CHAPTER 179: CHAPTER 179-DINNER WITH CITYLORD

The commercial street had grown livelier these past two days. Lantern bugs glowed warmly along the storefronts, and the evening sounds of chatter and footsteps drifted beneath the darkening sky. Amidst the clusters of new buildings stood a modest two-story shop—its sign still unpainted—yet to open its doors.

Inside, Liyi Yi stood on a small stool, stacking carefully bound books one by one onto a polished wooden shelf. The place smelled of fresh ink and new paper, faintly sweet and earthy. She stepped back to admire the shelves, her bright green eyes sparkling in the lamplight.

"Thirty books..." she murmured, both pride and reluctance softening her voice. "And they’re all going on sale tomorrow."

She reached out and ran a finger lightly along the spine of a book. They were beautiful—truly beautiful. Made from the first batches of Black Tortoise’s handmade paper, printed cleanly using movable type. Each copy felt like a miracle. She wanted to take them home. Just one. Maybe two. A bookshelf in her bedroom would look so elegant...

Her lips drooped.

But they weren’t hers.

She sighed dramatically and opened the book titled Chaos, sinking into its pages again. The world within was vast and dreamlike, full of impossible landscapes and wandering lives. She became lost so easily—words dissolving time and thought.

Minutes slipped into hours.

Outside, the sky deepened into night.

Gurgle—

Her empty stomach complained loudly. Liyi Yi snapped back to reality, blinking. She pressed a hand to her abdomen, cheeks puffing with silent irritation.

She had eaten only one meal a day these last two days. Her wages wouldn’t be issued until tomorrow, and she couldn’t bring herself to appear at the City Lord’s Mansion during dinner just to report affairs. That felt like cutting into their meal. Unreasonable. Shameful.

She closed the book reluctantly and rubbed her temples.

"Oh no... it’s already dark."

Lantern lights lined the street when she stepped outside, the warm glow casting gentle shadows. She locked the door carefully and tucked the lantern beetle into her pocket, clutching several printed books under her arm. She needed to deliver them to the City Lord for inspection.

"It’s because Chaos is too good..." she muttered, flustered. "This is all its fault."

Her footsteps carried her down the bustling commercial street. Over just two days, she had watched it transform—vendors appearing, music drifting, laughter echoing. More and more people chose to stay in this district overnight. The clean streets, stable security, and constant food meant an easier, safer life.

"No wonder they stay," she sighed softly. "If I didn’t have work, I’d stay here too."

She turned a corner—and paused.

Two figures were seated outside a closed shop: one blonde girl, one dark-haired cat-eyed beauty. Their posture was tired, their clothing still well-kept but faded with wear. The blonde hugged her knees for warmth.

Liyi Yi recognized them instantly.

They were the two who had stopped her on the road the other night.

But now... they looked like beggars.

Mia, the dark-haired one, felt the gaze and subtly touched her face. A faint shimmer spread—an ability—concealing her features. The blonde, Carmilla, turned away, uncomfortable.

They hadn’t eaten well in days. The Three Star Pavilion no longer allowed their stay unless they could pay. With no coin and no rations, they had taken to sleeping outside storefronts. If not for their identity clearance documents, they would have been forced out of the commercial street entirely.

Carmilla whispered, voice tight, "Catwoman... should we leave and hunt some beast cores?"

Her tone trembled—not with fear, but pride being swallowed against necessity.

Mia’s feline eyes flickered toward the distant city wall. "Not yet. Tonight, I’ll scout again. Guards at the outer perimeter seem lighter these days."

"I’ll go too," Carmilla said, jaw clenched.

Mia hesitated, then nodded. "Fine."

The conversation ended there. They sat in silence again—trying to look like they were resting, not begging.

Because they were not beggars.

And they would not be seen as such.

Liyi Yi understood. And so, she simply offered them a small, polite nod—a greeting without pity—and continued on.

Leaving them their dignity.

Past the The Wall gate, she crossed into the outer city. Here, the air smelled of grilling meat and warm hearth-fires. Homes were simple but bright with light. Voices drifted on the evening breeze, lively and comforting.

Her stomach growled again, louder this time.

"Just a little longer," she whispered, walking faster.

Soon, she climbed the long steps to the high plateau where the City Lord’s Mansion stood. The palace was calm, lanterns glowing softly through its windows.

"They must be eating dinner now..." she murmured, suddenly self-conscious. "Maybe I should wait—"

Her feet betrayed her and walked in anyway.

Inside the corridor, Sophia emerged from the kitchen, holding a steaming platter of crisp, fragrant grilled meat. The scent hit Liyi like a hammer—rich, savory, mouthwatering.

Sophia smiled warmly. "Miss Liyi , here to meet with Lord Luciel?"

"...Yes," she said, trying not to stare at the food but failing miserably.

Sophia’s eyes softened with understanding. "The Lord is dining now. I’ll announce you."

Liyi Yi opened her mouth—wanted to say No, no, there’s no need, I’ll come back!—but the words didn’t come out.

Moments later—

"Let her in," Luciel’s voice sounded from within.

Sophia returned and guided her into the dining hall.

Luciel and Mirean sat at the table, eating calmly—both poised, elegant. Liyi felt like a stray cat who wandered into a noble feast.

"Miss Liyi ," Mirean greeted with a gentle smile, "coming all this way to report at night—you’ve worked hard. Have you eaten?"

Liyi’s face burned. "...No."

"Then join us," Luciel said simply.

There was no hesitation in his tone. No judgement.

Sophia set out tableware immediately.

"Thank you..." Liyi managed, voice small. She sat, stiff with embarrassment, though her hunger gnawed fiercely.

She delivered her report once she had gathered her nerves.

"The bookstore is fully arranged. It can open tomorrow."

Luciel nodded. "Good. Qin Lan will accompany you. Books are valuable—some people may lose their reason over them. Mirean will also be nearby to maintain order."

Mirean inclined her head. "Understood."

"And the textbooks?" Luciel asked.

Liyi Yi presented the printed copies. He examined them carefully—first the language textbook, then the mathematics primer.

"The printing quality is excellent. Continue with this format. We’ll need many more soon."

"Yes," she said, relief easing her shoulders. "I’ll oversee the next batch."

Luciel then turned toward Mino, who brightened immediately.

"The portrait carving of your Big Sis is completed. After dinner, show the plates to Liyi Yi and begin printing the missing person notices. Tomorrow, distribute them widely."

Mino’s rabbit ears bounced with excitement. "Yes! I’ll do it!"

Hope shone on the girl’s face—a hope that made the room a little warmer.

People came to this city seeking many things.

Some came for safety.

Some came for work.

Some came for dreams.

Some came to find someone they had lost.

And some—like the two girls outside on the cold stone street—came simply to survive, but refused to lower their pride.

Because they were not begging.

They were enduring.

And tomorrow—things would begin to change.