Chapter 388: No Feast Is a Good Feast

“If only Xeila were here,” Wu Qingsong murmured, shaking his head slightly as he spoke to Nina inside the tent.

If Xeila were present, they could have easily known what these beastfolk were up to—what they were discussing, what they were plotting—without having to spend so much effort guessing.

Nina gave him a tolerant smile, prompting Wu Qingsong to laugh at himself. “I know, relying on her like this isn’t a good habit. But once you get used to this kind of convenience, it’s really hard to break away from it.”

Just like his reliance on Ling. After becoming accustomed to traveling by airships and planes, long journeys on horseback felt almost torturous. And once settled in one place, even when surrounded by potential enemies with ill intentions, there was a lingering reluctance to keep moving forward.

But Wu Qingsong knew he couldn’t let himself fall into that trap.

Relying too much on Xeila’s abilities would make him lose his most fundamental skills in observation and judgment. Her skills allowed him to forgo carefully reading subtle expressions and movements, spared him the effort of analyzing and interpreting people’s thoughts. But for a political figure, this was one of the most essential skills.

In fact, this was also one of his greatest weaknesses.

“Fortunately, this time, we don’t need to achieve anything too complex,” he said.

As he had said months ago, this was merely a goodwill visit—a display of strength, and to some extent, a demonstration of what Nagrand could offer.

Displaying power was the most important objective, as it was the fundamental rule of survival in these lands.

Once they established their strength, they could extend a sufficient level of goodwill and show what benefits could be gained from cooperating with them. With that, the purpose of this meeting would be fulfilled.

Wu Qingsong did not believe that the beastfolk of the Stampede Plateau were a united front. Much like the frozen surface of the Icy Sea in winter—once a hole was broken open, there would naturally be fish that longed for fresh air, gathering at the opening, perhaps even leaping out on their own.

All they needed to do was select the most promising, the most worthwhile ones among them.

“Do you think they’ll take the risk?” he asked Nina.

Dusk was setting in, and campfires began to flicker around them. Judging from the number of tents and fires, there were roughly a thousand beastfolk gathered here. Of course, they might have more forces hidden elsewhere. But for Wu Qingsong’s group, when surrounded deep in enemy territory, whether they faced one thousand or two thousand warriors made little difference.

If anything, more enemies meant that defeating them would have an even greater impact, making their first objective even more effective.

“If they decide to act, then in their eyes, it won’t be a risk,” Nina said. “The weather seems to be holding clear. That’s good news.”

Wu Qingsong chuckled and said nothing further.

Using tools brought from Nagrand, they had quickly set up a wooden-fenced camp. The surrounding grass was scattered with iron caltrops, followed by a perimeter of wooden stakes and an iron spike net. If any beastfolk charged through, they would be in for an unforgettable experience.

“Have the water and food been checked?” he heard Joanna’s voice outside. “Be careful, don’t let these guys sneak in and tamper with anything.”

“Honestly, I’d rather they just attacked before dinner,” Wu Qingsong said. “You know, I hate these insincere, pretentious banquets the most.”

But the beastfolk let him down. After nightfall, Corwin arrived on behalf of Storm to warmly invite him to the feast. With a mischievous glint in his eye, Wu Qingsong observed Corwin’s expression, trying to glean what conclusion the beastfolk chieftains had reached after an entire afternoon of discussion—but he saw nothing.

‘Are they planning to separate us before launching a surprise attack? These guys have more patience than I expected.’

He couldn’t help but think so as he and Nina followed Corwin toward the largest tent.

Yet, another unexpected development awaited them.

The bearfolk who had been so hostile in the morning was the first to greet him—embracing him cordially and apologizing, expressing hope that Wu Qingsong could forgive his rudeness.

With a spectator’s amusement, Wu Qingsong accepted his apology. Perhaps because they shared a similar mindset, he quickly noticed that this guy’s demeanor was surprisingly relaxed—carrying the same kind of malice as himself, as if he were watching a fool walk straight into a trap.

He couldn’t help but exchange a playful glance with Nina, shaking his head slightly. Then, just like them, he laughed heartily and stepped into the tent.

“Come, Sidre! Sit beside me,” Storm called out loudly.

He told a rather unfunny joke, yet all the beastfolk burst into hearty laughter. Wu Qingsong sighed slightly, ‘So, they had made their choice.’

A well-roasted lamb was carried in. Following tradition, Storm first cut off the most tender and flavorful parts, offering them to Wu Qingsong and Nina. He then distributed portions to a few esteemed elders before finally allowing the attendants to begin carving and serving the rest.

“Where’s the wine?” the bearman named Quinn slammed the table loudly. “Bring the wine! How can we have a feast without wine?”

Wu Qingsong immediately understood their plan. Unfortunately for them, no matter how much alcohol they forced upon him, all it would do was make his stomach uncomfortably full. It would never cloud his mind.

Did they really think this would render him incapable of fighting?

“I’m not much of a drinker,” he said maliciously.

“No worries! Just drink as much as you can,” Quinn roared. “As long as we drink to our heart’s content!”

The banquet began, though calling it a banquet was a bit of an overstatement. It was merely a group of people sitting inside a tent, eating, drinking, and boasting.

Playing along to the fullest, Wu Qingsong made sure to repeatedly emphasize that he couldn’t hold his liquor. Whenever anyone toasted him, he only took a small sip. Nina, for her part, barely touched the wine, only letting it graze her lips.

“We’ve long been fascinated by Nagrand, Lord Sidre. Why not tell us more about it?” Storm soon steered the conversation in that direction.

Wu Qingsong did not refuse. He had no idea how many of these people would survive the night, but it wouldn’t hurt to let them understand the benefits of befriending Nagrand. So, feigning a tipsy enthusiasm, he cheerfully began to share.

“Lord Sidre’s ingenuity is truly impressive! Come, let’s toast him,” Storm seized the opportunity.

Everyone raised their bowls in unison. Wu Qingsong hesitated for a moment, but once everyone had downed their drinks, he followed suit, finishing his bowl.

“What I admire most is how Lord Sidre defeated the seven great clans of the Icy Sea,” Quinn jumped in. “Lord Sidre, you must tell us about that tonight!”

Naturally, this was followed by another round of drinks. Then came discussions about the church, the mousefolk, one topic after another. Everyone drank four or five bowls of strong liquor. The beastfolk were unaffected, but Wu Qingsong appeared to be slurring his words, talking more, and drinking more freely.

“A toast to you, Lord Sidre! May the clans of the Icy Sea and the Stampede Plateau have everlasting friendship!” Another beastfolk came forward to toast him.

“Good! Good!” Wu Qingsong laughed as he downed another bowl, though more than half of it spilled onto his clothes. There was no helping it—while his head was clear, his stomach was uncomfortably full.

“Lady Anna, isn’t it? Come, a toast to you,” Quinn, having already downed over ten bowls, seemed slightly tipsy but still stood firm. “My men were out of line today, saying things they shouldn’t have. Consider this bowl of wine my apology! Let’s drink and put it behind us. We all forget about it, alright?”

“It’s fine,” Nina said flatly. “The past is the past.”

“I’ll drink first!” Quinn declared loudly, downing his entire bowl before staring at Nina expectantly.

Nina, however, ignored him completely. She didn’t even reach for the bowl in front of her.

Quinn glanced at Wu Qingsong, who was slumped over the table, seemingly sound asleep. He then looked at the beastfolk who had quietly surrounded them. At last, he lost his patience.

“Slut! What’s the meaning of this? Do you look down on me, Quinn?!” He smashed his bowl onto the ground and roared. “Are you drinking or not?!”

“Come on, come on! No need for this.” The surrounding beastfolk rushed in to play peacemakers, yet they all happened to move toward Nina at the same time, ready to overpower her in one swift motion.

No matter how strong she was, if she couldn’t draw her weapon and had no room to wield her sword techniques, what could she do?

One beastfolk reached behind her, attempting to yank her sword from its sheath. But Nina seized his arm and flung him aside effortlessly!

“Now!” Quinn shouted, lunging toward Wu Qingsong, who was sprawled over the table.