Wizard: My magic facility can be upgraded!

Chapter 170: Using fine wine and barbecue to get everyone talking.

Chapter 170: Using fine wine and barbecue to get everyone talking.

As Maya made the announcement, Li Ang and his team neatly arranged the black goats on the shelf.

Then the caravan set off again. The two unicorns seemed unaffected by the bloodshed of the battlefield, still moving with light and steady steps, pulling the magnificent carriages as they sped towards Ironforge.

Li Ang sat in the carriage, sorting through the clues he already knew. Then he took out the leather notebook again, lightly touched the paper with the quill pen tip, and added a new entry:

Fifth point of doubt: Some people do not want Maya to return to Ironforge, but their intention is only to intimidate and drive her away, not to kill her.

This is based on Li Ang's discovery that the Royal Guard Division, unaware of its own true combat strength, deployed two hundred heavy cavalrymen without using magic-powered firearms.

This gave Li Ang the feeling that the other party just wanted to use absolute force to make Maya back down. When they encountered Olivia, who was a tough nut to crack, they did not use the magic firearm, probably because they were afraid of accidentally injuring Maya.

As Li Ang closed his notebook, his mind raced with thoughts; this situation was quite intriguing.

What exactly is their purpose? Is it merely to prevent Maya from challenging for the throne, or is there a deeper scheme at play?

With these questions in mind, Li Ang and his group finally approached their destination by evening of the following day.

On the distant horizon, the outline of a majestic black mountain appeared, its enormous shadow resembling a giant beast lurking on the earth.

As Li Ang and his group got closer to the mountain, they discovered that countless holes had been carved into its surface, through which layers of lights and architectural structures could be vaguely seen.

Only then did everyone realize that it was not an ordinary mountain, but Ironforge, the royal city of the dwarves.

After Copperbeard's explanation, the enforcement team learned that the entire Ironforge was built on top of a huge, hollowed-out iron mine.

At the very top of the castle lies the royal palace area.

Below that are the noble district and the largest commoners district, clearly distinguishing between the different areas.

Just as Li Ang had predicted, the news of Sandramea's return with the "Ten Knights" had spread like wildfire throughout the streets and alleys of Ironforge.

When they arrived at the massive, steel-built city gate, large enough for giants to pass through, it was already packed with people who had come after hearing the news.

Curiosity, scrutiny, anticipation—all sorts of gazes were cast upon them, and this was exactly the effect Li Ang wanted.

After all, under such intense public scrutiny, no underhanded tactics could be employed.

Under the watchful eyes of countless people, the guards could only obediently collect the entrance fee and dared not ask any further questions before respectfully letting the group, which was destined to cause trouble, pass through.

Maya led the group, and amidst the onlookers, walked proudly through the gates of Ironforge.

Two years and three months later, she finally returned.

The interior of Ironforge was even more breathtaking for those who had never been there before.

Here, the dome soars high, and above the dome hangs a huge magic lamp that emits a stable white light, simulating the natural light from the outside world.

A complex network of passageways and bridges connects different levels of the area, with houses and shops standing side by side. The clanging of blacksmiths, the noisy shouts of vendors, and the constant chatter of the surrounding crowds create a vibrant atmosphere full of life.

Guided by Copperbeard, they crossed the bustling main road and arrived at an inn called "Honey and Wine," located in the upper part of the commoners' district, near the entrance to the noble district.

With the help of hotel staff, Li Ang and his team unloaded their luggage and supplies from the car and rented the entire third floor of the hotel as their temporary base for the operation.

Bronzebeard then went alone to the Iron Hammer Guild headquarters to return the Unicorn Cart.

The hotel has eight rooms on the third floor, and Li Ang quickly arranged them according to the previous allocation plan.

The remaining two rooms were used as a supply warehouse and the largest room was set up as a temporary combat command center.

After settling in, Li Ang instructed Nelson to negotiate with the innkeeper, pay the innkeeper a substantial processing fee, and ask them to carefully roast the four fattest and tenderest black goats brought back from the battlefield as the main course for the evening.

As night fell, the lobby of the "Honey and Wine" hotel was bustling with activity.

Not only did Li Ang and his group dine here, but many dwarf citizens who had heard the news also gathered here.

They packed the hall to the brim, and the focus of their discussions was on the upcoming "Duel of Courage" and the returning princess.

On the long table for Li Ang and the others, there were three whole roasted lambs, golden brown and crispy, and exuding a wonderful aroma, as well as an open barrel of laurel wine that emitted a faint blue glow and floral fragrance.

The banquet was hosted by Maya, who generously greeted the surrounding crowd and announced that everyone would receive food and drink that night.

This declaration further fueled the atmosphere, with the crowd praising the princess's generosity, and no one caring that she was an exiled person.

The hotel staff busied themselves, and soon everyone present was given a glass of laurel wine and a large skewer of hearty roasted lamb.

The atmosphere in the hall instantly reached a climax, with cheers and expressions of gratitude rising and falling.

Taking this opportunity, Sandra Maya stood on a sturdy wooden table and announced loudly to the crowd: "Fellow citizens of Ironforge, the rumors you have heard are true. I, Sandra Maya Maxwell, will soon challenge my father, the King, to a duel of courage, according to ancient tradition. We will soon participate in the trial to gain the qualification to challenge for the throne!"

As soon as she finished speaking, she was met with even louder cheers and the sound of wine glasses clattering on the table.

Maya pressed her advantage, declaring loudly, "After I win the victory and become your new king, I will surely resolve the difficulties you all face. Now, tell me, what are your grievances? What difficulties do you encounter? Speak freely!"

This was like pouring cold water into boiling oil; the crowd immediately erupted in chaos.

People gathered around, each sharing their own stories of the past two years.

Li Ang sat on the side, seemingly enjoying his roasted mutton, but in reality, he was listening intently, taking in all the grievances and complaints of the people.

Aside from Olivia being completely absorbed in enjoying the food and ignoring the complaints around her, the other team members seemed to casually blend into different small groups and began their own intelligence gathering work on topics that required in-depth understanding.

The banquet ended amidst noise and slight intoxication. Olivia patted her round belly contentedly, while the other team members, each carrying the information they had gathered, returned one after another to the operations command room on the third floor.

Captain Eric carefully closed the door, tapped his wand lightly, and an invisible soundproof barrier once again isolated the room from the outside world.

"Alright," Li Ang looked around at everyone, his gaze calm, "let's summarize what everyone has found out."