Before taking action, Chu Yan needed to ascertain another matter.
How formidable were the noble families along the Dead Sea border?
In this continent, the disparities in power among the extraordinary beings were classified using grades such as "S, A, B, C, D..."
Chu Yan had never fully grasped this grading system,could it be that the original creators were inclined towards unconventional preferences?
While grades like D, E, and F seemed to embody notions of justice and humanity, they were paradoxically deemed lesser, with larger cup sizes symbolizing weakness instead.
"Summer, which noble families reside in this region?"
"There are numerous noble families, both prominent and obscure, but you must pay particular attention to the Pig family,any actions you intend to take will inevitably lead to a conflict with them."
"Hmm? Are you suggesting that apart from the Pig family, the other local nobles would welcome me, albeit discreetly?"
"My lord, you possess great beauty, but your assumptions are rather naive. There is no noble who would openly welcome an outsider,most of them defer to the Pig family, and the wishes of Lord Pig are akin to their own."
Though you speak with a sarcastic tone, I secretly wish you would employ phrases like "valiant and commanding" to embellish my personal charm...
Nonetheless, Chu Yan comprehended the situation regarding the local nobility,in blunt terms, it resembled a notorious little clique.
"Is there anything else you wish to inquire about?"
"Certainly, what is their level of power?"
"First, I must ask about your current strength, my lord."
"The grade I have attained."
"Grade G?" Summer retorted with irritation, "Could you please respond more earnestly?"
"Alright, I confess,it is actually F, as my guardian is of that grade."
"Never mind, as long as I am here, you need not worry about Baron Pig resorting to open hostility."
She was acutely aware that this dragon-descendant lord possessed strength at least equivalent to grade D.
Even though she had recently obliterated the sludge creature with a single strike, the dispersed fragments merely diminished its offensive capabilities while still retaining considerable defensive strength.
Those below grade E would be entirely helpless, merely watching as the sludge creatures revived.
It was impossible for them to control the flames with the finesse that Chu Yan exhibited, extinguishing the smaller sludge creatures entirely.
As for his dragon-ancestral predecessors, it was even less conceivable that they would be of grade F,the innate talents of dragon descendants were formidable. As long as they successfully emerged into the world and grew, they could naturally attain grade C, even if they squandered time.
...
...
Within the residence of the Pig family, Lord Pig was engaged in conversation with visitors.
Seated before him was John, the eldest son of the Lowellan family, a striking young man with golden hair.
Although the Lowellan family held the title of earls, Lord Pig remained composed and unruffled in the presence of this noble heir, treating him almost as he would a commoner.
On one hand, this was due to the Lowellan family's waning influence,on the other, the nobility of the Dead Sea border were exceedingly arrogant in all respects, only behaving submissively before a select few elders of the Dragon Flame family.
"Mr. Pig, let us get to the crux of the matter. I wish to redeem my sister, Summer Lowellan."
John waved his hand, prompting his subordinate to bring in a chest filled with gleaming gold coins and gems, dazzling in their brilliance.
"What a curious turn of events! You were the ones who reported her, leading to the banishment of that lady knight,now you wish to spend gold to bring her back."
Lord Pig chuckled, busying himself with a nail file, revealing no clear inclination to either accommodate or refuse the request.
This ambivalence implied that negotiations could take place, but the price would require further discussion.
At this moment, the taboo individuals within the lord's castle were abundant in strength, sufficient to suppress the dire conditions along the Dead Sea border, and Lord Pig indeed had no objection to releasing a taboo individual.
This would not disrupt the stability of the entire region, and Summer had recently arrived, offering a bit of maneuvering space.
"That need not concern you, Mr. Pig. This is a matter for the Lowellan family,I merely hope you will be agreeable in this transaction."
"Do not feign ignorance with me,it is evident that some monsters have emerged within your territory, and you find yourself unable to deal with them, hence your desire to bring Summer back."
"But the situation is not as simple as you imagine. These are fallen individuals who have breached taboos and are loathed by the continent's forces of justice.
Mr. John, you expect a lowly baron like myself to release a fallen knight who has toyed with taboos? The pressure on me would be insurmountable!"
Just a moment ago, Lord Pig had been relaxed and untroubled,now, he fumbled for a handkerchief, wiping the sweat from his brow with an expression of distress.
John's demeanor darkened as he replied:
"Then let us clarify the conditions!"
Lord Pig rose, stroking the large chest of treasure, extracting a single gold coin, biting it between his teeth before saying:
"I require an additional chest,my burdens would be significantly alleviated."
"Very well, I shall procure the funds. I trust that Lord Pig will not suddenly change his mind!"
John, feeling exasperated, departed in search of the money.
As he exited the estate, he muttered curses under his breath:
"Greedy pig! I knew he would resort to such tactics. Fortunately, I had prepared two chests of treasure in advance."
The primary premise of negotiation is to avoid revealing one's bottom line too early.
John's baseline for reclaiming Summer was two chests of treasure, yet he initially revealed only one.
Lord Pig's price increase was still within the bounds of his acceptance.
...
Having successfully negotiated the transaction, Lord Pig was in high spirits, preparing to indulge himself at a pleasure establishment.
Assisted by his steward, he climbed into his carriage, and as he settled into his seat, the vehicle rocked under the weight of his ample form.
However, as the carriage emerged from the estate's gates, it was unexpectedly halted by certain individuals.
Chu Yan and Summer stood at the entrance, exuding an air of unwelcoming intent.
Lord Pig did not exit the carriage,he merely opened a window to reveal his portly face, adorned with multiple chins.
"My lord, given my physique, entering and exiting is indeed cumbersome,I trust you can understand."
The minor noble's refusal to dismount and pay his respects to the lord, despite his excuses, still served as a subtle display of dominance, albeit softened by his rhetorical flair.
Chu Yan's smile remained unwavering, a smirk playing at the corner of his mouth, imbued with the confidence of a charming dragon while also possessing the cheekiness of a spirited dog.
"Not at all,as the saying goes, 'A woman who bows low cannot see her feet is truly a mesmerizing sight.' Young Baron Pig certainly fits that description,I can only imagine how challenging it must be for you to lean down to drink from the pipe. Naturally, I can empathize."
Initially, Summer failed to comprehend the phrase "cannot see her feet," but upon glancing down, she realized that her ample bosom obscured her view and promptly understood his meaning.
Lord Pig's expression stiffened,while he could maneuver discreetly, he absolutely could not afford to quarrel openly.
With a forced smile, he replied:
"Thank you for the compliment, my lord. I am at a loss as to why you have chosen to linger at my doorstep,it truly makes me anxious.
Only loyal and obedient little dogs typically wait here."
Chu Yan appeared unaffected by his sarcasm, responding bluntly:
"The state of Extreme City is dismal,the stench of refuse floods the air, akin to a pigsty. I must address the sanitation issues."
Lord Pig suddenly understood Chu Yan's intentions,he sought to prepare for the midterm evaluation.
The governance of Extreme City was a long-term issue, and immediate action could be taken to rectify the city's sanitary conditions, leaving a favorable impression on the executioners.
"Ah, my lord, I wholeheartedly agree with your decision, yet regrettably, my support does not extend to manpower. You know I am but a minor baron, lacking in strength and burdened with the responsibility of safeguarding Extreme City.
I simply cannot spare the troops."
I verbally supported you, yet I lack the manpower,none of the servants or soldiers in the noble families will heed the commands of a minor lord like yourself.
Chu Yan had anticipated this response, nodding in understanding: "That is quite reasonable,each must fulfill their own role!"
...
Once Lord Pig's carriage resumed its journey, he cast an irritable glance at his steward.
"Inform the other families to disregard that audacious lord,do not allocate him even a fraction of military resources, not even a single cripple!"
The steward, nearly squished against the wall, looked as though he might burst.
"Understood, I shall attend to it once I disembark."
"And ensure that John acts with efficiency,he must hasten to pay and take Summer away."
Lord Pig immediately recognized that the lady knight standing beside the lord was, indeed, the very Summer he had just mentioned.
He hadn't anticipated that the lord would so swiftly become entangled with such a perilous fallen individual.
It was probable that he intended to exploit her yearning for freedom to compel her into servitude.
Such a pity,this baron had directly granted her freedom, leaving the lord to become a mere figurehead.
"Addressing the sanitation of Extreme City? Ha! Perhaps our esteemed lord should personally bend down and collect the refuse!"
As the carriage rumbled towards the pleasure house, a half-eaten bowl of fruit was abruptly discarded from the window, tumbling into the street below.