Chapter 494: Lanqi Danger

Hutton Kingdom, the southernmost border of Nanwantina Territory.

This land is located in an area with an extremely advantageous natural geographical location, backed by the Knox Mountains called the "Guardian's Ridge". The mountains are rich in minerals and forest resources, and ancient ruins and ancient ruins are also hidden deep in the mountains. Unknown secrets become a paradise for adventurers and researchers.

Since crossing the long Knox Mountains will lead to the border of the Kraiju Empire south of the Hutton Kingdom, most travelers who are interested in ancient ruins will stay in the South Wantina Territory as a round-trip destination.

For merchants, if they want to conduct trade with the Creation Empire, it is more appropriate to take the sea route.

Nan Wantina Territory is not only surrounded by mountains on the south side, but also on the east side is the vast sea area known as the "Blue Wave Sea". The port is busy with merchant ships and fishing boats. The beautiful beaches and clear water along the coast are the characteristics of Nan Wantina Territory. A good place for residents to relax.

On the morning of early summer in June, the sunrise came to the South Wantina Lord City Station.

Lan Qi and Hyperian hurriedly stepped out of the train that had just stopped.

The station is an ancient building. The stone bricks in the corners are covered with moss and vines. It has a more natural atmosphere compared to Icerita Central Station.

Lan Qi and Hyperian walking on the road introduced his hometown.

"That is to say, although the Nanwantina leader has always been very popular with residents from all over the Kingdom of Hutton, I am sorry that Hyperion, it is the first time I brought you here, but you have to rush back to Wilford's house in such a hurry. ”

Lan Qi responded to Hyperion's praise with embarrassment.

Yesterday, they didn't even clear their luggage, so they rushed back to Icerita Central Station with their luggage, bought the fastest train, and took the magic rail train to Nanwantina Territory overnight.

Hyperion didn't find it hurried to travel continuously. On the contrary, she was looking forward to the new journey.

"It doesn't matter. I've been here several times when I was a kid and I've always liked it."

Hyperion smiled and said to Lanci,

"Even in my dreams, I miss coming here."

Inside the station concourse, there was a surging crowd. Passengers passing by and family members who greeted them looked quite leisurely while chatting softly.

The pace of life in Nanwantina's house is very leisurely and slow, and even most of the shops will be closed at five o'clock in the afternoon.

"So this is ah."

Lan Qi was in a daze, then nodded, and he and Hyperion walked through the crowd and walked out of South Wantina Station.

Behind the two of them, the towering bell tower echoed in the morning air as the morning bell rang.

Lan Qi remembered that in the illusion of falling gentle land, he and Hyperion, who looked like a boy and girl, were indeed on a train. The scenery outside the car window was inexplicably familiar. It turned out that they were traveling from the royal capital of Icerita. The route led by Nan Wantina.

"By the way, have we met when we were children?"

Hyperion stared at Lan Qi's face as she walked, muttering to herself in confusion.

She mentioned it accidentally just now, and she also recalled that fantasy.

Taking a bus to Nanwantina with Lan Qi, reality inexplicably became like a dream.

"That depends on whether my father and your father Miya Ya know each other. Last time he didn't realize that you were a princess for a long time. He seemed to regard you as an ordinary girl from a good family."

Lanci felt that Hyperion's face was too close, so he politely leaned back a little and replied.

After experiencing the story of meeting Char in the Snowy Province of the Northern Continent, Lan Qi felt that this was not impossible. It mainly depended on whether the parents of both parties had met many years ago.

"oh!"

Hyperion seemed to realize that she was too close to Lan Qi, or she suddenly remembered the last time at the Icerite College Hospital, Lan Qi's father gloated, "Duke Milaya can marry a demon wife." , Lan Qi, can he?" She ran away in embarrassment.

"Meow meow meow, what are you talking about."

Boss Cat stuck his head on Lan Qi's shoulder and asked in confusion.

"That time my father came to the capital, Hyperion, Frey, and I had just finished the second Shadow World Temple Villain Dinner. As soon as we came out of the Shadow World, Hyperion and I went to the hospital. We went to see Dad that night, and we went to see Tata at Boss Cat’s Restaurant. It was also the day when Huberian stayed at Boss Cat’s Restaurant, so that was just before I met you, Boss Cat.”

Lan Qi patiently explained to the cat boss.

"Huberlian, why didn't you tell Tata?"

The cat boss turned his head again and looked at Hyperion.

It was always listening to Hyperion and Tata talking about interesting things, but it didn't expect that Hyperion had such stories that she didn't mention at all.

"..."

Hyperion looked away with a slight blush on her cheeks.

It's all Lan Qi's father's fault. He told some weird jokes and she almost agreed to them accidentally.

The two of them and the cat waited outside Nanwantina Station for a short time before Lan Qi waved and summoned a magic vehicle.

"Go to the north of Xinmai Plaza, No. 25 Nosima Street."

"no problem."

The driver smiled kindly and motioned to the young travelers to put their luggage and get on the bus.

Soon Lanci and Hyperion were sitting in the back seat, and the vehicle started slowly and passed through the streets of South Wantina along the stone road.

The architectural style of the city-state outside the window is fresher than that of Ikerita. The streets are filled with the golden light of the rising sun. Rows of neatly trimmed sycamore trees line both sides of the stone road, and their leaves are gently swaying in the breeze.

Boss Cat sat between Lan Qi and Hyperion, looking at them from left to right.

Lan Qi didn't know why, but he had become a little uneasy since yesterday.

The cat boss suspected that Lanqi was sick.

"Lanqi, I'm visiting you out of the blue. Isn't it a bit bad?"

Hupeli Ann felt that the closer she got to Lanqi's house, the more nervous she became.

"I brought you here suddenly. Don't worry. Dad also said that you are welcome to come to Nanwantina anytime. He has a very good impression of you."

Lanqi replied.

"Is that so?"

Hupeli Ann said softly.

In this case, she was not so scared.

Next, she must continue to leave a good impression on the people of the Wilford family.

But there shouldn't be any problems. She is a professional spy and priest trained by the Ice Witch teacher. It is impossible for her to overturn in her friend's house.

The vehicle passed through the city center known as the "Heart Pulse Square", which is the prosperous area of ​​politics, economy and culture in the Lord City of Nanwantina. On the square stands the sculpture of the Border Earl of Wantina hundreds of years ago, commemorating the founder and history of the city.

Lanqi's home is not far away. It is located in the northwest corner of the city, on a branch of the avenue called "Guardian's Path".

The street was spacious and quiet, with tall oak trees and neat hedges on both sides.

As the car moved forward, the outline of the mansion gradually appeared outside the car window.

The mansion of the Wilford family is an elegant three-story building with pale yellow limestone exterior walls and dark red glazed tiles on the roof.

The oak carved on the main entrance of the mansion is inlaid with the family emblem. In front of the door, two copper vases are filled with blooming blue and white irises, exuding a faint fragrance.

"We're here, Hyperion."

"Okay."

The car stopped on the street outside the courtyard gate of the mansion. Lanqi and Hyperion got out of the car, took out their luggage and stepped onto the stone steps leading to the main entrance of the courtyard.

The hedges on both sides of the stone steps were neatly trimmed, with dew hanging on them and shining with the light of the morning sun.

"Master Lanqi, you're back?"

The guard outside the door said in surprise the moment he saw Lanqi, and then hurried forward to take over Lanqi and Hyperion's luggage and cat.

They hadn't seen Lanqi for more than half a year and missed him very much.

Lanqi, a rich young man who had a bad reputation for a while, became very popular two months before leaving home to go to school in the capital Ikerite, and the servants in the mansion all liked this good boy who had changed his ways.

"I'll be back for a while. I'll leave the luggage to you."

Lanqi greeted them and hurriedly ran through the garden with Hyperion to the front door, pushed open the heavy oak door, and walked into the mansion.

"Meow, meow, meow, I'm not luggage!"

Boss Cat struggled in the guard's hand and jumped into the garden.

"Fuck, cats can talk?!"

The guards were stunned and looked at the little black cat running away, and shouted.

Boss Cat quickly caught up with Lanqi and Hyperion and followed them into the mansion.

Inside the mansion, the spacious entrance hall looked bright and warm, with portraits of family ancestors and exquisite wall lamps hanging on the wall. A series of light footsteps echoed on the stairs. Obviously, everyone in the family had gotten up and were ready to welcome the new day.

The door behind Lanqi and Hyperion closed, and they walked into the Wilford family. It seemed that the family had just finished breakfast, and the servants were cleaning up the dishes.

Before the two took a few steps, a familiar low voice sounded not far away.

"Oh? Master Lanqi?"

In the spacious living room on the first floor, Hans turned around and noticed the two. As the steward of the Wilford family, he was directing the affairs of the mansion today.

Hans's thin figure was straight, his white hair was neatly combed, and his face was engraved with traces of time and deep wrinkles, but his eyes still flashed with intelligence and kindness.

"Hans, I'm back."

Lanqi nodded.

Sometimes I feel that Hans is like a killer, and he will show a perfect smile when facing people he obviously hates, but now Lanqi is no longer afraid of Hans.

Although I don't know why the rich merchants in the border territory of Nanwantina can recruit such an old steward who is as high as the sixth level, Lanqi is willing to believe that Hans is from their family.

"Master, you have become stronger."

Hans was surprised at first, then his eyes became relieved.

Then, Hans turned his gaze to Hyperion who was standing next to Lanqi, and raised his eyebrows slightly, obviously more surprised by this guest: "Oh, this lady is... Miss Hyperion?"

"Uh, yes."

Huberian was stunned. She didn't expect Hans to suddenly call her name, and she nodded quickly.

She could see that the butler had a good relationship with Lanqi.

"Mr. Noe told me about you when he came back from the capital last time. He has been looking forward to Lanqi inviting you to Nanwantina to play one day. I didn't expect that good things would happen today."

Hans maintained his dignity and etiquette, showing the demeanor of an experienced butler, and explained,

"I will go to the study on the second floor to inform the master, and I will definitely entertain Miss Hyperion well during this period."

"No, no, no, you don't need to arrange a place for me, and you don't need to use honorifics to me."

Huberian waved her hands.

She and Lanqi had to go back to Ikrit Academy to submit a report, so how could they stay at Lanqi's house? From what the old housekeeper said, he was planning to arrange for her and Lanqi to have a good time in Nanwantina for a while.

"By the way, Hans, do we have any guests in the next few days?"

Lanqi interrupted their conversation and asked solemnly.

The butler Hans turned to observe Lan Qi. He had rarely seen the young master with such an expression.

The last time the young master was obviously a little uneasy, he found him in the living room and asked him to help deal with the matter of the pigeon that he accidentally shot back.

"There are no guests, but Miss Tata came to our house for breakfast this morning before you, and Francine is now taking her around the house."

Hans was stunned for a moment, but soon regained his composure and his voice remained calm.

In his opinion, Tata was nominally the steward of their house. Although he rarely came to the house before, he was still Lanqi's tutor and not a guest.

As Lanci's most familiar maid, Francine has also met Tata several times. She is the closest person to Tata in the house.

The only strange thing is that Miss Tata and Master Lanqi happened to come back, but they came back separately, and they didn't know each other's itinerary.

"!?"

Lan Qi's eyes suddenly opened wide.

When he saw the calm situation at home, he thought nothing had happened, but he didn't expect that the god of death was already one step ahead of him.

I don’t know where Tata wandered now, but her goal was definitely his bedroom on the second floor!

I don’t want to be Tata’s top brother——!

Lan Qi was sweating profusely, as if he had returned to a nightmare, and screamed in his heart.

This is a kind of gravity called destiny.

Calm down.

Think the best.

Things aren't really that bad.

The mansion still looks peaceful, which means Tata is not angry. She must not have reached her bedroom on the second floor yet!

As long as he can get back to the bedroom before she does, hide the painting, and replace it with a portrait of a poor old lady, everything will be fine!

You can still save yourself.

"Hans, there's something wrong with me!"

Lan Qi didn't say anything more and hurriedly ran towards the stairs, as if all anxiety and fatigue disappeared at this moment.

While speeding up the second floor, he saw Francine, the maid cleaning the hallway.

"Hey, Master Lanqi, you are back!"

As soon as Francine saw Lan Qi, a smile of great surprise appeared on her face.

She was originally very happy to see Tata coming back, but she didn't expect that Lan Qi would go home soon after.

"Yes, I'm back, let's talk later!"

Lan Qi just replied hastily, his voice was hurried and short, without stopping.

He has only one goal now, and that is his bedroom at the end of the corridor not far away!

"As expected, the young master likes Miss Tata the most. He is so anxious to see her."

Francine smiled and said to herself. Before she could say anything else, she looked at Hyperion who was chasing after her.

Francine immediately covered her mouth, with a look in her eyes that said: Oh my god, Master Lanci actually brought two girls home!

Despite Francine's curiosity and shock, she maintained her professional dignity and saluted Hyperion, knowing when to speak and when to remain silent.

On the other side, at the end of the corridor, Lan Qi, who was running fast, leaned against the porch to slow down, grabbed the handle of the bedroom door, and pressed it hard impatiently.

Lan Qi's heartbeat accelerated, but he finally felt a little stable at this moment.

etc.

Shouldn't Francine be accompanying Tata around the mansion?

If Tata wasn't with Francine, then where was she.

Lan Qi frowned slightly. He was in such a hurry that he didn't realize this problem.

The door was slightly open, revealing a ray of gentle light, and Lan Qi's confusion and tension were intertwined.

When the bedroom door was completely opened, Lan Qi stood in front of the door. The sight in front of him stunned him.

In the spacious bedroom, sunlight shines on the floor through the gauze curtains, forming mottled light and shadow.

Everything in the room was in order, and even though the owner hadn't lived there for a long time, it was obviously cleaned regularly.

The most prominent position is a portrait on the wall. The woman in the painting is wearing an old gray cloak. Her eyes reveal a touch of melancholy and unyielding, and she is as beautiful as a wolf in the snow.

And in front of that painting.

A gray-haired woman stood there, her profile facing Lanci quietly. Her coat was slim-cut, and a silk tie was tied neatly under the collar of her dress, making her look elegant and rigorous.

The gentle wind blew over her face, causing her gray hair hanging on her shoulders to flutter slightly in the wind.

The golden eyes that stared at the looming portrait were full of confusion, emotion, and astonishment.

In this peaceful moment, the figure with gray hair and golden eyes seemed to blend into the surrounding environment, and it seemed as if her presence was the only thing in the painting.

Lan Qi stood at the door, taking half a step back, which disturbed Thalia.

Thalia's golden eyes stared at Lan Qi for a moment.

Ranch suffered cardiopulmonary arrest.