Chapter 80: First Arrival in the Imperial Capital

“Miss Lucia! We finally found you. Thank goodness! Praise the Light God—thankfully you’re unharmed!”
As several figures suddenly appeared ahead, the speeding group came to a halt amid chaotic footsteps and horse neighs. Upon recognizing the newcomers, the officer in white armor at the front leaped off his horse, stepped forward, and approached Lucia, speaking with excitement.
“It’s good to know you’re fine. Come, the Duke and the others are waiting anxiously at home. You have no idea how worried we were during those days you were missing—we almost had to mobilize the entire empire to search for you. You little girl, not even sending a message back—you’ve exhausted us old folks!”
He then gently stroked Lucia’s head and spoke in a kind tone, his eyes brimming with affection.
“General Parich—so it’s you who came personally. Heh, that’s great. With you here, I’m sure we won’t face any more danger. Otherwise, if those assassins attacked again, it would be troublesome. My men can’t stand up to them!”
Nils also stepped forward eagerly, seizing the opportunity to speak. After all, it was Parich—deputy commander of the Snowwind Legion and one of the empire’s greatest warriors, rumored to possess holy-level strength. With someone like him around, what could possibly go wrong?
Hearing Nils’s words, Rod rolled his eyes inwardly. “Your men can’t stop them?” He simply ignored them, showing clear disdain. How could he not know who Nils was after years in the imperial capital? Even if he’d never met him, he must have heard of him. He truly despised such people. On the contrary, he turned with a smile, showing goodwill toward Rod and the others.
“Enough. Gratitude isn’t necessary. I’m sure the Duke will reward you well for this trip to the imperial capital. Let’s go back. Lucia, get on the carriage!” With a laugh, he pulled Lucia toward the carriage in the group.
Taking a deep breath, Rod felt a sense of emptiness after being looked at by Parich. Those deep eyes were unfathomable, like an endless starry sky with nothing to be seen. It left him momentarily stunned. With a bitter smile, he shook his head and hurriedly followed.

A master, definitely a master—so he concluded about the figure before him. The arrival of the main force not only provided everyone with horses for transportation, speeding up their progress greatly, but also eliminated the pressure, bringing an unprecedented sense of relief. The oppressive mood they had endured for so long had worn them out. Racing ahead at full speed, they reached the gates of the capital city before dusk, much earlier than planned. Looking at the majestic city walls, the huge gates, and the crowded crowds coming and going, hearing the sounds from inside, as well as the merchants, mercenaries, and commoners passing by and their expressions, Rod couldn’t help but marvel—truly worthy of being the capital city; it was incomparable to Flaming City. In its presence, even a three-year-old child paled in comparison! Finally, they arrived. Seeing the imposing scene before them, the others also let out a long sigh of relief—after going through so much hardship, they had finally made it here. “Rod, what are you standing around for? Hurry up!” Eida pulled at Rod, who was still dazed on his horse, and spoke softly. “Hm? Oh, right, let’s go!” Looking at the majestic city walls and the large characters reading “Hua Ming City” written on them, feeling the powerful strokes that conveyed a majestic aura, Rod was utterly captivated. He sighed again and quickly caught up with the main force. “Hmph, an inexperienced mercenary!” A light snort beside him made Rod frown. Was it that damned Nils again, provoking him here? Seeing his face, Rod really wanted to pounce on him and slap him! But he held back—this wasn’t the right time or place. The Snowwind Legion truly lived up to its name. Upon seeing Parich arrive, the soldiers guarding the gates and the inspectors immediately cleared a path for them to pass through, saluting respectfully. Once inside the city, their vision broadened instantly—a bustling scene unfolded before them. At dusk, under the slanting sunlight, countless people moved through the streets. The shops were neatly arranged, simple and clear in design, with colorful flags fluttering everywhere, creating a lively atmosphere that once again captivated Rod. “Damn it, there’s so much to see. Keep up!” Eida pulled at Rod again, feeling frustrated. This guy really had the air of a country bumpkin in the city—finding everything so novel, as if he’d never seen it before. She was afraid he might get lost if she wasn’t careful.

After crossing a straight avenue and turning at a right angle, they passed another long stretch of road before entering another area. The scene here was completely opposite to the previous one—free from the noise and chaos, it was extremely quiet. The street was wide but peaceful, with few pedestrians. Instead of shops on both sides, there were large mansions, some even worthy of being called estates, standing quietly here.

“This is the area in the capital where only those with the most power and wealth can live. Living here signifies status and honor!” Seeing Rod’s puzzled expression, Aida sighed inwardly before explaining helplessly.

Nodding slightly, Rod understood. Indeed, having such a nice villa or mansion in such an expensive place required a great deal of money and power—this must be what people call an elite neighborhood.

Walking straight ahead and turning again, a huge mansion came into view, so large that it was impossible to take in at once. It was countless times larger than the mansions and estates they had seen before. Rod thought to himself that the owner of such a place must be someone of great importance.

Before reaching the mansion, the group stopped and were momentarily stunned, then quickly realized why. From their observations over the past few days, it was clear that Lucia’s family had complex affairs—perhaps only a mansion like this could be fitting.

Upon closer inspection, dozens of armed guards stood neatly in front of the huge dark red gates. Each one was tall, strong, and full of energy, exuding a serious demeanor. One could even sense their cold eyes and faint murderous intent.

They were definitely the elite among elites—only soldiers who had gone through life-and-death trials could possess such presence and posture.

“General Parich, the master has been waiting for you for a long time. Hurry in!” As the group approached the mansion, a guard rushed over to Parich and spoke quickly, glancing at the carriage with a hint of joy—he naturally knew who was inside.

“We’ve arrived, Miss Lucia. Let’s go in!” Parich got off his horse, stepped to the carriage, lifted the curtain, and smiled at Lucia inside.

“Are you back? You really are back!” Seeing the scene in front of her, Lucia’s eyes reddened. Having endured so much hardship these past few days, the endless grievances in her heart surged to the surface upon seeing this mansion.

“Lucia, have you returned? My dear daughter, you’re finally back…” At the same time, shouts came from afar, and soon a group of people rushed out of the gate. Leading them was a woman in her thirties, followed by an old man with silver hair. Surrounded by maids and servants, they rushed toward them. “Mother! Grandmother!” Seeing the two, Lucia’s eyes reddened even more, and tears nearly spilled over. She jumped down from the carriage and rushed toward them quickly. “My little darling, you’re finally back. It’s good that you’re safe! Those wretches dared to harm you. Don’t worry; I’ll make sure your grandfather and father deal with those scoundrels!” Holding Lucia, the old man smiled gratefully, his eyes slightly moist as he patted her back gently. When he spoke of those men in black, a cold glint flashed in his eyes, sending chills down the spines of those watching, including Rod. “Who saved my daughter this time?” After the embrace, Lucia threw herself into the young woman’s arms. The old man grew serious and stepped forward, asking in a deep voice. “Madam, it was them—the Stormwind Mercenaries!” Hearing this, Parich stepped forward quickly and pointed at Rod and the others. “It was you! Well, I now know everything about what happened. Don’t worry; I’ll make sure you get compensation for your losses. For saving Lucia’s life, I will surely reward you generously!” “Grandmother, we’re still outside. Why won’t you let us in?” After hugging her mother, Lucia quickly went to the old man, took her arm, and spoke coquettishly. Here, she was completely different from before—like two different people. It was the first time anyone had seen her in such a childish manner, and she seemed even more adorable than before. Many men present were utterly captivated by her appearance! “Oh, look at me! I was so happy I forgot about this. Let’s go inside quickly. Parich, you too, stop wandering around. Organize everyone and come in. We’ll eat here today!” Reminded by Lucia, the old woman remembered the situation and said to them with a wry smile.