Everyone Is A Lord: My Talent Is A Little Too Strong Chapter 2885: 1579: Doubts and Surprises (Part 2)

“But…”

Right as Lila prepared to push her argument further, Leo Ray silenced her with a single glance.

Countless questions remained unanswered. Rushing into cooperation talks without resolution would be far too hasty.

“Understood, Your Majesty.”

Catching Leo Ray's signal at once, Lila traded a bit more small talk, which sparked the Deerman to eagerly showcase their Deerman cuisine.

With the Deerman Elder playing the role of enthusiastic guide, Leo Ray and his companions soon reached the massive castle at the heart of the city.

The scene mirrored the city gates perfectly; defenses looked tight with Deerman soldiers patrolling all around, yet the castle entrance stood wide open, flanked by lavish carriages from the Deerman princes and nobles gathered for the feast.

“Haha, honored guests, do come in.”

The Deerman Elder kept his cheerful smile, ushering Leo Ray's group through the castle doors.

Yet in that instant, everyone's footsteps froze, their gazes turning cautious toward the castle doorway.

Before a team of heavily armored Deerman guards, an enigmatic figure lingered for a split second before vanishing like a swift breeze, as the Deerman troops—and the nearby Deerman Elder—stood completely still.

Simultaneously, those same faint whispers from earlier echoed into Leo Ray’s ears, sharper this time.

“Bang bang… Ommoul…”

The murmurs trailed off rapidly and vanished.

“Your Majesty, was that just now…?”

Tension laced Lila’s words as she hurriedly questioned Leo Ray.

Lila wasn't alone; Fei’er, Moli, Hollis, and the rest displayed identical curious looks, having all spotted the elusive shadow.

Facing their inquiries, Leo Ray gave a subtle nod, motioning for calm as he pondered the strange sounds.

Fragmented and chaotic, the noises carried an intense, baffling urgency.

“Honored guests, is everything alright?”

Sensing the strange pause, the Deerman Elder glanced back in confusion.

“We thought we glimpsed a shady figure for an instant; maybe it was nothing.”

Leo Ray offered a faint smile, testing the waters deliberately.

“You're pulling my leg, Excellency. Our Deerman castle is fortified beyond breach—not a single fly could slip in. A shady figure? Impossible.”

The Deerman Elder chuckled dismissively, unperturbed, and pressed on ahead.

Hearing that, Leo Ray shared another look with his expert followers.

That fleeting shadow matched the one from the beginning, but the Deerman acted clueless—was it an act or real ignorance? Hard to say.

One thing was certain: the weirdness kept mounting.

From the eerie city vibes and ghostly shadow to the lingering riddles, everything screamed that this place hid deep secrets.

Yet what was the true source of it all?

Mind buzzing with suspicions, Leo Ray nodded first, alerting his team to stay alert for surprises, then trailed the Deerman Elder inside.

Stepping into the Castle Hall, waves of lavish splendor washed over them at once.

Gems of every sort glittered across walls, floors, and ceilings, featuring premium magic crystals among other rarities.

“Wow, magic crystals as mere decor? And treasures barely glimpsed even at the Shadow Market? The Moon Shadow Deer People must have hit the jackpot.”

The display left even Moli staring wide-eyed.

Such flashy setups were rare even for Forest Elves, as they screamed newfound riches rather than deep-rooted legacy—true ancient rulers shunned this.

Moli wasn't the only one stunned; Lila and Hollis shared her shock. Those lavish magic crystals alone showed the Moon Shadow Deer People had broken free from the Broken Wing King’s oppressive shadow!

Still, wasn't this display a tad excessive? Even at their height, the Moon Shadow Deer People likely never flaunted such wealth!

Lila, having been here previously, felt the jolt most keenly; her prior visit revealed a humble castle with crumbling walls—a world away from today's extravagance.

Guided by the Deerman Grand Elder, the group pressed on, scanning their surroundings until they reached a shining corridor splitting at a junction.

“Haha, honored guests, the Banquet Hall is to the left, brimming with our finest dishes.”

The Deerman Elder beamed, his flushed cheeks betraying excitement as he laughed, “Even I’m eager to dig in.”

With those words, the Deerman Elder forged ahead, but Leo Ray’s party paused anew as the mysterious shadow darted once more through the right-hand castle corridor.

“Honored guests, what's holding you up?”

When Leo Ray’s group turned their gaze toward the right corridor, a faint change flickered across the Deerman Grand Elder’s face, and he hurriedly chimed in, “That area is off-limits to outsiders.”

“Lord Clan Leader, I remember that spot being the Reception Hall during my previous visit. How come it’s turned into a forbidden zone now?”

Lila asked casually, her face full of confusion.

“Lord Clan Leader, while our esteemed guests deserve the best welcome, isn’t prying into the affairs of the Moon Shadow Deer People a bit too much?”

The Deerman Elder’s smile briefly vanished before it reappeared, as he grinned and said, “The feast is already underway. Kindly follow me, honored guests; I myself am eager to join in.”

Hearing these words, Leo Ray refrained from urging Lila onward, merely gesturing for the others to trail after the elder.

Before long, echoes of joyful revelry, clashing goblets, and booming chuckles drifted to their ears.

Guided by the growing clamor, a magnificent Banquet Hall soon loomed into view.

This chamber matched the previous splendor, with magic crystal chandeliers radiating cozy lights that bathed all in a shimmering golden sheen.

Inside the expansive Banquet Hall stood rows of lengthy banquet tables, piled high with tempting delicacies—far surpassing the Shadow Market feast from earlier by at least tenfold—as Deermen indulged wildly in the gorging.

Observing the Deermen’s ecstatic bingeing, our team felt subtle frowns crease their brows.

Though dressed in lavish attire befitting royalty and aristocrats, their sloppy devouring—with oil splattering everywhere—showed zero trace of grace or refinement.

Countless Deermen had their garments stained with fats and crumbs, yet they paid it no mind, stuffing themselves with savage hunger.

At this sight, the visitors’ eyes nearly bulged in shock. It resembled a horde of starving wolves in frenzy.

“Honored guests, the Clan Leader awaits up front; right this way, if you please.”

Gripping a hefty chunk of the Starfall Sect meat he’d brought up earlier, the Deerman Elder pressed on, munching voraciously while apparently blind to the group’s stunned reactions.

Under the Deerman Elder’s lead, they wove through the chaotic banquet, arriving at last at the grandest table positioned at the hall’s forefront.

Right then, a burst of boisterous guffaws rang out.

“Haha, honored guests, perfect timing!”