Chapter 45

That day.

The final interview results for the selection of mayors and other officials were finally released. Soldiers quickly posted them on the wall outside the Visas examination hall, and a priest announced them.

Even though Vina had enough confidence in himself, he had never expected to place first.

The moment he saw the results.

Vina nearly failed to maintain his expression and almost shouted in excitement in front of so many people.

But he was so emotional and thrilled that he could barely contain himself. He looked as though he wanted to run outside, jump around in celebration a few times, and then come back.

Vina swallowed back the impulse rising in his throat and said in a trembling voice, "Nat, did you see it? Did you see it?! We both passed!"

Nat was the same. He trembled as he said, "I-I saw it, Vina."

The moment he finished speaking, tears gushed from his eyes and streamed down his face, startling Vina so badly that his own emotions calmed considerably.

"What's wrong with you?" Vina asked, caught between laughter and tears.

Nat sniffled and said, "I-I've succeeded at something for the first time in my life. If my father finds out, he definitely won't believe it..."

Nat could not help recalling the hardship of the past few months: insomnia accompanied by anxiety... whole nights spent unable to sleep.

But after seeing the interview results, all that hard work had become worthwhile.

Vina was somewhat surprised. "Does your father not know that you took the official selection exam?"

"No, of course he knows."

"But he definitely never imagined that I could actually pass, considering how I used to be..."

Nat gave an embarrassed smile. "I've never spared my father any worry, and I was always making him angry... Hey, I need to send a servant to Kaies and tell him the good news right away!"

The thought of the expression Marquis Marco Case might wear when he learned that Nat had passed the examination for the position of diplomat filled Nat with uncontrollable happiness.

"Vina, your father will definitely be proud of you too. You got first place, after all."

Vina thought of his father, Viscount Lauren, and smiled as he nodded. "Yes, he'll definitely celebrate extravagantly."

After repeatedly confirming and considering the matter, Xia Zuoyi finalized the list of mayors and officials.

After posting it outside the examination hall, he sent soldiers to notify each selected candidate one by one, ordering them to gather at the castle in three days for a meeting that all members were required to attend.

Naturally, this included Marquis Marco Case, who was already the mayor of Kaies.

In fact, he had received the notice to come to Visas for a meeting more than half a month earlier.

Marquis Marco Case's sudden arrival gave Nat a heartfelt surprise.

Of course, Marquis Marco was even more surprised.

He had never expected that Nat, after staying by the young lord's side, would truly change so much, improve so greatly, and achieve results that made him proud and relieved.

There was no need to mention how moved and emotional Marquis Marco felt.

It was only then that Vina learned Nat's father was actually the only mayor currently serving in Desinia Territory.

Moreover, this gentleman was the only marquis among the nobles who had firmly stood by the lord's side from the beginning.

It could be said that Marco Case's status was undoubtedly extremely distinguished.

Not to mention that he was now the mayor of Kaies and someone the Lord of Desinia valued greatly.

Nat apologized, "I wasn't deliberately hiding it from you."

"It's just that... it isn't really something worth mentioning all the time. Later, I got so busy studying that I forgot... Vina, you aren't angry, are you?"

Nat could not help feeling uneasy.

He had genuinely forgotten.

Although he remembered later, he did not know how to bring it up.

He could hardly just say, "Vina, do you know who my father is? My father is the mayor of Kaies..."

He might have been shameless enough to say such words in the past.

But now... it somehow felt embarrassing, making it impossible for him to open his mouth.

Vina paused before saying, "No, I'm not angry, Nat."

"I'm just a little surprised. You have a very good father, in every respect..."

He smiled awkwardly. "If you don't mind my background being..."

"Of course I don't! You're outstanding, Vina."

Seeing that Vina truly did not care, Nat could not help relaxing.

The two no longer spoke of the matter.

Three days later.

Fourteen mayors from Desinia Territory, including Marquis Marco, along with ten other officials who had been selected for different positions, arrived at Xia Zuoyi's castle.

The waiting servants led them into the hall where the meeting would be held.

Ferdinand and Walker were already standing behind Xia Zuoyi. Their black and white suits of armor bore no unnecessary patterns, covering vital areas such as their shoulders and elbows. Their smooth lines made them appear even more upright and imposing.

Their eyes swept over Vina and the others as they entered. Though neither looked angry, their authority made it difficult for anyone to meet their gazes.

Vina and the others swallowed nervously, their hearts tense.

Xia Zuoyi had the servants arrange them in separate chairs. Then the servants brought lemonade and distributed paper and pens to each person for taking meeting notes and other purposes.

Ferdinand and Walker: It was the familiar meeting procedure.

Nat was somewhat excited and at a loss.

He sat across from Vina. The officials responsible for other duties sat around them, while his father, Marquis Marco, was seated below and to the right of the lord.

The others were the same, their heads slightly lowered as they appeared somewhat restrained and uneasy.

Xia Zuoyi tapped the table. The crisp sound made everyone, already highly alert, turn toward him in unison.

He said, "The meeting will begin."

"The main topic of today's meeting is the 'Urban Planning and Management Regulations.'"

Everyone held their breath and listened attentively.

Xia Zuoyi said, "The knight commander and the others have already helped me draft a general code for city appearance and environmental sanitation management regulations. I called you here to confirm and understand them one by one."

"Afterward, we will begin assigning mayors and others to cities throughout the territory."

"As for those appointed to other positions, you will remain in Visas for the time being. Relevant transfers will be arranged later..."

He looked around at Vina and the others. "You are all candidates I personally confirmed and chose. Your knowledge is beyond doubt, while your abilities remain to be observed."

"I have appointed you to important positions as mayors and officials. First, I require you to obey my arrangements and develop the cities under your respective management."

"Second, I hope you will not squander this hard-won opportunity."

Xia Zuoyi paused before continuing, "The same examination will be held once every year from now on to select outstanding talent from across the territory."

"If you sit in the positions of mayor or important official and enjoy the rights you should have, yet fail to fulfill the responsibilities you should bear... then regardless of who you are, do not blame me for punishing you according to your crimes without mercy."

"For serious crimes, the punishment may extend to death, or the stripping of noble titles and permanent expulsion from Desinia Territory. Do you understand?"

Everyone immediately became solemn and nodded to indicate that they understood.

Xia Zuoyi then looked at Judith and signaled for him to distribute the already printed Urban Management Regulations to Vina and the others, allowing them to read through the documents first and familiarize themselves with their contents.

After they finished reading.

Xia Zuoyi pointed out the most important provision in the city appearance management regulations: the city's appearance must be clean, orderly, sanitary, and attractive.

"First, public toilets must be built throughout the city. Environmental awareness and good hygiene habits must be emphasized, while public facilities and basic infrastructure should be expanded."

"Additionally, streets within the city, functional districts, green space protection, and new construction must all be properly organized..."

Some versions of Safari on iPhone devices may freeze. This site has already been optimized for the issue. If you still encounter similar problems, please try another browser, such as Google Chrome, or switch back to the default font. Yes, the font is the cause. Please contact us as well, and we will find ways to improve it!

Xia Zuoyi exchanged reputation points for books, laws, and regulations related to urban management, including the Urban Management Regulations.

Then, based on the current circumstances, he made precise and reasonable arrangements. In city construction and management, regulations and punishments were given equal weight.

Those who violated the rules would naturally receive corresponding punishments.

He and Marquis Marco confirmed each regulation in detail, identifying flaws and areas that required additions before making revisions.

The newly appointed mayors and officials, including Nat and Vina, also gradually relaxed after initially being nervous and restrained. They were eventually able to offer some good suggestions and ideas.

When they reached the section on punishments, Xia Zuoyi had them mark the key points.

He said, "Those who fail to obey the city regulations may receive verbal warnings or fines for minor offenses."

"For serious offenses, the fines will be increased, and penalties will be imposed according to the newly revised laws within the territory, depending on the circumstances."

"I have only one requirement for you: you must strictly carry out the arrangements and decisions I make. You cannot delay or neglect this matter, much less seek comfort and avoid work while accomplishing nothing."

"If I learn that you outwardly comply while secretly defying orders, or that you take the lead in breaking the law... then you should know what consequences await you."

Vina and the others looked solemn as they seriously stated their positions.

A stick first, then a piece of candy.

Xia Zuoyi said, "The three best cities in Desinia Territory will be selected and ranked. Whoever achieves merit first in the future will receive corresponding rewards, commendations, or opportunities for promotion."

"For example, noble titles."

The moment he said this.

Everyone's expressions became excited and delighted. Unable to suppress their emotions, they all began voicing their determination.

"Thank you, my lord!"

"May the Creator God praise your generosity!"

Xia Zuoyi accepted their words without changing expression, though his legs could not help swinging back and forth beneath the table.

Stay calm. Appropriate praise helps people improve. My skin is getting thicker.

Before the meeting ended, Xia Zuoyi finally assigned the cities that the candidates for mayor and other positions would be going to.

Vina, with his excellent first-place result, was assigned to remain nearby at Komoy Fort.

The remaining appointments were also completed.

Soldiers would accompany and protect them. After returning home to pack and settle their various affairs, they could take their families and depart for the cities where they would serve.

A shrill eagle cry rang out.

Xia Zuoyi stood by the bedroom window, his smiling gaze watching the white Gyrfalcon soaring freely beneath the clear blue sky.

[An old friend of ten years recommended a reading app to me. It's fucking useful. I use its narration feature while driving and before bed. You can download it here.]

It was like a hidden speck among the white clouds. If one did not pay attention, it would vanish from sight and become difficult to find.

In reality, the Gyrfalcon's feathers nearly blended into the cloud-drifted sky. Combined with its incredible speed, the human eye could not keep up with its movements, and it disappeared in the blink of an eye.

Not long afterward.

The Gyrfalcon flew back to the castle window.

The chick had grown rapidly. Its body was now nearly half the height of a person's arm, while its wingspan had become even more impressive.

The downy feathers of its youth had been replaced by hard plumage with a beautiful sheen. The faint brown spots that had once remained around its head and wings had long since faded away.

Only the tips of its tail feathers retained the slightest bluish tint, outlining a beautiful and exquisitely delicate shape.

Xia Zuoyi reached out to stroke the round head of the Gyrfalcon as it rubbed against him and praised, "Qing Tuan is such a beautiful boy."

"Chirp chirp." Qing Tuan happily spread his wings and flapped them.

Suddenly, a pure black tiger paw shot toward Qing Tuan. The wind it created lightly stirred Xia Zuoyi's collar, making him blink.

When he focused again, Qing Tuan had already flown away from the window, and the thick black tiger paw struck only empty air.

"Roar!"

Coalball withdrew his paw and growled at Qing Tuan, lowering his body into an attacking stance. At that moment, however, a hand suddenly reached over from the side, grabbed one of his round ears, and gently twisted it halfway around.

"Roar, roar."

Coalball immediately obediently retracted his fangs and claws, lowering his voice as he sat down properly. Even his tail curled pleadingly around Xia Zuoyi's ankle, trying to muddle through the situation.

Snowball, meanwhile, had been lying on the soft cushion from beginning to end, his tiger tail swaying lazily behind him in a relaxed posture.

Qing Tuan slowly landed beside Snowball and lowered his head to preen his feathers.

Xia Zuoyi withdrew his hand and said, "Coalball, stop bullying Qing Tuan all the time. He's still little. He's your younger brother."

"You should learn from Snowball, understand?"

Perhaps because Xia Zuoyi had spent so much time carrying Qing Tuan close to him in his fluffy chick form recently, Coalball had become jealous.

Now, the tiger and eagle frequently clashed, one swiping and the other pecking, neither willing to yield.

Qing Tuan was still young, so most of the time Coalball ended up winning.

However, Xia Zuoyi had also seen black tiger fur on the carpet in the room. He did not know whether Coalball had shed it naturally or whether it had been pecked out...

Snowball, on the other hand, had always been obedient and sensible, without any particularly noticeable reaction. Still, his attitude remained neither warm nor cold.

Just like now.

Even though Qing Tuan had landed beside him, Snowball paid him little attention.

Yudi happened to push open the door and enter at that moment. "My lord, Watermarked Paper has been sent to Thorn Merchant Guild branches and outlets in every city for sale..."

"Gibran has already completed the quantity statistics. Would you like to go to the study and take a look?"

Xia Zuoyi nodded. "Let's go."

After speaking, he turned to remind Coalball, "Don't bully Qing Tuan again, or I'll pull your ears when I come back. No meat for you."

"Roar."

Coalball lay down on the carpet in grievance.

After Xia Zuoyi left with Judith, the atmosphere in the room changed instantly.

Coalball raised his head toward Gyrfalcon, who warily opened his wings slightly. His claws scraped against the floor as he looked ready to strike.

Qing Tuan's blue-gold eyes were also fixed tightly on the black tiger.

Just as the atmosphere between the two beasts gradually froze, a snow-white shadow abruptly pounced on Gyrfalcon and, with lightning speed, pinned Qing Tuan beneath its paws.

"Chirp chirp!"

Qing Tuan let out an obviously panicked cry. His spread wings flapped twice, only to be immediately pressed down again, and several feathers drifted to the floor.

Before Qing Tuan could resist with his sharp beak and claws, Snowball immediately leaped aside and, before Coalball could react, opened his mouth and bit Coalball on the butt.

"Roooar!"

Coalball instantly let out a howl and sprang up from the carpet. His tiger eyes looked aggrievedly at his younger brother, as if asking, Why did you bite me?!

Snowball ignored them both and turned around again, leisurely lying down on the soft cushion.

A moment later, hurried footsteps sounded outside the door.

Xia Zuoyi pushed open the door and entered the room.

He instantly took in the situation inside. Clearly, Qing Tuan was helplessly and pitifully hiding on the windowsill with his wings tucked in, while Coalball stood nearby, his head tilted as he looked toward Xia Zuoyi.

Several feathers and a few barely noticeable black tiger hairs were scattered across the carpet.

Xia Zuoyi said, "Coalball! You're not getting any meat today!"

Coalball blinked in confusion. "Awoo—?"

Meanwhile, Snowball slowly swished his tail.

If you can't find it by searching the book title, try searching for the author instead. Maybe it was simply renamed!

At the request of many readers, we are now offering VIP members an ad-free feature.

Click to view