"Changing your Fundamental Duty is a capital offense?" White Line's eyes widened, her dark pupils tightening slightly.
"Of course it is. Changing someone else's Fundamental Duty is a privilege reserved for the Blessed Ones. If you're caught, they'll tie you to an iron pillar for the vultures to peck at. But my friends, as long as the Sun Priests' spies and lackeys don't find out, you'll be fine."
The Tree Shepherd Elder grinned, revealing a few yellow teeth.
"Thing is, in the Golden City, everyone has to have their Fundamental Duty fixed at birth. Not having the mark is a capital offense too. Why not consider joining the Tree Herders? It's a fine calling. You'll eat your fill, do noble work, and enjoy high standing. A high-ranking Tree Herder is on par with a Sun Priest. Roast meat and wine will practically rain into your mouths."
Xia Lun took a sip from the Bottomless Coffee Cup. Peering past its base, he glanced at the old man from the corner of his eye.
No wonder the old man had been so friendly. He was recruiting!
But this Tree Herder calling could not be nearly as good as the old man claimed. A genuinely good job would never be offered to strangers he had only just met.
Xia Lun thought for a moment and was about to draw out more information when he heard the sudden jingle of silver bells.
The Dancer stepped lightly forward, took out her Identity Badge, and bowed as she showed it to the old man.
"You want to join us?" the old man asked.
The Dancer said nothing. She merely placed both hands against her chest and bowed to the Tree Shepherd Elder.
The old man's wrinkled eyelids drooped, but his gaze sharpened for no apparent reason.