Chapter 119

Chapter 119: Tranquility After Battle

In the main hall of the Helius family estate, Mereu, who had fainted inside a cabinet, was finally found by the guards. At this moment, the cannon fire outside the city had ceased, and the two sides inside the city gradually withdrew, retreating to their respective headquarters.

In the distance of the sky, patches of white slowly appeared, gradually turning into light blue. Occasionally, birds flew in from the cliffs and forests outside the city, and bird chirping could be heard now and then.

The streets of Hopeland were in ruins, with scattered wood chips, debris, bloodstains, broken gun barrels, and snapped sword hilts. Some firepits still had a few embers quietly burning, but no one was around to tend to them anymore.

A small number of logistics personnel began dragging the dead bodies away. Both sides silently carried off their own people, without a word.

After the intense battle at night, once the nerves relaxed, a strong fatigue began to surge. Walking through the open space in the guild, many people could be seen leaning against debris or the corners of walls, falling asleep instantly, snoring echoing.

Large iron pots were set up, with firewood burning underneath. Someone continuously fanned the flames, causing thick smoke to roll to one side, then water was poured in, cooking some food, which included meat and vegetables. Another pot nearby simmered porridge, with attendants constantly stirring to prevent the bottom from sticking and burning. The aroma of food mingled with the smoke from the firewood, spreading across the square, making people particularly hungry after a night of activity.

As the commotion outside gradually subsided, people started appearing on the streets. However, today’s morning in Hopeland was unusually quiet compared to usual. Even when they encountered acquaintances on the road, they only nodded, afraid to speak loudly, for fear of disrupting the rare peace.

The streets were filled with ashes and debris fragments. Many shops remained closed, but a few inns and restaurants opened, revealing a hint of life. It was hard to imagine that just before nightfall yesterday, this place was bustling like a festival city, full of prosperity, with tourists and residents alike eagerly anticipating the grand festival.

But in just one night, everything changed. On the cold streets, some people never returned. Passing by some houses, one could even hear faint sobs.

In the Helius household, Mereu squatted in front of a white cloth, tears slowly streaming down her cheeks, dripping onto the ground, dampening some dust. Underneath the white cloth lay a body, the face obscured, indistinct.

Mereu naturally knew that the person lying there was the housekeeper who had raised her since childhood. If not for this mother-like figure risking her life to protect her, she might have been the one under the white cloth.

Jerald stood behind Mereu, looking at his cousin. He wanted to comfort her, but felt that his position was inappropriate and didn’t know what to say, so he could only sigh and stand quietly.

On the square where they stood, looking up, it was all white below, covering numerous cold bodies. The Helius family lost many lives in this battle, as did other families.

Lolan Hill walked through the guild square. Many people greeted her with respect, thanks to the potions she prepared earlier. Although the Carites guild suffered many injuries, most were rescued if they weren’t killed on the spot. As they were defending, the wounded were easily accommodated nearby.

Still, she felt a sense of guilt. If she had advanced sooner, she might have prevented such heavy casualties.

But who could have predicted such events? The Tisiphone family acted suddenly. Blaming herself for not saving these lives and taking the blame upon herself felt like a form of self-imposed moral pressure.

As she entered the guild’s meeting hall, it was already filled with current high-ranking officials, including the captain and the head of the guard.

After hearing the casualty report, Lolan Hill felt a heavy heart. In her previous life, she lived in a stable and peaceful society, and the country she belonged to was one of the safest in the world. The loss of even one or two lives would cause public concern, but here, it seemed just another ordinary number.

Some officials still praised the alchemical potions provided by the family head, as if the low casualty numbers were a remarkable achievement.

But she couldn’t feel happy. Perhaps the values of the two worlds were different. The Ivar world was much like ancient times, with most people struggling at the poverty line. Hunger, illness, injury, natural disasters, and demonic beast attacks could lead to death. Even though the Angelic Sequence Church established across the continent a millennium ago had barely raised the average lifespan to 40-50 years, excluding infants who died before reaching their first year.

Infant mortality was even worse; on average, one out of every three children did not survive. No wonder the Helius family was so prolific, with only two direct descendants in this generation, while the Anemyi family had only one. Allegedly, Feng Nao had an older brother in his early years, but he died at age five. This was why Noyce doted on Feng Nao so much.

“Lady Lacy, there is a messenger outside reporting that the Tisiphone family has invited you and the heads of major guilds for negotiations.”

A servant reported, and everyone in the hall waited quietly for Lacy’s instructions.

“I understand, but let’s schedule the negotiations for three days later. We need to focus on settling our injured and handling other matters for now.”

“Yes, Miss,” two officials followed the servant to speak with the outside messenger.

Once the messenger left, Lolan Hill seemed to recall something and asked:

“How are the goods on the fleet? Have they been unloaded?”

The captains and fleet leaders were surprised by the sudden question but answered nonetheless.

“We don’t have enough manpower yet, so it hasn’t been done.”

“Alright, let everyone rest first, then send people to unload the cargo in the afternoon.”

Lolan Hill blinked her blue eyes, looking at the progress bar on her system which was almost full. A faint glow began to swirl in her eyes.

As dusk approached, on the hills outside Hopeland, a caravan of several hundred horses slowly approached. Some wagons were loaded with various goods, while others were beautifully decorated, revealing faint figures inside.

On the hillside, looking at the city full of ruins and debris, the riders in front were extremely surprised. They quickly reported to the person in charge inside the carriage. Several riders began to approach the city to scout the situation, while the rest stayed in place.

As the sun set, the last rays of sunset illuminated the carriages, bearing the marks of olives and shells.

Thank you all for your support, let’s work harder tonight >.<

End of Chapter