Of course, it was also thanks to Ashina's bloody battles. At this moment, due to exhaustion, she was curled up in the carriage under a black robe, sleeping soundly. The Drakewolf had been retracted as well, and now she was only serving as a maid.
Demei-humans were too conspicuous. In the Sacred Griffin Empire, all the Demei-humans one could see were slaves. To avoid drawing attention, Phield decisively had them don hooded robes to conceal their identities.
Continuing west from the Maple Leaf Fortress for another day brought them to Maple Leaf City, a beautiful city built against the mountains.
This place was likewise a flower blooming on the empire's decaying branches.
Before even entering Maple Leaf City, Phield could sense its extravagance. The ridiculous city walls, only three meters high, were covered in flowers and silk banners, with almost no one guarding them.
The sparse few guards huddled together, gulping down wine, scanning passersby with greedy and mocking eyes.
In contrast, the distant mage towers and Adventurers' Guild were particularly eye-catching.
Caravans and travelers were everywhere. Even before entering the city, vendors with packs on their backs hawked alcohol, tobacco, and snacks.
Maple Leaf City had little in the way of defenses, but it was a top-tier den of indulgence.
The entire empire knew that Maple Leaf City was like a woman stripped naked on the bed, waiting for you—whether you used sweet words (academia or magic), shiny gold coins (merchants or nobles), or direct assault (warfare methods). With hardly any defenses, you could do as you pleased.
Pleasure districts, gambling arenas, gourmet food, and fine wines—everything was available.
The only ones not welcome were those with empty pockets. The large group of vagrants squatting at the city gates illustrated this perfectly; many were even destitute landless nobles who had lost everything here and been thrown out.
"So prosperous." After holding it in for a while, Sam barely managed to find a word from his parched vocabulary.
"Indeed, but the future Nightfall Domain will be even more prosperous than this."
Phield was full of confidence—after all, he had seen the great cities of his previous life. To him, Maple Leaf City was at most a bold, distinctive scenic spot.
Handing over his identification and entry fee, Phield entered the city with ease.
"Hey! Sweethearts, the journey must have been tough. Big sister here is considerate and gentle. For just ten silver coins, I'll be your dessert today."
"Holy shit."
The soldiers stared in a daze, drooling, their faces flushing red one by one.
"This is ridiculous—no wonder Maple Leaf City's reputation is so notorious."
Let alone his subordinates—Phield, having lived two lives, was seeing this scene for the first time.
This is the fucking city gate!
Clearly, the woman before them was an excellent "software hardening" engineer, with top-notch professional skills.
Phield was also stirred up, feeling hot all over. He'd long heard of Maple Leaf City's debauchery, but he hadn't expected such a big play right at the city gates. No wonder it was favored by the God of Love.
"Ahem, no thanks." After getting an eyeful, Phield waved her off.
"My lord, this place is simply crawling with devils! I'd rather face disgusting corrupted creatures." The maid Nina blushed furiously, her small hands fidgeting with nowhere to go.
Ashina also emerged from the carriage, giving Phield a disdainful glance with a resentful tone: "My lord, are you going to seek some fun first? We can wait until you're done."
"Don't doubt me like that—I'm not that casual." Patting Sam's shoulder—this guy was already getting restless, drooling and looking around everywhere—Phield joked, "Sam, your name doesn't fit. Shouldn't it be changed to Iron Rod?"
Sam scratched his head embarrassedly: "My lord, I want to spend a bit. I want to polish my rod."
"How much have you saved?"
In Nightfall Domain, slaves were allowed personal property—this was Phield's special permission. But they could only save money, not spend it, and there was nowhere to spend it anyway; Nightfall Domain didn't even have a tavern. Among them, the guards saved money especially quickly—killing one zombie earned a silver coin. Outside the northern border, such treatment would make people fight tooth and nail for it.
"Forty-seven silver coins." Sam answered proudly.
"Save it for now. This won't be the last time we come to Maple Leaf City. Wait until you become free citizens, then come here to enjoy yourselves." Phield preferred using goals to motivate them to work harder and produce more value, rather than wasting it on lust.
"Ashina, you and the cavalry team grab some food to fill your stomachs, then head to the post station outside to rest. I'm going to pay a visit to the local noble."
The Maple Leaf Manor was one of the few noble estates in the empire built right in the bustling urban district. Baron Maple Leaf, also known as Simon Mapleleaf, was a man who loved excitement. He wasn't afraid of people shouting loudly or assassination attempts.
Handing over his calling card, Phield waited at the manor gates for a moment.
"The handsome Baron Phield, I am a maid of Maple Leaf Manor, here to escort you inside.
Your caravan should please use the side entrance." A seductive woman, practically dressed in a silken swimsuit, bowed deeply to Phield, her curtsy displaying nearly all her charms. "Only those of noble blood may use the main entrance—please understand."
Phield rubbed his forehead, repeatedly inhaling cool air to calm himself. This Simon Mapleleaf really didn't shy away from flaunting his tastes.
"Please lead the way."
Entering the manor, the maid swayed her hips as she guided Phield into a hall-like building with opulent decor.
"Ahem." As soon as he stepped inside, Phield coughed twice. The pervasive steam and smoke made him almost think he'd returned to the northern province, nearly prompting him to pull out the mist-dispelling lamp.
"Hee hee, don't touch there!"
"Come chase me—if you catch me, I'll let you play until you're satisfied."
Seven or eight women frolicked and laughed, their pale bodies splashing in the hot spring pool. Phield glanced over, and his blood pressure suddenly spiked. It wasn't wicked thoughts, but the disaster if Simon Mapleleaf's wife caught him. Phield turned to leave when a heavy yet somewhat comical voice rang out: "Hey, Baron Phield, no need to shy away—these are maids prepared for your entertainment. Enjoy them freely."
Holy shit! This guy's generous!
But Phield remained unmoved. If he really messed around with the maids and got one pregnant, Simon Mapleleaf could send assassins later, and per imperial law, the inheritance would go to the child in the maid's belly.
Nightfall Domain and Phield's assets would then fall under "joint rule" with Maple Leaf territory.
The guiding maid smiled slyly, squatting down to directly undo Phield's clothes.
Phield awkwardly broke free, straightened his robe, fixed his collar, and said seriously: "Thank you for your kindness, Simon Mapleleaf, but I'm here to pay you a visit and discuss some business."
Phield certainly knew the fame of the "Peerless Dancing Girl"—he had no desire to be enchanted into forgetting everything, only to be squeezed dry of all value and end up on the streets.
Even as the maids continued their provocative poses, Phield, accustomed to Ashina's peerless beauty, had no interest in these mediocre goods.