The High Priest burst into laughter upon hearing my answer, making one wonder if he was overjoyed for me.
"No, brother! How did you become the next Temple Guard Commander?!"
Ada hadn't recovered from this explosive news. His mouth hung open, and I could clearly see bits of meat between his teeth. His comical appearance at that moment was like a hippopotamus waiting for prey to arrive!
"Ada, I'll explain in detail when I get back."
I whispered to Ada, letting him know that this was not the right occasion to discuss the whole story, especially with the High Priest and Pan Lili still present. Some things were better left unsaid to Ada.
"Batu, it's wonderful that you can understand."
Ada's sudden interruption didn't dampen the High Priest's spirits. He smiled at me, stroking the few gray hairs on his chin, looking like a weasel about to steal a chicken, his eyes full of cunning.
This old man looked utterly wicked. I wondered what secret plots he was brewing to harm me.
Looking at the High Priest's wrinkled face, which resembled a worn-out shoe sole, I wished I could slap him hard.
However, I wasn't too worried about my own safety. After all, the High Priest was bound by his status. On the surface, I was the Temple Guard Commander, and he couldn't openly attack me.
As for covert attacks, it would be ambushes or assassinations. Now, I was pretending to be severely injured and not yet recovered. If the High Priest dared to send someone to kill me, I could turn the tables and use it to confront him!
"High Priest, what are you talking about? I am now a member of the Du'an tribe, and it is my honor to become the new Temple Guard Commander."
Hu Tu, upon hearing my words, showed no change in his expression and simply said in a lukewarm tone.
"Good, since Batu, you have made up your mind, I won't say anything more."
Hu Tu then looked at the High Priest, or more precisely, at Pan Lili, who was humbly standing behind him.
This suddenly made me feel a bit strange. Logically, Hu Tu was not a man who indulged in lust. Why was he staring intently at Pan Lili now?
I felt there was more to this!
"The ceremony to be held shall be tomorrow. The tribe should find something to celebrate together."
Hu Tu stared at Pan Lili for a long time before slowly uttering these words. His expression was extremely complex. As soon as he finished speaking, he put down his wine cup and walked directly out of the large tent. At the doorway, he threw back a sentence.
"You guys chat, I'll go for a walk around the tribe."
Then Hu Tu left without looking back, followed by his guards. The spacious tent was left with only me and the High Priest and others.
What was wrong with Hu Tu? He changed his expression so suddenly. Did he consider my actions a betrayal and was displeased, hence needing to go out for a walk?
I was a bit bewildered, but the High Priest seemed accustomed to Hu Tu's behavior. Even with Hu Tu's sudden change of mood and departure, his smile didn't diminish one bit.
"Batu, the King is just a little drunk and wants some fresh air. You'll understand in the future."
Was that really the case?
"Oh, I see! It's you, High Priest, who understands the King best."
Looking at the High Priest's hypocritical smile, I felt an inexplicable disgust welling up inside me.
I controlled myself for a while before I could prevent my face from showing my aversion. I thought if there were a mirror in front of me now, my expression would surely be very strange.
However, some pretense was still necessary. After all, the place I was in was merely a barbarian tribe on an unknown deserted island.
But politics never changed according to people's will. Everyone gathered to utter words they didn't believe, then went back to stab each other in the back. This was the essential skill of politics.
"Right, I almost forgot. Let me introduce you, this is the current Saintess of our tribe."
The High Priest suddenly patted his forehead, looking as if he had just remembered something, and moved aside, introducing Pan Lili, who was behind him, to me.
Seeing Pan Lili's eyes slightly narrowed as she scrutinized me from head to toe, I couldn't help but feel very nervous. After all, Pan Lili was my ex-girlfriend. Although I had changed my appearance and dressed myself up meticulously, I couldn't be sure if there were any details that even I didn't know about myself that Pan Lili might notice.
If Pan Lili exposed my identity on the spot, I would have no choice but to hold the High Priest hostage and see if I could escape.
Although I was very apprehensive, my outward demeanor showed no panic. Meeting Pan Lili's gaze, I placed one hand on my chest and performed a greeting.
"Hello, Saintess."
I lowered my head slightly, still wondering why the High Priest hadn't even introduced Pan Lili by name.
I felt Pan Lili's scrutinizing gaze. She parted her lips slightly and uttered a sentence that struck me like lightning.
"Batu, have I met you somewhere before?"