C23 Arriving at the Hesneas City

Early the next morning, Liu Xiaobao and his companions set out on their journey. After traveling for half a day, they finally reached Hesneas.

Hesneas, the capital of Zrexham Province, was nearly as large as the imperial capital itself, boasting a grand and bustling atmosphere.

Upon their arrival in Hesneas, the escort mission was effectively complete. In line with the mercenary handbook, Liu Xiaobao produced the mission document for Wang Cai to sign, officially concluding the task.

As Liu Xiaobao's group departed, no one was more relieved than Wang Cai and his four aides. Throughout the journey, they had been deprived of the comfort of riding in the carriage or sleeping in their own tents, feeling more like mercenaries than assistants.

Dong, dong, dong...

Karma point +10

Karma point +10

...

Host level 1, 500 karma points needed to level up. Remaining karma points: 392.

Adding 50 points wasn't too shabby, considering Wang Cai and his group. It appeared my hypothesis was correct: preventing injury to one person earned 10 points, saving a life earned 50, and addressing minor issues like temporary hunger or thirst only added 1 point.

On the streets, Lucy inquired, "Xiaobao, are we going to find an inn to rest now?"

"Are you feeling tired, Lucy?" Xiaobao asked, himself feeling the weariness of the journey. The carriage ride was uncomfortably jarring, a far cry from the smoothness of high-speed rail in his past life.

"Yes," Lucy admitted. "After last night's late meal of roasted wild boar and waking up so early today, I hardly slept. I should have brought my magic flying carpet; this carriage is just too uncomfortable."

"I'm afraid you'll be disappointed, Lucy. We're heading back to the capital this afternoon. I have urgent matters to attend to and can't afford any delays," Xiaobao explained, not sparing any time to search for an inn. With the mercenary challenge only eight days away, he urgently needed to find good deeds to perform to bolster the strength of the Hearthfire Mercenaries.

The leader of the Vipers was a Level 4 Silver Knight, and in ten days, their deputy leader, also a Silver Knight, would surely have recovered from his injuries. The Hearthfire Mercenaries would then be up against two Level 4 Silver Knights and a Level 3 Bronze Knight. Given Hearthfire's current capabilities, they were facing an almost certain defeat.

Lucy felt a twinge of resentment upon hearing Liu Xiaobao's words. "Xiaobao, why are you so eager to get back?"

"It's nothing, really. I just want to do more good deeds and become a happier person," Liu Xiaobao replied. A true homebody, he believed that to do good, he needed to return to his own familiar space.

"You're truly noble, Xiaobao. I've never seen anyone so anxious to do good deeds before—you're the first," Lucy said, questioning him. "But can't you do good deeds outside of the capital? We could take our time heading back, or even detour around Mount Dawnfire. Who knows, we might find many people in need of help along the way."

"Hmm? How did that not occur to me?" Liu Xiaobao said, tapping his forehead. "Why go back to the capital to do good deeds when there's no shortage of them there? Since we're out here, we might as well tour the countryside. It's the hardworking farmers who truly need our help."

Liu Xiaobao turned to Lucy. "Would you be willing to leave Hesneas with us now and head to the countryside?"

"Absolutely. I want to be as good-hearted as you, Xiaobao."

Without a second thought for their attendants' opinions, the young master and the young lady decided on their next steps. Liu Xiaobao proposed a detour on the way back to the capital, first heading to the westernmost city of Zrexham, then rerouting to the capital. This would bypass Mount Dawnfire, and he planned to extend the journey from three days to six, moving slowly to assist every village en route.

Lucy admired Liu Xiaobao's decision, but the two Mages and two Golden Knights couldn't help but be skeptical. They wondered if this young man was merely trying to appear virtuous to win the young lady's affection. They had seen their share of such posturing among the young elite in the Yalas Empire, where many would flaunt their supposed strength and benevolence before Lucy.

Lucy was well aware of the true nature of those young elites back in the Yalas Empire, and even if she wasn't, there were always others ready to fill her in. She remained unimpressed by their charades. But Liu Xiaobao was different. When Lucy was in peril, he had swooped in to rescue her. In her eyes, Liu Xiaobao was a genuinely good person, and now he was committed to helping the farmers and villagers along their path. She couldn't help but feel a deep respect for him.

Liu Xiaobao spent six gold coins on three carriages, ensuring they could carry enough food for a six-day journey and spare everyone from traveling on foot.

Han Xin reminded him, "Young Master, shouldn't we go to the Mercenary Alliance in Hesneas City to submit our mission? According to the Mercenary Mission manual, we can turn in missions in any city."

"You're right. Take the mission list with you. We'll find a tavern to wait for you, and it's about time we had a proper meal. After this bandit hunt, we're going to be wealthy!" Liu Xiaobao chose a tavern and handed the mission list to Han Xin.

Now, Lucy and her fellow Archmages were sticking close to Liu Xiaobao's team, motivated not only by loyalty to Lucy but also by their lack of funds. They followed wherever Xiaobao led.

Upon entering the tavern with his entourage, the server greeted them warmly, "Oh, if it isn't the distinguished guests from yesterday! What brings you back so soon?"

The server was referring to Lucy and her companions, who had only left the day before. It was unexpected for them to return so quickly.

The Archmage and the Golden Knight were too embarrassed to discuss their ordeal—being captured by a band of weak bandits was a disgrace. Lucy, unguarded as ever, shared, "Yesterday, as we passed by Mount Dawnfire, we ran into bandits. Thankfully, Xiaobao descended from the heavens with his team and rescued us. We're incredibly fortunate."

The server, astounded, inquired, "The bandits are that formidable? But you're all Archmages and Golden Knights. Have the bandits of Mount Dawnfire become so strong? How can anyone be safe?"

His words drew the attention of many patrons in the tavern, suggesting that the bandits of Mount Dawnfire were a force to be reckoned with, capable of capturing an Archmage and Golden Knight. It seemed that avoiding Mount Dawnfire, even if it meant a longer route, would be wise.

"Let's not dwell on that. Just bring us two tables of your best dishes," Liu Xiaobao interjected, noticing the Archmage and Golden Knight's flushed faces and wanting to defuse the tension.

The feast of succulent fish, hearty meats, and fine wine was served. For Xiaobao, it was his first taste of this world's culinary delights, which, to his surprise, were quite similar to the flavors of Earth's Lu cuisine.

Lucy and Liu Xiaobao sat together, musing over the cuisine. "The food from Aeseaba is so delicious. Our Yalas Empire's cooking is just too bland in comparison. I really wish I could enjoy Aeseaba's delicacies every day when I return."

In the middle of the day, two dashing young masters arrived at the tavern, followed by eight attendants. Upon entering, they noticed Lucy and Liu Xiaobao sitting together, sharing food and laughter, appearing quite close.

"Miss Lucy, what brings you back to Hesneas City? Could it be that you can't bear to leave?" one of the young masters asked, his temper rising. He shoved Liu Xiaobao aside, barking, "Move over, you have no place here."

The young master was strong, stronger than Liu Xiaobao and his companions. With a single shove, he sent Liu Xiaobao tumbling to the floor. Shan Xiongxin and the others, seeing their master in distress, were not pleased. They banged the table and bellowed, "Who is this upstart thinking he can lay hands on our master?"

"I'm Huang Zhengliang, and it's time for you to leave," Huang Zhengliang declared with arrogance, assuming his name would intimidate the crowd.

But who was Huang Zhengliang? Liu Xiaobao had no idea, nor did any member of Hearthfire. They had only been in this world for a few days and were still getting to know the capital, let alone some Huang.

Liang Shitai yelled, "Huang Zhengliang? Stand up and face me. I'll flatten you with my hammer today."

Huang Zhengliang sneered at the group rising to confront him. "You're all Level 2 trash. How dare you show such insolence before me? Tang Yuan, take your men and cripple these fools for threatening me."

"Isn't this a bit much? Zhengliang, we should aim for peace," Tang Yuan, the level-headed young master, interjected.

Lucy watched as Liu Xiaobao was sent flying, his bowl and chopsticks skittering across the floor, first striking a nearby chair before he crashed to the ground, scattering the food she had just served him. She hurried to his side, helping him up with concern, her heart aching at the sight of his bruised face.

Liu Xiaobao never expected such an unwarranted disaster to strike so suddenly. The pain was intense; that jerk nearly disfigured me. Gently touching his throbbing cheek, Xiaobao was relieved to find no blood. He noticed Huang Zhengliang in a standoff with Shan Xiongxin and asked Lucy, "Who is this guy? Why did he attack me right off the bat?"

Lucy replied, "He's the son of the City Lord of Hesneas. We encountered him a few days ago when we arrived in Hesneas. He's a nasty piece of work. When he was out on the streets with me, he was aggressive towards everyone."

Hearing Lucy's less than flattering assessment, Huang Zhengliang felt his irritation rise. If he was upset, he might as well let it out. This group was perfect for taking out his frustrations. "Tang Yuan said to go up, so just do it. Why all the pointless chatter?"

Both Tang Yuan and Huang Zhengliang were Level 3, and their servants were Level 1 apprentices. They were counting on Tang Yuan's strength to overpower this group. However, Lucy's Archmage intervened to prevent the conflict. "Young Master Huang, Young Master Tang, what's the meaning of this? Show us some courtesy and let them be. If you two young masters are bent on causing harm, then our two mages and two knights won't hesitate to take you both down. After all, Young Master Liu, whom you've knocked to the ground, is our lifesaver."

"You?" Huang Zhengliang eyed the four Level 5 experts and Lucy with caution. He turned to Liu Xiaobao, who Lucy was supporting, "Which family do you belong to?"

"I am Liu Xiaobao, the Little Marquis of Duke Silverwind from the capital."

"Little Marquis of Duke Silverwind? Liu Xiaobao? Hahaha!" Huang Zhengliang burst into laughter. "I was wondering who it was. Turns out it's the notorious spendthrift, Young Master Liu Xiaobao."

"Shut it, you trash!" Han Xin had just completed his mission and stumbled upon the scene of Xiaobao being knocked down. He didn't rush to Xiaobao's side immediately; instead, he was contemplating his next move. Seeing that Huang Zhengliang was about to clash with Shan Xiongxin and the others, Han Xin was ready to launch a surprise attack on Huang Zhengliang, but the conflict was defused.

Han Xin could no longer tolerate Huang Zhengliang's mockery of Liu Xiaobao. In a swift motion, he removed his shirt and struck Huang Zhengliang's head from behind with a fierce blow, then proceeded to use the garment to securely bind the dazed Huang Zhengliang.

Despite his young master's shortcomings and timid nature, Han Xin believed that Liu Xiaobao did not deserve to be ridiculed. The past was unknown to Han Xin and his companions, but their presence in Liu Xiaobao's life now meant they would not permit any mistreatment of Young Master Liu.