Chapter 96: The Machia Republic

Chapter 96: The Machia Republic

They were moving swiftly down the street.

In contrast, Airael and her companions, although also on horseback, were lagging far behind.

Yet, in this situation, by the time Georges and Crown caught up to Airael and the others, they had already arrived at the castle gate and were preparing to leave the city.

Seeing them about to exit, Georges shouted, “Wait! Mr. Axi, Miss Ailia, please hold on!”

Upon hearing the call, Airael, Axi, Celia, and Aurora turned to look back.

They spotted Georges and Crown galloping towards them.

Airael and Axi exchanged a glance and stopped to wait for Georges and Crown to catch up.

Once they arrived, Georges asked, “Mr. Axi, Miss Ailia, why are you leaving so suddenly? Did we not host you well enough?”

Airael replied, “You were wonderful hosts, but there’s no longer a need for us here. It’s better for us to head to places where we can be of more use.”

Georges momentarily lost his words, struggling to come up with something to keep Airael and Axi from leaving.

The fact that the orcs had already retreated was undeniable.

While there would be some events occurring next, they didn’t directly concern Airael and Axi.

Moreover, they might not even be aware.

Georges couldn’t tell them anyway.

After pondering for a while, Georges said, “I understand, but surely it’s no problem to stay a few more days so we can treat you properly?”

“No, time is precious. Even a few days could delay something important. Besides, we don’t want to impose further on Duke Ogg. His resources should be spent on more critical matters—spending them on Axi and me would be a waste.”

Georges’s expression froze for a moment.

Airael’s words, though a bit harsh, contained no fault to be found.

Frugality is a virtue, while wastefulness is shameful.

At that moment, Crown, who had been silent, spoke up, “Cousin, since Miss Ailia and Mr. Axi are considering Uncle, let’s not make things difficult for them.”

He first glanced at Axi, then turned to Airael, continuing, “Miss Ailia, although we haven’t known each other long, my cousin and I would like to become friends with you and Mr. Axi. If you ever need anything, please come to us. We’ll do our best to help you!”

Crown spoke earnestly.

He genuinely wanted to befriend Airael and Axi.

Hearing his words, Airael merely smiled and said, “Thank you! If there’s nothing else, we’ll be leaving now.”

She neither rejected nor formally accepted, but she noted Crown’s good intentions.

With that, Crown and Georges had nothing more to say.

They watched Airael and the others gradually exit the castle gates.

Upon walking a good distance away, Airael and her group suddenly speeded up, making their way east.

Once their figures completely vanished from sight, Georges and Crown finally withdrew their gaze.

The brothers exchanged glances, and then Crown said, “Cousin, let’s head back.”

“Hmm!”

Georges nodded gently, and the two began their return.

When Duke Ogg learned of this from the brothers, he was not the least bit surprised.

Because he had already considered all of this the night before.

As a presumptive chess player, Airael had surely concluded what she needed to do: either join in as a friend or enemy or steer clear entirely.

Clearly, Airael had chosen the latter.

It was the simplest and most straightforward choice.

No need for anyone to overthink it.

What left Duke Ogg somewhat concerned was that Axi had left alongside Airael.

This, coupled with the previous night’s performance, suggested that the capable Axi was now under her influence.

Moreover, thinking of Airael’s beauty rivaling that of an elven queen, he couldn’t help but sigh: Is it truly hard for a hero to pass the beauty test?

Just like with the elven queen.

Many humans sought the elves’ adherence to earlier agreements, often for political gain, but some were undoubtedly just captivated by their beauty.

Thus, Duke Ogg calmly addressed the two, “I understand! Since they’ve left, you both can focus on preparations; the battles ahead will be significantly tougher than before.”

“Yes!”

The brothers responded in unison.

After departing the castle, Airael and the others continued moving eastward.

Their target: the Machia Republic.

Machia Republic—what a peculiar name for a country, feeling entirely out of place in this world.

After all, the term “republic” clearly does not belong in a feudal society.

Yet, it undeniably exists within this feudal backdrop.

Because this republic is naught but a feudal kingdom disguised in “republican” guise.

While this nation lacks a king, it does have an elected ruler.

This ruler wields power nearly equivalent to that of a king.

As for how this nation evolved into such a system, that’s a tale of its history.

This country once had a king who led it to great strength.

However, this strength was short-lived.

Eventually, the royal family was ousted by their own people.

Thus, the system of elected rulers came into being.

Interestingly, the ousted king is someone familiar to Airael.

None other than Alexander’s child, the new human emperor—Victor.

Upon returning to the human world after the war with the elves, Victor had to increase taxes to stabilize the situation and fill the fiscal void.

The hefty taxes helped Victor stabilize matters and unite the Sea Tribe to defeat the Merfolk, causing their status to plummet, but it also led to civil unrest among humans.

Years of war had already left people quite disgruntled.

The previous conflicts at least accumulated wealth for them.

Now, after a bitter fight, all their riches had been siphoned off to the few at the top.

It was truly a case of working hard but getting nowhere.