The wheels rolled over the road as the carriage entered Shaya, passing through gate after gate, heading towards the city center.
Along the way, Richard observed the current scene of Shaya through the carriage window, noticing so subtle changes compared to over three years ago.
Speaking of which, more than three years ago when he observed Shaya, it was just after the war between the Soma Alliance and the Sika Kingdom had ended. Although the Soma Alliance won the war, its national strength was greatly depleted, causing the living standards of civilians to plumt, and the heavy taxes led to many shops in the city closing down.
And now, compared to more than three years ago, it seems like things haven’t improved much. On the contrary, it seems to have gotten worse.
At first glance, at least thirty percent of the shops along the street are closed, while another thirty percent show signs of neglect, with few custors. The streets have beco quite desolate, with the occasional pedestrian hurrying by, not stopping in front of any store at all.
A grocery store owner leaned against the door fra, as if having given up struggling, not soliciting custors at all, only staring with lifeless fish eyes, lost in thought.
The owner of the neighboring tailor shop isn’t faring much better, standing out front, sighing repeatedly.
The distant blacksmith shop is unusually quiet, with the sound of tal striking only intermittently heard after a long while. The sound is dull, carrying a cold, lifeless air, lasting only a few minutes before stopping, followed by what seems like the extinguishing of the furnace.
This scene persisted until reaching the center of Shaya City, where things seed to improve. The streets in the city center still appeared bustling, and shop business remained prosperous. But observing the old, broken blue stone pavent, and the manure and garbage accumulating at street corners due to neglect, it’s apparent that decay has already set in beneath the surface.
It seems... over these few years, the Soma Alliance’s internal strife due to fighting for the throne has indeed been significant...
Richard contemplated as he directed the carriage towards the reception area.
The reception area looked almost the sa as three years ago, with barely any changes.
After alighting the carriage, Richard knocked and entered, stating his identity, and was soon t with respectful reception, finding himself settled in no ti — he was back in the courtyard he had grown accustod to staying in more than three years ago.
After settling in, by the afternoon, a visitor arrived.
It wasn’t a stranger, rather the Honored Duke Cyril Sack, who had once gone to Shalin.
This septuagenarian had returned to Shaya ahead of schedule after receiving the desired response in Shalin, seemingly due to the Alliance valuing his communication skills, thus sending him directly upon his arrival in Shaya.
The dispatched purpose was quite simple — rely to discuss the matters concerning the impending eting with the Alliance Emperor.
According to Cyril Sack, the Alliance Emperor was eager for the eting but wanted to make it a grand affair, thus being unable to determine the exact date, only stating it would be within three days.
Richard didn’t mind much, for his main purpose in coming to Shaya this ti was to provide an explanation to the Alliance. Whether it was appearing submissive on the surface or giving up so peripheral interests, as long as it ensured the Alliance wouldn’t trouble Shalin again, he wasn’t particular about when to et the Alliance Emperor.
Knowing Richard’s attitude, Cyril Sack visibly relaxed, expressing great admiration. He didn’t linger long, exchanging polite words before citing other commitnts as he prepared to leave.
As he was about to exit, perhaps as a friendly reminder or a warning with ulterior motives, Cyril Sack said, "Well... Lord Richard, since you’ve agreed to be available to et His Majesty anyti within these days, it’d be best if you didn’t casually leave the reception before then.
Honestly... although His Majesty has been in power for so ti, so rebellious elents haven’t been completely eradicated. There might just be a few attempting to cause trouble on the streets; Shaya’s public order is worriso. If you went out and any mishaps occurred, affecting the eting with His Majesty, it wouldn’t be good."
"Is that so." Richard raised an eyebrow, "If that’s indeed the case, I’d really like to et these so-called rebels. If I encounter them, I might as well eliminate them for His Majesty — considering I helped the Alliance win the national war back then, eradicating a few rebels shouldn’t be a difficult task."
"Uh..." Cyril Sack was montarily stunned, realizing that Richard’s identity wasn’t just that of the Lord of Shalin, but also a powerful Wizard. According to rumors, he was even one of the strongest Wizards on the Main Continent, so Richard indeed wouldn’t need to worry much about his safety in Shaya.
Smacking his lips a few tis, Cyril Sack awkwardly chuckled, "Well, I underestimated you, Lord Richard, I apologize. But still, it’s never wrong to be cautious."
"Alright, I’ll be careful, Duke Sake."
"Good, then. I shall take my leave."
"Goodbye."
"Goodbye."
...
In the increasingly thickening evening gloom, Cyril Sack boarded a carriage and left.
Not long after Cyril Sack left, Richard also left the reception area, disappearing into the darkness outside.
When he reappeared in over ten minutes, it was already in front of a three-story stone building within Shaya City.
The three-story stone building appeared as though it hadn’t been occupied for a long ti, with outer walls showing nurous cracks and stains, and no lights within. Even the door at the entrance hung crookedly.
Seeing the state of the stone building, Richard frowned and suddenly noticed sothing, turning to look towards the alley opposite the stone building.
At the entrance of the alley, a figure concealed in a gray robe appeared, extending their right hand from under the robe to lightly press a spot on the left shoulder.
Having done this, they turned and walked away.
Richard squinted his eyes, stepping to follow the person through twists and turns, eventually entering a common small courtyard.
In the small courtyard, another figure concealed in a green robe was waiting, while the gray-robed individual stood guarding at the courtyard entrance, seemingly defending against any intruders.
Richard looked at the green-robed person and asked, "Are you a subordinate of Long Shu? Do you have any news for ?"
"Indeed, I am under Lord Long Shu. Lord Long Shu instructed to deliver this to you." The green-robed individual respectfully said, stepping closer and handing over a small box about the size of a palm.
Richard reached out to take it, but halted midway, scrutinizing the green-robed person’s face with a sowhat playful expression, asking, "Are you really a subordinate of Long Shu?"
The green-robed person’s body trembled lightly, without a response. In the next instant, they abruptly clenched the box in their hand.
"Crack!"
The box shattered, releasing a blood-red light that flew out, hitting Richard’s body almost instantaneously, leaving no ti to react.
Like a blade cutting through butter, the light pierced through Richard’s body unimpeded, penetrating his heart and flying out from behind.
"Boom!"
Richard’s body fell to the ground, lifeless.
The green-robed person froze montarily, seemingly not expecting things to go so easily, before looking towards the gray-robed person, asking, "Is he dead?"
"I think so." The gray-robed person wasn’t entirely sure either.
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