Ark Simulator, don't I have no physical form?

He remained curled up, not moving immediately. He simply turned his head slightly, carefully observing Enya beside him out of the corner of his eye. Enya was still sleeping soundly, her breathing steady, clearly not awakened by the commotion. He listened intently for a moment longer, confirming that apart from the sound of the wind and snow, there were no other unusual noises.

The time has come.

Suri moved his body extremely slowly, as if in slow motion. He carefully, little by little, removed his head from Enya's arm. The process was exceptionally slow, as if afraid of disturbing the person in his arms. Enya only unconsciously murmured something, her arms tightening slightly involuntarily, but she did not wake up.

Suri held his breath, pausing for a few seconds. Then, he continued to move his torso, arms, legs, and so on, millimeter by millimeter… each movement was incredibly gentle, as if he were disassembling an extremely precise bomb. Thanks to his rigorously trained and perfect control over his muscles, he successfully “peeled” himself from that warm embrace without disturbing Enya.

He walked barefoot on the cold floor without making a sound. He turned and glanced at Enya, still fast asleep on the bed. Moonlight streamed through the icy window, outlining her serene sleeping face. A complex emotion flickered in Suri's eyes—guilt, resolve, and a hint of…a lingering attachment he himself didn't even realize. But quickly, this emotion was replaced by an even firmer resolve.

He had promised Enya he wouldn't go down the mountain for the time being, but he couldn't really just sit idly by. Especially when he thought of the undisguised worry and fear in Enya's eyes when she mentioned her sister, Enshia. Although he, Su Rui, wasn't some kind-hearted, indiscriminately good-natured person, he couldn't bring himself to hide on the mountain and do nothing, knowing that the person he cared about (Enya) was worried about her family.

He had to go check it out. At the very least, he needed to confirm whether the girl named Ensia was safe, and to find out what SilverAsh was up to. If everything was alright, he would return quietly before Ensia woke up, pretending nothing had happened. If… if there were any bad signs, perhaps he could do something in advance, or… at least bring Ensia definite news, so she wouldn't be kept in the dark and passively waiting.

Having made up his mind, Suri didn't hesitate any longer. He nimbly grabbed a set of dark, practical clothes (prepared by Yera, also with a tail opening) that had been prepared beforehand and was lying on the chair at the foot of the bed, and quickly changed into them. He then carefully gathered and coiled the iconic, fluffy snow leopard tail around his waist, securing it with a specially made wide belt. Over this, he donned a dark cloak, pulled up the hood, completely concealing his silver hair and ears. Instantly, he blended into the shadows of the room, his aura becoming as elusive as a ghost.

Like a wisp of smoke in the night, he silently glided to the door, his fingers lightly resting on the doorknob, ready to turn it—

Just as he was about to turn the handle, a chilling, tangible coldness, without warning, darted in from the crack in the door and from the shadows of the corridor like a venomous snake, instantly locking onto him! That coldness was not a physical low temperature, but a kind of... pure mental pressure, carrying the indifference and majesty of a god who knew and controlled everything!

Su Rui's body froze instantly! Every muscle in his body tensed to its limit in a fraction of a second! He turned his head sharply, his dark eyes as sharp as knives, shooting towards the door! His right hand had already subconsciously and silently pressed against his waist (where several small tools he had "manifested" from his terminal for self-defense and unlocking were hidden, although they were not very powerful).

The door was silently pushed open from the outside, to his astonishment and uncertainty.

A slender yet upright figure, as if solidified from the darkness, stood silently at the doorway. She was still wearing her impeccably tailored maid outfit, her long black hair neatly combed into a bun at the back of her head. Her face was expressionless, her dark eyes like the deepest, coldest night, icy and unblinking... staring at Su Rui.

Yela.

She really wasn't asleep. Or perhaps she had expected it all along?

Suri's heart sank. He knew that in front of Yera, any disguise or stealth was futile. This woman's perception far exceeded his imagination. He slowly released his hand from the tools at his waist, but his body remained in a defensive posture, his dark eyes meeting Yera's gaze without flinching.

The two stood silently facing each other at the entrance to the dimly lit corridor. Only the howling wind and snow outside the window served as background noise, amplifying the suffocating silence.

After a long while, Yera finally moved. She didn't speak, but slowly took a step forward, entered the room, and then... gently closed the door behind her. A soft "click" sounded particularly clear in the silence.

She walked up to Su Rui, so close that Su Rui could smell her familiar, chilling scent, a blend of ice and metal. Yela's dark eyes, like the most precise scanner, scrutinized Su Rui's "night-walking" attire, her gaze lingering for a moment on the tail held in place by his belt. Her lips curled down almost imperceptibly… a slight downward smirk? Perhaps a hint of… disapproval? Or perhaps… a knowing "I knew it"?

“You need to go down the mountain.” Yera spoke, not as a question, but as a statement. Her voice was extremely low, like a whisper, yet it carried an undeniable, icy quality that clearly reached Su Rui’s ears.

Suri pursed his lips, not denying it, but simply nodding slightly. He knew that lying to Yera was pointless.

“The Holy Maiden does not wish you to go,” Yera continued, her dark eyes fixed on Su Rui’s eyes, as if trying to discern every thought in his mind.

Volume 18, page 1143: It's not enough to just look at it.

“I know.” Suri’s voice was also low, with a hint of barely perceptible irritation, “but I can’t… just wait here.”

Yela looked at him silently, her dark eyes seemingly churning with countless complex emotions, but ultimately settling into a deep, unfathomable calm. She didn't immediately object, nor did she rebuke him. She simply... quietly, with a scrutinizing air, looked at him.

This silence was more stressful for Su Rui than direct opposition. He shifted his shoulders uncomfortably, trying to escape Yera's oppressive gaze. "Move aside," he said in a low voice, his tone carrying a hint of firmness. "I'll just go check it out and be back before dawn. Nothing will happen."

Yera didn't move. Her gaze slowly moved from Suri's face to his slightly pursed lips, then back to his eyes. Then, she did something completely unexpected by Suri—

Suddenly, she reached out, her movements swift as lightning, yet incredibly gentle… and pulled Su Rui into her embrace! It wasn't a hostile restraint, but rather a… possessive embrace, yet with controlled strength… a hug?!

Suri: "!!!"

Caught off guard, he stumbled into Yera's arms, which exuded a cool fragrance! His nose pressed against the stiff collar of her maid outfit, and he could clearly feel the curves of her body—not voluptuous, but exceptionally resilient—beneath the fabric, and... the cool body temperature emanating from her clothes! Yera's arms, like iron hoops, were firmly wrapped around his waist and back, rendering him unable to move!

"You...!" Suri was both shocked and angry. He tried to reprimand her in a low voice, but Yela tightened her grip on his arm. Her other hand even... rose up and, very naturally, as if she had practiced it countless times, covered the top of Suri's head, which was covered by the hood. Then... her fingers deftly slipped into the edge of the hood and precisely pinched his furry snow leopard ear, which had instantly stood up in fright!

"Ugh...!" A familiar, tingling sensation came, and Suri's body trembled. His protest was blocked in his throat, turning into a muffled whimper. He tried to struggle, but Yera's strength was astonishing, and she seemed to know how to control his sensitive spots. Her fingers gently kneaded his earlobe, bringing waves of comfortable sensation that made his limbs go weak, greatly weakening his will to resist.

“I can pretend I didn’t see it.” Yera lowered her head, her cold lips almost touching Suri’s earlobe, and spoke slowly in a whisper that only the two of them could hear. Her tone was flat and calm, but it carried an unquestionable, almost “transactional” tone. “I can also help you… cover it up before the Holy Maiden wakes up.”

Suri stopped his futile struggle, a hint of wariness and...confusion flashing in his dark eyes. He raised his head, meeting Yera's dark eyes so close to his own, trying to decipher her intentions. "Conditions?" he asked hoarsely, his voice trembling slightly from the stimulation in his ear.

A fleeting, almost imperceptible glint of triumph seemed to flash deep within Yera's dark eyes, but it was as fleeting as an illusion. She tilted her head slightly, her icy gaze lingering on Suri's pale lips, which were parted slightly in surprise and embarrassment, for a mere second.

Then, in that cold and indifferent tone, she stated her "conditions" word by word:

“Let me… hold you a little longer. And…” She paused, a dark current seeming to surge in her eyes, but her tone remained terrifyingly calm, “… kiss me. Here.” With her free hand, she lightly touched her cold cheek with her fingertips.

Suri: "!!!!!!!!!"

His eyes widened instantly, his dark pupils filled with disbelief, absurdity, and...immense shame! A hug for a while was one thing! But...kiss her?! Kiss Yela's face?! This icy-faced, expressionless woman who had no sense of restraint?! What a joke! What kind of condition was this?! Was she taking advantage of his misfortune?! Or...purely twisted humor?!

"Are you...are you crazy?!" Suri squeezed out the words through clenched teeth, his cheeks instantly turning bright red, even the ear that Yela was pinching felt incredibly hot! He felt his mind go blank from excessive shock and shame!

“The choice is yours.” Yera’s tone remained unchanged, as if discussing the weather. “Accept the conditions, and I’ll help you. Don’t accept…” She released her grip on Suri’s ear, making a move to let go of him, a cold, undeniable chill flashing in her dark eyes, “…You can go back to bed now and continue sleeping. I will personally ‘escort’ you back, and…make sure that tonight, and ever since, you cannot leave the Holy Mountain without alerting me.”

Her threat was clear and effective. Suri had no doubt that Yella was capable of it. If she got his eye on him, his plans for tonight (and any future private actions) would be completely ruined.

A surge of immense shame and coerced anger welled up in Suri's chest. He stared intently at Yella's face, so close yet expressionless, which now seemed exceptionally "hateful." Moonlight streamed in through the window, outlining the hard lines of her profile and her unfathomable black eyes.

Time ticked by, each second feeling like an eternity. The sound of wind and snow outside the window seemed to subside, as if awaiting the outcome of this "deal."

Ultimately, his worry for Enya and his urgency to investigate the situation down the mountain overwhelmed the shame that was threatening to engulf Suri. He gritted his teeth and let out a low, almost desperate, and humiliating growl from deep in his throat: "...Fine!...I promise you!...Hurry up!"

A fleeting, almost shrewd, glint flashed in Yela's dark eyes. She didn't speak, but simply tightened her embrace around Su Rui, holding him even closer. Her chin rested gently on the top of his head, her nose almost imperceptibly brushing against his soft hair. Her embrace was cold and firm, yet it possessed a strange, reassuring sense of stability.

Su Rui stiffly sat in her embrace, his cheek forced against her cool neck, where he could feel the steady, strong throbbing of her carotid artery. He closed his eyes, forcing himself to ignore this extremely shameful and bizarre position, his mind only focused on ending this "nightmare" as soon as possible.

Yera hugged him for a long time, so long that Suri was about to burst again, before she finally, very slowly, released her arms.

Volume 18, Chapter 1144: Secret Help

Suri immediately took a step back, creating distance. Her cheeks were still flushed red, and her dark eyes glared fiercely at Yella, as if she wanted to devour her alive.

Yela seemed oblivious to his murderous glare, merely turning her head slightly, bringing her pale, cold left cheek closer to Suri. Her eyes were even slightly closed, her long eyelashes casting a small shadow beneath them, her expression calm... as if she were merely waiting for an insignificant touch.

Looking at Yela's "at your mercy" (or so he thought) posture, Suri felt a surge of heat rush to his head! He wanted nothing more than to turn around and leave immediately, or even punch her! But... thinking of Enya, thinking of his sister down the mountain, thinking of his humiliating promise just now...

He took a deep breath, then another, as if to bolster his courage, or perhaps to gather his strength. Finally, he abruptly closed his eyes, and with an almost resolute, stiff posture, he swiftly, almost lightly, touched Yera's cold, smooth cheek with his lips!

It felt cool to the touch, carrying Yera's unique cool fragrance. The touch was fleeting, as quick as a hallucination.

Suri jerked back as if burned, stumbling several steps until his back hit the cold wall. He gasped for breath, his cheeks flushed red like a boiled shrimp, his dark eyes filled with shame, humiliation, and… an indescribable confusion. He could feel his lips burning!

Yera slowly opened her eyes. She raised her hand and, with her fingertips, gently stroked the cheek that had just been touched. There, a faint trace of Suri's warm, soft touch seemed to linger. The ice in her dark eyes seemed to completely melt away, replaced by a... extremely deep light, filled with satisfaction and a strange gentleness... though that light was fleeting, so quick that one might think it was an illusion.

“Deal.” Yera lowered her hand, her icy composure returning, her voice regaining its usual chill, but upon closer listening, it seemed… to have gained a barely perceptible… gentleness? “You have one night. You must return before dawn. Do not venture into the core area of ​​the Shivaesh family, do not engage in conflict with anyone, and prioritize verifying Miss Enshia's safety. If you discover anything unusual, retreat immediately, without hesitation.”

She paused, her dark eyes fixed on Su Rui, and added, her tone carrying an undeniable warning: "Remember, your safety is paramount. If you don't return before dawn, or if I sense you're facing unmanageable danger... I will descend the mountain immediately. What happens then will be beyond your control."

Su Rui took a few deep breaths, forcibly suppressing the shame, anger, and turmoil in his heart, and forced himself to calm down. He knew that what Yera said was true, and it was the final line. He nodded, his voice a little hoarse: "...Understood."

Yera said no more, stepping aside to clear the doorway. At the same time, her fingers swiftly traced several complex and profound runes in the air. A faint, almost imperceptible pale golden light flashed, and the door clicked open automatically.

“Go,” Yera said softly, giving Suri a deep look with her dark eyes. “Be careful.”

Su Rui glanced at her one last time, then without further hesitation, pulled down her hood and, like a ghost, silently slipped out of the room, disappearing into the dark corridor outside.

Yela stood there, staring silently at the empty doorway. After a long while, she slowly raised her hand, her fingertips gently brushing her cheek once more. There, as if, lingered the faint warmth of that fleeting touch.

"...Come back soon," she murmured to herself in a voice only she could hear. Then, she turned and silently left the room, gently closing the door behind her. She didn't return to her own room, but stood quietly outside Enya's door like a loyal guardian, her back against the cold wall, her eyes closed. Her senses, like the most sophisticated radar, spread outwards from the sacred mountain, firmly locking onto the aura of the silver-haired boy rapidly descending the mountain, disappearing into the snowy night.

This night will likely be extraordinary for Suri, for Yera, for Enya, and for all of Sherag. And what changes will this nighttime journey, which began with "coercion" and "transaction," bring? Only time will tell.

The winter nights in Shelag were bitterly cold, with wind and snow like knives. But for Suri (the snow leopard version), this harsh environment became his best cover. Like a silent phantom in the night, he moved swiftly through steep ridges, jagged ice cliffs, and knee-deep snow. His furry snow leopard ears keenly caught the faint sounds in the distance amidst the howling wind—the footsteps of patrols, the low barks of hunting dogs, and… the faint light and noise from human settlements. His large tail, coiled around his waist, served as an excellent balancer, allowing him to maintain astonishing agility and stability on the slippery, steep mountain paths.

The descent was smoother than he had anticipated. Perhaps it was because of Yera's silent "acquiescence" and "help" (Suri thought awkwardly about the "deal"), but he encountered no unexpected obstacles along the way. He could even vaguely sense an extremely faint yet exceptionally pure spiritual power, imbued with the aura of ice and snow, brushing past him like invisible threads, erasing some traces that might reveal his whereabouts (such as overly clear footprints in the snow), and seemingly... subtly pointing in a certain direction.

Was that... Yera guiding him from the shadows? Suri's heart skipped a beat, and he gained a deeper understanding of the power of this icy maid (goddess). He did not resist this guidance, but instead followed the faint sensation, hurrying down the mountain towards the area with the densest lights and the most magnificent buildings.

That place is the core territory of the Shivaish family, the headquarters of the Kalan Trading Company, and also Silver Grey's residence—a vast architectural complex at the foot of Mount Kalan, combining the style of a traditional Sherag stone fortress with the grandeur of a Victorian manor.

Su Rui lay lurking in the shadows of a frozen thicket on the outskirts of the manor, his dark eyes scanning the defenses before him like the most sophisticated instruments. Towering stone walls, patrolling guards, the faint glow of Originium Arts warning arrays… the defenses were tight, but not impenetrable. At least, for a stealth user of Su Rui's caliber, they weren't insurmountable obstacles.

Volume 18, Chapter 1145: The Infiltrator

Suri didn't choose to sneak in through the main gate or the side gate; that would be too foolish. His gaze fell on the towering spire of the main building of the manor, adorned with intricate carvings and icicles. That was the relatively weakest point in the defenses, yet also the most difficult to climb.

Suri took a deep breath of the icy air and flexed his fingers. He didn't use any fancy Originium Arts (in fact, his current state was rather unstable), relying solely on his enhanced physical strength, exceptional balance, and… a small amount of instinctive talent derived from his "snow leopard" form. Like a real snow leopard living on cliffs, he silently and almost vertically began to climb up the slippery, cold rock face! His fingertips precisely gripped the grooves in the crevices and reliefs, his toes (wearing specially made soft-soled boots) firmly clung to tiny protrusions, and his tail, coiled around his waist, now acted like a third hand, deftly wrapping around protruding icicles or stone carvings, providing additional support and adjustment.

The wind and snow howled, threatening to lift him off the high wall. But he remained as steady as a rock, his movements fluid and breathtaking. In just a few minutes, he had, like a ghost, scaled the spire terrace at the very top of the main building.

Without pausing, he slid down the steep roof like a gecko, precisely avoiding several tiles that might have been set with alarms. His target was clear—the enormous arched window on the third floor of the main building, with the largest balcony and carved with the double-axe emblem. According to information Yera had "inadvertently" revealed earlier (or rather, part of the "deal"), that was where Silver Grey, Ensiodes Shivaesh's study and bedroom, was located.

Suri landed lightly on the wide, snow-covered balcony without making a sound. He crouched down, his dark eyes peering into the room through the frost-covered glass window.

The room was enormous, its furnishings luxurious yet stark. A massive fireplace, roaring with fire, occupied an entire wall, dispelling the winter chill. Dark wood bookshelves were overflowing with books and files, while maps and documents lay open on a large desk. On the other side of the room stood a four-poster bed draped with heavy curtains. At this moment, the curtains were drawn low, revealing the vague outline of a reclining human figure, breathing evenly, seemingly fast asleep.

Suri's ears twitched slightly, catching every subtle sound in the room—the crackling of the burning wood in the fireplace, the howling of the wind and snow outside the window, and… the steady, long breathing of the person on the bed. He held his breath, extended a glove coated with Originium Arts material that could block most detection and alarm signals, and gently placed it on the latch of the window frame. With a slight movement of his fingertips, an extremely faint "click," almost completely masked by the sound of the wind and snow, rang out, and the latch was silently pried open.

He pushed open a gap just wide enough for one person to pass sideways, and like a slippery fish, silently slipped into the room. The cold, snowy air rushed in instantly, but was quickly swallowed up by the warm, spring-like air inside. Su Rui gently closed the window behind him, his movements as light as brushing away dust.

He stood in the shadows in the center of the room, not moving immediately. His dark eyes, like those of the most composed hunter, scanned the entire room once more. The documents on the desk, the maps on the wall, the expensive wines displayed in the wine cabinet beside the fireplace… Finally, his gaze settled on the large bed with its curtains drawn low.

Enya's worried younger sister, Enshia, wasn't here. Therefore, his primary objective was to ascertain SilverAsh's attitude, and... see if he could find any clues about Enshia's whereabouts, or... any hints of the Shiva Ash family's next move.

He could have searched the room like a ghost and left quietly without leaving a trace. But for some reason, looking at the large bed that symbolized the core of the Shivaesh family's power and ambition, thinking of the complex emotions of disgust and alienation in Enya's eyes when she mentioned this brother, and the way she tossed and turned because she was worried about her sister... a sudden, irrepressible, almost mischievous impulse welled up in Suri's heart.

He didn't want to leave empty-handed. At least... he needed to let this "troublesome SilverAsh" know that someone had been there. He needed to let him know that those on the Holy Mountain weren't completely ignorant of everything below, nor were they... completely incapable of reacting.

And... perhaps, we could... give him a little "reminder"?

Suri's lips curved into an almost imperceptible, yet chilling, smile. He tiptoed to the large, softly leather-covered armchair by the fireplace and sat down quite naturally. He even adjusted his posture to make himself more comfortable, letting his bushy tail, which had slipped out from under his cloak, spread out and rest gently on the armrest.

Then, he reached out and picked up an empty glass from the low table beside him. With perfect ease, he reached into the nearby liquor cabinet and casually took out the most appealing-looking (most fancy label?) amber-colored spirit. He deftly unscrewed the cork (without even making a loud noise) and slowly poured the rich aroma of oak and spice into the glass.

The amber liquid gleamed alluringly in the fireplace light. Suri picked up his glass, but didn't drink immediately. He simply brought it to his nose and inhaled lightly. The strong aroma of alcohol mingled with complex fragrances, causing him to furrow his brow almost imperceptibly. He actually… didn't particularly like such overly strong flavors. But at this moment, this drink was part of his "performance."

He turned his head slightly, his gaze falling on the large bed. Then, with his fingertips, he tapped very lightly, yet with a certain rhythm, the smooth surface of the glass.

"Ding--"

A crisp, subtle, yet remarkably clear sound suddenly rang out in the silent room, where only the crackling of the fireplace could be heard! Like a pebble thrown into a calm lake!

Almost the instant the sound rang out!

The previously steady and long breathing on the bed stopped almost imperceptibly! Then came the extremely slight rustling of fabric! The low-hanging curtains, without any wind, were slightly lifted up by one corner!

A pair of cold, sharp, hawk-like eyes, initially showing signs of confusion upon awakening but instantly transforming into extreme vigilance… a grey-blue gaze shot out from the gap in the curtains! With unparalleled precision, they locked onto the… uninvited guest on the sofa beside the fireplace!

Their eyes met!

The air seemed to freeze at that moment! The firelight from the fireplace danced on their faces, reflecting completely different expressions—Suri's was nonchalant, with a hint of languor and scrutiny; while Silver Grey's was shock, vigilance, and a hint of offended, cold anger!

Volume 18, page 1146 has been discovered.

SilverAsh (Ensiodis Shivaesh) slowly sat up in bed. He didn't get up immediately, nor did he exclaim or shout; he simply stared intently at Suri on the sofa with his seemingly penetrating grey-blue eyes. He looked to be around thirty years old, with a handsome yet cold face, his short grey-grey hair meticulously styled. Even just awakened, he exuded an unapproachable authority and… a profound composure. He wore a dark silk robe, the collar slightly open, revealing his well-defined collarbones. He radiated an aura of pressure from someone accustomed to a superior position, and… a warrior's restrained sharpness.

"Who are you?" Silver Gray's voice rang out, deep and steady, revealing little emotion, yet every word seemed to carry an icy chill. "How did you get in?" His gaze swept quickly over Su Rui's heavily concealed cloak, lingering for a moment on the slightly trembling, furry ears peeking out from the hood. A fleeting, inscrutable look of surprise crossed his eyes, but it quickly returned to its cold scrutiny. Finally, his gaze settled on the untouched amber-colored liquid in Su Rui's hand.

Suri didn't answer his question. He didn't even look at SilverAsh, but simply tilted his head back slightly, brought the strong liquor in his glass to his lips, and took a small sip.

"Tsk..." The thick, spicy liquid slid down his throat, bringing a burning sensation. Su Rui's brows furrowed instantly, his face revealing undisguised, genuine disgust. He smacked his lips, as if savoring some kind of unpalatable poison, and then... very casually... placed the glass, still more than half full, on the low table beside him. It made a soft "clunk" sound.

His posture and movements made it seem as if he were the master of the room, and SilverAsh was merely an unwelcome intruder who had disturbed his enjoyment of wine.

His silver-grayish-blue eyes narrowed instantly! The chill in his eyes almost froze into ice! His hand, hidden under the blanket, moved almost imperceptibly. Suri's ears keenly caught a very faint, metallic scraping sound—was it a weapon hidden under the pillow? Or some kind of alarm trigger?

But Su Rui remained as steady as a mountain. He even... adjusted his posture, sinking deeper into the soft animal-skin sofa, and his bushy tail unconsciously brushed lightly against the armrest.

"The liquor isn't very good." Su Rui finally spoke, his voice slightly hoarse from drinking strong liquor, his tone flat yet carrying a strange casualness, as if he were commenting on the weather. "The defenses here... are just so-so."

SilverAsh remained silent, merely observing him coldly, seemingly assessing and calculating. This uninvited guest, capable of silently infiltrating his most heavily guarded bedroom, sitting so calmly before him, even commenting on his wine… was no ordinary person. Those beast ears… were they a disguise? Or some rare racial characteristic? What was his purpose?

"The Browntao family buried seventeen animal traps coated with paralyzing poison under the third lightning-struck tree east of Old Forest Road, targeting large livestock and... people wearing heavy armor," Suri suddenly said abruptly, his gaze still not on Silver Grey, but on the leaping flames in the fireplace, as if talking to himself. "The Perroch family's shepherds recently secretly poured a slow-acting herbal powder into the water source upstream of 'Gray Rock Creek,' causing diarrhea and weakness in livestock. The dosage was small, but it adds up."

He paused, picked up the glass of wine that had been rejected from the low table, took another small sip, his brows furrowing even more, but he still swallowed it, and then continued in that calm tone: "The two families have met privately three times. The locations were the hunter's hut in Black Pine Valley, the abandoned outpost on the south bank of 'Ice Tear Lake,' and... a fur shop newly opened by a distant cousin of the Blangtao family at the trading post. It seems they talked about more than just the mines, and it also seemed to involve... a few old grudges from years past, and... the commission rate of the Kalan Trading Company on the eastern trade route."

With each word Su Rui spoke, the coldness in Silver Gray's eyes deepened, but at the same time, a hint of undisguised shock and solemnity flashed across his face! Some of this information he already possessed, some he was investigating, and some... he knew absolutely nothing about! Moreover, the locations and details mentioned by the other party were terrifyingly precise! This was definitely not something a madman who spoke carelessly could fabricate!

Who exactly is this mysterious, uninvited guest with animal ears? Why is he telling me all this? This information is undoubtedly extremely beneficial to the Shiva's family! It allows them to take precautions in advance, and even... counterattack!

"Why are you telling me all this?" SilverAsh finally spoke again, his voice still steady, but the scrutiny and inquiry in it were now so strong that it was impossible to ignore.

Su Rui put down his wine glass, this time with no intention of drinking anymore. He turned his head slightly, and for the first time, looked directly at Silver Gray on the bed. His obsidian-like eyes appeared unfathomable in the firelight, calm and undisturbed.

“For no reason.” Suri’s voice was soft, yet it carried a strange penetrating power. “I just feel that… although Enya doesn’t say it, she probably… still cares.” He paused, added two words, and his tone seemed to soften slightly, “…at least, she cares about Enya.”

"Enya?!" Silver Gray's pupils suddenly contracted! The calm expression he had maintained finally cracked! He abruptly sat up straight on the bed, his gray-blue eyes flashing with a sharp, knife-like light as he stared intently at Su Rui! "You know Enya? Did she send you?! Where is she?! How is she?!" A barrage of questions came out like a machine gun, his tone filled with undisguised urgency, worry, and... a complex emotion that Su Rui couldn't fully decipher.

It seems that SilverAsh isn't entirely without feelings for his sister Enya? At least, this subconscious concern isn't entirely feigned.

Suri didn't answer his question. He simply stood up slowly, his movements still unhurried. He pulled his hood down, once again concealing his face and those conspicuous ears in shadow.

"The wine is awful." Suri glanced one last time at the amber liquid he had rejected, his tone tinged with genuine complaint. Then, he looked at Silver, a faint, yet chilling, glint flashing in his dark eyes. "Mind your own business. Don't bring trouble... to where it shouldn't."