As far as the Sarkaz were concerned, they were generally divided into three factions.
The victorious Theresis faction was the most populous.
After all, the blood feud between the Sarkaz and the nations of Terra had stretched on for thousands of years. Coupled with the presence of several old monsters who had lived for hundreds or even thousands of years and supported vengeance, and with the backing of the Royal Court and the Military Committee, they seemed to be preparing for something big.
Then there was the defeated faction of Theresa. Even though Theresa had died in battle, very few of her subordinates chose to defect to Theresis; most of them scattered and fled. However, from Flandre's words, Buldrokkas'tee could tell that this group was like a centipede that was dead but not stiff—their influence lingered.
Even if Theresa was dead, her spirit continued to be passed down among these people.
And finally, there were the completely neutral escapists.
Sarkaz who were unwilling to participate in the civil war between the two sides chose to leave Kazdel.
They were not deserters, but rather individuals unwilling to point their weapons at their own compatriots.
But regardless of the faction, they all held sufficient respect for the individuals known as the Six Heroes of the Sarkaz.
After all, if they hadn't turned the tide back then and saved the crumbling structure, Kazdel would likely have become history entirely.
Especially Her Highness Theresa; her gentleness and tolerance had held up a piece of the sky for the future of the Sarkaz amidst a sea of iron and blood.
So even opponents would respectfully add the title 'Her Highness' when referring to Theresa.
This was not just because she was the current Demon King, but also because of her contributions to the Sarkaz.
But when Flandre mentioned her, she was extremely calm, showing neither sadness nor anger, as if she were a complete bystander.
This was quite incredible among the Sarkaz.
If it weren't for the fact that the traces of a Blood Demon on her were too obvious, and her fighting style was also extremely characteristic of a Blood Demon...
He would have thought she was a Shapeshifter wearing a Blood Demon's skin.
Only those fellows wouldn't care about anything.
Having received the news, Talulah rushed back the next day.
At this moment, a piece of paper lay before her, the handwriting on it hideously ugly.
Even the writing she did when she was ten years old looked better than this.
But the content on it was what caught her attention.
After carefully identifying and reading through it, she looked at Buldrokkas'tee beside her.
"Your Excellency Patriot, what do you think of this matter?"
"Possible. Consider. Valuable."
Patriot had clearly already thought about this, so he answered quickly when Talulah asked.
"Alright then. While the wind and snow haven't arrived yet, we'll arrange for people to head south. If we're lucky, by the time winter passes, they can return with the goods." Talulah had a decisive personality; since she felt the matter was feasible, she pushed forward resolutely.
"Do you know the approximate current location of that company called Rhodes Island?"
Talulah looked toward Flandre Scarlet.
"They should still be in Rim Billiton, I think!"
Flandre thought for a moment and answered uncertainly.
In her memory, after Theresa's death, Rhodes Island returned to Rim Billiton. Where they went after that was unclear, but since they started from Rim Billiton, it would either be Yan to the east or a detour through Siracusa in the southwest to reach Leithanien and Victoria.
"Rim Billiton, huh? It's not too difficult to get there from here!"
Talulah rubbed her chin.
"I remember we have someone in our ranks who speaks the common tongue; he used to be a diplomat. Arrange for two skilled hands to go with him to find that Rhodes Island.
Hmm, Patriot and I will each write a letter as well. That should be enough to show our sincerity."
After Talulah finished speaking, the group began to take action.
They first called over the Infected man who had been a diplomat and explained the situation; he agreed immediately.
In his eyes, this was practically a cushy job.
After all, no matter how bad an organization with a mobile landship was, it couldn't be worse than the Reunion Movement.
Moreover, it was a pharmaceutical company researching oripathy. If he could be stationed there long-term, wouldn't he have an endless supply of medicine? It would be much better than waiting miserably like this for a ration of medicine that he didn't know when would reach his hands.
"As for the people escorting him, my suggestion is to arrange for two. Our Yeti Squad will provide Big Bear.
His oripathy has entered the mid-stage; sending him to Rhodes Island for treatment will also let us see their level of expertise.
Talulah, why don't you recommend one as well!"
Yelena looked at Talulah. Her suggestion was also a form of protection.
If something went wrong, the result wouldn't be Talulah's fault alone.
Talulah nodded.
"Speaking of candidates, I have someone named Red. He's quite capable, and the location of his oripathy is very sensitive. He's not only suitable for escort work, but once there, we can also gauge their abilities through Rhodes Island's treatment of him."
After finishing, the two of them saw Flandre Scarlet dozing off not far away.
"Oh, it's fine as long as you guys work it out. I was just giving a suggestion; I really didn't expect you'd want me to get involved."
Flandre wiped the corner of her mouth; luckily, she hadn't drooled.
Although she said that, she had a vague memory of the two people they mentioned.
She didn't remember the former very well, but the latter was that 'Red Blade' guy who hacked his way through the Area 59 Ruins.
Though her memory was a bit fuzzy, someone that capable at fighting definitely wasn't simple.
Soon, both of them were called over.
Regarding the escort mission, Big Bear was somewhat reluctant to go, but after being caught and lectured by Frostnova, he obediently went back to pack his bags.
As for Red, he had no problem with it at all.
After the group finished discussing, they sent them to prepare their gear, to set out tomorrow for the south to find the location of Rhodes Island.
Flandre Scarlet had already gone back to continue her study of the Ursus language.
"Can that Rhodes Island you mentioned really cure oripathy?"
After studying for a while, Alina asked curiously during a break.
"I don't know, but Rhodes Island has many powerful doctors. Even if they can't cure it, alleviating it shouldn't be a problem."
Flandre shook her head.
oripathy was an incurable disease for the people of Terra.
Alina also knew that a complete cure was unrealistic. If the suffering of oripathy patients could be reduced, it would already be remarkable.
A few days later, the north wind brought drifting snow into the camp.
Although the children were very happy stepping into the ankle-deep snow,
the adults were all frowning.
This year's winter had arrived several days earlier than in previous years.
This made everyone's preparations seem somewhat insufficient.
Just then, Talulah walked over with a look of annoyance.
It turned out that not long ago, a group of Infected who had recently joined felt that the Reunion Movement couldn't provide them with a better life, so they chose to steal some supplies and prepare to flee.
They were then caught red-handed by Talulah and her group.
Patriot advocated for 'cleaning up' all these 'traitors,' but Talulah felt that the reason they did this was because she hadn't done well enough and couldn't give them confidence.
So she insisted on letting them leave.
The two sides had a heated argument over this.
Now that she was back, she was pouring out her ideals and her sadness over Patriot's lack of understanding to Alina.
Flandre curled her lip at this.
This small gesture was fully observed by Alina.
"Little Flandre, do you have a different view on this matter?"
Flandre tilted her head.
"Sister Talulah said those people already brandished weapons at them, right? Flandre believes that once weapons are brandished, they are enemies, and enemies should all be killed!"
Flandre's words caused the temperature in the room to drop suddenly.
She looked at Talulah and spoke in the Yan language.
"I've read a novel from Yan, and there's a saying in it that I think is very right: 'Those who follow different paths cannot make plans together.' Those people dared to raise weapons against you protectors, so they will also dare to raise weapons against other unarmed Infected and ordinary people.
You can allow their behavior because of your own kindness and faith, but you must have the resolve to pay the price for everything you do."
Flandre deliberately spoke in Yan dialect, clearly not wanting Alina to understand.
And Talulah, the only one who could understand this passage, felt her body tense up again.
Alina sensed the abnormality in Talulah's body and looked at the two of them with some concern.
She didn't know exactly what had happened.
But it was very clear that Flandre's words had a great impact on Talulah.
Recalling Flandre's words just now, she probably meant that Talulah should have agreed with Patriot's opinion and executed all those people.
"Alright, alright! Talulah, it's right for you to stick to your principles.
If it weren't for that, how would everyone be willing to unite around you?"
Alina reached out and stroked Talulah's hair to calm her emotions.
At this time, someone came to find Talulah, stating that the front line needed her support. She could only suppress the unease in her heart caused by Flandre's words and lead her subordinates out.
After she left, Alina first gave Flandre a reproachful look and then looked up at the sky.
"It's still early. I'm planning to go to the neighboring village to see if I can trade for some things. Flandre, do you want to come along?"
Flandre stood up.
"Of course, if Sister Alina wants me to go."
After Flandre finished speaking, Alina lightly flicked her forehead.
"What are you saying? How could I refuse your company, Flandre."
Alina took a basket from the side, which contained some trinkets, and the two of them walked out of the house one after the other.
"Whew, it's really cold!"
As soon as she stepped out, facing the swirling snow, Alina shivered.
Beside her, Flandre was also wearing a fluffy coat.
Although she didn't feel the cold.
But she couldn't help it; Alina felt she was cold.
So she could only reluctantly put on a robe that Alina had specially prepared for her.
They happened to run into Talulah's group, who were also preparing to head out, near the entrance.
Learning that Alina and Flandre were going to the neighboring village to see if they could trade for some things, she reminded them that it gets dark very quickly lately and told them not to stay out too long.
As for safety, with Flandre Scarlet there, she didn't have to worry too much.
After the two sides split at the fork in the road, the two of them passed through a forest and reached their destination.
This small village was only about half a day's journey from the Reunion Movement's camp.
The people here naturally knew about the situation with the Infected.
To be precise, most of the people here had some connection with the Infected, or had family members who were Infected living with the Reunion Movement.
One reason for their existence was to provide cover for the Reunion Movement.
Flandre had also been here once or twice with Alina during this time, and many people knew her, so she didn't hide her wings.
After the two entered the village, many people they knew waved and greeted them.
Alina led Flandre while responding and arrived at a general store.
"It's Alina. Have you brought little Flandre to trade things again?"
The middle-aged woman in the shop smiled and greeted her.
"Yes, I just happened to make some more trinkets during this time. Auntie, see how much you can trade for them!"
Alina smiled and handed over the basket in her hand.
"Alina, your hands are so clever. Among the things sent over, yours are the most exquisite."
The woman took the basket from Alina's hand and praised her while sighing with admiration.
"Auntie, you're joking."
"Alright, see if this grain is enough. I'll also give little Flandre two more feather beast eggs. If it hadn't been for little Flandre's help before, my man would probably have been taken away by the Reconnaissance Squad.
He even mentioned in his letter before that I should properly thank little Flandre."
The auntie said as she picked out two more feather beast eggs and put them in the basket.
"Auntie, how can I accept this..."
Alina wanted to push them back, but the old woman held her hand.
"Sigh, this is a thank-you gift for little Flandre, not for you.
You're just helping little Flandre carry them back. Isn't that right!"
The old woman looked at Flandre with a beaming smile.
Flandre blinked. Although she didn't eat ordinary food, she wouldn't refuse others' kindness and gifts.
Alina glanced at Flandre, and seeing that she didn't refuse, she could only helplessly put them in the basket.
After leaving the door, she looked at Flandre.
"You don't even eat ordinary food, so what do you want these for?"
"A gift is a kindness. Kindness should be accepted; if not, others will be sad."
Flandre Scarlet answered solemnly.
Hearing her words, Alina speechlessly rubbed her head and then looked at the sky.
"The trading is finished, so let's hurry back, or it will be dark."
Flandre nodded, and the two began to walk slowly back toward the main camp.
When they reached the small forest, several people holding short knives suddenly jumped out.
They looked at the basket in Alina's hand with greedy eyes.
"Give me the things in the basket—no, give me the whole basket."
Alina stepped back two paces, blocking Flandre's line of sight.
"No, I got this through my hard work weaving; I can't give it to you."
"Why waste words with her? Let's hurry up and grab it and run, lest we get caught by the Guerrilla Squad."
One of them saw the grain and the feather beast eggs in the basket, and his eyes couldn't help but turn red.
Just as he rushed over, there was a sudden 'bang,' and the hand holding the knife that was stabbing toward Alina suddenly exploded.
Blood, along with bits of meat and bone, splashed everywhere.
He was stunned for a second before he started screaming in agony.
The people behind him were also terrified by his wretched state.
"Flandre, don't!" Alina tried to block Flandre's actions.
But in the next second, three Flandres appeared in front of her, looking expressionlessly at those who wanted to flee.
"Sister Alina is a good person and needs protection.
Those who attack Sister Alina are all enemies and need to be killed!"