Their safe journey was due in large part to Ashina's tireless battles. Now, exhausted, she was curled up inside the carriage, wrapped in a black cloak and fast asleep. Her draconic wolf had been dismissed for the time being, and Ashina was temporarily assuming the role of a maid.
Demi-humans were too conspicuous in the Holy Griffon Empire, where most demi-humans were enslaved. To avoid drawing unwanted attention, Field had ordered the entire group to don cloaks to conceal their identities.
One day's travel west of the Maple Leaf Fortress brought them to Maple Leaf City, a beautiful settlement nestled against a mountain.
This city, like many others in the Empire, was a decadent blossom growing on the rotten branch of corruption.
Even before entering Maple Leaf City, Field could sense its opulence. Its walls, a paltry three meters high, were almost laughable as fortifications. Instead of projecting strength, they were adorned with vibrant flowers and silk banners. Guards were scarce, and those present were huddled together, drinking heavily and leering at passing travelers with greedy, mocking eyes.
In stark contrast, the distant mage towers and Adventurers' Guild building loomed impressively, drawing the eye with their grandeur.
The city was bustling with caravans and travelers. Before they even entered the gates, vendors approached with goods slung over their shoulders, hawking wine, tobacco, and snacks.
Maple Leaf City lacked significant defenses but compensated by being a premier den of decadence.
Across the Empire, it was well-known as a "howling harlot." Whether one used sweet words (academics or mages), glittering gold coins (merchants or nobles), or brute force (military conquest), the city would bend to any approach. Its defenses were so feeble that conquering it seemed almost trivial.
Maple Leaf City offered everything: pleasure districts, gambling arenas, exquisite food, and fine wine.
The only thing the city didn't welcome was empty pockets. The throng of beggars at the city gates proved this point all too well—many of them were destitute nobles, stripped of their lands and wealth, who had gambled everything away and been unceremoniously tossed out.
"This place is so… bustling," Iron Hammer finally managed, wringing the phrase from his limited vocabulary.
"It is," Field agreed with a confident smile. "But one day, Nightfall will outshine this place."
Field's tone was filled with conviction. After all, he had seen true metropolises in his previous life. Compared to them, Maple Leaf City was little more than a daringly themed tourist attraction.
After presenting his identification and paying the entry fee, Field entered the city with ease.
"Hey there, sweethearts!" a sultry voice called out. "Rough journey? Don't worry—big sister here is tender and understanding. For just ten silver coins, I'll be your dessert for the day."
"What the…"
The soldiers gawked, their jaws hanging open, faces flushing red as they ogled the woman shamelessly.
"This is absurd! No wonder Maple Leaf City is so infamous," Field muttered, barely holding his composure.
Even he, despite living two lifetimes, was stunned by the sheer audacity of it all. This was happening right at the city gates!
The woman before them was clearly a seasoned "specialist" in her field, boasting both technical finesse and unmatched professionalism.
Field's face flushed as the heat rose to his ears. He had heard tales of Maple Leaf City's decadence, but experiencing it firsthand was another matter entirely. Just passing through the gates had been enough to make him feel the full force of the Goddess of Love's influence.
"Ahem, no need," Field said, waving the woman off after thoroughly enjoying the spectacle.
"This place is crawling with devils!" muttered Scissors, her face burning red as she fidgeted with her hands. "I'd rather face disgusting corrupted monsters than this!"
Ashina emerged from the carriage, her expression equal parts amused and mocking as she glanced at Field with a sly look. "My lord, do you want to enjoy yourself first? We can wait for you to… finish."
"Don't be ridiculous. I'm not that kind of person," Field replied, brushing off her comment. He turned to Iron Hammer, who was practically drooling as his eyes darted around. Patting him on the shoulder, Field teased, "Iron Hammer, maybe your name is wrong. Should we call you Iron Rod instead?"
Iron Hammer sheepishly scratched the back of his head. "My lord, I'd like to spend a little. I need to, uh… polish my 'spear.'"
"How much money have you saved?" Field asked.
In Nightfall, slaves were allowed to keep personal savings—an unusual privilege Field had granted. However, they could only save, not spend, as there was little to spend on. Nightfall didn't even have a tavern. Soldiers, in particular, saved quickly since each undead kill earned them a silver coin, a fortune by Imperial standards.
"Forty-seven silver coins!" Iron Hammer boasted proudly.
"Keep saving. This won't be our last trip to Maple Leaf City. When you earn your freedom, you can enjoy all you want," Field said, dangling a future reward to keep them motivated. "For now, keep working hard. Don't waste it on 'software enhancements.'"
Turning to Ashina, he added, "Take the cavalry and grab some good food. After that, head to the inn outside the city gates to rest. I'll handle visiting the local noble."
The Maple Estate was one of the rare noble estates located in the bustling heart of the city rather than in a secluded countryside retreat. Its owner, Baron Simon Maple, was a man who thrived on noise and activity. Unlike most nobles, he wasn't bothered by loud chatter or the threat of assassination.
Field handed over his calling card and waited at the gates of the Maple Estate.
"Handsome Baron Field, I am a maid of Maple Manor, sent to escort you inside. Your trade caravan, however, must use the side entrance," a sultry woman announced, her attire resembling a silk swimsuit more than a uniform. She bowed deeply, presenting her assets with deliberate flair. "Only nobles of distinguished bloodlines may enter through the main gate. I trust you understand."
Field pinched the bridge of his nose, inhaling deeply in an attempt to steady his nerves. This Simon Maple doesn't hold back when it comes to flaunting his tastes.
"Very well. Lead the way."
Inside the estate, the maid sashayed through the halls, her hips swaying with exaggerated grace as she led Field through a maze of corridors. Finally, they arrived at an opulently decorated hall that resembled a grand bathing house.
"Cough, cough!" Field stifled a fit of coughing as he stepped inside. The room was thick with steam and smoke, making him momentarily think he had returned to the death mist of the North. He nearly reached for his mist-repelling lamp out of reflex.
"Stop that!"
"Catch me if you can! If you do, I'll let you hehehe..."
The sound of playful giggles and splashing water drew his attention to a hot spring pool, where seven or eight women—completely unclothed—frolicked openly. Field's blood pressure spiked instantly, not from wicked thoughts but from sheer panic. What if one of them is the baron's wife?!
Just as he turned to leave, an overly jovial yet somewhat ridiculous voice called out:
"Ah, Baron Field! No need to feel awkward. These are just the attendants I prepared to entertain you. Feel free to indulge!"
What the—this guy is really something! Field thought, caught between amusement and disbelief.
Still, his expression remained calm. Absolutely not. If I so much as touch one of them and something happens—say, a child—Simon Maple could have me assassinated later. Under Imperial law, the inheritance would go to the child of the maid.
Field forced a polite smile and cleared his throat. "Baron Simon, you're too generous, but I must decline. Let's discuss business instead."
If Field gave in to temptation here, Nightfall and all his assets would inevitably fall under "joint management" with Maple Leaf Territory—a pleasant euphemism for total exploitation.
Nearby, the mischievous maid giggled as she crouched down and began undoing Field's robe.
Field awkwardly stepped back, pulling his robe closed and adjusting his collar with a sharp tug. He straightened his posture and addressed the baron with a serious expression.
"Thank you for your hospitality, Baron Simon, but I'm here to visit you—and to discuss a business deal," Field said, his tone measured but firm.
He knew full well the reputation of the Peerless Dancer. The tales of her allure and influence were famous across the Empire. Field had no intention of becoming another of her victims, ensnared in a web of pleasure and manipulation, only to be drained of all worth and cast out into ruin.
Despite the maids' coquettish gestures and enticing poses, Field's heart remained steadfast. Having grown accustomed to the unparalleled beauty of a Chosen like Ashina, he found these ordinary women to be little more than dull distractions.