"To be honest, it's quite simple."
Viscount Hall contemplated for a moment and said, "Most recently, for some unknown reason, a group of firebeasts appeared near Torrent City!"
"These firebeasts not only destroyed farmlands but also harmed the lives of several commoners."
"Father, upon learning this, was furious and sent a military force to suppress them. However, instead of eliminating the firebeasts, we suffered losses."
Pausing, Viscount Hall continued, "So, if Lord Sauron can intervene and take care of those firebeasts, it would greatly assist Torrent City!"
Hearing Hall's words, Sauron's face revealed a thoughtful expression.
It turned out that a group of monsters had appeared near Torrent City, posing a threat to the surrounding residents. Therefore, Lord Welch hoped that Night Raven City could help resolve the situation.
"Firebeasts!"
Sauron's eyes flickered as he pondered before saying, "As far as I know, firebeasts are not considered large monsters. If it's only them, shouldn't Lord Welch be able to handle it?"
The so-called firebeasts were a type of monster resembling wild boars. They had rough skin, thick flesh, long sharp teeth, and emitted high temperatures. Appearing in groups, they were indeed dangerous.
However, Lord Welch of Torrent City was a high-level Knight. With his strength, dealing with a group of firebeasts should be effortless, and there was no reason to seek help from Night Raven City.
"If it's just firebeasts, they are easy to deal with."
Viscount Hall sighed and faintly said, "But according to the report from the Knights who went to suppress the firebeasts, there is also a Phosphorescent Fire Elephant among them!"
"That monster is a variant among the firebeasts, belonging to the king category within their group."
"Listening to Father, when he was younger, dealing with a Phosphorescent Fire Elephant was not a problem. However, now it's a bit challenging."
"So, that's why he thought of Night Raven City," Viscount Hall said with a bitter smile.
"I see."
Sauron's expression became clear. After contemplating for a moment, he nodded and said, "In that case, no problem! Night Raven City is willing to help Torrent City resolve this trouble."
"But after the matter is settled, I hope Lord Welch will fulfill the promise."
"That's natural!"
Viscount Hall readily agreed and then stood up, saying, "If possible, Lord Sauron, could you act as soon as possible to eliminate those firebeasts?"
"How about setting off early tomorrow?" Sauron suggested.
"Good!"
Viscount Hall nodded. If it was only a day's time, he wasn't in a hurry. It would just mean more farmlands within Torrent City's territory being damaged by the firebeasts.
Afterward, Sauron instructed people to prepare accommodation for Viscount Hall.
The next day, at dawn.
The distant horizon was slightly brightening, and sunlight spilled across the land. Under Viscount Hall's lead, Sauron and a group of soldiers quickly arrived at Torrent City.
"Hello, young Lord of Night Raven City."
In the castle of Torrent City, Sauron saw Lord Welch, who appeared elderly with wrinkles on his face, and silver-white hair covering his head.
"Lord Welch," Sauron greeted softly.
"Welcome to Torrent City."
Lord Welch looked at Sauron from top to bottom, a hint of sigh on his face, saying, "Time has passed so quickly. I remember the last time I saw you, you were only this tall."
"Now, you've grown into a real man!"
Speaking, Lord Welch gestured with his hand. He wasn't lying; the last time he saw Sauron was many years ago when Sauron was still a child of less than ten years old.
"About your father's situation, I deeply regret it!"
Then, Lord Welch continued, comforting, "However, you don't have to worry too much. Oren is the most powerful high-level Knight in the Western border. Although I don't know what he is going through now, I believe he will overcome the difficulties and return to Night Raven City sooner or later."
"Thank you, Lord Welch."
Sauron nodded slightly. The matter concerning Oren had long been spread across the Western border. However, outsiders thought Oren had disappeared, not realizing that he had never left Night Raven City from the beginning.
Under Welch's guidance, everyone entered Torrent City.
In the castle, Lord Welch had already prepared a feast. In the magnificent hall, many nobles of Torrent City were seated.
"Come, Sauron."
Lord Welch pulled Sauron to sit down, smiling and saying, "I and your father are the best of friends, so you don't need to be restrained when you come to Torrent City."
Sauron politely nodded, though inwardly sneering.
The relationship between Oren and Lord Welch seemed good on the surface, but in reality, it was only superficial. Otherwise, when Night Raven City was attacked by White Valley City, Torrent City would not have remained indifferent.
Facing Welch's hypocrisy, Sauron maintained a calm expression.
The game of power often worked this way; only interests could move people's hearts. Emotions and similar things were not worth trusting.
In the conversation, Lord Welch introduced the people of Torrent City to Sauron.
The hall was already filled with over a hundred people, with a significant portion being Lord Welch's descendants. Compared to Oren, who had few offspring, Welch had quite a number of children.
He had six sons and over thirty daughters. The eldest daughter was already close to forty years old, while the youngest ones appeared to be only three or four years old.
"Lord Welch, you are still quite vigorous!"
Looking at the youngest girl, Sauron couldn't help but sigh. The camaraderie between Welch and Oren was apparent. Though they were of the same generation, Welch was actually much older than Oren.
"Haha, that's how men are!"
Welch showed a proud look, pulling a beautiful maid to his side. While gently stroking her softness, he said, "As long as we can still move, we should enjoy life to the fullest!"
"Otherwise, when the day comes that we can't move, lying in bed, won't we have no beautiful memories at all?"
"On this point, I am different from your father."
With a shake of his head, Welch continued, "Oren is good in all aspects, but he is too old-fashioned. As the mighty Lord of Night Raven City, he only has a handful of women by his side."
Sauron listened with an indifferent expression.
Compared to other noble lords, Oren was indeed very restrained when it came to women. Since Sauron's mother passed away, he seemed to have lost interest in matters of men and women.
Although Night Raven City had three wives, none of them received much favor from Oren.
In Oren's eyes, the allure of romantic affairs between men and women was far less than the pursuit of the path of a Knight. His desire to become a Great Knight made his requirements for himself exceptionally strict.
"But, speaking of which."
At this point, Welch sighed again and said, "If it weren't for his firm character, perhaps Oren wouldn't have become the powerhouse among the Western border high-level Knights!"