"Then let’s set off," Ben suddenly felt it was incredibly easy to have a capable subordinate. "Do we have carriages?" 𝐟𝚛𝕖𝚎𝕨𝗲𝐛𝚗𝐨𝐯𝐞𝕝.𝐜𝗼𝗺

Su nodded.

Not only were there carriages, but Su had prepared ten. However, these ten carriages did not depart together but in several batches one after another. Ben first let his lads take the carriages into the city. This wasn’t his first time in Ambeser, but he knew the young men from the Tonyger countryside, who made up the White Lion Legion, must be eager to see Erune’s biggest and most bustling city.

The carriages turned from the dock gates into the Inner City. Since trucks transporting seafood frequently passed through, the roads here were always damp, exuding a salty fishy smell. The buildings on both sides of these roads were mostly various trading exchanges, ranging from furs to logs, from gemstones to metal minerals, and art pieces, gold and silver items. Goods from all corners of the world converged here, and you wouldn’t see such a crowd gathered in any other place south of Ambeser. These people came from the North, the South, and even foreign lands. Antitina even spotted some Jiufeng Merchants. Merchants, mercenaries, adventurers, and travelers were dressed in varied and colorful outfits, leaving everyone in the car momentarily stunned.

The carriages passed by some grand buildings, where merchants often built their exchanges to be magnificent and imposing to showcase the strength of their trade groups. The noble lady and merchant lady had never seen such imposing buildings and couldn’t help but exclaim, "It’s incredible, even Brags’ Town Hall is nothing compared to this."

Ben remained noncommittal to Antitina’s remarks. The fourteenth Bishop of the Holy Temple in Ambeser, Andora, once said that ’here is filled with gold and opportunity,’ summarizing the world’s longing for this great port. But countless people had also lost everything here, bankrupt. People often only saw the glamorous surface, ignoring that opportunities often came hand in hand with risks. At this moment, the carriage passed through the second gate, which was a grand fortress. When Ben first came here in the game, he couldn’t afford the expensive carriages in the city. He still remembered the awe of walking through that fortress.

This was the gateway to Ambeser. Ambeser was not only a great trading port but also Former King Ai Ke’s naval fortress. Ambeser faced mountains on two sides, making a land-based attack almost impossible. The only route was a sea-based approach, hence the fortress defending this gateway was built incredibly extravagant. From the outside, this ’Sea Swallow Fortress’ looked like a towering mountain. Due to special architectural requirements, its watchtower could observe any ship within dozens of nautical miles on the sea, making the fortress especially majestic. Especially during the second reconstruction, the Holy Temple added a giant sculpture of the King of Flames on top, making it look like a temple in the clouds.

Passing through this fortress, beyond was Ambeser’s famous Plaza Boulevard, where inns gathered, with luxury comparable to a palace and various luxury apartments scattered everywhere. Many foreign travelers and merchants lived here year-round. Locals called this Golden Square. Even though it was just a small area of the city’s enormous expanse, it was the most dazzling part of this port.

Ben watched the exquisite statues and horticultural plants along Plaza Boulevard slowly recede beside the carriage, inevitably giving him a sense of revisiting. But it was indeed revisiting, only with minor differences. Some scenery ahead was still unseen. When he first came here, it was during Ambeser’s Flower Festival, which was much livelier, not to mention the presence of players.

"It’s so beautiful," Romantic lay entirely against the carriage window, her chin resting against the window frame, murmuring, worrying people she might tip the carriage over.

"Valhalla in the future is even more beautiful," Ben replied.

"Really?" Romantic turned her head—truly turned her head—acting like she was boneless, seemingly too lazy to move her body, using her chin as a pivot to tilt her head and completed this high-difficulty action. Since she couldn’t completely turn her head, she glanced sideways at Ben, looking irresistibly cute.

"Of course."

Ben confirmed confidently. He had seen the World Tree within the Trade Wind Ring and had no doubts about his territory’s future. Besides, it was his city; how could it be lacking? However, amidst their conversation, the carriage suddenly stopped, and some Guards appeared outside.

Ben was slightly startled, thinking the guards from the port authority had finally reacted to apprehend the real culprit, but seeing Su across from him shook her head, signaling them not to worry.

"What’s going on?"

"Nothing much. I heard that the Tuokui Lion-man in the North is stirring. The Holy Temple has merely tightened its defenses. Ambeser being a mix of dragons and snakes, it’s to prevent spies disguised as merchants from slipping into Erune." Su said calmly.

Ben then remembered this indeed was true. Historically, the Tuokui Lion-man had been restless since the Black Rose War. However, the tribes of the Great Plain had their problems to solve. So, not until after the Sword Year did they invade Erune the following spring. At the start of that war, Erune hadn’t yet recovered from its civil war, but soon after the newly governing Regent Princess stabilized the situation, players joined the war. This war also established the Princess’s prestige.

But it was still early, still a year away, so Ben was reassured after hearing this. Instead, he thought of something else and couldn’t help asking, "How did the nobles’ talks go?"

"Ordinary people aren’t very clear, but it’s said the first talks broke down, and the next will be a week later." Su glanced at Ben, "The negotiations between the Princess and Duke Anliek showed progress, though her ministers have met with Duke Anliek’s envoy three times this week, but it’s not yet heard they’ve allied. Now, the Northern and Southern Nobles are already gathered in Ambeser. I estimate their next meeting will wait until after the nobles’ conference."

Ben nodded, which was about what he expected. Everything aligned with the historical timeline; he still had some time. Yet he looked at Su and couldn’t help feeling amazed. At first, the little bar maid of Ridenburg had now rapidly grown, becoming a person who could manage independently. Anyone looking at Su now wouldn’t connect her with the once-young girl.

Thinking so, he remained silent for a moment, then suddenly said, "So, if I want to attend the nobles’ conference, any way to do it?"

"Not easy."

The young girl gently shook her head.

...(To be continued. If you like this work, you are welcome to Qidian (qidian.com) to vote for recommendations and monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation.)