Chapter 1205

Neera felt a bit uneasy at first.

“Is this really okay? This valley is semi-enclosed, with only one exit. If we station ourselves here and they launch a surprise attack at night, we’ll have no choice but to enter the valley with them. If they outnumber us and completely surround us, wouldn’t our plan fail?”

Darcel raised an eyebrow. “I understand your concerns, but as the saying goes, the most dangerous place is often the safest. This valley may seem dangerous, but if we use it well, we can achieve unexpected results.”

“Catch them off guard?” Neera asked curiously, leaning forward unconsciously. “What’s your plan?”

She didn’t notice that they had unintentionally moved closer while talking.

At this moment, their shoulders were almost touching, their breaths closer than before, allowing them to catch the faint scent of each other’s freshness and fragrance.

Darcel noticed that, and a flicker of emotion passed in his eyes. On his rigid, cold face, a hint of a smile emerged. It was faint and not easily detected by others.

But Neera noticed it nonetheless.

In those beautiful almond eyes, there was a moment of bewilderment, followed by a mix of surprise and suspicion.

Meanwhile, some expectations took root in her heart, spreading rapidly.

She had always felt an inexplicable sense of familiarity with this man.

At first, she thought it was an illusion, as she felt that her excessive longing for Jean was playing tricks on her mind. So, whenever she saw even the slightest hint of something familiar, she would instinctively think of him.

“But the more time we spend together, the stronger that feeling becomes.”

“Especially when this man is around, he gives me a sense of security.”

“Just like when Jean is around, he always inexplicably puts me at ease!”

Just now, she clearly caught the emotion in this man’s eyes, such tenderness, the same as what she saw in Jean’s eyes!

“Could it be him?”

“Is the man by my side Jean?”

For a moment, images flooded her mind of the countless encounters in the dense forest. Each time, this man had appeared by her side just in time, guarding and protecting her.

His extraordinary care and concern for her now seemed to make sense.

“And so, the unusual beating of my own heart makes sense…”

Her innermost feelings were revealed through her eyes.

Darcel’s pupils contracted slightly, his hands subconsciously clenched into fists.

In the next moment, he abruptly shifted his gaze away. When he spoke again, his voice was significantly colder.

“The so-called strategy is actually quite simple. It’s about using that pond to kick a dog when it’s down.”

He steered the conversation back to the most pressing matter at hand.

Neera was taken aback when she noticed his sudden indifference.

How come… that familiar feeling has disappeared?

Looking at the man’s profile, she gently pursed her lips, the light in her eyes dimming slightly.

Darcel didn’t look at her, so he didn’t notice. He just calmly discussed the upcoming strategic deployment.

“By nightfall, everyone will move into the valley. We will split into two groups, each lying in ambush on either side of the valley’s exit. The plan is to counter-attack when the enemy charges in, leading them towards the pond. The goal is to knock as many as possible into the water. Once they are in the water, they will essentially be defenseless.”

Upon hearing this, Shane pondered and nodded slightly.

“This idea is feasible. Let’s proceed with it and work out the specific details.”

Darcel nodded, quickly summoning everyone in groups and arranging them accordingly.

Roughly an hour later, all preparations were in place. Everyone carried on with their usual chatter and laughter, while subtly heightening their guard, ready to tackle any trouble at a moment’s notice.

Neera preferred to stand by and listen quietly.

For now, she set aside her own worries.

Yet, her eyes just couldn’t look away, automatically drawn to that man.

“Am I overthinking it?”

“Perhaps this man is just somewhat similar to Jean…”

“Neera?” Suddenly, Shane called out to her.

Neera regained her focus. “Shane, what’s wrong?”

Shane looked a bit “Shouldn’t I be the one asking you what’s wrong? You seem… a bit off.”

He paused, seemingly contemplating whether or not to ask.

“I notice you’re always staring at Darcel, seemingly lost in thought. Is there something wrong with him?”

Neera was taken aback, her cheeks suddenly turned red, and she instantly felt a bit embarrassed.

“…”

Seeing how she hesitated to speak, Shane felt somewhat apologetic.

“I understand that it’s not my place to pry into your personal affairs. If you don’t wish to discuss it, that’s perfectly fine. I didn’t mean anything by it, but I just find this man a bit peculiar.”

Neere blinked “Do you also think there’s something off about him?”

“Mm, of course, I’m not questioning his loyalty. I just feel that his care for you is a bit excessive. Even if it’s an order from Caleb, I still find it strange. After all, the Medicina family and the Gordon family are not on the same side. They are with Lordsworth Estate, and we belong to Bartitsu Guild. Although there’s no conflict between the two families due to different affiliations, we should just be acquaintances, nothing more. It’s not so good that we would travel together, especially in such an important competition…”