Chapter 425

Chapter 425: Encounter at Sunset

In the Imperial Capital of Solande.

Lolan Hill was dining on the second floor of a restaurant, with the bustling street below.

The restaurant’s decor was somewhat antiquated, as evidenced by the wooden carvings on the tables and chairs, suggesting that this establishment had been around for quite some time. Seats were also in high demand; they were usually filled even before meal times.

Fortunately, Lolan Hill wasn’t in a rush, so she chose a less crowded period. At this time, there weren’t many guests on the second floor.

“Hello, miss, what would you like to eat?” The restaurant’s server, a young man in his early twenties, handed her a menu.

The young lady glanced over the dishes listed; most ingredients were common, with no rare items, and the variety was far less than that available in Uvelle.

“Are these all the options available here?” Not being picky, she just wanted to understand the current state of life in the capital.

“Yes,” replied the server, noticing that she seemed to be from a foreign land. “Currently, food supplies in the capital are allocated by quota. Even our restaurant has to get the corresponding tickets from the grain department before we can purchase ingredients; otherwise, it would be illegal.”

“Is it because there isn’t enough grain? Has even the capital reached such a point?”

“The grain supply is barely adequate, but the nation has ordered that part of it must be stored as a precaution against future shortages. Thus, things are somewhat tight. To prevent waste and ensure fair distribution, this method was adopted.”

“I see,” Lolan Hill nodded.

While eating lunch, the young lady took the opportunity to observe other diners. In summary, while Solande’s food variety wasn’t rich, basic vegetables and small amounts of meat were still supplied, and prices weren’t excessively high. For the wealthy, this might be somewhat uncomfortable, but for most ordinary people, it didn’t make much difference, and living costs remained manageable.

After finishing her meal, she continued walking down the street, looking at the shops and pedestrians on either side.

Compared to Hopeland and Uvelle, Solande truly lived up to its reputation as the imperial capital for nearly a thousand years. Most buildings here were tall and elaborately decorated, exuding a grand and majestic aura.

None of the high-rise buildings on either side of the street were lower than four stories.

The commerce was also highly developed. Lolan Hill even saw the Yagdilin family’s furniture store, with its familiar olive and shell patterns.

The variety of shops was extremely rich, including jewelry, furniture, clothing, alcohol, weaponry, ceramics, and more. There were even specialized doll shops, bookstores, shoe stores, and so on, which also reflected the wealth of the locals.

After all, this was the imperial capital. If even the people living here were poor, then life in other places would be even harder.

After wandering around, the young lady stopped at a bulletin board where recent major events announced by Clancia were posted, along with various new regulations or laws. Two guards stood by to prevent anyone from maliciously altering them.

Thus, the young lady understood why even the restaurant staff knew the origins and reasons behind these regulations. Because whenever new regulations were issued, they would be posted here with a simple explanation of their causes. In this way, the vast majority of residents could understand the reasons for these restrictions and regulations, reducing unnecessary misunderstandings and resistance.

This was indeed a good thing.

Standing aside, the young lady quietly observed, dressed in a light brown robe that made her inconspicuous among the crowd.

“Make way, Star Guide Lord has arrived.” A voice called out from the other side of the street, followed by quiet murmurs among the crowd.

“I didn’t expect Lord Pulman to patrol the streets again today,” said one of the locals.

“Pulman, isn’t he the current king?” asked a traveler.

“You don’t understand. Currently, Clancia does not have a king; there is only an elected Star Guide Administrator,” explained another local.

“It’s just a change in title, isn’t it?” The traveler seemed dismissive.

“Hmph, how shallow. This is not a position inherited through private means, but a leader representing the will of many people,” explained another Clancian, somewhat angrily.

“Yes, I understand. Can you put your fist down now?” The traveler looked at the local, worriedly saying, noticing the unfriendly glances around him, he realized his previous remarks had angered everyone.

“Why isn’t this lord working in the palace but on the streets?” The traveler began to change the subject.

“This is where Lord Pulman’s approachability lies,” explained another local with some pride, as if being able to do so was something to be proud of.

The leader was also immensely proud of himself.

“Lord Pulman was born in humble circumstances in his early years and achieved his current status through the guidance of a sage. It is because of this that he often personally visits the common folk to understand their true situation. If anyone has grievances or urgent matters, they can voice them to him, which is why there are very few officials in the Imperial Capital who dare to engage in corruption.”

“So that’s how it is. Truly a rare enlightened ruler,” the traveler wiped the sweat from his forehead and hurriedly praised.

—

Now, Pulman was no longer the green youth he once was; he appeared much more mature and steady. He rode a black stallion, protected by a group of knights clad in black armor on either side, with several attendants in various outfits trailing behind him.

He himself wore a dark red cloak, a specially made steel-colored armor, and a long sword at his waist. He nodded slightly to the surrounding citizens before looking at the scenery by the street.

Although he could no longer casually travel to various regions to investigate matters as he did in the past, after handling official affairs, he would take a short stroll on the streets every few days.

This was not for show, but to avoid becoming too disconnected from the people. He deeply understood how rulers who were out of touch with the lower classes gradually lost touch with society.

Around 4 PM, the sunlight was no longer intense but had turned into a softer golden hue. It fell upon his metal armor, reflecting a series of glimmers. This ruler of Clancia, with his star-like eyebrows and sword-like eyes, bore scars on his face that added a touch of maturity and steadfastness.

As the people around bowed in respect, this steady leader gradually halted his horse, no longer moving forward but staring blankly at a white figure on one side of the street.

That slender figure stood on the stone steps, the hood and coat having been removed at some point. Silver-white hair shimmered with a pale golden glow under the afterglow of the sunset.

Even after so many years, the appearance and posture of this young lady remained unchanged, as if time had ignored her, leaving no trace.

She wore a simple white dress, her skin as white as snow, and her eyes like the sky, clear and transparent. This girl, who had left such a deep impression on Pulman and haunted his dreams, reappeared before him.

Across thousands of days and nights and countless stars, the silver-haired girl from the forest met the youth again.

(The End of Chapter)