"Damn it, just a mere slave! If it weren't for the sake of Alan's face!" Dennis glared at Erika, who lowered her head and stood there uncomfortably, as if she had done something wrong.
However, Alan spoke up, saying, "Erika, I allow you to use healing magic on yourself!"
The slave mark on Erika's chest flickered as she touched her own cheek. A faint white light shimmered, and Erika healed her cheek.
But after this incident, Erika's expression seemed even more despondent, and she stopped speaking.
Alan didn't want to pursue Dennis further, so he changed the topic. "This is not an accident. Someone wants to prevent me from returning to the castle by resorting to such crude means, even at the cost of exposing themselves!"
He could tell from the empty look in the eyes of the child just now. He was sending a signal using the mirror, in the direction of the north. Are they people from the trade guild? What exactly is happening?
While Alan was puzzled, he had already come up with a plan. "Regardless, since they want to stop me from returning to the castle, then I will do everything I can to return!"
"Dennis! You stay outside on standby! Erika, you come with me through the underground passage!" Alan said, patting Dennis on the shoulder.
Dennis, however, looked angry. "No, Alan, your proficiency in magic is not strong. You must be protected by Dennis!"
"No need. For safety's sake, we need to minimize the number of people. Being too conspicuous would expose our whereabouts. Besides, only the people of the castle and the slaves are allowed to know about the secret passage of the castle!"
After saying this, Alan left, leaving Dennis alone fuming.
They traversed the hidden passage in the castle and reached a secret opening underneath the council table in the castle's hall.
Alan emerged from the secret passage, followed closely by Erika, who moved freely and casually.
"Shh! Keep your voice down," Alan said to Erika behind him.
"But, Master, isn't this your home? Why do we have to keep our voices down?"
"Yes, this is indeed my home, but it is also Philtes' ancestral castle. Especially in this period, it is more chaotic than you can imagine. Now I don't trust anyone except my slaves," Alan said.
"Master, I sensed your command and have come to assist you!" The door was discreetly pushed open a crack, and a cute little girl poked her head in, looking around cautiously and somewhat puzzled.
The one who entered was a petite maid, dressed in a black and white maid uniform, with white stockings wrapping around her short legs. As soon as she confirmed it was safe, she immediately saluted Alan.
"What's the matter, Mo! Is something wrong?"
"Master, your father was seriously injured when he went out hunting. He is now on the verge of death. Master, please go see him as soon as possible!"
Upon hearing this, Alan clenched his teeth. "What's going on? My cheap old man, I haven't enjoyed my life as a second-generation wealthy yet, and now you want to leave me?"
Alan had figured it out. The previous "accident" was deliberately designed. Someone didn't want him to come back and take control of everything here. Someone wanted to seize power!
Alan pushed open the secret passage once again, this time inside the castle. "Mo, take this newcomer to change into a maid uniform. Be careful not to let anyone know I've returned!"
