Chapter 423
After hearing the explanation, Alda secretly breathed a sigh of relief. Not wanting to delve deeper into the conversation, she proactively changed the subject:
"I've heard that Rhodes Island has always been fighting against the Infected. May I ask, what are you fighting for, accompanying His Highness into Londinium this time?"
Amiya was ultimately too young and inexperienced to understand the other party's intentions. She explained very earnestly:
"We are here to help people in need. Every living person, whether or not they are infected, has the right to live."
Rhodes Island is a pharmaceutical company, but it's more than just a pharmaceutical company. Besides rescuing infected people from all over the world, it also treats non-infected individuals. We will do everything in our power to prevent war from breaking out in Londinium."
Using the pretext of preventing the war, Alda took the initiative to extend her hand and shake hands with the other person:
"Miss Amiya, our goals are now aligned. Let's ignore the Sarkaz outside for now; our priority is to get to the Place Where the Kings Sleep as soon as possible."
The journey involves crossing several city blocks and passing through Sarkaz outposts. Please give me some time to raise funds so I can make arrangements with superiors and subordinates later."
The financial backer behind Alda has indeed sent a lot of money to the Cumberland Manor in recent years.
If you use it for personal use and socializing, there will be some left over, but if you use it to cultivate relationships, it will definitely not be enough.
Between the districts of the Central Urban Area, there are heavily guarded outposts by the Sarkaz. To pass safely without conflict, one must pay a certain 'toll'.
After all, it's difficult to bribe a Sarkaz guard with just a few hundred dollars. Moreover, a stronghold usually has hundreds of guards and patrolling squads.
To safely reach the Place Where the Kings Sleep from the Cumberland Manor, one would need at least 500,000 Victoria Coins.
Clovicia, being part of the same Self-Rescue Army, knew very well that the other side wasn't as wealthy. Now that the Sarkaz were adopting a posture of waging war against the various Duke, the tolls collected by their strongholds would only become more and more expensive.
"Raise funds? Do you have that much money?"
"Don't worry about that. The things in the attic should fetch a good price."
"In the attic..."
Clovicia's pupils dilated slightly as she instantly recalled the Cumberland Family's prized Steam Armor in the attic.
The Duke Cumberland is now buried, and this Steam Armor serves as a spiritual symbol, like a medal.
"Are you crazy? Selling that?"
Alda didn't see anything wrong with it; it was the most valuable thing in the Cumberland Manor.
"Ah, what else? Past honors should die in the past; they are of no benefit to Cumberland now."
Twenty-six years ago, you probably weren't even born yet. As for me, I witnessed His Majesty the Lion King being hanged in the Royal Palace gardens. From that moment on, the Cumberland family's past glory became history. Now, what can we do with that armor except reminisce and feel sorrow? Selling it is the only way to realize its value.
I'm not a child anymore. That pile of stuff in the attic is just scrap metal, it's nothing."
The Butler, who had been attending to the servants, heard that Alda wanted to sell the Steam Armor and stepped forward to object.
"Miss, please don't! No matter what, that's the Cumberland family's Steam Armor. The Old Duke's blood flows in its veins. It's the honor Victoria bestowed upon the Cumberland Family, a symbol of eternal nobility! It can be destroyed in war, or it can be given to another noble person. But it shouldn't be treated as merchandise by greedy merchants and sold off so easily."
"Wait a moment."
Shi Lei took the initiative and interrupted:
"From what you're saying, you're planning to sell some Steam Armor to raise money to get through the Sarkaz Defense Zone?"
"That's right."
"That's easy, I'll pay for it."
Having said that, he reached into his robes, conjured Pure Gold in Alda's blind spot, and retrieved it:
"I have fifty gold bars, that should be enough, right?"
The Sarkaz have now taken over the city's mint, printing money day and night. This money circulates only within Londinium, and when trading with merchants outside, they only accept equivalent exchange. Otherwise, once Duke arrives and issues new currency, the old coins will become worthless.
With war looming, high-purity Pure Gold is definitely a better store of value than Victoria Coins.
A gold bar weighing one pound can be exchanged for about 200,000 yuan. Fifty gold bars can be exchanged for ten million yuan.
Shi Lei can manufacture as many as he wants, or he can order hundreds right away, but there's no need for that.
"Oh, this..."
Staring at the thick gold bar, Alda's expression became extremely complicated. She swallowed hard and asked:
"Fifty sticks, really?"
"Of course it's true. If you can't produce it, you can detain us, but we won't involve you."
It's just casting gold, no big deal.
Amiya and the Doctor were unaware that Shi Lei possessed the ability to create Pure Gold. However, seeing his confident demeanor, they figured he wasn't joking.
After all, he is the omnipotent Zhongli!
Alda paused for several seconds upon hearing this, then smiled with relief:
"That's wonderful!"
Although she repeatedly stated that she wanted to say goodbye to her past glory, she was still very reluctant to part with it in her heart.
If it weren't for the urgency and the lack of time to wait for the powerful figures behind the scenes to send the money into the Central City District, Alda wouldn't have had to sell her Steam Armor to raise funds for bribes.
Moreover, if this thing falls into the hands of a profit-driven businessman, the purchase price will definitely plummet. Whether they can raise enough money by selling it at a bargain price is still an unknown.
If we can avoid selling now, that would be the best outcome.
"Now that the money issue is resolved, I'll get to the preparations right away. You can all use the bathroom at the Duke's Mansion to relieve your fatigue from the journey. It's already past ten o'clock; we'll depart at eleven-thirty tonight."
After saying this, Alda bowed and took her leave.
Once she disappeared from everyone's sight, Amiya approached her and politely inquired:
"Doctor Zhongli, you just said there are Sarkaz watching us outside. Do we need to deal with them as soon as possible?"
Shi Lei, unaware that the people outside had left, shook his head slightly and then offered an improved plan:
"Not for now, to avoid alerting them. When we set off later, I'll send the three of you up to the sky. Clovicia just said that Rhodes Island is wanted by the Sarkaz City Defense Army. If you follow them through the stronghold, there's a risk of being discovered and causing a scene."
As for Alda, you didn't need to bring it up just now. If she has other ideas when the Breath of the Kings is found, she'll reveal them herself. I've already prepared a plan for that, so don't worry."
"Um!"
Seeing that the other party had arranged everything, Amiya felt very relaxed and at ease.
"The Doctor, calling you here this time was an extremely wise choice. With you here, I feel that no matter what danger I encounter, I have nothing to fear."
Shi Lei grinned, seemingly unfazed.
"Hehe, that's an exaggeration. We're currently in the pre-departure rest phase, so I'll excuse myself for a moment. I'll probably be back around 11 o'clock. Just don't leave this hall. If we encounter Sarkaz attack, I'll be there in time."
"Okay, Doctor Zhongli."
He waved to his girlfriends and then walked towards the corridor next to the hall. Texas, Mudrock, and Xi instantly understood and followed him.
Alda was right; they were drenched in sweat from running all the way from the outskirts of Londinium to the Central City District. They definitely needed a shower to relieve their fatigue and relax.
But they might not be used to other people's bathrooms, so why not create one on the spot? Shi Lei found a corner, carved out an extra space, and constructed a huge hot spring.
The four of them can go in and have a good wash.
June 23, 11:25 pm
After shaking off their fatigue, Shi Lei and his three companions returned to the main hall of the Duke's Mansion on time.
Before setting off, everyone discussed and came up with a detailed plan to avoid wandering aimlessly throughout the journey.
The Self-Rescue Army needed to relocate immediately and rejoin the other scattered groups. Alda had marked several safe spots on the map that could provide hiding places.
Their whereabouts have now been exposed. The Sarkaz knew it was only a matter of time. There's no point in trying to cover it up anymore; they might as well move on sooner.
After much hesitation, Clovicia decided to follow the group to the Place Where the Kings Sleep, entrusting command and instructions within the group to several of her subordinates.
She was extremely interested in the Royal Secret that Alda had mentioned. Perhaps in that remote place, there truly was a force capable of changing the course of the war.
As a member of the Self-Rescue Army, Clovicia felt it was necessary to explore this possibility.
Because of the Victoria emblem on his clothing and the mortar he was carrying, Horn could not accompany them.
The Doctor, Amiya, and Closure may already be wanted by the Sarkaz Citywide Wanted.
Therefore, they would not follow the main group, but would try to catch up on their own. Alda felt that this was too dangerous, and after failing to persuade them otherwise, she had no choice but to give up.
Texas, Mudrock, and Yuu, though not wanted by the authorities, will stay with Amiya and the others.
Shi Lei mainly considered that their outstanding looks might easily arouse malicious intent.
Mudrock, in particular, not only had white hair and red eyes, but also a curvaceous figure and a powerful beauty that made the Sarkaz City Defense Army completely unable to resist him.
If you encounter a vulgar situation involving sexual assault, you'll have no choice but to fight it. Then, it won't be so easy to discreetly enter the Place Where the Kings Sleep.
Sending them directly to the sky is simple and convenient. It eliminates all variables at the source.
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Chapter 501 Pingyi's Approachable Nature (4K)
We set off promptly at 11:30.
Both W and Ines resemble Sarkaz, and their horns allow them free access to the Central City District. Heredrey is a favorite of Manfred, and anyone who has heard of this one-eyed Greatsword wielder will not interfere.
This trio will stay at the rear of the main force, maintaining a safe distance so they can provide support at any time.
A four-wheeled carriage pulled by pack animals drove out of the Duke's Mansion. Alda from its ornate exterior decorations, it was not an ordinary item, even though it was not adorned with jewels.
This is the powerful figure behind the scenes who gives the Cumberland family 'respect' in every aspect.
There is no such thing as a free lunch.
Only Alda herself knows the true price she paid for this dignity.
Shi Lei is not Alda; they come from different families and have different experiences, so it's impossible for him to truly empathize with her.
But one can imagine that, as the last of the Cumberland family's bloodline, she didn't have many choices.
But that was then, and now is now.
Shi Lei doesn't judge based on the past, but rather on his current choices. What happened in the past is unimportant; if he makes a mistake in the present, he has to suffer the consequences.
The position of cart driver was filled by Elsie, Alda's Butler. She frequently ran errands in the Central City District and was well-known among the Sarkaz City Defense Army.
If Shi Lei were to take the position, it would easily arouse Sarkaz's suspicion. Moreover, the superior demeanor he has cultivated is unlike that of an ordinary person; he doesn't look like a coachman at all.
The wheels rolled on, traversing streets long neglected and unswept. The asphalt road, like dark clouds in the sky, was covered with a layer of dust that could never be wiped away.
Texas, Amiya, and the others were nominally staying at the Duke's Mansion to figure things out on their own. In reality, they had already ascended to the air atop the Rock platform and were in a very safe situation. Furthermore, they had communication via the Rock Constructs Writing Tablet, ensuring their absolute safety.
Before long, the pack carts arrived at the first outpost.
Summer nights are unbearably hot and humid, Sarkaz City Defense Army have to wear thick armor.
Especially those guarding the station entrance, they couldn't take off their clothes no matter how hot it was. This was their greatest guarantee of safety, and even taking off part of their clothes would give the enemy an opportunity to take advantage.
Only the City Defense Army resting inside the Sentry Post weren't so particular; they were all shirtless, using hard, lumpy objects as fans to cool themselves.
As the magnificent pack wagons approached in the distance, the Sarkaz City Defense Army tensed. They raised their long-handled weapons and shouted sternly:
"Stop! Stop! Stop!"
What are you doing?
The coachman Elsie, explained with a forced smile:
"Miss Alda is going to Birthday Banquet for a noble organization in another district. Please do me the favor."
Birthday Banquet?
The Sarkaz City Defense Army's eyes darted back and forth over her, showing no sign of moving away.
"What time is it? Who has a birthday party at midnight? Do you think I'm stupid?"
"Don't be angry, let me explain. There was a sudden bombardment by City Defense Cannon this afternoon, so the birthday party had to be postponed. They only notified us to continue the party now that it's safe, which is why I went out so late."
After saying that, Elsie smiled and stuffed several thousand coins into the Sarkaz City Defense Army as travel expenses.
The main reason is that most of the people at this Sentry Post know the Cumberland family's Master and Servant and servant, so they don't need to give them too much.
The Sarkaz City Defense Army silently accepted the money but didn't let them pass directly. Instead, they cautiously used their long-handled weapons to lift the curtain of the carriage and check the situation inside.
The Sarkaz City Defense Army beside him held several Wanted Poster Sketch: a hooded man wrapped up tightly, a minor Kaster, and a Feline Female Doctor accompanied by a black monster.
This aligns with the intelligence brought back by Clovicia; the Doctor and Amiya are now Citywide Wanted.