It''s only half a day from the tower to Shenlin castle. After a long rest, the party finally saw the fortress near the border in the evening.

    The deep forest castle at the border is completely surrounded by ancient trees and distant hills - it is connected to the ancient wood forest in the west, overlooking from the road of the wilderness, and the dazzling rivers pass through the wilderness, connecting large and small farms and orchards.

    Because it is winter, it looks desolate and depressed around, but it is also a bit more magnificent in winter. The deep forest castle is located on a hill of this land. The main castle surrounded by gray walls and towering spires are flying the heraldic flag of the Fred family.

    In fact, it is not surprising that the Baron had sent someone to Shenlin castle to report as early as Loren and ruwen arrived at the tower - in order to prepare the other party so that they would not be caught unprepared and take all measures to meet the count.

    After all, Shenlin castle was originally the territory of the Seine family. Even if the count is now Reuven Friede, we should still take into account each other''s face and not embarrass the people of both families.

    However, with regard to the Earl of Shenlin castle, Loren also got more interesting information from ruwen and Sir Aaron - in the wilderness west of Shenlin castle, there are not only mutant monsters such as ogres, trolls and goblins, but also the dense forest connected, which is also the territory of elves.

    In the ancient wood forest on the border led by the count, there is a relatively large fairy settlement living there all year round - for this race, human beings are not their natural enemies. In fact, it is the ogres who are also entrenched in the forest that really threaten them.

    It is precisely for this reason that the fairy settlements in the ancient wood forest have become the "defense line" in the west of Shenlin castle. In exchange, they have caravans here to trade goods every year, exchanging amber and fur for iron and pottery.

    Of course, Loren can''t be curious about a race he''s only heard of but never seen. But now it''s winter, and the elves'' caravan has left here long ago, so I''m afraid it won''t be seen until next year.

    The heavy gate was pushed open, and the nobles led by the count waited in the castle early. In addition, many local villagers also gathered near the city gate excitedly to see what the new count looked like.

    Although the Seine family in shenlinbao and the Friede family in the whole principality of lottel are hostile for many years, for these villagers, they do not know what deep hatred and resentment there are between these nobles. The contradiction between these nobles is too far away for them.

    What''s more, Reuven Fred is also the heir of the Duke, that is, the future ruler of the whole Duke. To have such an adult as their count is still a matter of face in the eyes of ordinary people in Shenlin castle.

    Wearing bright armor and bright red cloak, the young count rode his war horse and passed through the gate of Shenlin castle surrounded by knights.

    "Allow me, on behalf of the Seine family of shenlinbao and all the nobles, to welcome you, count Reuven Friede!"

    The leader was an old man with bald hair and a beard. He stood respectfully in front of Luwen''s horse with a crutch: "next is Barry senna, your mother Maria..."

    "I know, mother said that you brought her up after her father''s death!" the smiling young count immediately dismounted and grabbed each other''s hand: "old Mr. Barry Senna... Oh, should I call you ''Grandpa''?"

    "That''s my pleasure!" the old man''s face was filled with a smile: "in order to welcome you, we have replaced all the flags with your family''s heraldry, and have prepared the Lord''s bedroom for you. If you don''t like the furnishings inside, we can replace them at any time."

    "It''s very kind of you. You''d better simplify everything." Lu Wen waved his hand carelessly: "don''t make it too troublesome, otherwise I''ll be very uncomfortable!"

    "We have prepared a banquet for you and your gentlemen." the old man still narrowed his eyes and smiled as if he hadn''t heard what he said. "The whole count has brought all the nobles. I hope you can appreciate it."

    "Of course, please tell everyone to be casual. I don''t have many rules." as he said, Lu Wen went in and left Loren and the Knights. After being greeted by several servants, he also entered the castle one after another.

    When passing by the old man, Lauren clearly noticed a bit of ridicule on each other''s face, but it was better to hide it.

    Obviously, these Sena people were not as obedient as they showed to the fact that Reuven Fred took the Earl title.

    The banquet was arranged in the hall of the castle. On the hot fireplace, a whole piece of barbecue was "Zizi" emitting oil flowers. More than a dozen middle-aged people in luxurious clothes sat around the long table, looking at the young count sitting in the front with excitement and tension.

    Servants bring plates full of delicious food to the table, stewed pork and onions, bread decorated with mountain treasures, as well as all kinds of game and colorful berries. They look very attractive alone.

    Everyone here has no appetite, or pretends to be calm with a wine glass, or looks around restlessly without even looking at the delicious food on the table.

    "Please take your seats and thank the Holy Cross for giving us such rich food!" Lu Wen stood up with a bright smile on his face and first raised his glass: "long live shenlinbao, long live the Principality of lottel -!"

    "Long live shenlinbao, long live the Principality of lottel -!!!"

    No matter whether it is sincere or not, all the nobles here also hold up their wine glasses and cater together, with either reluctantly or sincere smiles on their faces.

    After drinking the first glass of wine, the young count put down the glass and knocked on it. The understanding nobles quieted down and waited for his next speech.

    "As you all know, although my mother was born here, I really came to Shenlin castle for the first time. Many people and things are strange, so I''m curious." Lu Wen spread his hands: "for example... Who is responsible for the army and defense of Shenlin castle?"

    "It''s Baron puck!" the old man named Barry Senna quickly stood up and enthusiastically introduced ruwen: "he has been the military manager of shenlinbao for 15 years and has always been loyal."

    A fat man who looked very enthusiastic stood up from his seat, bowed humbly and smiled flatteringly at Lu Wen.

    "Really, it''s been fifteen years?" Lu Wen smiled. "It''s too long. From tomorrow on, let Baron puck have a lot of rest. Don''t worry about these troubles!"

    "Alas?" the smile on the fat man''s face suddenly solidified, and his sausage like lips trembled a few times: "you, don''t you mean..."

    "Didn''t you hear me clearly? Then I''ll say it again." the count''s expression immediately cooled down: "from now on, as the count of shenlinbao, I will remove Baron puck from all his positions in shenlinbao and let my guard captain Sir Aaron be the new military manager!"

    "Why?!" the fat man with sweat on his face shouted directly, and the fat on his body was shaking: "I have always been loyal to Fred and Senna families, and have never done anything wrong!"

    "Why, you dare to ask why?" Lu Wen sneered: "on my way here, a dozen ogres crossed the defense line of Shenlin castle and rushed into the hinterland of the Duke''s leadership - if it weren''t for the man behind me, you would only see my body now. Drag this derelict bastard out, and I don''t want to see him again!"

    The two knights stepped forward, took Baron puck, who was about to become a dehydrated fat pig, from his chair and left the hall directly.

    The nobles in the banquet could no longer see any smile on their faces, and sat in their positions trembling and dared not move. Even Barry senna, who once laughed at Reuven, stood stiff under the threat of the Knights around him, with his teeth trembling on his aging face.

    Lorraine, standing behind the count, watched silently, as if he were enjoying a wonderful play, with a slight smile on his mouth.