A Passage Two Months Later

Yama had always had grievances against Dole. He had never liked him much to begin with, and Dole had not come personally to keep them company. They had not even gotten a drop of profit, and after working hard for days, they had not heard a single kind word.

Upon hearing this, he immediately volunteered. "I'll write it."

Aston wanted to say something, but in the end, he said nothing. Yama had objections, so let him vent them.

A squad of soldiers approached from within the city. When they reached the group, the man leading them was Awei. He looked at Aston with an enthusiastic smile. "You've all worked hard. The City Lord invites you."

Mitler and the other two glanced at Awei, their hearts tightening slightly, and all nodded.

They knew Awei's status. He was an important figure from the Rhine Family within the military administration, with no lowly position in his future. And with his connection to Dole's rumored girlfriend, he would at the very least be the third most important person here in the future.

Mitler smiled. "Minister Awei, you've worked hard as well. We've just returned—could we wash up first before going to see the City Lord?"

Awei nodded and said with crisp efficiency, "Please. All washing supplies have been prepared. Just don't keep Dole waiting too long. He's been very busy these past few days, and it wasn't easy for him to spare this bit of time."

Mitler nodded, though inwardly he did not take it seriously.

After returning to the City Lord's Manor and freshening up, Mitler and the other two entered the building ahead and made their way to the top floor.

Dole was alone inside, with two slaves standing guard symbolically at the door.

Dole raised his head and saw the