Chapter 343 – Glory?

With his masterful sarcasm and mockery, Punk successfully “cursed” Joni Zordas into retreat. Such low-level, childish dialogue, in Punk’s view, always proved highly effective against stubborn combat professionals like Joni—especially when Punk relentlessly targeted Joni’s most painful memories. Under these circumstances, Joni was naturally no match for Punk.

Thus, Punk managed to even the score in this war of words.

“Esteemed sirs, please follow me.”

After the indignant Holy Warriors withdrew and returned to camp, a rather young Formal-Level Holy Warrior approached Punk and Ben Lajie. It seemed this was Oaks, whom Joni had arranged to guide them before leaving.

“Esteemed sirs, the accommodations arranged by Lord Joni are ready. However, due to the haste, our hospitality along the way may have been lacking. We sincerely ask for your understanding.”

One had to admit that the Holy Warrior army of the Zordas Family was exceptionally disciplined. Even after being shamelessly insulted by Punk, they could suppress their anger and resentment, maintaining an appearance of calm composure. If not for Punk’s ability to sense Oaks’ intense mental fluctuations, one would never detect the slightest emotional change from his outward demeanor.

Unaware that his inner feelings were as transparent as blank paper before a Master-Level Caster, Oaks strictly adhered to noble etiquette. After giving a ceremonious bow, he earnestly led the way ahead.

Punk paid no attention to the fellow. To him, a Formal-Level Holy Warrior was merely an insignificant minor character. Moreover, Punk, who never let his guard down, had no intention of staying in the quarters arranged by Joni. At most, he would scout around the building’s entrance before finding an inconspicuous spot to spend the night.

In contrast, Ben Lajie remained highly enthusiastic. Completely ignoring Oaks’ aloof and distant demeanor, he approached cheerfully:

“Haha, I’ve long heard that the Cellar Wine Roast Duck of the Maple Leaf Kingdom is exceptionally delicious. If possible, be sure to prepare this dish for me.”

“Of course, sir. The royal chefs have prepared ample ingredients. I believe it will satisfy both esteemed sirs.”

Seeing Ben Lajie approach with a half-eaten pork knuckle, Oaks quickened his pace slightly with a hint of disgust. However, on the surface, he politely responded to Ben Lajie’s request, though this reply came across as rather perfunctory.

Without further conversation, the three proceeded through the towering city gates of the City of Enchanting Maple Flowers.

It was a clear morning. Due to the city’s curfew policy, one would expect many merchants and travelers waiting to depart at this hour. Yet, such a scene was absent in the City of Enchanting Maple Flowers. Even though the gates had been open for some time, there were few people entering or exiting, and no merchant caravans were leaving the city.

Clearly, this desolate traffic situation was incongruous for a royal capital with over four hundred thousand inhabitants.

Perhaps sensing some awkwardness himself, Oaks, walking ahead, began to offer an explanation:”The primary industries of the City of Enchanting Maple Flowers are mining and initial processing of ores. Generally, there would be many merchant caravans engaged in mineral trade, but currently, it’s the preparation period for war. For the sake of the great War of Glory, all ores must be handed over to the military without compensation, which is why the city gates appear rather deserted now.”

Oaks’ explanation carried no unusual emotional undertones; his tone was purely “informative.”Even when mentioning that ‘all ores must be handed over without compensation,’ his words were filled with a sense of entitlement, as if such a thing were perfectly natural.”

However, Ben Lajie was surprised by Oaks’ matter-of-fact attitude. Having had extensive business experience, Ben Lajie undoubtedly possessed some understanding of economics. He knew just how distorted and abnormal this kind of mineral economy development was:

“Handed over without compensation? Would the nobles who manage the mineral resources really agree to that? Moreover, this method would collapse the economic order. Not to mention anything else, don’t you think there are… rather too many beggars in this royal city?”

The surprise in Ben Lajie’s words was not at all strange. Following his gaze, Punk also saw the “rather too many” beggars he referred to.

That was more than just “many”!

Beneath the elegant and artistically rich buildings, disheveled, barely-clothed individuals crowded every wind-sheltered corner. These impoverished people, almost entirely composed of the elderly, weak, sick, and disabled, could be seen everywhere. Whenever nobles passed by, they would tremblingly extend their dirty wooden bowls, pleading mournfully.

At such times, many nobles would either whip them and continue on their way, or casually break a piece of bread and scatter it among the poor like feeding animals, then laugh heartily as those too hungry to stand crawled and fought over the scraps…

Such scenes wouldn’t be surprising in a refugee camp, but appearing in the capital city of a kingdom… at least Punk had never heard of such a thing.

“This is unavoidable.”

Oaks also saw this scene, but he merely turned his head away, no longer looking, as if it were commonplace.

“This is all the suffering brought upon this country by the hateful Dragon Roar Kingdom. The aggression of the Dragon Roar Kingdom has left our people without enough to eat…”

“Hey now, that’s not quite right, is it? I’ve heard that the Dragon Roar Kingdom often distributes food to provide aid to your country…”

“That is despicable infiltration and the greatest insult to the Maple Leaf Kingdom… That is… My apologies, I lost my composure!”

Hearing Ben Lajie’s question, Oaks’ voice rose considerably, but he quickly realized he was speaking to two Master-Level powerhouses. Thus, Oaks promptly bowed respectfully to apologize.

However, he did not change his views because of this. After bowing, the sharp-eyed Holy Warrior addressed Ben Lajie in a tone that was both polite and righteous:”Not only has the despicable Dragon Roar Kingdom invaded our nation, they now dare attempt to erode our people’s will with meaningless petty favors… This is an insult the Kingdom cannot tolerate. Therefore, all filthy food from Dragon Roar Kingdom will be uniformly burned by the Zordas Family, and anyone daring to accept supplies from Dragon Roar Kingdom will be immediately executed as traitors! The glory of Maple Leaf Kingdom shall not be tarnished by anyone.”

Oaks delivered these words with righteous indignation, resolute and unwavering! It was clear this honor-above-all concept remained unshaken throughout the Zordas Family hierarchy, and in Oaks’ heart, it was a supreme principle he wouldn’t compromise even when confronting Master-Level powerhouses.

“But……”!

Ben Lajie naturally found such reasoning utterly absurd. When he saw two children fighting bloody over a moldy piece of bread, he couldn’t help wanting to say more.

“Enough, don’t bother with pointless matters. Our time is very precious. Oaks, I believe you can continue leading the way.”

The impatient Punk quickly stopped the meddlesome Ben Lajie. He came here to slay dragons and earn exchange points – the livelihood and governance philosophy of Maple Leaf Kingdom meant nothing to him beyond being boring and irrelevant.

(End of Chapter)