LIGHTNOVELONLINE Chapter 83 (S2) : Arclens City Now
Arclens City, Marquess Ronald's Territory, Igrasian Empire, December 12th.
The midday during winter in Arclens City is the time when residents are most active due to the slightly higher temperature compared to other hours, making it possible to carry out daily activities. However, many of them still wear thick clothing due to the low temperatures.
Since the incident in Arclens City a few months ago, the city suffered significant damage to its downtown area caused by the rampage of the Death Giradeer. However, everything changed when Marquess Ronald officially replaced Marquess Reinhard, and he miraculously managed to unite the residents of Arclens City.
Much of the damage in the downtown area is currently under repair, and naturally, the residents hold deep respect for the White Hero, whom they credit for saving them from the Death Giradeer. Some even question the competence of the Knights of the Igrasian Empire, who were unable to deal with the monster.
It can be said that Marquess Ronald is one of the nobles truly beloved by his people. This is largely due to the fact that Marquess Ronald nearly burned through his family's entire wealth to fund the repairs, reconstruction, and economic upliftment of Arclens City and its surrounding regions.
Nevertheless, some people remain traumatized by the events of a few months ago when the monster rampaged through the heart of the city. Many citizens have also started worshipping the White Goddess for sending the White Hero as their savior. The influence of the Lunarian religion has completely disappeared from this city, and the Lunarian temple has been repurposed.
The Lunarian Theocracy naturally views this as a serious matter, but the disappearance of the Blue Blood Team has distracted them from the loss of the Lunarian religion’s influence in Arclens City and Marquess Ronald's territory.
Currently, Arclens City is abuzz with news and rumors about the upcoming opening of Omega Mall, a store offering a wide variety of quality goods at reasonably low prices.
"Hey, did you know that Omega Mall is opening this afternoon?"
"Really?"
"Yes! The newspaper said they'll be selling some fine clothes at quite affordable prices."
"Oh right! I'm also interested in their food, and the prices are comparable to what I eat daily."
"I can't wait for the store to open."
"Hahaha... I bet that the Merchant Organization will be shaken by the arrival of Omega Mall."
"Surely, they’re often ruthless with prices when we are in need."
The Igrasian Merchant Organization (IMO) is a trade organization formed by merchants to control market prices. The economic system in the Igrasian Empire is a free market, so anyone who wants to trade must pay a portion of their earnings to the Igrasian Empire as taxes. However, the Empire sets price limits to prevent goods from becoming too expensive.
The organization is unofficial as it is not under the jurisdiction of the Igrasian Empire; it is an independently established organization formed by the merchants themselves. Typically, this organization is used by merchants to build connections, make deals, set prices, eliminate economic threats, and more.
"Mom, let’s go to Omega Mall this afternoon!"
"Yes, we’ll go. Besides, they've been very kind, sometimes handing out free food during the construction of Omega Mall."
"I heard Omega Mall has partnered with the White Goddess Temple, and anyone who worships the White Goddess will receive a discount."
"Really? Then I want to go to the temple immediately!"
The topic of Omega Mall's grand opening is the hottest today, and nearly all of Arclens City's residents are talking about it. This is due to several factors.
First, extensive publicity. Since the construction of Omega Mall began, news about it has appeared almost daily, from newspapers to posters.
Secondly, on certain days, the staff of Omega Mall distributes free food to passing residents, which leaves a strong impression on them.
Thirdly, the White Hero actively promotes Omega Mall.
This naturally coincides with an increase in the number of people worshipping the White Goddess.
Currently, inside the White Goddess Temple, several residents are praying directly in front of the statue of the White Goddess. It can be said that residents are free to pray to the White Goddess at any time, as the White Goddess understands that everyone has their obligations, so it is encouraged to pray when not engaged in work.
"White Goddess-sama, please bless us," said a mother as she prostrated herself.
"Please bless our family and protect us from all dangers. Glory belongs to you alone, White Goddess."
After praying, it is customary for some residents to place offerings in front of the White Goddess statue, whether it be fruits, vegetables, foodstuffs, or prepared meals.
The temple also has a special room where people can consult with the temple priests.
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**Marquess Ronald's Mansion, Arclens City, Marquess Ronald's Territory, Igrasian Empire.**
A convoy of black carriages is currently lined up in the courtyard of Marquess Ronald’s Mansion, and these carriages are lavishly adorned with numerous jewels and valuable items, making them extraordinarily luxurious.
These carriages are not drawn by horses but by far more terrifying creatures—Arcdemon Horses. Several Liches then stepped out of the carriages and neatly lined up while opening the doors.
From one of the carriages emerged a woman with blonde hair and an extraordinarily beautiful face, Aurelle, "The Zenith Succubus." Aurelle disembarked with a simple smile and began walking toward the mansion.
The mansion’s doors were already wide open, and inside, a dozen maids were lined up on both sides, kneeling. At the end of the line, Marquess Ronald and Clarissa were also prostrate in the center, awaiting Aurelle's arrival.
"A fine welcome," Aurelle muttered.
Aurelle then walked alongside two of her subordinates who followed behind her until she stood before the kneeling Clarissa and Marquess Ronald. Marquess Ronald, who could be described as a young boy manipulated or controlled, spoke up.
"I, Marquess Ronald, humbly welcome Aurelle-sama."
"I, Clarissa, caretaker of Marquess Reinhard's Territory, humbly welcome Aurelle-sama."
Aurelle smiled and looked at both of them.
"Please rise. You may escort me to the meeting room."
"Understood, Aurelle-sama," replied Clarissa and Marquess Ronald.
Clarissa and Marquess Ronald then stood up and began guiding Aurelle to a room. As they reached the meeting room, the maids and butlers who had been kneeling were overwhelmed with fear.
They dared not speak directly, fearing for their lives.
(**THIS IS TERRIFYING!!!!**)
(**THE AURA THAT WOMAN EMITS IS TRULY FRIGHTENING!!!!**)
(**CLARISSA-SAMA IS ALREADY TERRIFYING, BUT THAT WOMAN IS FAR MORE FEARSOME, LIKE A MONSTER THAT COULD DEVOUR THE WORLD!!!**)
Many of the maids and butlers were drenched in cold sweat with Aurelle’s proximity. Once she passed, they felt immense relief, many of them collapsing in exhaustion from holding back their overwhelming fear.
Meanwhile, inside the room, Clarissa and Aurelle sat facing each other. In front of them was a small table with a teapot of high-quality tea. Clarissa then poured the tea into a cup and offered it to Aurelle.
Behind Aurelle stood her two Pure Primordial Demon subordinates, while Marquess Ronald stood behind Clarissa. Clarissa, now dressed in a rather elegant gown—quite different from her usual maid attire—prepared to engage in conversation.
"Alright, I don't want to engage in too much small talk, so I'll get straight to the point," said Aurelle as she downed her tea in one gulp.
"I understand, Aurelle-sama."
"I greatly appreciate your efforts in promoting Omega Mall, which is about to open in this city. My subordinates have inspected the area, and nearly everyone, even beggars and vagrants, is talking about Omega Mall," Aurelle said with a smile as she looked at Clarissa.
"You truly deserve praise, Clarissa, even though you're an ordinary human—or rather, now you're an Honorary Human."
"I am deeply grateful for the praise and the title bestowed upon me by Aurelle-sama. I swear to work even harder for the White Goddess-sama and all of Azaroth," Clarissa said as she bowed her head.
"I read some information about you—were you once a noble?"
"Yes, that is correct, Aurelle-sama. I am the daughter of Viscount Hartwin, who ruled just southeast of Arclens City under Marquess Reinhard. However, my family was accused of corruption and other crimes, and I ended up in the hands of goblins in the Abyssal Forest."
"I see, I see. How does it feel to be the shadow ruler of all Marquess Reinhard's territory?"
"I never imagined that I would be able to lead this entire region, even from behind the scenes."
"Hahaha... As your greatest reward later, I will ask for Alice-sama's assistance to make you the official ruler."
"Eh... that's not necessary, Aurelle-sama. As things are now, it's more than enough for me."
"No, no. If your performance continues to improve, then you deserve it. And this puppet ruler can be discarded."
"Thank you very much, Aurelle-sama."
"So, I plan for 50% of the profits from Omega Mall to go into the region's treasury, and you can use that to build up the territory and make it more prosperous."
"Is that really alright, Aurelle-sama? Even if you didn't share the profits, it wouldn't be a problem."
"No, this is Alice-sama's order. Alice-sama wants everyone who worships her to attain prosperity, so the 50% is not an issue."
"I understand, Aurelle-sama."
"Very well then, I want us to be ready for the grand opening later this afternoon."
"Understood!"