Chapter 52

Chapter 52: Hope Lane

When the Cartes Merchant Guild’s caravan left the Yellow Leaf Town and headed south, they were finally approaching Hope Lane. The latter part of the journey was smooth, with no more attacks or assassinations. Before leaving, Lolan Hill sold twenty sets of black cavalry armor to the town mayor, making a small profit while also enhancing the credibility of the message he spread.

After the Cartes Merchant Guild’s departure, Mayor Ruld acted as if he had done his duty, reporting to the upper echelons of the commercial alliance and dispatching the constabulary to patrol the nearby mountainous areas multiple times. He made sure everything looked legitimate, leaving no room for criticism. Then, he showed the armor and weapons to everyone, convincing them that it was indeed a powerful organization that attacked the Cartes Merchant Guild, not ordinary bandits.

As the caravan approached Hope Lane, it was already dusk. Over a hill, Hope Lane came into view, embracing the sea like a large crescent moon. Along the coast stood several tall white lighthouses, and numerous sailing ships docked at the harbor. The main road from the port to the city was bustling with cargo-laden carriages, and the eastern part of the city was lined with uniformly brick-red houses. To the west were residences of nobles and the wealthy, with various Western-style mansions and courtyards scattered throughout.

Hope Lane was one of the top three cities and ports within the Vergha Commercial Alliance, and it was a significant commercial hub in the southern region of the continent. Nearly a million people lived here, and the massive harbor handled ships from the Verdant Empire, the Southern Archipelago, and even the House of Plantagenet. With the gentle sea breeze, flocks of seagulls flew over the harbor, circling above the city before flying away.

Lolan Hill sat inside the carriage, watching the bustling streets through the glass window. The cobblestone roads were well-maintained, with orderly rows of laurel trees lining the sides. Even as night approached, the streets remained lively, with stalls selling all sorts of goods along the roadside: wooden handicrafts, tropical fruits from the Southern Archipelago, engraved weapons from falcons, and local grilled fish.

The vendors’ shouts, the aroma of food, the conversations among tourists, the orange lights from the stalls, the anthropomorphic creatures with animal ears, and the Easterners in long robes created a scene of vibrant prosperity.

The riders of the caravan split into two columns, protecting Lolan Hill’s carriage as they slowly navigated through the night market. Many pedestrians had to step aside temporarily, and some who were initially discontent quickly quieted down upon seeing the mark of the Night Bloom Flower, moving out of the way.

The Carites Chamber of Commerce is one of the five major chambers in Hope Lane and also a high-ranking committee member of the Business Alliance Guild, holding a position among the twenty-six members. It has a say in various major matters of the Business Alliance, and due to its headquarters being in Hope Lane, it also wields significant influence locally.

“Floris!” “Floris!”

A series of cheers, screams, and music could be heard from ahead. Several colorful light beams illuminated the night sky.

“Lady, there’s a concert happening at the theater up ahead. We might have to take a detour,” Sares’ voice came from the front of the carriage.

Listening to the noisy and massive cheers, Lolan Hill was also curious. Is the attraction of musical performances here as great as in her world?

“No, let’s get out of the carriage. I want to see it too.” She put on a black robe, covering her hair and face in shadow with the hood, then opened the door.

“Lady, there are too many people here; it might not be safe,” Chelsea also got out of the carriage and stood behind the young lady.

“It’s fine, I’ll be careful.” She blinked her eyes, transforming her supra-normal core into the Nature Sequence within her consciousness. Her supra-normal perception began to spread, and the appearance of the entire city gradually appeared in her mind.

“Alright, but may I ask that several of my men stay close to protect you?”

“That’s fine.”

After saying this, Lolan Hill was pulled by Chelsea into the open-air theater venue.

The crescent-shaped stage was separated by fountains. On the golden stairs, a huge red-gold curtain gradually opened, revealing a songstress dressed in a shimmering long dress. She had big wavy blonde hair and wore a white dress covered in reflective sequins that sparkled under the lights. Then she picked up a microphone made by alchemy, and her singing began.

[When we first met, we were both young]

[I saw that scene again when I closed my eyes]

[Looking at the lights, at the ball and the dresses]

[I saw you walk through the crowd]

Her natural and melodious voice, with long eyelashes slightly trembling, and a captivating expression, instantly drove countless spectators mad with adoration, their screams echoing throughout the venue.

Lolan Hill stood on the high platform of the theater, looking down at the enthusiastic sea below, unable to help but sigh. This is the power of music; no matter which world, it always captivates people so deeply.

The songstress continued to advance gracefully on stage, accompanied by two other figures.

Accompanied by dancers, they stood with their hands on their waists, leaning slightly forward, turning half a circle, their dance skirts fluttering gently, then turning sideways and stepping forward again, following the rhythm of the song step by step.

Immediately after, a basket slowly rose from below the stage. White palace railings enclosed a small space, and the songstress entered this small enclosure. The accompanying dancers closed and secured the railings beside her.

[I have been waiting all along, and now the only thing I can do is escape from here.]

[You will become a prince, and I will become a princess.]

[This is a love story.]

Then, the basket slowly ascended, golden reflective paper flowers fell like rain from both sides of the theater, and the songstress’s voice gradually grew louder. The atmosphere in the venue slowly reached its peak.

[My dear, just promise me.]

[But to me, you are my everything.]

[I beg you not to leave.]

The white-dressed songstress sang while waving to the audience, screams echoing through the theater. Her posture was like that of a true princess.

“How beautiful,” Lolan Hill couldn’t help but praise. Though she didn’t express it so boldly, she had a shy and quiet personality.

“Miss, this is the famous White Songstress, Flora, known across the continent in recent years.”

Chelsea whispered to her about the songstress’s background. Although she had a beautiful appearance, she was born in a slum and faced many hardships during her rise to fame. She had also been attacked by many people, but she persevered. These experiences resonated with the common folk, earning her more fans.

Song after song played, until finally, fireworks bloomed on the stage, signaling the end of this grand performance.

After the performance, Lolan Hill finally arrived at her journey’s end—the headquarters of the Calistes Guild.

The iron gate was opened, and the mansion was brightly lit. Various branch leaders and managers stood on both sides of the courtyard, welcoming the new owner of the guild with respect.

When Lolan Hill stepped down from the carriage, a golden carpet had already been laid out, extending all the way to the front of the mansion. She stepped onto the soft carpet, and one consul after another bowed their heads, placing their left hand on their shoulders in salute.

Inside the hall, a long table was set up, filled with various delicious dishes. Nearly a hundred maids dressed in black and white uniforms stood on both sides of the table, standing neatly and quietly, heads bowed. The candles in the hall were everywhere, and the gold and jade lights overflowed, filling the entire world.

(End of Chapter)