Chapter 2: The Beauty of the Fortress

By noon, Mels and Sol, traveling on foot, finally reached the border fortress city of Sekbang in the southwestern part of the Francian Empire.

Even though a long time had passed, Sol was still fuming about Kaslo's cunning behavior, constantly telling Mels how he would deal with him if they ever met again. Knowing his brother was just all talk, Mels responded with noncommittal grunts while hauling Sol into the city.

Although Sekbang was located in the remote southwest, it was the third-largest city in the Francian Empire. The reason it was so prosperous dates back to the Hundred Years' War.

For centuries, the Francian Empire and the Fijinando United Kingdom had been at war. Since the tide of war turned frequently, many cities within the Francian Empire had been invaded by the Fijinando United Kingdom, including even the capital.

Due to its geographical location near the western side of the continent, Sekbang was the only fortress city that had remained untouched by the ravages of war. Moreover, it commanded the southwestern frontier, was close to the open sea, and had the Agate River leading directly to the Relkes Empire nearby. As a result, it was thriving in both land transportation and inland river and ocean trade.

Merchants naturally flocked to stable cities to conduct trade, and Sekbang was arguably the most stable city in the Francian Empire. Coupled with the empire's rulers pouring resources into its development, this small city quickly became a renowned metropolis on the continent.

Compared to other cities in the Francian Empire, the guard presence here was pretty lax. Perhaps due to the large number of merchant caravans arriving daily, the city guards only symbolically collected some entrance fees at the gates, and even necessary inspections were skipped, allowing easy entry.

As knights of the Dragon Knight Regiment of the Relkes Empire, Mels and Sol could have used their silver eagle badges to avoid the fee. However, Mels was concerned that doing so might cause unnecessary trouble, so he and Sol waited in the long line and entered Sekbang as civilians.

As soon as they stepped into Sekbang, their jaws dropped at the sight before them. In their original impression, a fortress city should be filled with soldiers, military equipment, and signs prohibiting entry or exit everywhere. However, in Sekbang, none of these sights could be found. The streets were bustling with hawkers shouting their wares and a never-ending flow of merchant caravans from various countries, seemingly tireless. If not for the tall city walls and the inner city at its center, this place resembled a commercial city more than a fortress.

"Boss, let's find an inn to stay at first. We don't know if Big Ox and the others have arrived yet," Sol said.

"Yeah, you're right. These past few days, we've only eaten fruits and vegetables. We've long run out of any fat in our bellies. Later, we should have a big meal to replenish ourselves!" Mels said with a grin, looking at Sol.

"Long live the boss!" Hearing that Mels' decision aligned perfectly with his own expectations, Sol cheered excitedly.

"Alright, alright, let's find an inn first. We haven't bathed in days, and I'm itching all over!" Mels led the way into the city. Sol, of course, wouldn't lag behind when it came to food, drink, and fun, so he hurriedly followed Mels. Before long, the two arrived in front of a grand and luxurious large inn. After glancing around for a moment, Mels said to Sol, "Young Master Sol, are you satisfied with this place?" Since Sol had previously rejected several inns Mels suggested for being too shabby or dirty, Mels was now deliberately teasing him.

"Hehe, this place isn't bad. Let's give them some face, boss. We'll stay here," Sol said, acting all high and mighty.

But as soon as he finished speaking, Mels raised his hand and gave him a punch, then said, "You damn Blond Monkey, who do you think you are, some lord? Get inside first!"

Clutching his head and whining after being hit by Mels, Sol said, "Boss, you were the one who asked me to say it. It's not my fault. Besides, how can you use Bagina's words to scold me?" Seeing Sol deliberately pretending to be pitiful, Mels couldn't help but burst into laughter. The two then playfully fought their way up the dozen or so steps to the entrance.

"Stop!" Suddenly, two men dressed as inn servants appeared before Mels and Sol, blocking their path.

"What do you want?" Mels scanned the two men up and down before asking in confusion.

"What do we want? What do you two want to do here?" asked one of the men, who was slightly taller and thinner with narrow, shifty eyes.

"To stay at the inn. Isn't this an inn? Or is it not accepting guests today?" Mels asked curiously. Unexpectedly, Mels' ordinary response set the two men off into gales of laughter. This laughter sent Sol into a rage, who stepped forward, grabbed the collar of the shorter man, and shouted, "You miserable curs! Just because my lord's clothes are a bit old, you think you can block the way and stop him from entering?"

Sol's words immediately made Mels realize what was happening. His puzzled expression was quickly replaced by anger as he placed his hand on his sword hilt, seemingly ready to teach the two a lesson at any moment.

"Street urchins are assaulting people! Street urchins are assaulting people!" Before Mels and Sol could take action, the taller man suddenly shouted loudly, as if trying to attract the attention of passersby.

Their tactic worked. In no time, many passersby and even guests dining or staying at the inn gathered around the four, curious to see what was happening.

"Everyone, take a look! These two little beggars have no luggage, are covered in filth, and even emit a foul odor. Our Guangheyuan is the number one restaurant in Sekbang. How can we entertain such guests? I kindly stopped them to prevent other merchants from being insulted, but not only did they refuse to listen, they even tried to hit me. I beg you all to stand up for me!" the taller man wailed pitifully.

Watching this man's brilliant performance, Mels suddenly calmed down. He realized that these two were likely thugs hired by the inn specifically to keep unwanted guests out. They were not only harsh in tone but also skilled at acting. Dealing with them wouldn't be as simple as using force.

"You bastard! If you keep spouting nonsense, I'll roast you alive!" Sol, seething with anger, shouted.

"Sol, let him go. Let's have everyone stand up for him!" Mels suddenly spoke coldly to Sol.

Mels' tone was icy, and Sol knew he was deadly serious. If he didn't listen now, even he would be in trouble. So he quickly released his hands, glared at the two men, and retreated to Mels' side.

"Hmph, now scram! You're only fit to eat in a doghouse!" the shorter man roared as soon as he was released.

"What's the hurry? Didn't you say you wanted everyone to stand up for you? I'm waiting," Mels said with a cold glare, sending a shiver down the shorter man's spine.

Not wanting to waste more words on him, Mels turned to the crowd and said, "Everyone, my brother and I have been traveling for many days, so our clothes are indeed a bit dirty. However, we are not some backwards hill-folk. We know how to take care of ourselves. We bathe daily and do not emit any foul odor. This is their first lie.

My brother and I may not be men of immense wealth, but we are not short of money for lodging and travel. To prove this to everyone, I can publicly show what we carry with us, exposing their second lie." As he spoke, Mels took out his money pouch and poured a handful of gold coins into his palm.

It's worth noting that, given the current economic situation in the Francian Empire, one gold coin was enough for a family of three to live in comfort for a month. The handful of gold coins Mels displayed could easily buy a house anywhere in Sekbang. Therefore, as soon as the gold coins appeared, the crowd's disdainful gazes shifted from Mels and Sol to the two thugs.

After slowly putting the gold coins away, Mels continued calmly, "Since my brother and I carry such wealth and are well-versed in poetry and etiquette, I believe everyone's wisdom will allow you to understand our background. How could we have grown up in a doghouse? This is their third lie! Since they have no basis for their claims and have slandered us so recklessly, it is only reasonable for my brother and me to lose our temper and teach them a lesson. Now, I only ask everyone to bear witness and demand that these two restore our reputation!"

After hearing Mels' speech, the onlookers realized that the two thugs had judged people by their appearance. They began to murmur among themselves. Seeing that they had misjudged the situation, the two thugs tried to sneak away but were swiftly caught by Mels, who moved like lightning. He grabbed them like chickens and dragged them to the center of the street.

"Trying to run? If you don't explain yourselves clearly today, I'll make sure you never speak again!" Mels shouted.

Seeing that Mels carried so much gold and moved so swiftly, the two thugs were already trembling with fear. They didn't dare say another word and hurriedly begged Mels for mercy, hoping he would let them go.

At that moment, the sound of people being pushed aside came from the crowd. Soon, a young woman accompanied by several men in officers' uniforms entered the scene. As soon as the woman saw the two men, she said angrily, "It's you two again! How long are you going to keep causing trouble?"

"Miss, please calm down! We were just trying to make a living. We won't dare do it again!" the taller man pleaded hastily.

"Get lost! I never want to see you again!" the young woman shouted. The two men immediately tried to stand up and run away.

However, Mels' hands on their shoulders did not release. Mels said, "No matter what grievances you have, I caught you. You can't leave without explaining yourselves to me."

"Sir, we truly misjudged you. We used to be employees at the inn. After the young lady fired us, we held a grudge and wanted to ruin her business. That's why we pretended to be her staff and blocked people at the entrance. Everything I said earlier was nonsense. Please be merciful and let us go!" the taller man pleaded softly.

"Oh, if that's the case, then it's not just my business. Several officers are here. What should be done with such hooligans who endanger social stability?" Mels looked at the officers.

"This..." The officers simultaneously turned their gaze to the young woman, seemingly waiting for her to decide.

When the officers looked at the young woman, Mels noticed that she was not only young but also quite beautiful. From her appearance, she seemed no older than twenty. Although she wore no makeup and her clothes were simple and casual, her elegant demeanor naturally radiated from within.

This young woman was different from Bagina and Emma. Bagina was a glamorous beauty, Emma could be considered cute, while this woman was the type who grew more beautiful the longer you looked at her. The officers surrounding her were all young men in their twenties. It was easy to imagine that they were all her suitors, which was why they paid special attention to her opinion.

Understanding the situation, Mels felt even more disdain for the officers. He deliberately mocked them, fixing his gaze on the woman's face and staring intently until she shyly lowered her head before saying, "Ah, a beauty that could topple cities. No wonder some people are so captivated they forget their duties."

Mels' words immediately provoked a burst of laughter from the surrounding crowd. A few rowdy young men even whistled, making the officers blush with embarrassment and glare angrily at Mels.

Ignoring their reactions, Mels deliberately said to the woman in a strange tone, "Miss, I wonder if intentionally endangering social stability and bullying innocent 'gentlemen' should be handed over to the law?" As soon as Mels finished speaking, the laughter grew even louder.

This time, even the young woman couldn't bear it. Summoning her courage, she said loudly, "With so many officers here, do you think they would bend the law for personal gain? Hmph, those two are indeed hooligans, but you're not much better either! As the saying goes, 'Forgive where forgiveness is due.' You, with a bit of money, have no idea about the hardships of ordinary people. Grabbing someone's weakness and refusing to let go—you're just a social parasite!"

"Haha, well said! But you're completely wrong! The saying 'Forgive where forgiveness is due' is indeed correct, but it depends on who you're forgiving! You think that by sparing them out of some sense of past employer-employee relationship, you're doing them a favor and they'll be grateful. But have you ever considered that by sparing them now and not giving them the lesson they deserve, you're allowing them to cling to hope and possibly commit even greater mistakes?

When that happens, not only will they be beyond redemption, but they might also harm innocent people. Have you ever thought about that? Maybe then you'll say, 'This is the consequence of their evil deeds.' You might even applaud their execution. But perhaps you don't realize that the reason they kept making mistakes was because of your indulgence and protection! Small mistakes unaddressed lead to irreparable big mistakes. Think about it carefully!" After saying these last words, Mels released the two hooligans and turned to call Sol before striding away.

As Mels turned to leave, he accidentally dropped an item. The young woman, still pondering Mels' words, suddenly noticed the fallen object. She picked it up, examined it, and her expression changed drastically. Gazing wistfully at Mels' retreating figure, she murmured, "So this is his true identity. I really shouldn't have underestimated him."

After leaving Guangheyuan, Mels and Sol found a slightly smaller inn to stay at. The two carefully bathed and changed, then asked the inn servant to help them purchase a few sets of new clothes. After putting on the new clothes, they went downstairs for a big meal.

Mels and Sol were both exceptionally handsome. Sol was a fair-skinned young man with blond hair and blue eyes, exuding a charming and dashing aura. Mels, on the other hand, had a darker complexion, handsome features, and a muscular build, giving him a more rugged and heroic appearance compared to Sol. Now, dressed in the new clothes bought by the servant, the two shone with newfound brilliance, attracting countless female gazes in the dining hall. However, they paid no attention to their image, devouring the table full of delicacies until their stomachs could hold no more.

Once they were full and satisfied, Sol immediately opened up: "Boss, where do you think Big Ox and the others might be?"

"I don't know either. I originally thought there wouldn't be many places to stay in Sekbang. But now it seems like it'll take a lot of time just to check all the inns. I think we should split up later. I'll try my luck at the market, and you can ask around at the inns," Mels said.

"Yeah, that sounds good. Staying here for too long isn't a solution either," Sol nodded in agreement.

Thus, following Mels' plan, shortly after the meal, the two set off separately. However, by nightfall, when they returned to the inn, they still hadn't found any news about Rek and the others.

With no other choice, Mels could only hope for better luck the next day. After having dinner with Sol, the two returned to their respective rooms to sleep. The exhaustion of the past few days had indeed taken its toll on them.

Mels had just entered his room when he heard a knock at the door. Opening it, he found the inn attendant standing there, respectfully addressing him: "Young Master Mels, you have a visitor. I was asked to bring you downstairs to meet her."

Hearing that someone had come to visit, Mels was momentarily stunned, then thought: Could it be Bagina and the others looking for me? Thinking this, Mels hurriedly straightened his clothes again and then eagerly rushed downstairs, ready to meet his long-lost friends. However, before he even descended the stairs, he realized it wasn't Rek and the others who had arrived, but the young woman he had seen during the day at Guanghe Garden.

"It's you?" Mels said, his mood plummeting.

Seeing Mels's attire now, so different from during the day, the young woman felt her eyes light up. She unconsciously lowered her head and said, "Are you very disappointed to see me, young master?"

"Yes, I thought it was my friends coming to find me. Since it's not, I'm very disappointed!" Mels said without any concealment.

"I truly apologize, but I'm not here to bother you. During the day, you dropped something in front of my shop. I've come to return it," the young woman said softly to Mels, who had now approached.

"Oh? Is that so? Then I'm truly grateful. What did I drop?" Mels asked with interest.

"It was this. Please verify it, young master," the woman said, slowly taking out the silver eagle badge that belonged to Mels from inside her robe and handing it to him.

"I didn't realize I'd dropped this. Actually, this thing doesn't hold much meaning for me anymore," Mels said wistfully after taking it back.

"I'm sorry. I learned your identity and name from it. If you don't want anyone to know your status, I absolutely won't tell anyone," the young woman said to Mels softly, with a trace of melancholy.

Looking at the woman with her head bowed and a forlorn look, Mels suddenly felt he had been too harsh. So he quickly softened his tone, bowed to her in return, and said, "I am deeply in your debt, miss. Thank you for returning this."

"Young master need not be so formal. It's hard to imagine someone so young achieving such a position. Earlier, I was disrespectful to you. Please forgive me," the woman said to Mels.

"Please, don't call me 'young master.' Just call me Mels. I believe you must already know my name," Mels said this because his name and identification number were engraved on the silver eagle badge.

"Well... since you are so forthright, I'll respectfully comply. My surname is Diels, and my given name is Sha Luo. Please, young master... just call me by my name," Sha Luo said softly to Mels.

"Alright, alright." When it came to women, Mels's skills were far inferior to Sol's. For a moment, he didn't know how to handle the beautiful woman before him. After a long silence, both felt somewhat awkward. Then Sha Luo said quietly, "If that's everything, I'll take my leave now. Please rest early. If you need anything, you can come to Guanghe Garden to find me." With that, she stood up to leave.

Just as Sha Luo was about to reach the door, it suddenly dawned on him. He knew Sha Luo must have had something else to say during this visit, and her words had seemed to hint at something more. So Mels hurriedly took a few steps closer and said, "Miss Sha Luo, it's getting late. If you don't mind, may I have the honor of escorting you back?"

"Young master, you are too kind. I would be deeply honored to have your escort," she said, walking to the door to pick up an umbrella. Only then did Mels notice that the previously clear night sky had begun to drizzle. Unfortunately, Mels didn't have an umbrella, so they had to share one as they walked slowly toward Guanghe Garden.

Along the way, although Mels very much wanted to ask Sha Luo the real purpose of her visit, he struggled with how to broach the subject. In the end, he could only walk silently beside her. Seeing that they were nearly halfway there, Mels was just steeling himself to ask when Sha Luo suddenly spoke: "Young Master Mels, I have a question I'd like to ask you. I wonder if you'd be willing to answer."

"Please go ahead, miss," Mels said gently to Sha Luo.

"I know it's inappropriate to ask this, but I'd like to know if the leader of the Dragon Knights Regiment you belong to is Sir Xiulan? Recently, I heard he left the Relkes Empire. I wonder how his health is?" Sha Luo asked quietly.

Hearing Sha Luo's question, Mels felt a sudden surge of caution. Although Xiulan had already passed away, very few people knew this news. Moreover, Mels knew that someone had tried to kill Xiulan before. Therefore, he began to suspect Sha Luo's true identity and her purpose.

After a brief consideration, Mels replied in a serious tone: "I do belong to the Dragon Knights Regiment, and the leader is indeed Lord Xiulan. But I haven't seen him for a long time and don't know his recent situation."

"I see. Please don't blame me for being nosy. Actually, Lord Xiulan showed great kindness to my family in the past. I also know that you and several other companions were recently discovered by Lord Xiulan and promoted from apprentice knights to knights within a year—rising stars. That's why I wanted to learn about Lord Xiulan's recent situation through you," Sha Luo said to Mels with a hint of disappointment.

"May I ask what your family background is, miss? What connection does Lord Xiulan have with you?" Mels asked with interest.

However, Sha Luo now wore an expression of hesitation, as if it were a painful subject. Seeing this, Mels of course wouldn't press further. He quickly said, "If there are things inconvenient for you to say, miss, you needn't say them. Please forgive my rudeness."

"Please forgive me, young master. Actually, regarding family matters, if you are truly interested, you could quickly find out through the Relkes Empire's intelligence network. So I'll tell you. Actually, my father was the chief diplomat of the Relkes Empire. Unfortunately, while handling a dispute with a border country, he made a mistake. The chancellor, who was already hostile, seized upon this, threatening my father to shift the blame onto Lord Xiulan, who was also on the mission at the time.

My upright father naturally refused this proposal. As a result, the chancellor sentenced him to death for the crime of harming the state, and my entire family was exiled to the border to serve as forced laborers and military prostitutes.

Fortunately, Lord Xiulan risked his life to rescue us midway. My family escaped here. Lord Xiulan, fearing we widows and orphans couldn't survive, used his connections to help my mother open a tavern here. That was thirteen years ago. Two years ago, after my mother passed away from illness, I inherited the tavern.

Before my mother departed this world, she instructed me to always remember Lord Xiulan's kindness and to repay it fully if given the chance. That's why I wanted to know about Lord Xiulan's recent situation. Sigh, I suppose Lord Xiulan is not only highly skilled in martial arts but also holds a high position and great authority. I'm afraid I'll never have the opportunity to repay him in this lifetime," Sha Luo said to Mels with melancholy.

Hearing this, Mels finally understood why the owner of a border tavern was so well-versed in etiquette and manners.

Moved by Sha Luo's tragic tale, Mels moved slightly closer to her and said, "Don't be sad, miss. Actually, everyone has their own duties. Your father's honorable and upright conduct is admirable. Your rebirth is also fate's will. I believe the regiment leader didn't help your family expecting repayment. Well, we've reached Guanghe Garden. Please be careful going inside. I'll take my leave now." With that, Mels stepped out from under the umbrella, bowed to Sha Luo, and strode away.

"Young master, please take the umbrella," Sha Luo called out loudly, seeing Mels braving the rain.

"No need, haha. From now on, just call me Mels. Always adding 'young master' makes me feel uncomfortable. Goodbye," Mels said with a laugh, turning back to wave at Sha Luo. Then, using his movement technique, he vanished from Sha Luo's sight in an instant.

Watching Mels's disappearing figure, a faint smile suddenly appeared at the corner of Sha Luo's mouth. She whispered, "Lord Xiulan indeed has exceptional discernment, to find such a young and powerful expert. With this, my parents' spirits in heaven should also be at ease regarding Lord Xiulan's safety."

Mels never would have imagined that the seemingly delicate Sha Luo possessed strength close to his own. And whether Sha Luo's true identity was as she claimed was probably something no one could know for sure. However, given the current situation, it was certain that Sha Luo harbored no hostility toward Mels. As for other impressions, that would depend on future developments...