novelzi Chapter 232: Every Departure Marks A New Beginning
Chapter 232: Every Departure Marks A New Beginning
Chapter 232: Every Departure Marks A New Beginning
A warm breeze rustled through a sea of willow trees under the fierce midday sun. The bitter conflict had ended by the time the beacon fires were extinguished.
Iron hooves had rampaged across ancestral lands, leaving a devastated landscape and survivors who stood vigil for the souls of the fallen.
The latter were resilient, like weed that not even a raging fire could destroy; A patch of exuberant green amidst the decaying ruins. Like germinating seeds, they tirelessly sank their roots deep into the harsh environment, drawing whatever sustenance they could. Piercing through the rocky surface towards dawn above the beacon of tomorrow they longed for.
As long as a single breath remained in their bodies, they would have the power to fight on. Defeat was merely a step in the cycle of reincarnation.
Time and solitude seemed to stretch on for eternity.
Even so, they stood resolute through it all, aspiring to revel in the glow called hope one day.
Although there was an unmistakable change in the air, Nolan City appeared the same on the outside.
The city and alleyways continued to be old and rundown, much like a refugee camp.
The residential houses, pieced together from a mix of lumber, tiles, and bricks, appeared destitute and crude.
The slanted and unevenly constructed buildings, seemingly stricken with famine, exuded a clear sense of disarray and chaos, whether one looked at them separately or as a whole.
Yet the emotions they evoked in people were completely different than before. Even the midday sun illuminating the broken tiles seemed to carry a new meaning in their eyes.
The whole city seemed to have transformed, brimming with life and strength overnight.
The once lifeless and ashen countenances of its residents had been replaced by vivacious energy and bright smiles.
Busy figures could be seen all over the streets, as they hurried from one task to the next.
Sturdy men laboriously transported carts loaded with usable building materials into the city, while technicians responsible for planning new construction gestured expressively, blueprints in tow.
The meager rations had been placed onto wagons, allowing people to access them more easily.
Despite the trying times, everyone worked diligently, like a colony of ants scurrying about in a frenzy. They were fully engaged in their tasks, striving to outdo each other in their efforts to support the city.
The entire city was filled with positivity.
The sweat from their hard labor trailed down their rosy cheeks, forming a vibrant scene of prosperity.
At this moment, the chilly sunlight had turned into a beacon of hope The survivors of the war, who had regained their freedom from a life of exploitation, believed that their lives would be growing more and more prosperous with each passing day.
They were certain that things would take a turn for the better. The niece of Her Highness Felina, who had taken up the title of Princess, would definitely guide them towards prosperity and glory.
After all, the goddess of Hope had already bestowed her captivating smile on them.
Ol Gus, hows your body holding up?
Haha, Im still holding up alright. I can last until the Princess establishes her kingdom!
Oh? Hahaha! Well then, I better not fall behind. Best of luck, Ol Gus. Make sure Im not the only one here when the big moment arrives
Two elderly men with white hair on their temples sat on small stools, each holding a cup of hot, steaming tea. They looked down at the youngsters toiling under the bright sun, their faces awash with emotions.
The task of rebuilding the city was ordinary and mundane, yet at this moment, the contrast had been so striking that words would pale in comparison to seeing it firsthand.
A silver-haired girl wearing a luxurious western-style shoulder-strap dress and a white feminine top-hat came to a stop.
Her shoulders exposed, her long silver hair was tied by a black ribbon into a side ponytail, which trailed over her collarbone. Her attire and appearance stood in stark contrast to the raggedly dressed populace, making her an outlier in this rustic environment.
The silver-haired girl silently stood in place. Despite the Hypericaceae flower on her white top-hat concealing part of her face, her lavish dress and unique hair color had drawn a considerable amount of attention.
Your Highness. Dressed in ceremonial robes, Xun followed closely behind while tilting the parasol she held in her direction.
She had specifically picked out this golden long dress, which was embellished in the style of a Hypericaceae flower, for Bai Ji It was a clothing the second Missus Tina had retired from her wardrobe, having outgrown it.
Despite the passage of time, the high-quality materials of the dress ensured that it looked as good as new after a round of washing and cleaning.
Why have you brought me here? Staring at the city brimming with bright and endless possibilities, Bai Ji slowly asked.
Destruction and creation are intertwined. The sunset which ushers in the night, signifies not just the days end but also the start of the next. Mumbled Xun, seemingly to herself.
Must you phrase it in such a philosophical manner? Bai Ji muttered softly, a pout forming on her face.
Oh, arent you the commander of the vampire race? Have you come for an inspection, Your Excellency? These past couple of days must have been tough on you. The two elderly men, comfortably seated while engaging in a merry conversation with tea in hand, remarked as they laid eyes on Xuns and Bai Jis dazzling figures.
Xun gave a slight shake of her head, signaling to the two old men that they neednt concern themselves with her and Bai Ji and to carry on with their activity.
In the end, she closed her eyes and forcibly swallowed her words, pushing them downwards back into her stomach.
Does Your Highness desire to find her answer?
Mhm.
Is that something you really have to do?
Yes.
Then go, Xun said, taking a deep breath. She was aware of what that decision entailed.
Thank you. Snapping out of her momentary daze, Bai Ji did not stand on ceremony and promptly offered her thanks, saying, However, I dont have the habit of letting others shoulder the blame on my behalf Just report the facts to Tina, she wont fault you for it.
Theres no need for concern, Your Highness. Xun will handle the necessary arrangements, Xun said, gesturing towards the wide-open city gate in front of them.
Im sorry for not being able to escort Your Highness any further. I also seek your forgiveness for any shortcomings. Xun slowly closed her eyes.
Would you be willing to help me with another matter?
In the main castle situated inside the inner district of Nolan City.
At this moment, the place was welcoming back its owner who had returned after a long period of absence.
Your Highness, Nael said as she opened the door and entered. She respectfully addressed the petite figure in a long ceremonial gown, whose aura had become unrecognizable.
Whats the matter? The girl spoke without turning her head around, her luxurious light-golden hair cascading down her head like fine silk.
Ive already begun to implement the plan you outlined. Nolan City is now back in operation.
Mhm. If were lacking in materials, feel free to dismantle the castles tiles and bricks to bolster the supply. Our top priority is to make sure that the commoners have clothes, food, and warmth. The girl said, her voice devoid of any emotional fluctuations.
Yes Nael seemed like she had more to say, but stopped herself. As for the rumors of the human knight circulating among the citizens, should we put a stop to them?
Just let it be. Is there anything else?
Yes, a person sent by Xun had delivered this bag to you. Someone had directed her to give this to you, saying that it was imperative for you to receive it. Nael explained, holding up a bag left outside the door.
Open it and show me whats inside. The girl said, her furry ears twitching as she slowly turned around.
Yes. Nael began to unwrap the bundle wrapped in plain cloth.
Your Highness, this appears to be a pile of clothes. She slightly froze in bewilderment.
Nearby, Lil Shas eyes widened slightly.
You can take your leave.
Got it.
As the door closed with a creak, Lil Sha walked over to the pile of clothes in a slightly dazed state.
This was the very casual dress she had taken off when she first arrived, due to an odor that had clung to it
It was a dress crafted for humans.
They had since been washed clean and were now giving off a faint floral aroma.
Slightly dazed, Lil Sha rummaged through her clothes and saw a paper slip slipping out from within.
[Im leaving. Take good care of yourself.]
The message was clear and succinct. Its strong and confident penmanship, on the contrary, gave it a somewhat stiff and robotic feel.
The handwriting was something she knew all too well
A glistening, clear droplet of water caused the paper slip to dampen.
Why Why cant I just hate you? Obscene middle-aged man you moron
TL Note: Thank you for your support throughout Volume 4! Thanks to our patrons, we have commissioned a special piece of artwork to celebrate the conclusion of this chapter. We hope you enjoy it as much as we do! Can you guess who it is? Click here for a bigger version!