“Broken… How much money do you need to build the town? I’ll cover everything!” Booba said out of nowhere.
Freya chuckled at Booba’s offer. “See, Broken, an investor shows up even before you start looking.”
“But the funds needed would be significant. After discussing with Freya, are you sure, Booba?” Broken asked.
“Hahaha, you don’t need to worry. Just tell me how much money you need, and I’ll be the main investor in the project,” Booba replied confidently.
Freya interjected, “But Booba, even though you have a lot of money, you can’t be the only investor. There are many things to consider, like share ownership of the town. It’s not always about money.”
“But he said he needs money, right?” Booba replied. “I have the money, so the problem is solved.”
“He needs more than just money; he needs allies too. And I don’t think someone like you, who is still at a low level and has no strong allies, can guarantee him reliable support,” Freya responded in a mocking tone.
“Yeah, but at least I can help with my money,” Booba insisted, then turned back to Broken. “You may not realize how wealthy I am, hahaha, but I am determined to be of assistance to you, my friend Broken.”
“Thanks, Booba. I’ll consider it more carefully after assessing Slumdon Town,” Broken said.
“No need to worry. You’re the first player owning a town; it will surely be big. I’m good at things like this,” Booba responded confidently.
Freya sighed, “You certainly force everyone around you to show off their wealth, don’t you?” “What? You’re wealthy too, Freya? How wealthy?”
“I’m so wealthy and smart, it’s beyond comparison to you,” Freya replied with a smirk.
After a few hours, the group approached Slumdon Town. The stone walls surrounding it were worn and crumbling. On closer inspection, they noticed the destruction; many parts of the wall showed serious damage, and a few sections were completely ruined.
Everyone got off the carriages as they arrived. The place was barren, a stark reminder that this town lay in the midst of a harsh desert-not an inviting place to live.
The wooden gate creaked loudly as it opened to welcome them. Broken led the way, with Freya, Ivana, and Booba close behind him. His knights followed a few steps behind while the rest of his companions filled in at the back. They walked in a long line, marching toward the entrance of Slumdon.
Broken noticed many people with tattered clothing and gaunt faces. They were all glaring at him. From their expressions, he could tell they were angry and frustrated with the group’s presence.
They had been abandoned by their city lord for some time. In this desolate town, people lived without rules or anyone to care for them. These were abandoned souls, clinging to life only because this was their sole place of refuge. It was no surprise they looked at Broken with such disdain.
Winning back their trust would be a daunting task.
Broken didn’t try to greet or understand their situation directly. That wasn’t his style. He continued walking, ignoring their glares, and headed towards the city lord’s residence.
“Why don’t the people greet Broken with more enthusiasm?” Booba complained to no one in particular.
“Please, keep your voice down, you jerk!” Freya whispered urgently.
Broken remained silent, observing the dozens of Slumdon residents who were now seemingly approaching him. Their intense gazes were fixed on him, but their expressions of anger and hatred made it clear they were anything but welcoming.
One of them shouted from a distance, “What do you plan on doing to this town?”
“We’ve suffered enough; we don’t need another tyrant to torment us,” another added.
“We have no wealth for you to take. You’d best leave,” a third chipped in.
“There’s nothing you can get from this dead city. We have no hope left.”
“We don’t care whether you are the new lord of this town or not. You are not welcome here.” The murmurs of dissent echoed around Broken, their voices ringing in his ears.
The city was dry and dusty, with sand kicked up by the wind or simply left to drift in the air. The once lush vegetation had been replaced by barren patches of brown and gray dirt, and the scattered houses seemed to be in disrepair. The residence walls were covered in a layer of dust as if they had been forgotten and left to fend for themselves for many years.
The city was gray and desolate, with broken buildings, empty streets, and a thick layer of dust coating the walls. The depressing sight was compounded by the murmurs of dissent from its inhabitants. Even the adventurers who were forced to stay in the city did so with a sense of resignation and sorrow.
This place had potential, as Alora had mentioned. The small town was full of caves with resources that could be harvested. It was also near a forest. However, it needed to be built up first-its facilities and workforce had to be developed for the town to function better.
Broken then turned to the people who had been shouting at him. He smiled and answered in a louder voice, “I’ll build this city! I can’t explain everything now, but just watch what I’ll do in the next few weeks.”
He then simply walked away, leaving the curious townspeople behind. He sighed, feeling how awkward he had been speaking in front of a crowd. He really needed to learn how to do better public speaking.
“That was a really touching speech, Mr. Baron,” Freya said sarcastically.
“Thanks for the compliment, Freya. I’ve learned a lot from you,” Broken replied.
Freya giggled at his words.
“Thinking that building this city wasn’t a waste is a truly stupid idea,” came the grumbling voice from behind. It was Melliandra.
“Mel, keep your voice down. The townspeople are staring at us,” Kingsley said.
“I don’t fucking care!” she retorted.
From a distance, Broken saw a figure running towards him-it was a girl in a maid outfit. As she got closer, it became clear that she was a young girl with short orange hair and a maid’s dress. She hurried up and stopped right in front of Broken, her breath visible in the air as she exhaled. Her face was determined, and her eyes shone with fierce determination.
“My apologies for not greeting you sooner, Lord Broken,” the young girl said in a loud voice, bowing to him. She then lifted her face, her expression weary but clearly enthusiastic. She continued, “I’m very glad to welcome you here. I’m Yara, a maid of the House of Slumdon. Welcome to Slumdon Town-allow me to take you to your place of residence here.” Broken smiled warmly as Yara bowed, noticing the unease beneath her respectful demeanor. He recalled Alora mentioning a maid who worked at the city lord’s residence. “Thank you, Yara, for welcoming me so graciously. I look forward to seeing the House of Slumdon as you said,” he said gently.
Yara nodded in acknowledgment and gracefully turned. “Alright, Lord Broken, please follow me. I will show you the way,” she said, gesturing for everyone to follow her forward.