The sun is rising, and noon is approaching. The sharp sunlight makes most people too lazy to step outside.
But that didn't apply to the residents of Morvhal. The city center buzzed with activity as people crowded the streets in the afternoon heat.
rchants stood in neat rows, calling out to passersby.
"Co on, everyone! Take a look at my stall! Fresh drinks made from handpicked fruits—cold, delicious, and perfect for this hot fall! Just one bronze coin per glass!"
"Don't miss the early-month deal! Get fifteen percent off when you buy two kilograms of Duskmooss coffee beans—the best quality around! Just five bronze coins per kilogram! What are you waiting for? Co and get yours!"
"Fresh red at for cooking! Early-month special—only twenty-five bronze coins per kilogram!"
"...Everyone... co and buy..."
Amid the bustling crowd and eager rchants, Leon strolled leisurely, occasionally glancing around at his surroundings.
His striking look—a mantle made from black dragon skin—imdiately drew attention.
Combined with his handso face and mysterious aura, he naturally drew people in.
Fortunately, Leon had learned from past experience.
To avoid unwanted attention, he'd developed a hero technique that allowed him to conceal both his appearance and aura.
Still, his efforts didn't seem to make much difference.
Many people—young and old won alike—still glanced at him, whether in awe or affection.
Well, it was better than before when won had actively tried to get closer to him—even so had asked if he wanted to rent a room together.
Thinking back on it, Leon couldn't help but chuckle softly and shake his head.
He shifted his attention back to his surroundings, marveling at the scene. "As expected, the crowds in Morvhal are unmatched. It could even rival Astralyn, the new capital of the Holy Orthodoxy."
During the months he'd spent assisting Arshley in organizing the new governnt, many crucial policies had been put into place.
One of the most significant was the relocation of the Holy Orthodoxy's capital to Astralyn, which had once been the heart of the Holy Empire of Elysium.
The decision was far from arbitrary. Astralyn's location, surrounded by four cities in the Golden Quadrangle region, made it the safest place from any threats.
Additionally, its proximity to many advanced and wealthy cities—each less than a hundred kiloters away—made it the perfect center for trade.
Of course, Eldoria—the forr capital of the Holy Orthodoxy—had not lost its significance, despite its new role.
The city now served as the heart of governance, while Astralyn was designated as the comrcial capital.
With a smile that never left his lips, Leon continued strolling through Morvhal.
It had been a long ti since his last visit, and a sense of nostalgia slowly crept over him.
After walking leisurely for about fifteen minutes, he decided to stop by a stall selling cold drinks.
"Welco, custor," the stall owner greeted politely.
Leon returned the greeting with a smile and a small nod. He glanced at the nu board attached to the stall and then asked, "Do you offer different types of fruit juices?"
"Yes, sir. I have a variety of fruits that can be made into juice," the man replied kindly.
"Alright. Please make a glass of Moon Dew fruit juice," Leon said, raising a finger.
"Just a mont, sir."
The stall owner quickly picked up a Moon Dew fruit—its perfectly round shape and whitish-blue color giving it its na.
Leon stood silently as he waited, his eyes scanning the endless stream of people.
"Who would've thought that behind all this peace lies a threat that awaits them all?" he muttered softly, his wry smile accompanied by a shake of his head.
The threat he referred to was the Evil God. In the past, he had believed this world was less exciting—not like the fantasy worlds he'd read about in novels.
However, after discovering the truth about the Evil God, the events from seven thousand years ago, and his own identity as the Fated One, he realized that this world was far more perilous than he had ever imagined.
It would be a lie to say he wasn't afraid.
Yet, that fear vanished when he thought about his loved ones dying before his eyes.
Even if his enemy was an Evil God, he would do everything in his power to protect them.
"Sir, your juice is ready," the stall owner's voice broke through his reverie.
Leon turned around, accepted the juice, and then asked, "How much for one glass?"
The stall owner smiled and replied, "Two bronze coins, sir."
Leon reached into his pouch, pulled out a silver coin, and handed it to him.
"Keep the change."
With that, Leon didn't hesitate and walked away.
The stall owner stood there, stunned, and only after Leon's figure vanished into the crowd did he snap out of his daze.
"One silver coin for a glass of juice?" He held the coin with trembling hands. "What a rich man!"
***
"Sir, may I take your order?"
A waiter approached Leon, who was sitting at a table inside the bustling tavern.
Leon glanced at the nu in front of him and replied, "Please bring stir-fried lamb, minced at with spicy sauce, and a glass of cold li-flavored beer."
The waiter jotted down the order with a smile. "Alright, please wait a mont. Your al will be ready in about ten minutes."
With that, the waiter left, leaving Leon alone at the table.
Leaning back in his chair, Leon observed his surroundings.
His reason for coming to Morvhal wasn't leisure—it was to gather important information.
And there was no better place to find gossip or news than a tavern like this.
It was a gathering spot for all sorts of people, whether for eating, drinking, or simply exchanging rumors.
"Hey! Have you heard about the mysterious trading house called Eclipse?"
At that mont, an excited voice reached his ears.
Leon turned his head to the right and saw a group of burly n, four of whom appeared drunk on beer, deeply engaged in conversation.
His friend gave a small nod and took a sip of his beer. "Of course I've heard. It's the hottest gossip in the Holy Orthodoxy lately."
The other man chuckled and said, "You're right. Honestly, I didn't expect the trading house to grow this fast. I even heard they've bought up many shops from other rchants."
"Not to ntion, they've expanded into just about everything—even the basic necessities for the Holy Orthodoxy people. I can't imagine how much wealth they've accumulated by now."
"Tsk!" The man beside him chuckled and shook his head. "Don't worry about it, my friend. I'm sure they're the richest trading house in the entire land now!"
Though his statent sounded a bit exaggerated, no one disagreed—it was as if they all shared the sa belief.
anwhile, Leon, who had been listening closely, couldn't help but smile.
He got up, crossed his arms behind his back, and walked over to them.
"Hey, mind telling more about what you're talking about?"
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