Your Highness, You Can Stay in Our House

Finally, Rein and his team finished taking inventory of everything they had found in the captain's cabin.

There were a lot of strange things, but of course, the most valuable one was the "Black Emperor's Treasure Map".

However, it's worth noting that they also found something familiar among those things.

Those were ancient animal skin scrolls written in some Common Tongue.

Most of them were potion recipes or scrolls recording spells.

Moreover, many of them were carefully "framed," appearing to have been collected as antiques by the people on the airship.

It's likely that this mist-shrouded Ice Ridge Wasteland might be a "relic of a primitive civilization" to those outside the mist.

Now that it has been determined that there may be a tomb of the Black Emperor at a certain coordinate in the "Karatva Basin", Rein and his team now have an additional task: to search for any places in the basin where there may be relics.

But there's no need for Rein to worry about those things; Ymir will take care of everything.

Although the legendary Black Emperor's corpse may still be in the tomb, there's no need to worry.

This Misty World only allows the existence of the fifth rank; it is both a constraint and a form of protection for the Transcendent.

Even if the Black Tide were to resurrect those ancient corpses, the Law Power they could wield would not exceed the fifth rank. This gave them confidence.

Even though the black dragon was still alive, they were no longer so cautious.

At least we no longer have to worry about the giant lizard's strength being overwhelmingly high.

Although legend has it that dragons are a whole tier higher in combat power than ordinary magical beasts, there is a "tier five ceiling" that limits their power, so it won't be ridiculously high.

With so many top-tier fighters in Black Dragon City, even if we were to encounter them, we should be able to put up a fight.

After the meeting ended, Ymir and Mafat both left first.

Rein scanned all the documents with the "Mind Core," and then had the city's archivist bring all the written materials that could be found in the Airship Wreckage, which he carefully "flipped through."

After all, the airship only crashed ten years ago, so it can't be considered a civilization that has gone through a period of discontinuity.

The airship contained a large amount of written materials, books, and scrolls. There were even a few erotic novels written by an author named "Blind Hou," such as "The Great Voyage: Steel Ship Island," "Raymond's Days with Queen Isa on the Elf Sky Island," and "The Women of the Pirate King."

Rein glanced through it and thought to himself, "The beginning is terrible."

For the Mind Core, with so much data, this kind of text translation presents almost no difficulty.

Before I even finished scanning all the materials, the text had already been translated.

The script described in these texts as the "Dark Faction Common Tongue" is a simplified version of the "Old Sid Common Tongue" that Rein and his group currently use.

Rein didn't sit idle either; he started compiling and translating a dictionary.

While this could be handled by the paleographers in the territory, it would take years, or even longer, to complete by manpower alone. With the "Mind Core," he doesn't need to think at all; the system has already compiled an accurate dictionary for him.

The translation of texts is very important.

Because many of the mechanical instructions on the airship, as well as the medical devices that Ilubeck is working on, involve text.

Black Dragon City must develop as quickly as possible; these matters should be addressed sooner rather than later. The sooner we understand everything about the Steam Airship, the better it will be for the development of our territory.

After learning this "Dark Faction Common Tongue," Rein went back to look at the previous documents and figured out what was written on those papers.

This is a Steam Airship called "Unicorn Whale" belonging to an organization called the "Steam Brotherhood." It seems to be similar in nature to a large Scavenger Gang, as they also go on adventures to search for treasure.

Those potion recipes were indeed several "Tier 6" Gene Potion Recipe, four black iron and one silver, with the tier classification exactly the same as in the mist.

But Rein couldn't tell whether the potion in the recipe should be the one corresponding to the "Seventy-Two Divine Generals" sequence, or something else entirely.

He now knows that there is a world Beyond the Mist, and that the advanced potions used by those Transcendent beings are not necessarily the Black Emperor's "Seventy-Two Divine Generals Sequence".

The two bottles of finished potions inside weren't any of the ingredients listed in the recipe. The captain had bought them for his own advancement. There was also a purchase receipt from a company called "Iron Thorn Merchant Guild" and an instruction manual resembling a warranty card; it cost over 30 million gold coins.

Rein had no other data to refer to, and he didn't know what the prices were like outside.

Other documents included transaction documents, maintenance records from the Mechanical City, securities, contracts, personnel lists, air traffic permits, and tavern VIP cards.

With these things, Rein quickly got a general idea of the airship captain's living environment.

Judging from this information, the world outside the mist seems to be very lively and prosperous. However, apart from the existence of higher-level Transcendent, it seems that there are not many other differences. It has everything that is expected, such as nobles, Steam Machinery, airship thieves, taverns, and Mechanical City.

However, it seems that the outside world is ridiculously large.

Organizations of the size of the "Steam Brotherhood," to which this Airship Wreckage belongs, seem to have many members in the outside world.

Following the instructions of the "Mind Core," Rein compiled a bilingual translation dictionary in just a few hours. By the time he left the archives, it was already dark.

He searched around but couldn't find Ymir, so he decided to give her the "dictionary" the next day. The remaining translation work would be handled by the territory's specialized clerical staff, so he didn't need to worry about it anymore.

Then his stomach started growling again, so Rein decided to go back to his lodgings for a meal.

The territory was brightly lit, and the craftsmen worked in shifts to continuously build the territory.

Following today's high-level meeting, the territory is noticeably more orderly. Everyone understands the future direction of the territory's development, each fulfilling their responsibilities in a harmonious atmosphere. The craftsmen also understand that they, as the first "permanent residents" of Black Dragon City, possess equal rights, and are more motivated.

The territory is already quite small, only a few city blocks in size.

Everyone on Omar's side recognized Rein. As he passed by, someone recognized him and shouted, and a bunch of heads popped up to watch the spectacle.

"Greetings, Lord City Lord!"

"Lord City Lord is mighty!"

"Wow, the city lord is so handsome!"

"."

Now everyone knows that Rein is the lord of Black Dragon City and that he is Ymir's man, and the atmosphere is very harmonious.

Rein responded with a smile.

But going from a lonely individual to the lord of a city with tens of thousands of people was still a little difficult to adjust to. However, looking at the smiling faces of those who had "liberated from their servitude and were now singing songs of joy," he felt that things weren't so bad after all.

In other cities, artisans were on par with slaves; they were the lord's private property, free labor that could be trampled on and exploited at will. But here, they were human beings.

Upon arriving at Kolman's shantytown, Rein could smell the aroma of Wudo's unique barbecue from a great distance.

"Wow, it smells so good, Wudo, tonight's dinner looks like a feast."

Before even entering the door, Rein's mouth watered, and he called out with a smile through the door.

Not only was there barbecue, but he also smelled the aroma of many fruits.

Since it was his own home, he didn't need to be polite and shoved the door open. But to his surprise, there was another person in the room that he had been expecting to have only Wudo there.

"Your Ymir?"

Rein was stunned, never expecting to see the seemingly otherworldly Princess in the shed.

Ymir before me had changed into a simple white gown, unlike the formal dress she wore for meetings. Noble gowns of this era typically featured low necklines and narrow waists, which further accentuated her already curvaceous figure, making her appear even more imposing and pleasing to the eye.

Her light makeup was still impeccable, her golden hair cascaded down her back, and a faint smile graced her face.

Rein: Huh? She can actually laugh?

There were no chairs in the shack, Ymir didn't feel uncomfortable at all. When in Rome, do as the Romans do, and he knelt on the straw mat, imitating the sitting posture of the Kolman Tribe.

Moreover, it seems that she and Wudo had a rather harmonious conversation.

Seeing Rein return, Wudo stood up, like a dutiful wife welcoming her husband home from work, and said, "Doctor Rein, you're back. I'll be having dinner with Miss Ymir tonight, so I prepared extra food."

Ymir met Rein's surprised gaze and said with a smile in her eyes, "Lord City Lord, it seems you're not very welcoming of me as a guest?"

Without any attendants or maids, Ymir seemed to shed her aloof royal pride, revealing a cold and indifferent side of herself.

This was a side of Rein that he had never seen before.

Although still aloof and independent, the distant and unapproachable demeanor that kept people at arm's length was gone.

Coming to his senses, Rein smiled and said, "Welcome, distinguished guest."

Ymir can actually joke? He thought the Princess only had one expression, "Serious".

The surprise on his face vanished in an instant. Rein walked over and sat down opposite Ymir with a nonchalant air, saying without any politeness, "Your Princess, what brings you to my humble abode today?"

Ymir smiled and said, "Is it strange for a friend to visit the city lord and Elder Wudo?"

"Ha?"

Rein knew this was not an illusion.

He replied with a smile, "Your Her Highness the Eldest Princess, please call me by my name. It feels rather strange."

Besides being so serious, does she actually know how to joke?

If Lei remembered correctly, this was the time he had seen her smile the most out of all the times they had met.

Clearly, this gentle side wasn't for himself; could it be for Wudo?

After thinking about it, he understood.

Ymir wanted to bring harmony to her territory as soon as possible, and she first needed to understand the Kolman people and integrate into their civilization.

The best entry point is Wudo, the newly appointed elder of Kolman who understands Common Tongue and has a close relationship with Rein.

Ymir blinked, her tone completely at ease, and said, "Well, then you can just call me Ymir. There's no Princess in the territory."

Rein: "Oh."

"Shall we get ready to eat?"

At this point, Wudo had also prepared the tableware, giving each person a large banana leaf, and then began distributing the food.

Rein had lived in the tribe for several months and had long been accustomed to this primitive way of eating, where people ate large amounts of meat.

He glanced at Ymir, slightly worried that the pampered royal princess might not be used to it.

If he wasn't mistaken, the dining etiquette of high-ranking nobles was very elaborate. They would have to change the gold and silver tableware several times during a meal, and they would also have to be served by seven or eight servants. The process was so complicated that it would leave ordinary people speechless.

"Great! If I weren't waiting for Rein, I'd be itching to eat first!"

Surprisingly, Ymir didn't seem to mind at all that such a primitive way of eating with one's hands.

She wiped her hands with a towel, then tore off a small piece of roasted meat and put it in her mouth.

However, unlike Rein who wolfed down her food, she ate slowly and elegantly.

After finishing a piece, she wore an expression of pure enjoyment, praising Wudo's cooking skills, "It's so delicious! Elder Wudo, your grilling skills are truly amazing. I've never had such fragrant grilled meat before!"

This is the truth, but it's also a matter of courtesy.

"Ah"

When praised, Wudo blushed slightly.

But that's just how simple and honest the Kolman are; they're happy if the guests enjoy the food.

Then, they'll make you eat more.

Hearing Ymir say that, Wudo immediately cut her a large chunk of roasted meat, weighing about several dozen pounds, and said, "Ymir likes it, please eat more."

When Rein saw Ymir staring blankly at that lump of meat for a moment, he almost couldn't help but laugh.

Clearly, she was also startled by such a large piece of meat.

Although he could see that the Her Highness the Eldest Princess was trying hard to integrate into the Kolman civilization, he was still caught off guard the first time.

The atmosphere at dinner was exceptionally pleasant. Ymir ate while chatting with Wudo, discussing everything from the customs of the two civilizations to the development of their territories, and eventually some topics related to women.

Ymir also clearly sensed that because of Rein's presence, Wudo was no longer as reserved as before and began to genuinely try to communicate with her, an outsider, with sincerity.

Their relationship quickly grew closer.

"Ah, Wudo, you've only just turned fifteen? The female warriors of your Kolman Tribe are all so tall."

"Yes, when I turn eighteen, I'll be as tall as the Her Highness the Eldest Princess clan. Your Highness, I think you're the most beautiful woman I've ever seen."

No! You'll be very pretty too. As you grow older, your figure will develop, and you'll look even prettier.

"You mean breasts will grow? Doctor Rein often calls me a 'washboard,' and although I don't know what that means, I think he thinks I'm too small. He seems to really like big breasts, like Your Her Highness the Eldest Princess, and that Lady Canossa."

"."

The topic suddenly and abruptly shifted to a point that left people both amused and exasperated.

Kolman Tribe women often have very direct views, which are completely different from the reserved views of upper-class nobles.

This was something Rein usually said to Wudo in a teasing way, so it seemed very strange to say it now.

Ymir was also taken aback, glancing at Lei who almost spat out the fruit juice in his mouth, feeling that something was off.

However, the atmosphere of the conversation remained harmonious.

Because everyone could hear that Wudo's words were very simple, so simple that it felt like you could see the whole world in her heart at once.

Ymir felt increasingly at ease with the simple and honest nature of the Kolman Tribe.

"Oh dear, don't listen to his nonsense. Rein won't appreciate you at all. You'll be very good-looking when you grow up."

"Really? But the men in the tribe seem to prefer women with fuller breasts."

"."

Although the meal consisted only of roast meat and fruit, Ymir felt it was the most enjoyable and satisfying meal she had ever had.

By this time, it was already quite late, Ymir, following the etiquette for a nobleman's first visit, presented a parting gift.

"By the way Wudo, I have a gift for you."

She took out a slender, curved sword inlaid with jewels and presented it to Wudo, explaining, "My father gave this to me when I was sixteen. It symbolizes bravery and purity, and I think it suits you well."

This was a gift that held great significance for Ymir. At this moment, she gave it to Wudo.

"Oh, thank you."

Wudo looked at the beautiful jeweled scimitar with a somewhat flattered expression. She accepted the scimitar, then, after a moment's thought, took off a bone and tooth necklace from her wrist and gave it to Ymir in return.

She said with a sincere expression, "This [Bone Tooth Bracelet] is a tooth I knocked from the mouth of the black wolf that almost killed me during my first solo hunt when I was eight years old."

Wudo seemed completely unaware that the two gifts might differ in price by a factor of ten thousand. But this Bone Tooth Bracelet was also something of great significance to her.

Ymir looked at the bone chain with a smile, and exclaimed in amazement, "Wow, Wudo, you can hunt magical beasts at the age of eight! That's amazing. When I was eight, I had never even left the palace."

Instead of reaching for the bracelet, she extended her slender, white hand and asked, "Wudo, can you help me fasten it?"

"OK"

Wudo readily agreed.

After exchanging gifts, the two suddenly became very close.

Rein watched from the side, a smile also appearing in his eyes.

In upper-class aristocratic etiquette, once a gift has been presented, it is time to take one's leave and see the guest off.

Clearly, this was not Kolman's usual enthusiastic and unrestrained manner of etiquette.

Before Ymir say she wanted to leave, Wudo grabbed her arm and said, "Your Highness Ymir, it's getting late. Why don't you stay in our room?"

This isn't a question at all; it's telling you that she arranged this outcome.

In the Kolman Tribe, a host only allows a guest to stay overnight if they consider you a friend.

Rein felt that explaining this custom to her now would make him seem like he had ulterior motives, so he kept quiet.

Ymir was indeed stunned upon hearing this.

But looking into Wudo's eyes, which were as pure as a clear pool, she saw only deep friendliness and sincerity.

Ymir felt she shouldn't refuse, but something just felt off. A quick glance around revealed the room was only about twenty or thirty square meters, with two beds. Where would she sleep?

She hinted cryptically, "Oh, wouldn't that disturb you and Rein?"

Wudo said dismissively, "It's alright! The three of us can stay together. When guests come to our tribe, they are always allowed to stay overnight after dark. Otherwise, the tribespeople will think we're not getting along well, or that we're neglecting our guests, which would be very impolite."

"."

Ymir's eye twitched slightly upon hearing this.

Wudo's words directly blocked any reason for retreat.

Going out now would only make the Kolman people think they don't get along well? Perhaps they'd even think she's complaining about the poor living conditions?

After thinking for a moment, Ymir said, "Alright then. I'm sorry to have troubled you."

Thank you to 'Zouzou Zaihe' for 5000 coins, 'Qinglian Daoge' for 1500 coins, 'Ganliliang', and 'CCC1102' for their generous donations.