The Land of Extravagance and Corruption, Simon Maple’s Special Hospitality

Of course, much credit went to A'Shina's fierce combat. Now exhausted, she huddled in the carriage asleep, wrapped in her black cloak, her draconic wolf retracted. For now, she was merely a maid.

Demi-humans were far too conspicuous. In the Holy Griffin Empire, any demi-human seen was invariably a slave. To avoid drawing attention, Filard decisively had them don cloaks to conceal their identities.

A day's journey west from Maple Leaf Fortress lay Maple Leaf City, a beautiful settlement built against the mountains.

This place, too, was a flower blooming on the Empire's rotting branch.

Even before entering the city, Filard sensed its decadence. A laughably low three-meter-high city wall was draped with flowers and silk banners, yet almost devoid of guards.

The few guards present clustered together, guzzling wine while casting greedy, mocking glances at passersby.

Instead, the distant mage towers and Adventurer's Guild drew the eye.

Merchant caravans and travelers thronged the approaches. Before even passing the gates, peddlers with packs hawked liquor, tobacco, and snacks.

Maple Leaf City had little defensive strength but was a premier den of indulgence.

The entire Empire knew Maple Leaf City was a "thirsting courtesan" — whether approached with sweet talk (scholarship or magic), glittering gold (merchants or nobles), or outright assault (military force), its scant defenses meant it was open to all forms of "visitation."

Brothels, gambling dens, arenas, fine food, and exquisite wine — it had it all.

The only unwelcome guests were those with empty pockets, a fact amply demonstrated by the crowd of vagrants huddled near the city gates. Many were even fallen, landless nobles who had gambled away everything here and been tossed out.

"So... bustling," Hammer managed after a long pause, straining his limited vocabulary.

"Indeed. But Nightfall Territory will surpass this in the future," Filard declared confidently. Having witnessed metropolises of his past life, Maple Leaf City struck him as little more than a bold, themed resort.

Presenting identification and paying the entry fee, Filard entered the city with ease.

"Hey there, sweeties! Tired from your journey? Big sister here is thoughtful and gentle. Just ten silver coins, and I'll be your dessert today!"

"Damn!"

The soldiers gaped, drooling, their faces flushed crimson.

"Absolutely outrageous. No wonder Maple Leaf City's reputation is so... loud."

It wasn't just his men; even Filard, living his second life, was witnessing such a scene for the first time.

This was the city gate, for crying out loud!

Clearly, this was an accomplished "software-hardening" engineer, possessing impeccable professional skills.

Filard felt a surge of heat himself. He'd heard Maple Leaf City was debauched, but this level right at the gate? Truly worthy of the Love Goddess's favor.

"Ahem, no thanks," Filard declined after a thorough look, waving his hand.

"My Lord, this place is crawling with devils! I'd rather face disgusting corrupted creatures," Maid Jiǎnzi stammered, her face burning crimson, her small hands fluttering awkwardly.

A'Shina emerged from the carriage, casting a distinctly judgmental glance at Filard. "My Lord," she said with a hint of accusation, "do you wish to seek amusement first? We can wait for you to... finish."

"Don't suspect me like that. I'm not that kind of man," Filard chuckled, patting Hammer's shoulder. The man was practically vibrating with eagerness, drooling as he scanned the sights. "Hammer, your name might be wrong. Shouldn't it be Iron Rod?"

Hammer scratched his head sheepishly. "My Lord, I wish to spend some coin. I need to... polish my 'spear'."

"How much have you saved?"

In Nightfall Territory, slaves were permitted personal wealth — a special privilege granted by Filard. They could save money but not spend it, as there was nowhere to spend it; Nightfall lacked even a tavern. Soldiers saved particularly fast, earning one silver coin per corrupted corpse slain. Outside the Northern Marches, such pay would cause riots. "Forty-seven silver coins," Hammer announced proudly.

"Keep saving. This won't be your last visit to Maple Leaf City. Enjoy it when you've earned your freedom," Filard preferred dangling a goal before them. It spurred greater effort and value creation, not wasted on "software hardening." "A'Shina, take the cavalry and buy some food. Rest at the outpost stables. I must visit the local nobility."

Maple Leaf Manor was a rarity in the Empire — a noble estate built right in the city's bustling center. Baron Simon Maple Leaf clearly enjoyed the clamor, unafraid of loud crowds or even assassination attempts.

After presenting his calling card, Filard waited briefly at the manor gates.

"Handsome Baron Filard," a seductive woman clad in little more than silk swimwear addressed him, bowing deeply. The motion left little to the imagination. "I am a maid of Maple Leaf Manor, tasked with escorting you inside. Your caravan, however, must use the side entrance. Only esteemed noble blood may pass through the main gate. Your understanding is appreciated."

Filard rubbed his temples, inhaling sharply to calm himself. This Baron Simon certainly didn't shy away from flaunting his tastes.

"Please lead the way."

Inside the manor, the maid swayed her hips, guiding Filard through winding paths into a building adorned like a palace hall.

"Ahem!" Filard coughed twice upon entering. The thick haze of steam and smoke made him feel like he'd been transported back to the Northern Marches. He almost reached for his mist-dispelling lamp.

"Giggle! Don't touch there!"

"Come catch me! Catch me and I'll let you... hmm-hmm-hmm!"

Seven or eight women laughed and splashed playfully in a hot spring pool. Filard glanced, and his blood pressure spiked. Not from improper thoughts, but from the fear of accidentally encountering Baron Maple Leaf's wife. He turned to leave, but a deep, slightly comical voice boomed, "Ho there, Baron Filard! No need for modesty. These are your welcoming attendants. Enjoy them freely!"

Holy smokes! This guy's alright!

But Filard remained unmoved. If he dallied with the attendants and fathered a child, Baron Simon could later have him assassinated. Imperial law would then grant inheritance rights to the child in the attendant's womb.

Nightfall Territory and Filard's wealth would be "jointly ruled" by Maple Leaf Territory.

The maid who led him in smirked mischievously, kneeling to fumble with the ties of Filard's garments.

Awkwardly breaking free, Filard straightened his robes, adjusted his collar, and spoke sternly, "Your generosity is appreciated, Baron Simon. But I came to visit *you* and discuss a business transaction."

Filard certainly knew the fame of the "Peerless Dancer." He had no desire to be so enchanted he forgot his home, only to be drained of all worth and left destitute.

Even as the attendants continued their provocative display, Filard, accustomed to the world-shaking beauty of a Chosen One, found mere mortals in garish makeup utterly uninteresting.