Alice blinked in surprise: "Huh?"
I was also somewhat surprised.
There are many speculations and fantasies about this city, hidden deep in the snowfield and where communication is extremely difficult.
Whether it's a secluded paradise or a pristine place untouched by the outside world, these are mostly beautiful images. Some might even see it as another home, imbuing it with countless wonderful imaginings, hoping to one day settle in this sacred place that is purest in their hearts.
Back when I first heard that there were still noble families with long histories here, and that they were high-ranking nobles who ruled over this border region, I presumptuously assumed that the people who were in charge of this place must still be members of their family, at most just different in age. Out of curiosity, I even went so far as to find some books on basic etiquette from the previous kingdom, just to prepare for and satisfy my curiosity.
Unexpectedly, all those past assumptions were completely overturned by what I saw with my own eyes and by a few words from Miyuki.
"Since the former lord no longer manages many affairs of the city, who is in control now?" I asked doubtfully. "It can't just be any random representative, can it?"
Choosing someone who has contributed the most to the city and has the highest reputation as its leader, much like a transit hub, is not a bad option. Even if they are not good at political maneuvering and official duties, at least they can ensure the city's apparent security and prevent stakeholders from becoming too complacent and ready to leave without any ties.
But Miyuki shook her head again and sighed: "No, rather, doing it that way would be more effective."
"However, the truth is that the main government of this city is now controlled by the church that worships the god of winter, and those particularly arrogant wild mages are colluding with them, taking advantage of their status and abilities, and doing whatever they want to the city."
“…Little girl.”
The husband of the hunter couple, who had been silent all along, hesitated, looked around, and lowered his voice: "Although I know you are very strong, but... this is the street after all, and it's best not to continue talking about what you're saying now."
"If those 'ears' accidentally overhear, everyone will be in trouble!"
Shen Xue remained silent for a while, a sharp, cold light flashing in her eyes, making the man shiver.
Just as I was about to stop her from doing anything further and say something to change the subject, she nodded slightly, looked ahead at the gradually receding mess, and fell silent.
I thought she would say something like, "It's okay. If those guys dare to come, they'd better be prepared to face my blade," and then flash a little sword light to intimidate me. But I didn't expect her to be so easily persuaded.
Coupled with her silent and depressed demeanor, I felt that after approaching and entering the Frozen Snow City, Shen Xue suddenly became no longer the icy female swordswoman I knew before, but rather more like a withdrawn girl with many worries, but who would only swallow them silently.
In addition, his attitude during the previous conversation with his mentor was also quite peculiar... Could it be that he was switched out halfway through?
Perhaps my probing gaze was too blatant, for Miyuki, who had been silent all along, turned and glanced at me, the tip of the scabbard resting on her thigh gently poking at the back of my leg: "Stop staring at me. I'm just thinking about some unpleasant things."
"Why did you leave here, choose to travel alone, and challenge others?" I guessed.
"Part of it. I'll tell you more about it later when I have the chance."
I nodded.
Well, I'm not exactly the kind of person with an insatiable curiosity anyway. It's just a matter of waiting, nothing serious.
"Oh, so are you all done talking now?"
Alice turned her head again, this time to the hunter family huddled together opposite us: "By the way, I drove into the city following your advice. It seems this is the boundary between the city and the outer slums."
Should I continue driving into the inner city?
She appeared relaxed, idly circling the short whip in the air, seemingly not taking anything seriously at all.
It was then that I realized that, in the brief moment of our conversation, the oxcart beneath me had quietly come to a stop without my noticing.
It's amazing how the road was so bumpy and difficult to travel, yet this dilapidated oxcart beneath me didn't bump at all, and there weren't any three of us.
No, it's not.
The man was also taken aback. After looking around to confirm his location, he shook his head and tried to stand up.
But he was immediately restrained by me and Shenxue, and could only sit back down obsequiously, looking us up as if trying to figure out our intentions: "The inner city does not accept lowly people like us, let alone allow those high and mighty figures to treat our injuries and illnesses."
"...We don't have that kind of face, nor can we afford the consequences."
Miyuki added an explanation at just the right moment: "Those white-robed priests who call themselves divine priests possess a magical healing ability, somewhat similar to the little girl's, but its nature is completely different."
"However, those guys usually only treat the illnesses of important people they need to befriend. Even if people from outside the inner city sneak in, they are not treated well at all, and may even be beaten to death. Only occasionally, during the Advent Festival, will they pretend to show their nobility and compassion under the guise of offering free public treatment."
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