Of course, much of the credit went to Ashina's bloody battle. Exhausted, she was curled up in the carriage, wrapped in a black robe and fast asleep. She had put away her Dragon-Breed Wolf as well, and for now, she served only as a maid.
Demihumans stood out far too much. In the Holy Griffin Empire, every demihuman one encountered was a slave. To avoid attracting attention, Field had promptly ordered them to wear hooded robes and conceal their identities.
Another day's journey west from Mapleleaf Fortress brought them to Mapleleaf City, a beautiful city built against a mountainside.
This place, too, was a flower blooming on the Empire's rotten branches.
Before he even entered Mapleleaf City, Field could already feel its extravagance. Its laughable walls were only three meters high, yet they were covered in flowers and silk banners, with almost no one guarding them.
The handful of guards had gathered together, gulping down wine as they swept greedy, mocking gazes over the passersby.
The distant Mage Tower and Adventurers' Association, however, were particularly eye-catching.
Caravans and travelers were everywhere. Before they even entered the city, peddlers carrying bundles were already hawking drinks, tobacco, and snacks.
Mapleleaf City had little defensive strength, but it was a first-class money pit.
Everyone in the Empire knew Mapleleaf City was a "whore" begging to be fucked. Whether you used sweet talk-scholarship or magic-glittering gold coins-as a merchant or noble-or simply mounted a direct assault through warfare, it barely had any defenses anyway. You could do whatever you pleased with it.
Brothels, gambling, arena matches, fine food, and good wine-it had everything.
The only people it did not welcome were those with empty pockets. The crowd of vagrants squatting outside the gates made that abundantly clear. Many were even destitute, landless nobles who had lost everything here and been thrown out.
"It's so prosperous." After struggling for a long while, Iron Hammer finally managed to dredge a word from his meager vocabulary.
"It certainly is. But one day, Nightfall Territory will be even more prosperous than this."
Field was brimming with confidence. After all, he had seen the great cities of his previous life. To him, Mapleleaf City was, at most, a themed tourist attraction with particularly bold offerings.
After presenting his identification and paying the entry fee, Field entered the city without trouble.
"Hi, sweethearts! You must be tired from your journey. This big sister is ever so gentle and considerate. For just ten silver coins, I can be your dessert for the day."
"Holy shit."
The soldiers stared, dumbstruck and drooling, their faces flushed red.
"This is outrageous. No wonder Mapleleaf City is so famous."
Never mind his subordinates-even Field, who had lived two lives, had never seen anything like this.
This was the goddamn city gate!
Clearly, the woman before them was an accomplished "software-hardening" engineer with rock-solid professional skills.
Even Field felt hot all over. He had long heard that Mapleleaf City was utterly debauched, but he had never expected something this wild the moment he stepped through the gates. It certainly lived up to its reputation as a place favored by the god of love.
"Ahem. No, thank you." After getting his eyeful, Field waved her away.
"My lord, this place is crawling with devils! I would rather face those disgusting Corrupted Creatures." Scissors, his maid, blushed crimson, not knowing where to put her little hands.
Ashina climbed out of the carriage as well. She gave Field a scornful glance and asked resentfully, "My lord, would you like to go have some fun first? We can wait until you finish."
"Don't be so suspicious of me. I'm not that easy." Field patted Iron Hammer on the shoulder. The man was already itching to go, drooling as his eyes roamed everywhere. Field joked, "Iron Hammer, your name doesn't quite fit. Shouldn't you change it to Iron Rod?"
Iron Hammer scratched his head sheepishly. "My lord, I'd like to spend a little money. I want to get my 'spear' polished."
"How much have you saved?"
In Nightfall Territory, slaves were allowed to own personal property by Field's special permission. But they could only save money, not spend it, and there was nowhere to spend it anyway. Nightfall Territory did not even have a tavern. The guards, in particular, accumulated money quickly: killing one corpse ghoul earned them a silver coin. Outside the Northern Frontier, people would have fought tooth and nail for such pay.
"Forty-seven silver coins," Iron Hammer replied proudly.
"Keep saving for now. This won't be our last visit to Mapleleaf City. Once you become freemen, you can come here and enjoy yourselves." Field preferred to keep a goal dangling in front of them. That way, they would work harder to produce value instead of wasting it on software hardening. "Ashina, take the Cavalry Unit and buy some good food to fill your bellies. Then go rest at the waystation outside the city. I'm going to visit the noble here."
Mapleleaf Manor was one of the few noble estates in the Empire built in a bustling city district. Baron Mapleleaf, otherwise known as Simon Mapleleaf, enjoyed a lively atmosphere. He feared neither noisy crowds nor assassination.
After handing over his calling card, Field waited briefly at the manor entrance.
"Handsome Baron Field, I am a maid of Mapleleaf Manor, ordered to escort you inside. Please have your caravan use the side entrance." A seductive woman wearing what was practically a silk swimsuit bowed deeply to Field, displaying almost every delightful feature she could. "Only those of noble blood may use the main entrance. I hope you understand."
Field rubbed his temples, repeatedly drawing in cool breaths to calm himself. This Baron Simon truly made no attempt to hide his tastes.
"Sorry for the trouble. Please lead the way."
Once inside the manor, the maid swayed her hips as she led Field around turn after turn, eventually entering a building decorated like a grand hall.
"Ahem, ahem." The moment he entered, Field choked twice. The thick steam and smoke almost made him think he was back in the Northern Frontier Province, and he nearly brought out his Mist-Driving Lamp.
"Heehee, don't touch me there!"
"Come catch me! If you catch me, I'll let you... hehehe."
Seven or eight women laughed and frolicked in a hot spring pool, their bare skin dazzlingly pale. Field glanced over, and his blood pressure shot up. Not because he had any dirty thoughts, but because stumbling upon Baron Mapleleaf's wife would spell trouble. He turned to leave, only to hear a deep but slightly comical voice. "Hello, Baron Field! No need to be shy. These maids are here to entertain you. Help yourself."
Holy shit! Now this was a guy worth befriending!
But Field remained unmoved. If he actually fooled around with a maid and got her pregnant, Baron Simon could send someone to assassinate him afterward. Under imperial law, the child in the maid's womb would inherit his holdings.
Nightfall Territory and Field's property would then fall under Mapleleaf Territory's "joint rule."
The maid who had guided him gave a sly, wicked smile, crouched down, and began undoing Field's clothes.
Field awkwardly pulled free, straightened his robe and collar, and said solemnly, "Thank you for your kindness, Baron Simon, but I came to visit you and discuss a business deal."
Field was, of course, familiar with the Peerless Dancer's reputation. He had no desire to become so enchanted that he forgot everything else, only to have every last bit of his value squeezed out and end up on the streets.
Though the maids continued to pose seductively, Field had grown accustomed to a Chosen One of breathtaking beauty and had no interest in these ordinary, painted women.
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