Chapter 218: Outside the Royal Capital

Chapter 218: Outside the Royal Capital

Zack stopped the team outside the Royal Capital. The people greeting them made him feel uncomfortable. He didn’t like their smell, or the unclear things hidden beneath their smiles. So, he ordered the team to stop outside the Royal Capital, planning to choose a place to set up camp by themselves.

As a Northlander, Zack didn’t understand the outside world or the complexities of people’s hearts. Although he had met many unfamiliar people and things since entering Northland City, he still couldn’t understand those fake manners, polite talk, and the back-and-forth words in greetings.

This made him seem a bit foolish in the eyes of outsiders, but it was also because of this that he wouldn’t be easily led by others. Without polite exchanges, there was less chance for others to get close, and no opportunity for persuasion.

To him, many things were simply a yes or no. His choices weren’t based on gains or losses, but on the simplest likes or dislikes.

But how could this be allowed? This wasn’t the result the nobles hoped to see, so they wanted to pester him endlessly, to eagerly pull him into the city with great enthusiasm.

Zack raised an eyebrow. Without any warning, the three Northlander team leaders acted at the same time. No one knew how they stayed so in sync. The three instantly knocked the troublemakers to the ground. By the time the White Robes and the accompanying Knights reacted, the people around had already scrambled away, rolling and crawling.

Zack looked back at the large flag in the team. The name Wizard Bran was fluttering in the wind. He straightened his chest. This shouldn’t be a loss of face, right?

Kaden and Bernard secretly wiped off cold sweat. They glanced at each other and came before Zack. Kaden advised kindly, “Isn’t this a bit too much? They meant no harm. Leave this sort of thing to us in the future. You just need to give the orders from the center.”

“None of them had good intentions. Can’t you see?”

This made the two White Robes look at each other in confusion. Did the Great Wizard’s clansmen all have the ability to see into people’s hearts? But still, you shouldn’t hit someone just because they have bad thoughts, right?

Zack looked at the two Wizards, a trace of disdain flashing in his eyes. “The main reason is I didn’t like it.”

Kaden and Bernard were still completely puzzled. What kind of reason was that?

…

Inside the city, Niels sat in his mansion, his hands and feet trembling. After all, just a few Northlanders, two Wizards, and several ordinary Knights weren’t worth these important people going out in person.

Whether they counted as important people or not, at least they had avoided this embarrassment. But greater embarrassment was probably coming, because the people outside the city ignored their status—Nobles.

Niels sighed to himself. He knew—this was bad! He didn’t know why the Northlanders refused, refused help that held no harm.

Zhuoma watched her father sigh and said softly, “I’ll go there.”

“What are you going to do? What use is you going?” Niels seemed a bit out of control, his voice unconsciously rising several notches.

“We were the ones who guided them here. There should be a beginning and an end.” Zhuoma paused. “And the sooner this sort of thing is handled, the better.”

Niels’ eyes lit up. “You have a way?”

“Not really a way. Just going to see them, to bring some wine and food as a friend.”

Niels couldn’t help but frown. “Do you know what we need most? This isn’t enough!”

“I know what you want, but that’s not what we need most.” Zhuoma stood in front of her father, looking straight at him. “What we need, we actually already had—a simple identity as a friend. And you made us lose it.”

“What do you know?” Niels glared fiercely at his son.

“Maybe I really don’t know anything. But I interacted with Bran. We were sort of friends. I sat with his sisters and chatted happily. I’ve met Northlanders. I secretly touched their weapons that they don’t allow others to touch. I even fought with Bran, though I got beaten badly.

My sister and I experienced many things you never have, instead of hiding among nobles, spying on them. I’ve been to the most magnificent Mountain Villa in this world, used the finest tea sets, seen many things you can’t imagine.”

Zhuoma raised her hand, showing the Ring on her finger. “I’ve seen the most genuine side of Northlanders. They are always generous and tolerant towards friends, even turning a blind eye to some of our petty thefts.”

Zhuoma took a deep breath. “But you ignored the generous gifts from friends, and kept thinking about your own insignificant offerings. I’ve stayed by your side too long, heard you brag to people again and again, bragging about returns that even made me blush.

We had friendship between us, and you started to use it. You didn’t care, because in your eyes it was just an exchange. Since it was an exchange, no matter how much advantage you gained, it could be credited to methods and wisdom. That’s why you were so proud, why you pushed even harder.”

Zhuoma pointed in the direction outside the city. “But was it really an exchange? You know the truth inside! Those people aren’t Bran. They’re just a few small figures from Northland City, but in their eyes, you are nothing. Where are your methods and wisdom? Or do you think those Northlanders don’t dare to deal with you?”

Niels struggled to squeeze out a few words. “Zoya is also a Northlander.”

“Stop fooling yourself. Do you remember Eileen and her father Hall?”

Inside the city, Zhuoma continued trying hard to persuade, or perhaps lecture, her father Niels. Outside the city, Kaden and Bernard gradually realized that Zack’s look of disdain wasn’t aimed at those useless nobles, but at the two of them. This made them feel very upset.

Having stayed in Northland City for a long time, the two had developed the good habit of asking when unsure. Especially with Northlanders, being direct was what they appreciated. So the two moved close to Zack and asked softly, “You weren’t happy with our performance just now?”

Zack grunted with his nose.

“Why?”

Zack pointed at the flag that had been fluttering all along. “What’s written on that?”

“Wizard Bran.”

Zack sneered. “Actually, for this trip, we originally wanted to put your names on the big flag.”

“What?” The two found it hard to believe.

“Bran had made arrangements for some things long ago. It’s just that now he’s not here, and you two have no backbone.”

Kaden and Bernard flushed red. “We just respect the Great Wizard…”

Zack became even more scornful. “In Northland City, each of you acted all high and mighty, thinking you were above it all, looking down on teaming up with Mortals outside. And the result? Once out of the city, you’re nothing, still bound by these ridiculous rules of the fallen Nobles.

The Knights of Northland City were made for you by Bran. We thought you just needed some help with manpower. Danny also hoped you could use this chance to lead them to fame across the Continent. But you had no confidence. You asked us to step in.

You are Wizards, and you call yourselves Bran’s students, yet you can’t jump out of the Mortals’ circle. I am a Northlander. I only need to follow the traditions and habits of the Northlands. I don’t need to watch the faces of outsiders. Following behind us, you still mix yourselves up with these people. If Bran knew, how disappointed he would be…”