Eastern Mountain City – Wangjiang Pavilion
Under normal circumstances, this place would be ablaze with lanterns and bustling with business deep into the night. But now, thick smoke billowed over the city, accompanied by the endless clamor of battle cries. No one had the time—or the mood—for fine tea, warm wine, and grand tales of heroism.
In a private room atop Wangjiang Pavilion, two young nobles, clad in luxurious garments, sat across from each other. Behind the man stood four armored guards, their posture rigid and disciplined. By the woman's side, a delicate maid lowered her head demurely, eyes cast downward.
The young man, strikingly handsome, frowned as he gazed at the city engulfed in chaos. His displeasure was evident in his voice as he spoke.
"Ronald… He turned the entire city upside down in mere moments. I underestimated him."
The young woman, breathtakingly beautiful, let out a soft chuckle. "Your Majesty is correct. After spending these days in hiding, it seems he's learned a few new tricks."
Seeing the man's expression darken further, she shook her head with a smile. "You needn't worry. The city houses ten thousand elite soldiers. If Your Majesty orders the gates locked and follows our plan, even if he had three heads and six arms, he wouldn't escape."
The man's expression eased slightly. Turning to the two guards behind him, he commanded, "Take my seal and go to the city gates. Inform the gatekeeper that if the fugitive escapes, he'll answer with his head!"
"Yes, Your Majesty!"
With a swift motion, the two guards vanished from the room.
A faint glimmer flickered in the young woman's eyes. She turned to gaze at the Yun Cang River, its waters flowing relentlessly beyond the narrow One-Line Gorge.
"Your Majesty, beyond that gorge lies the elven territory. They say it is a land of abundance, rich and prosperous. The elves themselves are known for their breathtaking beauty… When will you take me there?"
The young man shook his head. "That… would be difficult. The elves have always considered themselves superior, treating our kind as mere slaves. Even as king, I would face many challenges in their lands. If you wish to visit, you may accompany the tribute delegation when we next offer gifts to the elven lords."
The young woman glanced at him briefly, then chuckled softly, shaking her head. "Very well. Another time, then. For now, let's see just how much chaos that man can stir up."
The young man turned his gaze back to the burning city, his expression dark. "He's disrupted a key stronghold and jeopardized our relations with the other races. If I capture him, I will personally take his head!"
Before his words had fully settled, urgent shouts erupted outside the room.
"Your Majesty! Your Highness! It's bad—there's a fire!"
Elsewhere in the City
Dressed in full armor, sword in hand, Ronald rode leisurely down the chaotic streets of Eastern Mountain City. Behind him, a squad of elite personal guards followed in formation, their disciplined stride a stark contrast to the surrounding panic. Civilians scattered, soldiers scrambled, and flames painted the night sky.
"Report!"
A soldier rushed up, dropping to one knee. "Your Majesty! As per your orders, Captain Zhang Tie led the men to set fires throughout the city. The treasury, granary, governor's mansion, stables, and Wangjiang Pavilion have all been ignited. Captain Zhang requests further instructions!"
Ronald didn't answer immediately. Instead, he asked a question of his own.
"You followed Zhang Tie to burn the treasury… How much did you loot?"
The soldier hesitated for a moment. "Your Majesty, we… we never actually entered the treasury. Once Captain Zhang saw the fire spreading, he led us straight to the next target…"
Silence.
Then—
"What?! You burned the treasury but didn't take a single coin?!"