"Miss Andabella, where are those elites from Risel City now?" Given the current circumstances, this question sounded a bit strange. Andabella was momentarily taken aback, her silver eyes flickering with a trace of something unusual, but the girl quickly concealed it. "They’re in a hidden valley within the Dwarven Hills." Although she didn’t understand why Li De was so concerned with the core forces of Risel City, her trust in him had already reached a very high level at this point, and she did not hide anything from him. Li De gave a slight nod and didn’t press further. After all, the meat was already at his lips, there was no need to be too blunt, the only thing left was to consider how best to eat it. As for the strange look in her eyes, Li De took a closer look at the girl still nestled in his arms. Her silver pupils sparkled like stars, making one want to drown in them. Her chin was slightly lifted, and that proud air that lingered no matter the environment seemed like a habit, or perhaps a mark etched into her bloodline. But it was precisely this haughty temperament that made her more eye-catching, giving off an irresistible urge to defile the goddess. Her nose was dainty and exquisite, lips slightly pale, skin snowy white and tender like a newborn’s. This frailty added a touch of delicate charm to the girl whose pride ran deep in her bones. Her long silver hair draped down her back, fluttering with the wind, exuding the unique grace and refinement of a noblewoman. What especially drew attention was the scholarly aura she carried, something not even her black armor could conceal. It was a kind of aura that only came after reading extensively and gaining deep insight. Grand Scholar, that was the title held by this twenty-six-year-old girl. A title that could make seasoned scholars in their seventies and eighties feel ashamed. ʀᴇᴀᴅ ʟᴀᴛᴇsᴛ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs ᴀᴛ 𝕟𝕠𝕧𝕖𝕝·𝘧𝙞𝙧𝙚·𝔫𝔢𝔱 All things considered, even with Li De’s exceptionally picky standards, he had to admit, this girl was a rare gem. Family background, status, intellect, figure, looks, temperament, poise, there was hardly anything to criticize. But standing on the battlefield, he wasn’t in the mood for flirting. Besides, as the Lord of Dawn and the master of the Crimson Mage Tower, it wasn’t like he would lose his composure just because he met an outstanding woman. That would be underestimating the King of Schemes. Besides, what’s the point of flirting? If he really took a liking to someone, why not just take them? He was a dark big boss, wasn’t it only fitting for him to act a bit tyrannical and do what a villain should? With that thought, a playful smirk tugged at the corner of Li De’s lips as he gave Andabella a once-over. Other than being a little flat, there was really nothing wrong. Of course, he wasn’t in the mood for any of this nonsense right now. Castro had just slaughtered an uncountable number of beastmen, and he could still smell the lingering stench of blood in his nose. Although his expression remained mostly unchanged, the scattered remains and mangled limbs strewn across the battlefield still made him frown with discomfort. After a moment of contemplation, Li De finally asked the most important question at this point. "How are your injuries?" The blood of a golden lifeform was indeed powerful, but when one’s life force was completely drained, it was still far from enough. Li De knew this well. Even if he gave Andabella the other two crystal vials of blood he had, it would be useless. To replenish the life force she had so severely overdrawn, another method would be necessary. "Lord Ezreal, thank you." The girl’s expression was deeply moved, her silver eyes shimmering. "One month. I can stay in this world for another month." To gain another month of life when she had thought death was certain, Andabella was already more than satisfied. She did not regret it. Thinking this, she looked deeply again at that handsome face, as if to imprint every detail of him into her soul. Li De nodded slightly, seemingly lost in thought. He hadn’t saved Andabella just for her cloak, cough, or because she was stunning. The most important reason was that she was the City Lord of Risel, and held a natural authority over the citizens of Risel City. This advantage could help him achieve his second goal, population acquisition. Of course, in this process, he first had to persuade this proud girl. Though she had let her guard down somewhat in front of him now, thinking she was a simple character just because she had become vulnerable would be extremely foolish. After all, she had led Risel City into a thriving state. Just as he was about to speak, Andabella’s cloak suddenly flared up, as if it had come to life. The girl seemed to sense something and her expression changed slightly. Moments later, the Blood Cloak returned to calm. A subtle look flashed in Li De’s eyes, what a good cloak. He had spent materials worth 500,000 Gold Pucks to forge his Transcendent ★ grade armor, and to forge a Legendary grade one… Li De estimated it would cost at least ten times that, possibly even more. 5 million Gold Pucks. The moment that number popped into his mind, he had the urge to start swearing. He hadn’t even finished filling the 2 million Gold Puck pit left by building the ancient alchemy magic array for the Crimson Mage Tower, let alone making the 5 million required. And some materials couldn’t be bought even with money. For example: dragonhide, dragon blood… What Andabella didn’t know was that the person giving her a sense of security harbored completely impure thoughts, and even worse, those thoughts weren’t even about her, but about her cloak. No girl would be able to tolerate such a thing. If this proud girl found out, she’d probably explode. You’re ignoring a beauty like me and eyeing a tattered cloak instead? I’ll show you the power of a righteous iron fist! "Lord Ezreal, something has happened in the Dwarven Hills," Andabella’s words snapped Li De out of his drifting thoughts, instantly sharpening his attention.