Business Was Booming

The lights of night shone over this decrepit city-state. The clamorous crowds and cries of slave hawkers gradually quieted, and the prosperity Hippo Ancient City had maintained all day finally came to an end.

At night, slave merchants who had toiled all day rested, while Slave-Catching Groups returning from distant expeditions needed to recuperate. Yet several trades were only just beginning to make money.

Foremost among them were the mills and taverns scattered through every street and alley.

One coarse, booming voice after another contributed its own distinctive economy to this city-state.

"Today's goods are pretty good!"

"Little beauty, haven't seen you for two days, and you've changed completely!"

"Come on, I'll reward you with one!"

The tinkling laughter and coquettish voices brought copper coins pouring in, adding a peculiar tenderness to this dim world.

Li Ziran sat at the entrance to the second floor. Not far away, steaks sizzled on the grill, beside them green apple juice and goat's milk. The four girls stared blankly at Li Ziran, lost in thought.

They were exhausted, but they were satisfied.

Ailey in particular. The hostess girls had been running back and forth all day; leaning against the soft bed, she could barely stand.

Deep night had arrived, and the cold current from the Wasteland began to gain the upper hand, leaving the city-state somewhat chilly. The roadside stalls that had filled the streets during the day had nearly vanished, and even most of the shops along the road had lowered their banners and beaten their drums. Apart from a few hunters returning late, hardly anyone could be seen.

Even Hippo Ancient City's prosperity could not conceal the loneliness of night. Only First Street remained bustling; business on the other streets was poor at night, especially in fringe areas like Ninth Street,