Witch Forest Friends Club

Even at night, you can still see the splendid scenery of thousands of lights—and these are the urban atmosphere that she has never been exposed to in 17 years in the misty wilderness and deserted school.

"Xiao An, this time we must add high-quality sweets!" Elsa seemed to smell the smell of longing from afar, fascinated by her fantasy of sweet pastries-the long journey almost suffocated the greedy cat , even in Xiangmu Town, she couldn't find any desserts that suit her appetite, "There must be a lot of delicious desserts in such a bustling port."

"Miss Luyang, I won't let you down. I followed the circus when I was a child and came here to perform! During the Anthony Dynasty, Ayn Rand was one of the trading hubs of the peninsula. It was destroyed during the war. The new city of Marshall’s family was built on the ruins of the old city.” Jana also said with high spirits, “After 200 years of operation, it has become the most prosperous commercial port in Cold Lake, whether it’s food or shopping, It’s all so memorable.”

"I also read it in the travel notes—" Adele, who was hugged tightly by Bounty and jumped together, finally got rid of her friend's clutches, "Most of the newly built cities are concentrated on the front of the port, and there are still a lot of ancient Antony on the back. The characteristic architecture of the period, it can be said that the style and appearance of the two eras are integrated in the same city, and the sense of difference formed by the combination of time and space is really exciting."

"That is to say, the side of the port that we are facing is a bright and beautiful new city?" Anjaye looked at the outline of the port that was getting closer and closer thoughtfully, trying to outline the shadow of the mountain city in his mind.

Goliath, who was sitting on the cargo box on the deck, wiped the wide blade of the battle axe, poured cold water on it and said, "Ladies, don't be too happy. This city is not that simple, the real order is hidden behind it. "

"Big Sister Gloria, aren't we going to participate in the Border Tournament? There must be a lot of masters gathered here." Bounty said eagerly, "This is the first time I've come to a big city, let's conquer it together!"

The girls chattered to share their excitement.An Jiaye glanced carefully, but noticed that in the depths of the lake on the side of the port, there was an island with lush trees, which was looming in the mist, facing the city across a wide fjord, and it was strange. It's completely undeveloped.

Perhaps because of her eagerness to return home, Fanna has been standing on the bow of the boat for a long time—even when the wind and waves wet her robe, the girl did not leave, but cast a witch spell to separate the more and more turbulent waves.

However, Anjaye noticed that the direction Fanna was looking at was not the port, but the direction of the misty island.

"Miss Marshall." Anjaye slowly came to the bow of the boat with his staff in hand, and greeted, "Is there anything that I should pay attention to on that island?"

The blond girl turned her head, and in the intertwined reflection of the lights of the port and the night, her elegant and slender face was like a dancer illuminated on a ballet stage, revealing a soul-stirring and melancholy look.

"Sister An, the 'Song of Tristy' you have heard mentioned that the fairy in the lake was imprisoned on that island."

Vanna lifted the bird staff and pointed to the deep outline of the island.

"There is a closed ancient magic tower on the island, which is known to the people as the forbidden area of ​​Cold Lake. Even though the academy was briefly opened, it was abandoned again after the death of the resident witch."

Anjaye applied the eagle eye technique to his eyes—in the darkness and mist, on the high place surrounded by dense forests on the island, it seemed that an inconspicuous tower really stood up, like a dark castle inhabited by evil spirits in the legend. The atmosphere is strange .

"Thank you." Anjaye thanked him for lifting the "Eagle Eye Technique", "Miss Marshall, I'm going to land in Lenghu soon, please give me your advice."

Fan Na looked hesitant, staring at the slender and lame black-haired girl in front of her, suddenly broke through the unspeakable shame.

"Sister An, can I ask you something?"

Before Anjaye could respond, Fanna confided on her own.

"After this tour, I know that I am not suitable to be a leader."

"After going ashore, maybe there are some things that I can't help myself. I can't just participate in the tour as Witch Stella."

"If the next trial arranged by the academy will threaten the safety of the partners, can you please replace me and take care of Luke and the others?"

Unable to avoid the girl's eagerly looking eyes, An Jiaye sighed inwardly: "Do your best."

"Thank you." Fan Na's flickering eyes moved away from Anjaye's face, and then turned to the Dandelion team behind her with melancholy, "What a pity, it would be great if we could be friends in the academy."

Anjaye's lips moved slightly, but he still swallowed the words "it's not too late" back into his throat.

Fanna seemed to have put on the armor of her soul again, regaining her former calmness, holding her staff tightly, and turned her head to face the port firmly.

The Black Swamp Fleet is approaching An Rand—this is really a busy and prosperous port. The merchant ships moored at night are like dense schools of fish attracted by bait. There are many masts and mountains of cargo. The prosperity that circulates here.

Even under the cover of night, the noise made by the huge fleet was still discovered when it approached the shore of the lake, and the cruise ships fired dazzling warning fireworks into the night sky.

The lighthouse standing on the port also projected beams of light onto the lake, illuminating the silhouette of a warship swimming calmly like a lake monster—it could sail at the speed of a black marsh clipper, and even if it was discovered, it would be too late to organize a navy to stop it.

The sound of alarm bells was heard from far away in the port. This huge fleet undoubtedly caused panic in the port.

"Miss An, the ships we encountered along the way were all thrown away by the Black Marsh Fleet. The Argos Border Boss is going to launch a surprise attack." Princess Tini made a judgment, "The fleet arrived at the Port of Ainland , no one has had time to report the news.”

When the scattered Black Marsh Fleet, like a group of hunting crocodiles, swam on the lake and surrounded the port, only a small sailboat carrying an envoy quickly approached the flagship under the threat of muzzle arrows.

The messenger with a loud voice stood far away on the sailboat, shouting loudly with a humble and flattering attitude.

"What did I see! It turned out to be the great 'Obsidian Crocodile'. The villain is Daniel, the port officer. If you dare to ask, it is the Lord of the Black Marsh Lord—— Lord Argos Frontier Boss is here!"

"That's right! I'm Caron Argos the Patience. Why didn't your mayor come to greet you!" The old border uncle wearing a captain's cap also dragged his metal artificial leg and came to the bow of the ship imposingly.

"Respected Lord Argos, the mayor is coming, and the villain is responsible for guarding the port. I dare to ask the frontier, what are you leading the army to the port of Anland?"

"Haha, on the cold lake, can I do whatever I want? Don't tell me you just want to stop my fleet with these coastal defense guns and small sampans!"

"Of course not. The reputation of the Black Marsh Fleet is well known to the world, and your martial arts are also impressive."

"You son of a bitch, go back first, your flattery is useless to me, let your master speak quickly. Otherwise, don't blame me for setting off fireworks for him, so that the citizens of Ain Rand can't sleep at night tonight!"

The small sailboat, which was sternly shouted back by the old earl, was about to turn around hastily.

"and many more!"

Anjaye's gaze turned to Fanna, who was speaking at the bow of the ship——she swung the flying bird staff, and the azure blue light of magic element set off sparkling and spectacular water splashes in front of the "Grey Shrike"—the water splashes flew up to In mid-air, it was shaped into a shining azure blue fishtail badge, illuminating the graceful figure of the blond girl.

"Tell Your Excellency Fernando that Vanna Marshall is here. In the name of the heir of the Marshall family, I am conducting a pilgrimage to the Stargazing Academy Palace. The pilgrimage team should go all the way unimpeded and apply to Port Ainland for docking!"

The port officer on the small boat looked at the huge fishtail badge, knelt down and saluted after a short silence.

"Yes, my lady."

Under the escort of the gunboats patrolling behind, "Obsidian Crocodile" and "Grey Shrike" took the lead to get out of the convoy and approached the port even more.

After the small sailboat that reported the message returned, before the eager guests waited long, a gunboat similar in size to the "Grey Shrike" left the densely packed berth in the port and sailed towards the arrogant Black Marsh flagship.

The gunboat sent in the direction of Alan Rand soon met the bow of the "Obsidian Crocodile".

The greeter standing on the bow of the boat with his hands behind his back is a strong and stalwart middle-aged man. He is wearing a black velvet white-collar dress and a dark red solemn coat. Perhaps because of his haste, his white hair is parted The majestic big back head is slightly scattered.

The man has a square chin as firm as granite, cleansed very cleanly, a pair of deep and sharp gray eyes, and thick eagle eyebrows solidified like gray plaster, staring unwaveringly at the shadow of the ship gradually enveloping him—the expression is steady and decisive, It can be called handsome.

"Victor Fernando." Ronan came to the side of Dandelion Squad and introduced loudly, "Mayor Ayn Rand, the elder of Lenghu, is only in the middle of the rank among the knights under Marshall's family, but he is fierce and decisive. He has great means. Port Ainland is monolithic under his management, and even the contemporary Earl of Cold Lake, Macbeth Marshall, has to worry about his face."

"Your Excellency Argos, it's been a long time." Mayor Fernando bowed slightly, and after saluting the commander of the Black Marsh Fleet above, he said elegantly, "May I ask why you are visiting this city tonight?"

"It's such a big cold lake, my fleet can come and go freely." The old earl smiled maliciously, "Why? Doesn't Ayn Rand welcome me, a countryman, to visit?"

"Your Excellency Argos, of course your fleet can gallop on Cold Lake, but your army cannot land in Ain Rand, which is the land of Cold Lake Territory."

"Macbeth invited me before to attend the joint border army meeting. Is this how you treat guests!"

"Unfortunately, Lord Argos, the Earl only invited you, but not your fleet. This is the port of Shuangcheng——An Rand. Every ship entering the port has to pay taxes, and Lord Argos doesn't want it to be in vain. Spend a lot of money."

"But my ship is already here, don't you dare to let me go home?" Argos Border Boss couldn't help raising his hand and laughing, "My boys don't agree! They have sailed for too long and need Good wine, delicious food, and women's comfort, and there are hundreds of Gort mercenaries on board, presumably they are very interested in the prosperity of Ayn Rand."

"Of course not." The port officer said neither humble nor overbearing, "I have a compromise, there is a pilgrim station outside the city, you can transport the entire army there, and accompany the pilgrim army from the Star Observation Palace. As for hospitality and supplies, we can also open a temporary market outside the city for trading—I would like to offer Lord Argos a discount."

Bo Argos was silent for a moment, looking down at the calm and polite Mayor Fernando, like a crocodile floating leisurely in the water, paying attention to the waterfowl standing on its head.

"You're clever. Well, send your men out of the city to lead the way."

The old earl changed his subject.

"It's just the 'Grey Shrike' on my side, which carries your lady and other visiting witches. Do you want them to stay outside the city?"

Mayor Fernando turned his head and bowed slightly in the direction of the "Grey Shrike".

"As a knight, of course you can't wrong the ladies, they can go ashore."

After speaking, the mayor talked and laughed happily.

"Honorable Uncle Argos Frontier, thank you for sending Miss Marshall back. Tomorrow night, I will host a banquet at Mayor Ayn Rand's mansion to entertain all distinguished guests. Please condescend to come."

"Wait, I've settled the fleet, and I will go ashore to play." The border uncle patted the figure of the ship and laughed boldly. "I'll see when Macbeth dares to see me."

After finishing speaking, he stepped back on the metal artificial leg and ordered, "Set sail! Boys, let's go outside the city to play! You can enjoy it tomorrow!"

The turmoil caused by the aggressiveness of the Lord of the Black Marsh was finally resolved in the negotiations.

Under the leadership of the "Obsidian Crocodile", the fleet turned one after another and sailed towards a wide lake beach outside the port-the crocodile group left traces of showing off their might on the lake, and it didn't take long for them to disappear in the night wind and waves.

Anjaye turned around and looked at the group of pilgrims, only to find that the old wolf who was still on the flagship with the old earl jumped onto the mainmast of the "Grey Shrike" at some point, and put on his cloak again. It rolled and landed heavily on the deck, almost scaring the little witches nearby.

"Gambino, don't you go with the border uncle?" An Jiaye asked, frowning and holding his glasses.

"Now I'm with this ship." The old wolf got up and lifted his cloak, showing a sneering sneer, "After all, I'm also your team leader."

Under the guidance of the mayor's warship, the "Grey Shrike" quickly landed, moored beside the trestle bridge and put down the patrol team.

"It really is Miss Vanna Marshall. I haven't seen you for many years. Your beauty is even better than the scenery of Cold Lake. It reminds me of the demeanor of my grandmother, Countess Marshall, when she was in power."

The mayor, who greeted the distinguished guests to disembark at the bridge, stepped forward gracefully, knelt down on one knee, held Fan Na's outstretched right hand, and kissed the back of the lord's daughter's hand.

"You don't need to be too polite, Your Excellency Fernando. We are going to bother Port Ainland for a while."

The mayor's eyes turned to Fanna's back. The coffin was carried down by Lenghu soldiers. The coffin made of camphor wood was engraved with the emblem of the Marshall family and the simple and cold rune circle, emitting a slight chill.

"May I ask who is this returning soul?" The mayor's eyes showed sadness.

Fan Na said in a cold but solemn tone.

"Knight Earnshaw Randall Macchius, for escorting me back to Cold Lake, he did his duty and died in battle."

"Miss, please forgive me." Fernando solemnly clenched his fists and pressed his heart, bowing deeply, "It is the honor of our knights to fight for the lord."

After turning sideways to salute the coffin, he thoughtfully said.

"Miss, since you are leading the parade team to this city, I will arrange accommodation for all the witches in the best hotel in the city."

"No need, we will live in the Cold Lake Witch Inn." Fan Na shook her head and refused, "I just hope that His Excellency Fernando can do me a favor."

"Please tell me—"

Fan Na, who had been prepared for a long time, took out a folded note from her arms.

"These potions and materials should not be difficult to find in Port Ain Rand. I need you to help me purchase them."

The mayor stretched out his hands respectfully, took the note in Fan Na's hand, unfolded it and read it carefully.

"Miss, please give me two days, and Fernando will help you finish the arrangements."

"Thank you, Your Excellency." Fan Na expressed her thanks with a reserved expression.

"Miss has been studying abroad for many years, so she must be very homesick, but please forgive me, because the fog disaster is approaching, Lord Marshall sent troops to block the road leading to the capital. If you want to cross the blockade, you need to report to the tidewater castle first. Someone will be sent over there to verify the identity of the lady."

He leaned close to Fanna's side, and lightly nodded his head.

"Miss, Lenghu is in troubled times, and there is also an army in the Academy, which is stationed outside the city under the supervision of two knights, Freeland and Zack. Now the fleet of the Argus family is also here, in order to avoid triggering disputes , I hope you can use the name of the tour to restrain them."

Fan Na just raised her head to stare seriously at the man's unfathomable gaze, and changed the subject to ask.

"Is the old Machius knight in the fief?"

"Your Majesty Marchius has lived in seclusion in the old place for many years." The mayor responded immediately.

Fan Na nodded to show her understanding.

"I will inform him about the death of Knight Earnshaw tomorrow, and I hope your Excellency will know. Thank you for the disturbance tonight."

"I still have to arrange the aftermath, please forgive me for neglecting, and I will receive the young lady tomorrow."

After saluting farewell to the mayor, Fan Na led the soldiers of Cold Lake under her command, put her brother's coffin on a carriage arranged by the mayor, and left the pier.

"Let's go, first go to the witch station." The old wolf withdrew his gaze from secretly watching the mayor, and waved to the little witches waiting in line, "Old Jose has sent all your cars and salutes to the station for safekeeping."

Under the tight protection of Ronan's wave group, the pilgrims left the port crowded with cargo ships, circled up the wide city avenue, and strolled towards the commercial street on the upper level of the port.

"Xiao An." Elsa, who has been sizing up everywhere since entering the bustling city of An Rand, suddenly leaned into her friend's ear, pressed her shoulder and asked mysteriously, "Do you feel the hostility of this city? ?”

Anjaye pulled down the brim of his pointed hat, and responded indifferently, "It seems that some bugs that live on rotting desires are very repulsive to us."

"There are a lot of prying eyes." Bounty's keen hunter instinct also made her notice the hidden sense of crisis in the peaceful atmosphere of the streets and alleys. "There must be a lot of rats in this city."

Her Royal Highness Tini, who was protected by the lady officer and Baron Raphael in the middle of the team, pressed her bicorne cap and recited elegantly: "The older the city, the more secrets it hides—under the shadow of prosperity, it is easy to be full of lice and bustling. desires, are prone to corruption, and overgrown with flies and moths."

Seeing that the eyes of the girls were all attracted by her, Princess Tini covered her mouth and smiled.

"This is the words of Sade's poet 'Barbarossa', I just feel it."

Adeli nodded and said in sympathy: "I read this sentence, it was Barbarossa's diary describing his pilgrimage to the 'Holy Tree City'. It seems that we are the same as him, and this trial will not It's been smooth sailing."

Anjaye looked around at his companions and emphasized.

"Anyway, everyone, be careful. As soon as we entered the port, we were targeted by local snakes entrenched here. The background of this trial is also different from the adventure in the wilderness. The traps and hidden arrows from dark human nature may be more difficult to guard against."

The city, which had been dreaming and dying in the night, was obviously disturbed by the visit of the Black Marsh fleet, and the undercurrent of restlessness became more and more turbulent——

The citizens that the girls met along the way, whether they were porters, ship owners, sailors, traders, or gangsters wandering in the streets, cast their eyes on pins and needles from countless corners.

"There are quite a few adventurers who are also here to participate in the border tournament." Elsa noticed that there were many mercenaries who looked brave and fierce among the people on the street, "Xiao An, it seems that this city must be won't bore us."

"Don't worry." Gloria raised her hand and patted the big ax on her back, "With me here, anyone who doesn't have eyes will let him see what barbarism is."

"Sister Gloria has a great head!" Bounty pulled Adeli full of energy and ran quickly on the street, "Smooth sailing is not challenging, so let the name of our Dandelion team become one of the legends left by this Shuangcheng Harbor One!"

The Witch Inn in Port Aland is located on the west side of the bustling commercial street on the second floor.

Not to mention every inch of land is expensive, but the purchase of this spacious building in the most valuable and prosperous area of ​​the city also demonstrates the strong strength and status of the school.