Quick Transmigration: I'm the Villain's Assistant to the Protagonist

After a brief regrouping, the group continued their journey toward the town, the sound of horses' hooves echoing once more on this turbulent road.

As the group entered the town, sunlight streamed onto the cobblestone streets, casting a soft glow. The shops along the street were all open, and merchants enthusiastically called out, "Come and see! Exquisite ornaments!" "Freshly baked bread!" displaying a dazzling array of goods.

Children laughed and played in the streets and alleys. "Haha, you can't catch me!" a little boy shouted as he ran and looked back. They ran, and their innocent laughter echoed in the air like silver bells.

The aroma of wine and the sounds of laughter wafted from the taverns along the street. "Cheers! We have to have a showdown today!" The patrons raised their glasses and drank heartily, oblivious to the world outside. Women hung their clothes out to dry in front of their homes, the colorful fabrics swaying gently in the breeze. "The sun is really nice today, the clothes will be dry quickly," one woman said to her neighbor.

The fountain in the town center flows gently, its clear water sparkling in the sunlight, the splashing water droplets like tiny diamonds.

The town's buildings are quaint and charming, with walls covered in lush green vines, some blooming with unidentified wildflowers. Wisps of smoke rise from the chimneys, adding to the town's tranquil and peaceful atmosphere. The church bells toll melodiously, echoing through the town, as if whispering tales of timeless tranquility.

The guards did not let their guard down; their eyes continued to scan the surroundings warily.

Prince Adrian frowned slightly, looking thoughtful. He whispered to his attendant Leon, "Leon, send a few men to investigate. Be thorough, don't miss any corner." Leon nodded in agreement and turned to make the arrangements.

Just then, a little girl with pigtails skipped over, her big, bright eyes like two sparkling gems, fixed intently on the bow in Shen Ying's hand. "Sister, your toy is so pretty!" the little girl said in her childish voice, her eyes full of envy.

Shen Ying couldn't help but smile, and bent down to say to her, "This isn't a toy!" The little girl tilted her head, puzzled, and said, "But I have a toy like this, Uncle Jack gave it to me."

Shen Ying thought to herself, "It's probably just a toy bow that someone gave me."

She crouched down, patted the little girl's head, and said with a smile, "Really? Then your Uncle Jack must be very good to you! Your little braids are so pretty, your mother must have carefully braided them for you, right?" The little girl smiled even more brightly, revealing her not-yet-fully-grown front teeth.

Shen Ying gently pinched her rosy cheeks again, "You're so cute, everyone must like you, right?" The little girl nodded happily, and then skipped away.

Elena frowned slightly. She could sense a subtle fluctuation in the magical energy here, but couldn't quite put her finger on it. An old man walked by, muttering, "The air here feels a bit different lately." Elena glanced at him thoughtfully.

Eric gripped his longsword tightly, his cold face revealing a readiness for battle. A mischievous child ran up and bumped into him. Instinctively, he drew his sword halfway from its sheath, startling the child into tears. A flicker of helplessness crossed Eric's eyes.

At this moment, the child's mother rushed over, "Sir, I'm sorry, the child is being unreasonable." Eric sheathed his sword and said coldly, "Keep an eye on your child."

For the first time, the Royal Guard's reconnaissance found nothing particularly unusual about the town. After a moment's thought, Adrian decided to have his men remain in the town for the time being.

The group found a traveler's inn in the town. It was an old stone building with an arched gate covered with ancient and obscure runes that faintly exuded a mysterious power, warding off evil spirits.

The innkeeper, a burly man with a full beard, warmly greeted them, saying, "Welcome, guests from afar! It's an honor for our humble establishment to have you stay here." His booming voice echoed through the hall.

Adrian nodded slightly, and the group dismounted, handing their horses over to the stable boy at the inn. The boy, with his characteristic pointed ears, skillfully led the horses away. Eric patted the boy on the shoulder. "Take good care of my horse." The boy bowed slightly. "Rest assured, sir, I will."

Upon entering the inn, the space inside was fairly spacious, with roughly made wooden tables and chairs neatly arranged. On the tables were magic candles that emitted a faint glow, the color of the flames changing with the fluctuations of the surrounding magic, like lively elves.

Elena found a seat by the window and sat down. She lightly touched the magic candle on the table, feeling the faint magical fluctuations in the air, her brows furrowed.

Just then, a young waitress approached. "Miss, what would you like to order? We have freshly baked magic bread and tea brewed with moonflower." Elena looked up. "Just a cup of tea will do."

Shen Ying curiously observed the villagers around her. A little boy ran over, staring at Shen Ying's longbow, "Sister, your bow is so beautiful, can I take a look?"

She smiled and patted his head, "You can't play with this, it's dangerous." Shen Ying thought to herself, she hadn't expected her bow to be so popular with the children.

Leon was busy arranging accommodations for everyone. He carefully inspected each room, and the beds in the rooms were equipped with simple magic circles that could restore some magic or physical strength to tired travelers.

He only allowed everyone to check in after he made sure there were no potential dangers.

Leon said to an old woman passing by, "Grandma, has anything strange happened here lately?" The old woman looked at Leon strangely, "No, everything has been peaceful." Then she left.

Calvin frowned, a hint of doubt flashing in his eyes. He approached Adrian and lowered his voice, saying, "Your Highness, this place is too normal, eerily normal. There's absolutely no sign that it was here."

Adrian nodded slightly and replied calmly, "Yes, tell everyone not to let their guard down and to figure out the situation here as soon as possible."

Eric, his expression stern, placed the sword on the table; the runes on it flickered. A drunk staggered toward Eric. "Hey, out-of-towner, you look nervous. Want a drink?" Eric frowned. "Stay away from me."

The inn's wine cellar wafted with the aroma of fine wine, said to be brewed from magical fruits, capable of temporarily enhancing one's senses or granting a brief boost to magical power. The cellar keeper boasted to a guest, "Our wine is truly unique; it'll make you feel like you're flying!" The guest laughed heartily, "Is it really that magical?"

After everyone settled in at the inn, they entered a room tucked away in a corner. Elena stood in the center of the room, waving her hands, her red lips slightly parted, and light flickered from her fingertips like glittering stars. With her movements, a pale blue magical barrier rose from the ground, like a transparent veil, gradually spreading to the surrounding walls and ceiling, enveloping the entire room.

This barrier not only prevented any magical fluctuations attempting to eavesdrop from entering, but also resisted prying eyes from the outside world, creating a safe space for their discussion. After the barrier stabilized, everyone sat together, their expressions solemn.