Nashramae has been the port of Shurima since ancient times, but that's not its original name.
In the days of the ancient Shuriman Empire, this crucial trade port was known as Nashelema, renowned for its Nashelema silk—
It takes at least four thousand silkworms to produce a single piece of fabric.
Today, in addition to Nashelema silk, replicas of the Sun Disc, and the Ramos Festival, are also well-known.
Since the establishment of the Shuriman Empire by the first Empress, Sivataca, Nashramae has a history of over five thousand years, nearly two thousand years older than the northern trading post, Oshra Va'Zaun.
Due to the geographical conditions along the coast, Nashramae has a milder climate compared to other parts of Shurima.
The average temperature in this region is around 25 degrees Celsius throughout the year, with the hottest summer temperatures reaching around 30 degrees Celsius, and not much temperature difference between day and night.
Under these conditions, this port has become one of the most livable areas in present-day Shurima.
In a lively tavern in the port, many mercenaries awaiting assignments gather here, indulging in expensive chilled beer and boasting about their past experiences.
A young woman, dressed in a three-piece golden armor with a green gem-adorned golden headpiece, and with a fair complexion exposed to the dry, hot air, sits alone in a corner.
She silently drinks beer, and beside her lies a large crossblade.
In the sunlight refracted through the tavern's wooden window, the crossblade emanates an invisible golden glow.
In Nashramae, such a beautiful woman is the object of every man's pursuit, especially for mercenaries who roam the desolate desert without the company of women.
Strangely, even when drunk, these hot-tempered mercenaries have no courage to provoke this seemingly young and seemingly powerless woman.
She is none other than the renowned captain of the Siharo Mercenary Corps—Sivir.
Since Sivir led her forces to overthrow the legendary captain of the mercenary corps, Siharo, the mercenary corps has gained an awe-inspiring reputation under her leadership.
As long as the payment is sufficient, they are willing to accept any task... just like today.
As the tavern's wooden door is violently pushed open, several Noxian soldiers clad in heavy plate armor, wielding large swords and axes, rush in.
"Hey, if you're smart, leave now. Today, this tavern is reserved by Noxus!"
The boiling tavern instantly falls silent, and dozens of eyes filled with various emotions are cast toward these Noxian soldiers.
Many of them, even some who are intoxicated, have darkened expressions, as if their enjoyment has been disrupted, and their hands are already reaching for their weapons.
Since choosing the mercenary profession, these people have long placed their own lives aside.
Moreover, the rumors of Noxus' defeat in Ionia have long spread to Nashramae, and the withdrawal of the garrison from this port is also for this reason.
But these are just a few lackeys of Noxus, how dare they be so arrogant?
Before these mercenaries can react, a voice, sounding exceptionally charming and gentle but giving an uncomfortable feeling, enters.
"Oh, Ashbourne, how can you be so rude to everyone?"
As the voice gradually falls, a young woman with long, beautiful hair and a graceful figure enters the room with elegant steps.
She wears a custom-made Noxian noble standard light armor that protects all vital areas.
Dagger-like family insignia is engraved on the outer armor of her chest, and a delicately crafted dagger is hung at her waist, giving an overall appearance of a gentle yet powerful demeanor.
The woman wears a shallow smile on her face as her gaze sweeps around the tavern, catching sight of a familiar figure in the corner, her smile deepening.
"I apologize very much. This subordinate of mine is a bit rough. I hope everyone can forgive him..."
She pauses slightly, her pair of light brown eyes looking toward the tavern's owner.
"Today... no, for the next three days, everyone's tab will be covered by the Du Couteau family... I wonder if everyone is satisfied?"
The woman intentionally emphasizes the "Du Couteau" family, causing the faces of the majority of mercenaries present to change slightly.
"The Du Couteau family... is the Noxian family that occupies the Urzeris port to the west, right?"
"I've heard of Du Couteau. He is a general in Noxus, with quite a high position."
"Yes, the Du Couteau family is also an assassin family. Most of Noxus' assassins are trained by him personally."
In a hushed exchange, someone speculated, "Perhaps this woman is the general's daughter? I heard her name is Katarina?"
"Idiot, Katarina is the elder daughter. This one seems younger, probably Cassiopeia..."
"Maybe we should avoid messing with them..."
Casually, Cassiopeia by the tavern entrance maintained her aristocratic smile, unaffected by the murmurs surrounding her.
After a while, some smaller members of the mercenary group began to back off, expressing gratitude to Cassiopeia before hastily leaving. With their lead, others in the tavern followed suit.
Even though Noxus faced defeat in Ionia, the power of the Du Couteau family in Shurima remained formidable. After all, no one wants to worry about daggers and swords dangling above their heads while asleep.
In a mere two or three minutes, only a few individuals, including the owner and Sivir, remained in the tavern.
Beside Cassiopeia, her bodyguard Ashbourne frowned, contemplating ushering their comrades away. Just then, Sivir, sitting in the corner all along, set down his glass. His emerald eyes turned toward the entrance.
"They are members of my mercenary group, allies you can trust, Miss Du Couteau."
"After so many collaborations, just call me Cassiopeia."
Cassiopeia gestured to her subordinates and then approached Sivir, taking a seat opposite him. Her gaze swiftly glanced over the crossblade on the table.
"So... you wrote to me in advance to wait for you here. What's the urgent matter?" inquired Sivir.
As the conversation shifted to business, Cassiopeia wiped away her smile, her expression turning serious. "Our family's exploration team has discovered the entrance to the ruins of the lost capital of Shurima emerging from the desert."
Arching an eyebrow, Sivir asked, "So, our task is to assist you in looting the lost imperial tomb? I recall it's the burial site of the last emperor, Azir, isn't it?"
"Of course... What's the matter?" Cassiopeia replied.
Just as Cassiopeia was about to provide details, a commotion erupted outside the tavern. It seemed the guards at the entrance were in conflict with someone.
Cassiopeia and Sivir exchanged a glance, both standing up and heading towards the tavern's entrance.
Before reaching, harsh words from several men with heavy accents reached their ears:
"Hey! You Noxians, this tavern isn't yours. Why can't we enter?"
"We're artisans from the Medarda family, representing the Council. I advise you not to provoke us!"
"Are you trying to make us raise the toll on the Sun Gates?"
However, it was evident that the Noxian guards at the entrance couldn't comprehend their improvised "Shuriman" language.
Not only the guards but even Cassiopeia couldn't understand. Thus, she walked to the entrance to get a closer look.
Before she could inquire about the cause of the disturbance, her gaze lightly swept over the people at the door, and her brows furrowed.
These individuals were wearing Piltover attire, likely valued Hextech craftsmen from one of the families. What were these citizens of Piltover doing here?
Could it be that they were also here to explore the lost capital?
Just as Cassiopeia was puzzled, the guards noticed their lady intervening and hurriedly shielded her. Their tone became more assertive:
"Step aside; this area is reserved by the Du Couteau family."
"Don't force us to take action!"
With that, they unsheathed their swords, startling the craftsmen.
"I warn you; if you dare lay a hand on us, our superior won't let you off easily!"
This time, the lead middle-aged man used Piltover's common language.
"A superior?" Cassiopeia raised an eyebrow, speaking in Piltover's dialect. "I am Cassiopeia of the Du Couteau family. Which family from Piltover do you represent?"
"The Du Couteau family?"
The middle-aged man hesitated for a moment, then his expression changed from anger to surprise.
"We are the Medarda family, artisans from Piltover..."
"Ah, the Medarda family. We have a good relationship with your branch in Noxus," Cassiopeia said, recalling the Medarda family that aided Noxus in the invasion of Ionia.
Just as she was about to continue, a mechanical voice from the end of the street interrupted, "Ralno, what's happening? Didn't I tell you not to stir up trouble?"
"Mr. Li Lin?"
...Li Lin? The unfamiliar name caught Cassiopeia's attention.
Noticing the man's anxiety, she turned her gaze towards the source of the voice, and her expression changed abruptly.
Two figures in armor, resembling lightweight versions of brass and iron diving suits, approached. Floating in the air behind them were three humanoid machines and a peculiar levitating steel contraption.
Cassiopeia exclaimed, "What are these things?!"
(End of Chapter)
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