I carried Pan Lili towards the royal tent, thankful that the woman didn't weigh much. Otherwise, in this biting cold, I might not have been able to carry her this far.
"Great King, Great King!"
Finally reaching the main tent, I greeted the guards at the entrance and walked in with Pan Lili.
The scene inside the tent surprised me.
For the first time, Hu Tu wasn't drinking. He was earnestly discussing something with Ada, who sat to his left.
Seeing me enter, Hu Tu waved me over. Then he noticed Pan Lili on my back.
"Batu, why is the Saintess being carried by you?"
I had already made up my mind, so I didn't tell Hu Tu the truth about Pan Lili's fainting.
"Great King, you wouldn't believe how exhausted I am. The High Priest insisted I escort the Saintess to you. But who could have predicted she'd suddenly collapse halfway there."
"Perhaps she doesn't eat much, and isn't strong enough. In this cold, I didn't see any other tribesmen. I carried her all the way here. I'm completely worn out!"
Hu Tu nodded at me, then looked at Pan Lili with concern.
"Batu, you've truly worked hard. How is the Saintess now? Do you need me to call a shaman to examine her?"
I carefully lowered Pan Lili from my back and leaned her against a table. Then, I plopped down in a nearby seat.
"Great King, you are indeed thoughtful. I checked her on the way and thought she was merely weakened and had fainted from exhaustion. If there are any hidden ailments, we should indeed call a shaman."
Upon hearing my words, Hu Tu nodded at Ada. Ada rose and left the tent, returning shortly with several shamans.
Ada is truly Hu Tu's most trusted confidant, their tacit understanding is remarkable. For matters like this, no words are needed; a mere exchange of glances is enough for Ada to grasp Hu Tu's intentions.
Truthfully, I envied Hu Tu for having a subordinate like Ada. After all, someone like me, who grew up in modern society, could never truly comprehend the bond of such unwavering loyalty.
After the shamans led Pan Lili away, Ada sat back down opposite me. Only then did I shift my gaze from them.
"Batu, how have things been on your end recently? No trouble, I hope?"
Hu Tu waited until I had warmed up and had a few sips of water before starting to discuss matters concerning the temple guards with me.
"Great King, it's like this..."
Since Hu Tu had initiated the conversation, I had nothing to hide. I recounted how I had severely injured Gu Li and intimidated Hu Tou in the past few days.
"And that's the gist of it. I can say the temple guard situation is about eighty percent settled. Basically, no one dares openly defy me. However, how many of the High Priest's people are still operating in the shadows, I cannot say. But give me time, and completely controlling the temple guards is only a matter of time."
It's actually quite amusing to think about. Right now, Hu Tu is like my ultimate client, and my task is to give him a PowerPoint presentation, painting a grand vision. Whether it comes to fruition depends entirely on fate.
I believe my current eloquence could even fool a few investors back in modern society, let alone the less cunning Hu Tu.
As expected, under my eloquent presentation, Hu Tu nodded with satisfaction, even reaching for the wine cup on the table.
"You've worked hard, Batu. Come, this cup is in your honor!"
"Thank you, Great King!"
Seeing Hu Tu raise his cup, I naturally followed suit, then downed the wine in one go.
After several rounds, Hu Tu seemed to make a decision. He gestured towards Ada.
However, he didn't mention Ada directly but asked me about other matters.
"Batu, you've been at the temple for a few days. What has the High Priest been doing recently?"
The High Priest?
Hearing Hu Tu's question, I was slightly taken aback, and a sense of melancholy inexplicably arose within me.
If not for me, this unexpected player who crashed into the game, Hu Tu would likely have been eliminated by the High Priest long ago.
He could be kept informed of the High Priest's actions, yet Hu Tu remained completely ignorant of what transpired at the temple. Even something as public as me injuring Gu Li after taking office required me to inform him myself.
The difference in their caliber, Hu Tu and the High Priest, was starkly evident.
"Since arriving at the temple, I spent the first few days with the temple guards and did not see the High Priest. However, just now, I went to discuss the matter of the Shepherd's Blessing with him, and he then entrusted me with escorting the Saintess to you."
After hearing my words, Hu Tu nodded expressionlessly at Ada. Then, Ada, who was more taciturn than usual, slowly spoke.
"Batu, the High Priest is acting very strangely!"