Chapter 404

Chapter 404: Moonlight and Ocean Waves

Even so, Lolan Hill did not agree to the young man’s proposal. Although she was kind-hearted, she was not someone who let her sympathy run rampant.

Everyone encounters some difficulties and unfulfilled desires; this isn’t some profound or lofty truth but a very simple and plain reality.

With a slight sigh, she turned around and left with Keti, catching up to Alena and Lily ahead. Only the young man, who felt somewhat awkward and self-deprecating after their passionate encounter, remained behind.

The summer breeze brought a sense of comfort. The harbor was bustling with activity, and men and women dressed in splendid gowns descended the long staircase. Many held exquisite parasols.

This staircase was made entirely of wood, with handrails on both sides. It was painted a dark brown color and polished smooth, free of splinters to avoid hurting these dignitaries.

But looking past the noisy crowd, towards the other side of the ship’s stern, there was another long gangway connecting the large ship to the land. Bare-chested dock workers, braving the scorching sun, carried heavy wooden crates off the ship and loaded other goods back on.

Sweat reflected the sunlight, sparkling like stars. These workers were deeply tanned, wearing rough straw shoes, constantly laboring. Compared to the dignitaries, these workers were not much stronger, and some could even see their ribs protruding.

Although she knew that any world would have its distinctions between rich and poor, seeing this scene still made Lolan Hill sigh.

Physical labor wasn’t necessarily bad, but many of these people were emaciated, clearly underfed. Intense physical work inevitably led to intense energy expenditure, and food intake was undoubtedly crucial.

Compared to the shops she had visited over the last two days, she suddenly wondered if she had overlooked something. She had been touring the safe and bustling streets without delving into the corners of those cities. Perhaps that was where the true face of the country lay.

Upon entering the restaurant, Letis had already returned. She was fanning herself with a bright yellow round fan, angrily recounting her recent encounter.

“That guy didn’t even recognize me and said this ship now belongs to the Blue Bull Earl of the Verdant Empire. The tickets were reserved for the big merchants in the city.”

“So, do we need to buy tickets from those big merchants ourselves?” Lolan Hill guessed.

“Pretty much. Tomorrow I’ll go to the Mage Association in the city and see if I can find someone familiar.” Letis’s social circle was well-known, and since the merger, there were often many mages from Rourna stationed there.

“I didn’t expect to really encounter such a situation,” Alena said, propping her chin up and watching the tourists passing by.

“Shall we really try our luck as part of an opera troupe?” Alena changed her mind faster than Lolan Hill imagined.

“I’m in!” Ye Ling raised her hand. She never minded a good show.

“What opera troupe?” Bumansa asked in confusion, then Alena recounted what had happened.

“Hmm.” After hearing this, Letis also found it quite interesting. She had seen many opera performances before and was very interested. This usually well-behaved “Young Lady” now also felt a desire for some excitement.

If it were at home or alone, she certainly wouldn’t have thought of this, but now they were a group of companions, and the thrill of group action began to take root in her heart.

The few quickly discussed the matter. Although there were nine people present, only four usually made decisions—Lolan Hill, Bumansa, Letis, and Alena. The rest generally did not express opinions and went with the flow.

Seeing Alena and Letis suddenly getting excited, Lolan Hill felt the direction of things changing. She knew that with Alena’s mischievous nature, if they really acted as an opera troupe, she would definitely push her onto the stage, and then it would be hard to get away.

“It might not be a good idea. We don’t have much experience on stage, nor have we ever performed an opera.”

“No experience can be gained through practice. Besides, Lolan is so beautiful; no one below would dare be dissatisfied when you’re on stage.” Alena waved her finger, a gesture she had become increasingly proficient at.

“Does that mean I’m the only one who will lose out?” Lolan Hill wasn’t entirely opposed, but felt like she was being tricked by Alena.

“Lolan just agree. When we reach the Southern Islands, I’ll give you a big gift as compensation. I promise.” Alena pleaded and promised.

Seeing how quickly her companions changed their minds, Lolan Hill found them completely untrustworthy. But seeing the hopeful looks from Ye Ling and Lily, and the curious gaze of Keti, she finally nodded.

It would be a new and exciting adventure. Life needed some fresh and interesting experiences, and besides, it wasn’t really a big deal, so there was no need to take it too seriously.

“Yay~” Alena and Ye Ling high-fived each other, making Lolan Hill feel instantly cheated. She grabbed Ye Ling and tapped her forehead, warning this traitorous little creature.

After deciding, they returned to the inn. This time, Alena and Lily went to the small alley again to contact Triton.

—

That night, Lolan Hill wore a white nightgown and stood on the unlit balcony, looking at the distant coastline and night sky. Leaning against the wooden railing, she listened to the gentle sound of the tide. The cruise ships docked in the harbor had lights twinkling like stars, reflecting in the water, blending with the moonlight, creating a shimmering effect.

It had been a long time since she heard such waves. Unconsciously, two years had passed since she left Hope Lane. Although she had only stayed there for a few months, it was during that time that she gradually adapted to life in this era and met a group of people who cared about her.

The meticulous head maid, the considerate but guilt-ridden butler, the executives of the merchant association who hovered around her, the maids who occasionally whispered secrets and gossip, the blindly adoring guards, the grateful craftsmen and employees of the merchant association.

Despite encountering some attacks and conspiracies, the people around her then made her less lonely and allowed her to slowly integrate into this world in a relatively relaxed manner, experiencing and feeling the way people lived and customs here.

After this trip, she should visit Hope Lane. She wondered how Rachel was doing now and whether Melu had reorganized the family internally. Oh, and she needed to tell her that Feng was currently living well and didn’t need to worry about this childhood friend.

The moonlight flowed like water, flooding the earth. The sea breeze blew over the beach, carrying waves, shells flipping over in the fine sand, leaving tiny indentations.

(End of Chapter)