After using the talisman, Odys began considering modifications to the Wisdom Helmet, so that knowledge could be instilled multiple times and mastered permanently.
However, after giving it only a brief thought, he began observing the surrounding buildings and local customs.
Intis architecture was relatively flamboyant and ostentatious, employing many vivid colors and bold exterior designs.
Compared with Loen's conservative architectural style, the difference was indeed considerable.
Most pedestrians on the streets were Northern Continent people dressed in Intis-style clothing. The occasional local who passed by kept their head lowered and hurried along.
Before long, after leaving that street, Odys felt as though he had entered another world. The buildings here were low and dilapidated, some even built with mud walls.
Odys looked back at the bright street behind him, then at this shabby one, and suddenly understood what a colony was.
Bernadette's territory only covered several surrounding island groups. There were no special mineral deposits here; the greatest "mine" was probably cheap labor.
And Queen Mystic had not come here to alleviate poverty. The bright street and the modestly sized palace she had built were likely intended mainly to strengthen her subordinates' sense of belonging.
After all, anyone who could live on that street, no matter how poorly they were doing, could still comfort themselves by thinking they were better off than the locals.
This ruined street was the true face of the place: poverty, filth, and disorder.
The local residents generally dressed simply, and the children playing around were mostly naked.
There was little life in the pedestrians' faces, as though they held no expectations for the new day.
Even the occasional passing carriage looked sluggish and listless.
Odys asked, "How many people live on the islands ruled by the Queen?"
"About five or six hundred thousand. Maybe seven