Chapter 302: Harold’s Suggestion

Wu Qingsong began to recount his and Nina’s experiences in the underground world.

He originally planned to explain everything, but Nina had taken a moment before their reunion with everyone to quietly tell him that she didn’t want him to do so.

“Why?”

“I think it’s better to talk about it privately,” Nina said.

Although her and Wu Qingsong’s experiences in the underground world were no less difficult than what Ram and the others endured—arguably, the risks they took and the hardships they suffered far exceeded theirs—there was no denying that when they left, Wu Qingsong had just married Ram and the other two. Yet she had monopolized him for eight and a half months almost immediately afterward.

At that time, having narrowly escaped death, she had acted on impulse. But now, as she faced Ram and the others, a sense of unease and guilt began to creep into her heart.

She was the princess of Silvermoon, and Ram was her best friend.

Thinking from their perspective, if she had been the one struggling to endure for eight and a half exhausting months, only to finally reunite with her husband and hear such news, could she accept it?

“Let’s wait for some time, okay?” she pleaded with Wu Qingsong, almost begging. 

He had no choice but to agree.

Without embellishment or exaggeration, his plain and straightforward narration was enough to move everyone. When he spoke of Nina’s weakened, near-death state, Ram couldn’t help but grasp Nina’s hand, while Liuli clung tightly to Wu Qingsong’s arm, as if she were experiencing the events with them.

“When everything settles down, I’ll find a chance to draw out those patterns,” Wu Qingsong said. “Let’s see if anyone can come up with any ideas.”

If the beastfolk could awaken their abilities on their own, the strength of the Thirteenth Mercenary Corps would rise significantly, solving many of their current problems. Even if they couldn’t awaken them independently, being able to activate their abilities remotely, like the Flame Demon Lord, would make a huge difference.

This was a critical task for the future. For now, however, their priority was ensuring the survival of the Thirteenth Mercenary Corps.

“It’s getting late; everyone should go rest,” Harold suddenly suggested. “There’s no need to rush this tonight.”

Liuli cheered, “Hooray!” 

Ling’s face flushed red, while Ram looked at Wu Qingsong silently, saying nothing.

“Indeed, the celebrations outside ended long ago,” Beck chimed in loudly, stirring up the group.

Everyone laughed good-naturedly. It had been a long time since they had relaxed like this.

Ling led Liuli to clean up the rooms, while Ram and Nina started whispering to each other. Wu Qingsong hesitated briefly before walking over to Xeila.

“Thank you for helping out.”

Xeila gave him a long, deep look but said nothing, turning silently to return to her room.

Wu Qingsong let out a long sigh. He understood what Xeila meant, but he really couldn’t think about such matters under the current circumstances. Now was certainly not the time to discuss marriage.

Liuli called to him excitedly from the room. His face reddened as he quickly walked over. Passing Ram and Nina, he glanced at Nina, who quietly shook her head.

Not yet.

Wu Qingsong understood her meaning completely. But this secrecy from those closest to him, those who trusted him the most, left him feeling slightly uneasy.

That night, there was no idyllic, romantic interlude. Everyone was utterly exhausted after months of physical and mental strain, leaving no room for such thoughts. They simply lay quietly beside Wu Qingsong, holding his hand or leaning against him, feeling each other’s heartbeat and breathing. Talking about trivial matters, they gradually drifted into the deepest sleep they had experienced in months.

When Wu Qingsong woke, it was already noon the next day. The silence outside struck him as odd. Carefully, he moved Liuli, who was sleeping on one of his legs, and quietly climbed out of bed. He walked to the window and saw soldiers and residents outside going about their tasks cautiously, as if afraid to make any unnecessary noise.

“They’re probably afraid of waking us,” Ram said from behind him.

He extended a hand toward her, and she naturally leaned into his embrace, standing with him as they looked out at the small wooden town.

“You’ve worked hard,” Wu Qingsong said, looking at her noticeably thinner face and body. 

A surge of mixed emotions welled up in his heart—tenderness, pity, and guilt.

Ram shook her head, adjusting her position to find a more comfortable spot to lean against him.

“Your safe return is more important than anything else.”

A wave of warmth mixed with a sense of responsibility surged through Wu Qingsong, prompting him to hold Ram tightly. He kissed her gently on the ear, then slowly moved downward. Ram struggled slightly, her tone tinged with a faint reproach. “Not here!”

“Sorry,” Wu Qingsong said.

She wrapped his hand around her waist and kissed him lightly. “As long as you’re by my side, I’m content.”

***

The meeting resumed in the afternoon. With their spirits lifted, most people seemed in much better condition than before.

“The question now is whether we should announce Wu’s return,” Ram said.

“Absolutely not,” Beck immediately replied. “If the news gets out, those people will surely become more cautious. It’ll make dealing with them much harder!”

This was self-evident. The reputation of the Hangman wasn’t for nothing. If word spread that he had returned safely, those who had eagerly swooped in to seize benefits, thinking he was dead, would prepare for the worst and fortify their defenses.

For Wu Qingsong, this wasn’t an issue. He preferred letting them live in fear, awaiting retribution. However, if Marquis Ossaga intervened to mediate, exacting revenge would become complicated. Moreover, once news of his return spread, any trouble arising afterward would inevitably be linked to him.

“Master, I believe revenge can wait,” Molin said hesitantly, stepping forward. “We still have over two thousand people stranded in Orgrimmar. They are devout followers of Xuanyuan. Every day we delay, they suffer additional hardships and may even be killed by those scoundrels. Isn’t the urgent priority to announce your return and force them to stop persecuting the faithful?”

“You think those Riniconians will stop just because they fear the Master? You’re too naive,” Beck countered.

“At least we’d have a reason to rescue the believers!”

The two began to argue, and Wu Qingsong frowned slightly, turning to Harold.

“There’s another issue,” Harold said. “Do we still need Wu’s noble title? Is it bringing us more constraints or benefits?”

“After all the effort we put into obtaining it, are you suggesting we just give it up?” Beck asked incredulously.

“Times have changed,” Harold replied. “When we chose this place as a foothold, it was because Wu started with nothing. Establishing the mercenary group allowed us to quickly amass resources and power. This area’s remoteness and the presence of the Silvermoon Wolf Clan made it a good place to develop while mutually supporting each other. Back then, the regiment’s status provided a relatively stable environment to train and select personnel.”

“But now, what benefits is in keeping this title?” Harold continued. “We already have a group of tested subordinates, devoted followers, and some accumulated wealth. What we originally sought from this title has largely been achieved. The Silvermoon Wolf Clan has undergone upheaval and migrated to the Northern Wastelands, barely establishing a foothold. Meanwhile, we’re stuck here, unable to act freely. It’s the worst possible situation.

“Retaining this title offers limited additional benefits but comes with burdens. We’re saddled with extra responsibilities and subject to strict oversight. This region was initially a backwater with minimal imperial presence. Now, because of Marquis Ossaga’s attention, it’s swarming with well-trained soldiers. Whatever we plan to do, we’ll have to face these elites first. This place is no longer an ideal starting point, it’s become a shackle binding our hands and feet.”

“What are you suggesting?” Wu Qingsong asked, though he already understood Harold’s point.

“We should head north,” Harold said. “Silvermoon and our forces are currently divided, weakening both. Together, we’ll benefit. Though the Northern Wastelands are harsh and challenging, they offer much more room to grow.”

Wu Qingsong glanced at the others before making a swift decision. “You’re right. In that case, we’ll need someone’s help for this.”