Chapter 2: New Century (Epilogue)
Chapter 206: Karari’s Banquet
As dusk settled, Xi Wei didn’t have to wait long before a clamor erupted from the city wall. Faint sounds of respectful greetings and flattery could gradually be heard.
Who had arrived? They certainly made quite an entrance. Xi Wei silently gazed at the city gate. After the soldiers on the ramparts shouted a few times, the heavy gate slowly lowered. The soldiers defending the city immediately stepped in front of Xi Wei, unfurling a massive golden cloth to block out the dust.
Subsequently, one could get a glimpse of the Karari Royal Capital’s streets. The Karari Royal Capital generally prohibits free entry and exit, with only specific times each day for people inside the city to come and go freely. Of course, today was an exceptional day. After all, the visitor was the Lord Winter King.
Amidst the resounding sounds of polite music, a man of middle age with an elegant demeanor turned the corner. He was wearing a pitch-black robe embroidered with complex and mysterious patterns in gold thread, a sapphire crown on his head, and a crystal scepter firmly in his hand. His plump palm bore rings on each finger, each adorned with a gemstone that shone brilliantly, as large as a pigeon’s egg. A sense of nouveau riche overwhelmed Xi Wei, causing him to frown.
“Your Majesty Winter, your arrival truly makes my Karari shine!” The Karari King, having previously assessed the strength of the Lord Winter King’s army from the city walls, now wore an expression of extreme joy and cordiality, as if he had met a dear friend after many years.
“And you are?” Xi Wei glanced at the middle-aged man, puzzled. The man’s cheap perfume was too strong, causing him to instinctively step back and avoid shaking the outstretched hand.
“Ahem…” The Karari King awkwardly withdrew his hand, pretending to be unconcerned and wiping it on his trousers. He then continued, “I am the King of Karari. However, now that you are here, you are my guest. Moreover, I feel we have an instant connection. Why don’t we address each other as brothers? We will have to cooperate against the Elf army in the future.”
“We can cooperate against the Elves, but let’s dispense with the brotherly address,” Xi Wei replied with a slight smile. “My father might not like me having a king as a brother, so I appreciate your good intentions.” He politely declined Karari’s pleasantries and attempt at alliance. To be honest, the Karari army’s strength was not worthy of him calling their king brother. If the King of Andor were standing before him, then such a proposition might carry some sincerity.
“You are quite right, hahaha. I was presumptuous. After all, I am of a certain age and cannot be your brother; that would make you seem old,” the Karari King chuckled, easily diffusing the awkward atmosphere with a single remark. However, it remained unknown if he harbored any resentment.
“Lord Winter King, you have traveled a long way. I have prepared a sumptuous banquet; I humbly request your presence. Matters regarding the allied forces are not urgent; we can discuss them tomorrow after the old guys from the Medon Empire arrive.”
“Then it’s my honor to accept your invitation,” Xi Wei nodded, not refusing the Karari King’s invitation. He intended to attend the banquet anyway to draw attention, which would facilitate his subordinates’ reconnaissance within the city.
“For such a grand banquet, I can bring my female companion, can’t I?” Xi Wei asked, though his tone was more of a statement.
“Of course, there are no problems. Lord Winter King, my banquet hall is large enough. You can bring as many female companions as you wish. Your guards can also enter the city and move freely, with all expenses covered…”
“However, their activities must comply with the laws of the Karari Empire. I believe…”
“Thank you for your generosity. I will instruct them accordingly,” Xi Wei nodded. It was normal to abide by Karari’s rules within its territory. He wasn’t going to commit arson or pillage. He was here to discuss an alliance, not to invade, at least for now.
Entering the Karari Royal Capital, Xi Wei took in everything on the streets. It was quite similar to the old Kolon Empire. Near the city gate were low-rise brick houses; this was the “slums” within the royal capital, mostly inhabited by soldiers and slave owners. Although called slums, people emerging from here could still lord over the serfs in the villages outside the royal capital.
Moving further in, the number of pedestrians gradually increased. Karari’s knight squad led the way, and the pedestrians parted, merely casting curious glances before minding their own business, while peddlers continued their calls. This was different from the old Kolon Empire. When the king traveled, pedestrians had to kneel on one knee, bow their heads, and remove their hats in greeting. Otherwise, they would be beheaded by the knights accompanying the king as a warning. From this perspective, the Karari Empire’s laws were relatively lenient.
They passed a vast market. Along the roadside were many slaves being driven by their masters, including some demi-humans and elves. Hearing the rumble of carriage wheels, their instinctive awareness of danger made them twitch their lowered heads and slowly lift them. A luxurious carriage sped past. The demi-human and elf slaves widened their eyes. They saw a tall, blond knight seated in the carriage, his sapphire eyes clear as the sky, the breeze ruffling the messy strands of hair on his forehead, revealing a stern and handsome face carved like a knife.
Of course, this wasn’t what shocked them. It was the group of exquisitely dressed demi-elves surrounding the blond knight. They were sweet-looking and appeared joyful, with a hidden powerful strength, an aura of the wilderness. These had actually awakened High Elves! Their minds were filled with questions: about the difference in status between them and the demi-elves, why those demi-elves had awakened, and, of course, about their own miserable plight.
“What are you looking at?”
“How dare you lowly wenches stare at the King’s carriage?”
The slave owner’s scolding rang out. The whip cracked upon their bodies. The frail demi-human and elf slaves fell to the ground, letting out painful cries. When they looked at the King’s carriage again, only the thick dust kicked up by the wheels remained. The procession of slaves continued forward, stumbling. Their destiny was the slave market.
Upon reaching the specialized slave market, they would undergo an initial screening. Those who were beautiful or had unique characteristics would be led to the auction hall to be selected and auctioned by nobles. Those slightly less desirable would be bought by taverns, subjected to mind-altering drugs, and gradually become tools for the taverns to make money. The remaining ones would be bought by minor nobles or merchants. Slave owners would not keep them for free. Every month, a few who couldn’t be sold would be sent to the gladiatorial arena for free. Based on the gruesomeness of their deaths, the slave owners could even receive some share.
“Who… who are they…”
“That knight, he looks like the Lord Winter King, I heard someone say…”
“The Lord Winter King…”
“What are you muttering about? Move it!”
The sound of the whip crackled. The slave owner was roaring again.
Keke…
