“Princess, this armor is actually quite comfortable. I never expected a goblin tribe to have such high quality equipment.”
The Knight Commander followed behind, evaluating his gear as he gazed at the city from a distance, showing little concern.
He already knew that the version of her standing here was merely a projection that would self destruct.
Furthermore, her strength had reached Tier 4. Such combat power would be considered decent even within the royal palace.
Conversely, if her main body were the one here, he would have done everything in his power to stop her.
After all, there was no need to wonder what would happen to a beautiful, weak girl in a place like this.
“There are three people behind us.”
Xia Jin did not turn around, but it was as if she had eyes in the back of her head, already detecting the three approaching figures.
The Knight Commander immediately focused his senses.
“No need for unnecessary actions. Also... you should not call me Princess anymore.”
Silver white hair was rare enough as it was. If he added “Princess” on top of that, anyone with a bit of sense would be able to guess her identity.
“Yes!”
As they neared the city gates, the three individuals behind them drew closer.
However, for some reason, they seemed to chicken out at the last moment.
They stopped in their tracks, watching as Xia Jin and her knight reached the entrance.
“You two, register here.”
Seeing a white haired woman, the soldier at the gate was somewhat surprised.
He produced a magic tool from his person.
Following his instructions, the two left their handprints on it.
“Hmm, are you truly prepared to enter? Especially you, lady. Even with that mask on, I find myself quite taken with you. You know what kind of place this is. For a girl like you, it is hell without strength,” the guard said, shaking his head with a hint of regret.
“It is none of your concern,” Xia Jin said flatly.
“Fine, then. Take care of yourself.”
The guard stepped aside, watching as the two walked through.
From a distance, Xia Jin heard the guards whispering among themselves.
“What a shame. She is so beautiful. Why would she come to a place like this?”
“Who knows? Why anyone would want to come here is beyond me. It makes my heart heavy. Bodies are shipped out in piles every day, yet people keep coming here to throw their lives away.”
“Do you think we should contact the city lord? A girl that pretty... it would be good to save her. After all, the scum inside...”
...
Upon entering the city, they saw people scattered along the roadside.
Most appeared decadent and listless. Two filthy old men lay on the ground, clutching empty wine bottles.
As Xia Jin and the Knight Commander stepped through the gates, many of them looked up in awe, their gazes fixed intently on her.
“These fellows are not doing well at all,” the Knight Commander whispered.
“Indeed. Are most of them fugitives?”
“To be precise, only a small portion of those in the City of Darkness are fugitives. Many are young people looking to make a name for themselves, along with bandits and outlaws. Many who were upright citizens on the outside are assimilated shortly after entering.”
Xia Jin nodded, looking up to scan the high city walls and committing the layout to memory.
The defenses were tight, with numerous cannons and ballistae stationed above.
Even without having operated them personally, knowing the general defensive layout would be highly advantageous for future offensive operations.
They continued forward for another ten meters before a man in city guard attire caught up to them from behind.
“Wait a moment. You are newcomers, right? This is a Consumption Card. Any transaction in this city must be made using this. You can go to the large central building to top it up. Additionally, you must pay a daily protection fee of 10 copper coins to the city lord. That way, the guards have a reason to help you if you run into trouble. It is a guarantee of survival for the weak. Of course, you must also be careful not to let your Consumption Card be stolen. If it is taken by someone who has also paid their fees, you will have to rely on your own strength.”
Xia Jin took the card. She saw the guard swallow hard, his eyes drifting over her legs.
“Well then, goodbye.”
After speaking, the man turned and returned to his post.
Xia Jin looked at the instructions attached to the card and pressed it lightly as directed. A number appeared.
5 silver coins.
“5 silver coins? Why is mine zero?”
The Knight Commander looked utterly confused.
Xia Jin stroked her chin and looked back toward the city guards, only to find several men waving at her.
“Is this a gesture of goodwill?”
It was frankly ridiculous. Her knight had zero, while she was directly given 5 silver coins.
This was equivalent to being gifted half a gold coin. It had the purchasing power of five thousand yuan in her previous life.
“A protection fee of 10 copper a day is quite expensive.”
By that calculation, a single silver coin would only last ten days.
Was losing the protection of the city guards that serious?
The two of them headed deeper into the city.
A few minutes later, an inn came into view.
Though the building was wooden and rather crude, it was better than sleeping on the streets.
Entering the lobby, Xia Jin removed her mask and handed the card to the person behind the counter.
“Two rooms.”
The old man took the card in surprise, squinting as he looked them over before nodding slowly.
“Prin... Miss, there is no need for two,” the Knight Commander said quickly.
Xia Jin gave him a half smile. “What, do you want to sleep in the same room as me?”
“I would not dare. It is just that I need to guard the door to ensure your safety.”
Cold sweat broke out on the knight’s forehead.
The current Princess was far more terrifying than before. Even a simple smile carried immense pressure.
Though she was as beautiful as ever.
She no longer possessed that delicate, pity inducing air from the past. Instead, she was becoming increasingly like an empress.
Rate on N.U.
