded to greet the group, then walked to Eric’s side and whispered:
"My brother wrote a letter saying there’s movement in the Dragon tribe. I have to go back for a bit. Otherwise, if the Dragon King finds his way here, it will be troublesome. I’m leaving this teleportation stone for you as well. If you have anything to say to me, just infuse magic power into it."
This was something he had specially taken out. When he left last time, he had thought it would have been good to leave this for Eric. Even though he was far away in the Elf Forest, the two could still talk.
Eric was a little nervous and worried that the people beside him might hear.
"It’s fine, I’ve set up a soundproof barrier. They can’t hear." Evan saw his thoughts and comforted him.
"That’s good then. But what if the Dragon tribe comes looking for trouble with you guys because of me? Or should I take Arthur and go with you? This matter has to be resolved eventually." Eric worried inwardly.
Evan gently patted his head:
"Don’t worry, the Dragon King can’t possibly know the relationship between you and me. But I’m worried that with the Dragon tribe’s personality, after finding the Hadu tribe, they will use force without caring about anything. Arthur is his only grandson. The Dragon King raised him as the successor. In a fit of anger, he might violate the treaty from years ago."
This matter was hard to say; Eric had deep experience with it.
"Then thank you very much. I’ve caused you Elves to worry along with me." He said sadly.
"Alright, don’t be afraid. No matter what happens, even preparing for the worst situation, I will definitely help you, even if I have to sacrifice my life. I swear in the name of the Banister royalty." Evan solemnly placed his hand on his chest, his gentle gaze resting intently on Eric.
Eric was extremely moved. The matter was urgent, so Evan didn’t stay long. After removing the barrier, he summoned his pegasus, looked at Eric one last time, and then left.
Old Jack was staring blankly, pointing at Evan’s retreating figure, and said:
"That was a human, right? Why is there a human here too? He doesn’t look like the people Corbin brought..."
Richard’s subordinate had a look of adoration on his face, staring greedily at the strong pegasus: "That pegasus looks even better than the Captain’s..."
Eric had things on his mind and said perfunctorily: "I accidentally helped him at the seaside. We kept in touch frequently after that."
The group continued forward. Arriving at Eric’s house, just as they were about to enter the yard, they saw a tall, extraordinarily handsome man with huge golden wings on his back hurriedly walking over.
Arthur looked solemn. He didn’t look at the newcomers but directly opened a barrier:
"Eric, I have to go out for a trip. The barrier left in the cave has been destroyed by my grandfather. He definitely knows about us leaving. I’ll go back first to explain clearly to him. No matter what, I absolutely won’t let him come here to destroy your hard work."
He took out one of the spatial items that Eric had refused to accept - a golden bracelet set with dazzling red and blue gems.
"There is powerful protective magic on this. I’m not here, and Evan isn’t here either. I’m not at ease relying only on Max. I don’t know if the soul contract is as effective as my grandfather said. Anyway, accept it. If there is any danger, it will protect you."
Arthur didn’t allow any resistance. He forcefully put the bracelet on Eric’s wrist and conveniently dissed Max in the process.
Eric’s feelings toward him were complicated. In his heart, it was clear that Arthur was thinking of him.
These days, no matter how intimate he and Max were, Arthur would darken his face and suppress his mood, not doing anything excessive, and was even willing to do a lot of work. The anger from before had gradually disappeared.
No longer refusing the item in his hand, Eric said with a complex expression:
"The trouble caused by you naturally should be resolved by you. Anyway..." He took a deep breath: "Be careful in everything."
After speaking, he started to regret it again.
This guy was the Dragon King’s biological grandson; the Dragon King definitely wouldn’t bear to do anything to him. Instead of worrying about him, it was better to worry about himself. The Dragon King wouldn’t lay a hand on him for his grandson’s sake, but his tribesmen might not be safe.
Arthur’s eyes lit up in an instant: "Don’t worry, I will return safely."
After saying that, he spread his wings, flew into the air, transformed into a giant golden dragon, and instantly disappeared from sight.
Eric’s words finally came out: "Who needs you to come back? Think you’re the Grey Wolf?"
Unfortunately, Arthur had long since flown away without a trace, so naturally, he didn’t hear this sentence.
He turned his head in annoyance, only to be startled. He saw Old Jack, Tara, and the mercenaries all looking at him as if they had seen a ghost.
The fine hairs on Eric’s back stood up.