Chapter 333: Earl

Chapter 333: Earl

Earl finally returned. Seeing Northland City again made her feel as if an age had passed. The changes in the Kingdom did not affect the Royal Capital much. Bran was not interested in the former economic and cultural center of Green, and he did not even bother to glance in that direction.

The Wizards nominally ruled the former Green Kingdom, but after putting down the domestic rebellions, they had retreated back to Northland City. Bran always held an indifferent attitude toward this country. He did not even change its name, still using the old title.

The various Territories within the country gradually fell into a state of self-rule, and the status of the Lords rose accordingly. The Nobles holed up in the Royal Capital, holding only empty titles, became increasingly hard-pressed.

Without the protection of royal power, they became useless. When Earl moved into the Royal Palace, these people had tried to gather around, attempting to restore their past glory.

But Earl did not need them. Her presence in the Royal Capital was more about maintaining a symbolic meaning. She believed she was just an unlucky person, appearing in Bran’s sight at an inappropriate time and being casually placed here.

The old Rules in the Royal Capital were still barely functioning, and she only needed to ensure this operation could be maintained. She did not want to achieve anything here, so she spent most of her time on training.

In management, she inherited Bran’s simple and brutal style. She drew a line; as long as no one crossed it, everything was fine. If anyone dared to cross it, she would bury them in the Night.

After punishing several people, Earl found that the Royal Capital was not short of talent; those idle Nobles could fill the vacancies at any time. Some tried to win her over in other ways, but the private whispers could hardly escape her perception, so the flattery to her face seemed even more ironic.

Two-faced was Earl’s impression of the Royal Capital Nobles, and this impression grew stronger with more interactions. As for gifts, Earl accepted them all without refusal, but she showed no mercy when it was time to deal with people.

Madwoman—this was the elegant nickname the Nobles privately gave her. But she did not mind; instead, she gladly accepted it. This name was good; it saved her a lot of trouble and time spent reasoning with people.

When she was unreasonable, the Nobles who relied on her for their living became more reasonable and more considerate. They considered many things for her in advance and worked diligently, afraid that minor matters would disturb her peace and cause everyone unease.

Earl missed her days in Northland City more and more. Getting along with the Wizards was simple and relaxed. Everyone interacted with their companions with a relatively true side because, in that not-so-large space, it was hard to avoid each other’s eyes and ears.

At first, when many Wizards extended their perception one after another, some awkward moments inevitably occurred. The habit of gossiping in corners could not be changed immediately, and they only realized it when they turned to face their companion’s angry glare.

A saying circulated in Northland City—the Wizard’s courtesy. The longer she stayed here, the more she missed that courtesy. Like now, after receiving news of her impending departure, those people pretended to be reluctant to part in front of her, while secretly starting to celebrate.

Earl believed these people would soon remember her kindness because her replacement, a fellow Wizard, wore a gloomy face. Being assigned to the declining Royal Capital clearly put him in a bad mood. And those clowns were the best targets for venting, delivered right to his door.

Hearing she had returned, Pachu and others lined up to welcome her. But faced with her companions’ attention, Earl could not feel happy because she knew why they had come.

In the Royal Capital, although Earl did not actively plunder, she had still accumulated many valuables. The construction of the White Robes’ Settlement was running short of funds, and the wealth she brought back would undoubtedly ease the situation temporarily.

As long as they could get the money, the White-robed Ones were willing to abandon all face.

She had informed Bran about the gains from the Royal Capital. Bran said this was her deserved compensation and she did not need to hand it over. At first, she thought Bran had not noticed the amount, so she emphasized it again, but she still got the same answer.

Thinking about it, it made sense—the rumors about the Great Wizard’s treasure. Those priceless jewels moved away box by box under everyone’s watch.

Earl believed the Great Wizard really did produce hundreds of treasures every day. Because she knew what this city originally looked like and what it was like when the Great Wizard entered the city.

So, she accepted this compensation with a clear conscience. But when the White-robed Ones learned the amount of wealth, they began to stir.

Borrow! The White-robed Ones showed their shameless side.

Earl knew the White-robed Ones’ plight and knew they absolutely had no ability to repay. Perhaps they did, but she doubted she would live to see it. Although after her Evolution, Earl knew she was becoming younger, she still did not quite believe she could live until that time.

The plans for the White Robes’ Settlement were good, and she had seen the new blueprints, but that place had little to do with her. As a local Wizard of Northland City, she had her own farm and still kept a residence in the city. So, this act of outright robbery made her sneer.

Although she got along well with the White-robed Ones, she did not want to be a fool.

She could provide the money, but it had to be worthwhile. As a representative of the local Wizards of Northland City, she had to seek benefits for her small group. So, she demanded that the White Robes’ Settlement must have a place for them.

This act of taking advantage of others’ difficulties displeased the White-robed Ones. So before Earl’s return, both sides bargained back and forth through letters.

Neither side yielded, almost reaching the point of breaking ties. It was not until Polly and Peter, who were representing the local Wizards as observers, blurted out without filter that Bran also belonged to the local Wizards, that the dispute quickly reached a resolution.

Earl would donate all her gains, and the White Robes’ Settlement would have a place for the local Wizards.

Northland City had changed so much that Earl almost could not recognize it. Although she had heard about it, seeing those beasts swaggering through the city still felt novel to her.

The nearby vegetation was more lush, and the long-lost fragrance of Mana drifted through the city. Even Pachu’s annoying old face seemed a little more lovable because of it.

Baz stood among the White-robed Ones, carefully observing the woman before him. With this woman’s return, perhaps some of the Authority that had just been obtained would also be taken back.

Earl ignored the others, only looking at Polly and Peter in the crowd, who were truly welcoming her, and showed a sincere smile.

Finally! She was back…