Nico watched the carriage disappear into the distance, his expression one of satisfaction. Some things had indeed gone well today. He boarded his own carriage and headed to meet Jones.
Jones was already waiting in the meeting room, his scrutinizing gaze softened by a familiar smile. Nico could guess the reason; their lucrative business relationship always left Jones content. After all, the funds generated by the Tang family business even surpassed the taxes paid to King Bernault.
"Mr. Tang," Jones greeted in his deep voice. "I trust your business is flourishing. However, I have a question: how did you establish connections with the people in the South? Some time ago, I sent my men after a troublesome boy from here. Yet, they haven't returned. What's happening in the South?"
Nico clenched his fists beneath the table, suppressing his emotions. Yet, he maintained a composed expression. "Ah, I have a friend there," he replied casually. "He mentioned that the harvest in the South was abundant, so we decided to collaborate."
Jones frowned. "Why haven't they returned? It's been months."
One of Jones' men interjected, "Mr. Jones, didn't you order them not to return until they caught the boy?"
Jones nodded slowly, then requested a letter. He examined the Black Tiger seal and the fingerprints it bore. "Very well," he said at last. "They are indeed loyal."
Nico remained silent, though his mind raced. Something was happening in the South, but who was orchestrating it?
Nico raised his glass in agreement, the clink of their glasses resonating softly but meaningfully. That evening, amidst conversations filled with intrigue and calculation, they sealed an agreement to protect each other in a world that never ceased to turn.
After the long discussion with Jones and the bandits, Nico finally returned to his food store, which also served as his inn. The oil lamps cast a soft glow, creating shadows that danced along the walls. Sana sat calmly by a table, sipping tea as she waited for Nico to return. Some workers had completed their tasks, leaving the establishment in a quieter state.
Seeing Nico looking exhausted, Sana immediately stood up and approached him. Without a word, she gently took Nico's jacket and said, "You're too tired. Sit down. I'll get you some warm tea and snacks to calm your mind."
Nico gave a small smile, feeling the warmth of her concern. "A woman who already has three kids and is in her forties sure knows how to take care of a man," he joked. "Even if you're just pretending, it feels genuine."
He walked to a chair near the table and lowered his weary body into it, while Sana headed to the kitchen. Moments later, Sana returned with a cup of tea and a small plate of snacks, placing them on the table. Nico picked up the cup and sipped the warm tea, letting the heat spread through his tired body.
Sana took a deep breath and said, "Today was tough, but it all ended well. You're amazing, Nico. Keep fighting for the Emperor's hopes."
Nico smiled, feeling slightly relieved by her words. "You're right," he said slowly. "I've just been thinking about how far I've come. Managing missions for an entire nation, when back then, I couldn't even handle my studies. Parental expectations, love, everything felt impossible. I remember those dark times... a messy room filled with fast-food trash and delivery boxes. I never showered, always anxious, not knowing what to do. Time kept passing, and I was stuck in regret."
He paused, his gaze fixed on the tea cup in his hand. "Even when I tried to end it all... losing both my legs only added to the suffering. But now, my legs are back, just like my life is back. And I have a great mission from the Emperor. My life now feels like... it has true meaning."
Tears slowly streamed down his cheeks, unnoticed by Nico. Sana moved closer and gently wiped them away. "You've been extraordinary, Nico. Let the past remain in the past. What matters is what lies ahead of us. In this new world, let's live life to the fullest."
Nico looked at Sana, a faint smile forming on his face. "Thank you," he said softly but with deep sincerity.
That night, in a silence filled with understanding, they sat together. Nico realized that even though the burden on his shoulders was heavy, he would not walk alone.
The next morning, the atmosphere in the town square felt grim. The cold autumn air carried the scent of the season, rustling the dry leaves scattered on the ground. The sun shone faintly, its warmth almost imperceptible. Anxious faces filled the square, staring at a government official standing amidst the crowd. His grand robe stood in stark contrast to the sorrow enveloping the people.
Children hid behind their mothers' backs, their small eyes wide with fear. In the back rows, elderly men stood rigid, their slumped shoulders trying to maintain the remnants of dignity in the face of an impending threat.
The official held a large cloth bag wide open, resembling a hungry mouth ready to swallow the people's last hopes. His voice was loud but cold, breaking the morning silence. "Loyal citizens! By order of the honorable King Bernault, we are here to ensure your safety from the threat of the Black Tiger bandits and the traitors from Riveria and Siferia on our borders!"
He raised the bag higher, showing it to the crowd. "However, to fight them, our wise King needs your support. We need funds to mobilize new troops in the south, at the Soltera border. New threats are emerging, including from the southern nation, the Khasgra Empire. All of this is to protect you, your families, and our city."
The crowd grew even quieter. Faces already filled with sorrow turned to despair. Some began reaching into their worn-out pockets, pulling out coins that might have been the result of years of hard work. With trembling hands, they dropped the coins into the official's large bag.
At the edge of the crowd, an old woman hugged herself with trembling hands, her eyes wet with tears. "King Bernault will surely protect us," she muttered almost inaudibly.
Then, heavy footsteps approached from behind. A group of burly men, dressed in tattered clothes but armed with sharp weapons, appeared. One of them, a man with a long scar across his face, laughed loudly. "What are you all doing here? Praying for Bernault to send soldiers to save you?"