New Life

The public carriage traveled for more than half an hour.

An upscale residential neighborhood in the western part of the city appeared before them.

Shut led Wilmot into the garden-like neighborhood, covered in greenery and dotted with little bridges and flowing water. They followed a quaint cobblestone path to a three-and-a-half-story Western-style villa.

"This is my home."

Shut introduced it rather proudly. "Property prices in this neighborhood are the highest in the Empire—over 3,000 Gold Tower Shields per square meter. That's because the designs of these houses, including their furnishings and decorations, were all done by Your Majesty. When I bought this place last year, I took out a loan of 800,000. I still haven't paid it off."

He gave a helpless smile. "Of course I understand Your Majesty's intentions. He wants to stimulate consumption and encourage us to take on all sorts of tasks. I thought I wouldn't fall for it, but when I saw this house, I didn't hesitate for even five seconds before deciding to buy this villa."

"No one can escape Your Majesty's tricks, no matter who they are."

Though Shut seemed to be complaining, Wilmot was utterly confused. Many of the terms were difficult for him to understand.

Shut pressed the doorbell twice.

The front door opened.

"Shut, you're back? Oh, and he is...?"

Iliyas stood at the door, wearing an apron and dressed like a housewife.

Wilmot was even more surprised and blurted out, "Iliyas, you really are here."

Iliyas stared at Wilmot in confusion for a moment before recognizing him. "You're... Wilmot?"

A trace of wariness appeared on her face. What was Wilmot doing here?

"Don't worry. I brought Wilmot over as a guest. Make lunch a little more lavish."

Shut spoke as he changed his shoes, specifically reminding Wilmot to do the