He hesitated for a moment. Selena still made her decision.
"I can agree to your request, but only after rescuing all the elves of the Nightblade Clan."
"And this is a deal. There will be and can only be one child between us."
As she spoke, Selena lowered her eyes, making her facial expression unreadable.
The Nightblade Clan had ultimately fallen from grace, no longer what it once was. Now, they found it hard to deal with even a group of slave hunters. In such a situation, worrying about those matters would only make the Nightblade Clan's predicament more embarrassing.
Moreover, although Lane's words seemed strange, Selena saw no greed or desire in his eyes that were typical of human nobles.
He seemed genuinely to want a child, a child who could share his inheritance.
Selena found it odd but couldn't pinpoint why Lane made this choice. If all this was just an act to deceive her into giving him her body, the performance was too good.
However, Selena wasn't someone who acted without seeing results. If she couldn't rescue her clan's elves, she'd rather perish with the other party than let any human take advantage of her.
"I have understood the information." Lane pondered for a moment. "But the ambush on the Slave-hunting group requires careful planning. We need to know who is behind this Slave-hunting group."
Hearing this, Selena nodded, her eyes showing a hint of joy. Seeing Lane's serious demeanor, the rescue of the Nightblade Clan's elves seemed to be on his mind.
She also knew that if there were no nobles backing the Slave-hunting group, such a profitable industry wouldn't be monopolized by just one group.
To deal with this Slave-hunting group, what Lane said made sense.
...
Several more months passed.
Lane had thoroughly investigated all the information about the Slave-hunting group.
Speaking of which, this Slave-hunting group had some connection to Lane.
Behind them stood a noble named "Bennett Iron Guard" within Ironforge. He was the Clan Leader of the Iron Guard Clan and a loyal dog of Blake. Blake usually gave the dirty and tiring jobs to the Iron Guard Clan.
Relying on the Lionheart Family's remaining influence, Bennett Iron Guard managed to earn a noble title in Ironforge, strutting around arrogantly, causing widespread resentment among the people.
The Slave-hunting group under the Iron Guard Clan was also the most crucial link in their gray industrial chain.
They engaged in abduction, robbery, and even street kidnapping. But due to the Iron Guard Clan's tyranny, the commoners of Ironforge dared not complain, only swallowing their grievances.
As for the other nobles, considering Blake's face, they turned a blind eye. After all, the Slave-hunting group wouldn't target nobles, so it had nothing to do with them. They saw no need to offend Blake.
Only someone like Lane, who knew Blake was a silver-tipped spearhead—good-looking but useless—dared to slay him in broad daylight. Other nobles avoided the Lionheart Family, let alone actively provoke Blake.
Seeing that the Iron Guard Clan was behind it, Lane was happy to take action, settling new and old grudges at once.
"I have received the information. The elves of the Nightblade Clan have found a buyer. After the city gates close tonight, they will be transported out."
"That will be our best opportunity to act."
Lane summoned Selena and said this to her.
During these past few months, Selena had stayed within the Berk Manor. Although she avoided the hardships of wind and dew, her worry for the Nightblade Clan still made her anxious every day, her face showing signs of weariness.
But this did not diminish Selena's charm. Instead, it added a touch of delicate beauty to her appearance.
She had thought about taking action, but the headquarters of the Slave-hunting group was in Ironforge. Even if the two of them rescued the Nightblade Clan's elves, it would be difficult to escape Ironforge under the interception of the Iron Guard Clan.
"My brothers and sisters, they wouldn't...."
Selena sighed, her voice filled with worry.
Lane shook his head and calmly analyzed, "To the Slave-hunting group, the elves are a big deal. If they are being sold to nobles, the Nightblade Clan's elves might have a tough time these days, but they won't be harmed."
"An intact elf is more valuable."
Hearing this, although Lane's words were somewhat cold, they still comforted Selena. To the Slave-hunting group, those elves were commodities. An intact elf was more valuable, so they would be safe before being sold.
The Slave-hunting group had lingered in Ironforge for so long for this reason. This was a big deal, and the seller naturally had to be picky.
"Alright, let's set off now."
Lane nodded, took out a map, and pointed at one location. "This is their inevitable route. We will ambush them here."
...
It was deep into the night.
In the dark, dense forest, Lane and Selena's figures were very close together.
After all, Selena was just a Stage 3 Thief. Although she was proficient in Shadow Magic, its coverage was not extensive. To encompass Lane as well, the two of them had to stay close.
Their skin touched, and the warmth from Lane's body transmitted over. The knight's robust physique made Lane's body like a furnace. In this quiet and chilly night, it was natural for someone to subconsciously move closer to the other.
This was an instinct shared by all living beings, and elves were no exception.
Selena's face flushed slightly but quickly disappeared as she refocused her gaze.
A convoy carrying several prison carts slowly approached. They held torches, their expressions alert as they scanned their surroundings.
Although the prison carts were covered with thick veils, Selena instantly sensed the unique natural aura of the elves inside.
Seeing this, Lane also reined in his aura. Pointing at one of the captains, he said, "Kill this one first."
He pointed to the Archer among the three leaders. Not only was he Stage 3, but he was also the greatest threat to the two of them in a fight, so he needed to be eliminated first.
Selena nodded and instantly activated [Shadow Step], rushing towards the Archer leader with Lane.
[Shadow Step] was one of the Shadow Magics mastered by Thieves, allowing them to ambush from the shadows. It was also one of the most troublesome abilities of Thieves as assassins.
Moreover, this [Shadow Step] also carried a Stage 3 Knight like Lane.
"Quick Slash!"
Emerging from the shadows, Lane's longsword instantly slashed out. The Quick Slash, imbued with the knight's aura, fiercely struck towards the Archer's position.
Even Blake, a Stage 3 Knight, couldn't dodge Lane's Quick Slash. How could such an ambushed Archer possibly do so? Moreover, this time, Lane wasn't using a cane but a genuine knight's longsword.
There was no time to make any sound. The Stage 3 Archer was instantly cut in half under Blake's fierce attack.
"Enemy attack!"
The Stage 4 Warrior leader immediately sensed something was wrong. He shouted loudly, and the rest of the slave-hunting group quickly gathered around the prison carts, glaring fiercely at Lane and Selena.
"Who are you?"
Lane raised his knight's longsword, squinted his eyes, and said calmly, "The one who will kill you."
Blood dripped from the tip of the sword, dripping onto the ground with a steady rhythm. The warrior leader looked at the corpse beside him, which had been cleanly sliced in two, and the anger in his eyes could no longer be contained.
"A mere Stage 3 Knight and a Stage 3 Thief dare to stop us. Truly audacious."
"Brothers, charge at them."
The leading warrior lifted his great axe and charged towards Lane's position.
He grinned maliciously and opened his mouth, saying, "You will regret your choice for the rest of your life!"