Chapter 905: Travelers of the Northern Region
A few days later, Lolan Hill arrived at Tieqiu City with the caravan. This bustling city nestled in the mountains was known as the furnace of the region.
Due to the nearby coal mines, the city thrived with numerous blacksmiths, and the sound of hammering iron could be heard everywhere. In the past, this city supplied various iron tools to the Southern Region, and many common weapons and armors were crafted here.
Walking down the mountain streets, the gray-black coal residue underfoot and the acrid smell of smoke in the air made the atmosphere oppressive.
“The air here isn’t very good,” Lolan Hill sniffed, feeling somewhat uncomfortable. Her heightened perception made it difficult for her to ignore the unpleasant smell.
“Mesia is indeed so sensitive and delicate,” came Miss Sarlin’s voice from behind her, followed by handing a handkerchief to the young girl.
“Use this to cover your nose; just hold on a bit longer. We still need to stay here for two more days.”
“Thank you.” Lolan Hill took the handkerchief and then helped the girl next to her with one too.
“Let’s go into the city first to purchase supplies. Mesia can wander around the streets; she might find something interesting,” Miss Sarlin said afterward, leading her merchant caravan into the city to load and unload goods, leaving Lolan Hill and the girl she had rescued behind.
“Let’s go next.” Lolan Hill took the girl’s hand and asked about her brother.
“I remember you mentioned having another brother who wasn’t caught but managed to escape.”
“Yes, Miss Mesia,” the girl nodded, then added with distress, “Unfortunately, I don’t know where to find him now.”
“It’s alright. Let’s explore first; we might find something useful.” Lolan Hill squeezed the ‘Fire-eyed Nightingale’ badge in her hand and headed towards a corner of the city, rumored to house a famous tavern.
Half an hour later, they stopped in front of a shop.
A tall signboard nailed to the eaves, featuring a massive black boar’s head seemingly stuffed and hung there, stood out starkly against the surrounding shops. This distinctive sign gave a powerful visual impact, highlighting the tavern’s uniqueness.
“It’s said that the owner is a retired adventurer of Sequence 5, quite impressive,” people around commented.
Holding the girl’s hand, Lolan Hill entered the tavern, the mixed scents of alcohol, food, burning pine oil, and evaporating sweat hitting her face.
As the rare beauty entered the bar, a series of whistles sounded, and occasionally, someone would turn around curiously, staring blankly at Lolan Hill.
Indeed, this isn’t a place for girls. Lolan Hill thought silently, then led the girl to an empty bar counter.
“Miss, what would you like? We have plenty of good things here,” the bartender approached familiarly.
“Is there anything to eat?” Lolan Hill didn’t want to ask for information right away, as it would attract too much attention.
“Yes, please take a look.” The shopkeeper brought over a menu.
After selecting some delicious ham roast, Lolan Hill and the girl sat waiting. At this point, the surrounding gazes diminished slightly.
During this time, some people tried to chat her up, but Lolan Hill rejected them all. She drew her sword slightly, revealing a chilling light that deterred many with ill intentions.
After eating, the girl returned to the bar counter. This time, she ordered a cold and hot drink. Under the bartender’s surprised gaze, she flashed the ‘Fire-eyed Nightingale’ badge. There was no need to worry about traps; with her current strength, few in the Southern Region could stop her.
“Please follow me,” the bar directed Lolan Hill to the back door, while the girl was taken care of by a female shopkeeper.
“Where did you get this badge?” An old man, holding a pipe, walked over after entering the room, sitting in front of Lolan Hill. He seemed to possess Sequence 5 power but had hidden injuries.
“That’s a story for another day.” The girl explained briefly before mentioning her purpose.
“I need some help with information.”
“No problem, but we will charge accordingly. You know, these tasks aren’t easy,” the retired adventurer replied, propping his leg up and removing the pipe.
“Of course.” Lolan Hill placed a small bag of gold coins on the table.
“First, I want you to find someone. That person is the girl’s brother outside.”
“That’s easy enough. Iena grew up in Tieqiu City, and I know this girl and her brother well.”
“Additionally, I want to know about the current state of the Southern Resistance.”
“Not impossible, but we don’t know much either.” He spread his hands.
“They are idealists, hard to buy. Although admirable, they’re not easy to approach.”
“Lastly, I want to know about a special girl who might be using the alias Lotte.”
“Can you describe her?”
“She’s proficient with a sword, Sequence 4, younger than me, around 16 years old.”
“16 years old, Sequence 4, skilled with a sword. Haha, many people in the Southern Region are looking for this girl.” Hearing the girl’s description, the man smiled knowingly.
“Basca Family’s last princess, Xialuoluo. Her bounty and search warrants are plastered all over the streets.”
“Basca Family’s descendant?” The girl exclaimed.
Though she knew Lotte came from a wealthy family, she never imagined this girl was part of the Basca family, a once influential ducal family in the Southern Region.
“If that’s the case, please inform me if you hear anything.”
Lolan Hill nodded, discussing further with the owner. Then she turned to leave.
Only after the girl left the room did the bartender enter to inquire.
“Boss, should we make a move?” he thought of the girl’s appearance and felt a stir.
“Let her leave safely. This one isn’t someone we can mess with,” the boss said, puffing on his pipe, contemplating Lolan Hill’s intentions, then untied the small bag and played with the bright and beautiful gold coins.
“Alright, Boss.”
With some useful information obtained, Lolan Hill led the girl out of the tavern. The cool mountain air enveloped them again, refreshing and comfortable.
“Let’s go.” After saying this, the girl headed towards a corner of the city, where many travelers were gathered.
Finally, as she was about to enter the Renkin Chamber’s base, a commotion of shouting and arguing broke out. Several knights in black robes were awkwardly negotiating with vendors.
Feeling a bit tired, I’ll continue tomorrow. Actually, this little story hasn’t ended yet.
(End of Chapter)
