In the dead of night, the moonlight illuminated the narrow dirt road, as a carriage, pulled by a horse, made its way eastward.
The quiet rustle of leaves and the occasional crack of a twig were the only sounds accompanying the rhythmic clop of hooves against the dirt road.
Pei Buhan, slightly hunched over, held the reins and guided the horse forward. Flanking either side of the carriage were Lucius and Luke, whose steps were soundless as they observed for any danger with their Mana Sense.
Inside the carriage, Lucian slept peacefully on a sack of hay.
Ti slowly went by in silence.
The morning of the next day, the sa carriage slowed down to a halt as the city ca into view.
"Alabaster City," Lucian muttered as he glanced at the tall walls, encasing the city.
According to Lucius, his father was unconscious in the city's best hotel.
Generally, a notorious bandit gang's boss would stay away from cities.
But as long as people existed, bribery would continue to exist.
Even before entering the city, Lucian was watching one such exchange taking place near the city gates. A pair of city guards smiled shadily as they took a Low-Grade Mana Stone each from a rchant. After pocketing the Mana Stones, they waved him through.
A few minutes later, as it was finally their turn to enter the city, the sa two guards stopped their carriage. "Halt."
One of them, who looked more like a bandit, than a guard, wickedly smiled as he pointed at Lucius and Luke. "Remove your masks."
Lucian, who had been watching from the window, sighed and asked, "What seems to be the problem?"
The guards glanced at each other from the corner of their eyes.
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The sa guard explained, "No problem at all, sir. It's just a routine check for anyone entering Alabaster City. To allow you entry, your two bodyguards need to remove their masks… unless, they're hiding sothing on purpose?"
"Sir, we are rely passing through to reach Alabaster Hotel. We an no harm." Lucius explained but kept his mask on, which hid his entire face except for his eyes. As a bandit, he could not afford to show his face. The sa went for his brother.
The guard's smile increased.
"If that's the case, then why the mask? Unless you have sothing to hide."
Lucius sighed.
However, that did not an Lucius had no thod of entering the city. If he could bring his father into the city, and leave safely, he could enter once again.
Turning to Lucian, he bowed. [Master, allow to handle this.]
After seeing his Master nod his head, Lucius reached into his pocket and took out four Low-Grade Mana Stones.
As Lucius walked toward the guards, visible greed appeared in their eyes.
The rough-looking guard, who had yet to speak, snatched the Low-Grade Mana Stones and pocketed them in his Spatial Ring.
"Well, look at that. You do have sothing to hide." The guard chuckled greedily. "Anyway, it seems like you know how things work around here. Go on, you're free to enter." He gestured for them to enter the city. "But rember, the next ti you want to enter Alabaster City, make sure you have a few more Mana Stones on you."
Lucius bowed.
"Of course, sir. Thank you for your understanding"
Lucius then returned to his position beside the carriage.
anwhile, the guards waved them through as though nothing had happened.
Even the guards stationed around and above the city walls did not question the exchange. It was a common occurrence.
After the fiasco outside of the city walls, the journey went quite smoothly.
No one questioned the masked brothers. In fact, only a few glanced their way before going about their day.
Eventually, Pei Buhan pulled on the reins, and the horse ca to a stop in front of a grand building with a signboard that read, 'Alabaster Hotel'.
The exterior appearance of the building was luxurious, far too grand for a bandit.
Lucian shot an inquisitive gaze at Lucius.
'Just how many Low-Grade Mana Stones do they have?' But then, Lucian realized he had missed an obvious fact. ''If they can't even save their father, it shouldn't be too many. They might even be broke now.'
Under his gaze, Lucius did not know how to respond, so he hastily bowed, "We've arrived, Master."
"I can see that." Lucian then shook his head before continuing, "Take to your father. Let's see what I can do for him."
After coughing awkwardly, Lucius led his Master and the other two into the lobby of the Alabaster Hotel.
The interior was just as grand as the exterior. A polished marble floor reflected the light of the massive chandeliers above their heads. Maroon curtains frad the windows, and the scent of cherry trees drifted through the air.
The guests were dressed luxuriously, showing off their wealth. The staff, though not as beautifully dressed, did not ruin the atmosphere of the upscale establishnt.
As Lucian took in the hotel's sights, he had to admit the owner had a taste for decoration.
The hotel's appearance also caused the gears in Lucian's head to turn. Back on Earth, he had stayed in plenty of luxurious hotels. The best of the best that money and influence could buy. And what all the hotels had in common were their in-hotel dining — room service, restaurant, and bar.
There was even a ti in his life when he had been the head chef of a hotel. Although he quit the job after a week of working there, the experience from working there, lasted him a lifeti.
"This way, Master." Lucius gestured toward the elevator, interrupting Lucian from his thoughts.
Nodding, Lucian followed them into the elevator and went to the top floor where the best suites were located.
'They really love their father.'
Lucian was unaware of the suite's price, but he was sure it must have cost an arm and a leg for them to acquire it.
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