Chapter 2690 - 1162: Surprise (Part 2)

Chapter 2690: Chapter 1162: Surprise (Part 2)

Under the scenario of three annual harvests, the grain yield is exceptionally high.

At its peak, the Thacel Kingdom was the largest exporter of grain in the surrounding region.

This is the reason why, despite its small land area, it has the largest population in the vicinity; even though its political situation has been in turmoil for almost half a century, it remains the most populous nation in West Felen.

What they lack the least here is population.

In the span of two consecutive years, Gaven has migrated nearly two hundred thousand people from Darama via the Conqueror Path, far exceeding the total population Zalanda received when taking over this city.

However, the population here hasn’t decreased in the slightest; instead, it has increased explosively.

The expansion of Darama has never ceased, and it remains overcrowded with a significant number of temporary tents. The residents coming and going have a pale complexion and thin figures.

At a glance, it’s obvious that these are not local residents of Darama, or at least not those who have lived here for more than six months.

Because those living here for more than six months generally don’t need to reside in tents anymore, their bodies have recovered due to sufficient nutrition. There is never a shortage of job opportunities here, and with a little diligence, one can at least earn enough to fill their belly.

This is endlessly enticing to Theser People who have suffered from the ravages of war and the plundering oppression.

In the first two years, it was mostly those who had lost their homes and land who were forced to migrate to Darama, hoping to find a way to survive.

In the past year, many who have businesses have sold their assets and emigrated to this area.

Although these are essentially the same events, the significance they represent is profoundly different.

This signifies that Darama’s reputation is widespread, and it also indicates that Zalanda’s rule is recognized by the people.

Despite Darama City’s large population, everything is orderly, especially in front of the City Lord Mansion.

Although pedestrians are not prohibited here, passersby subconsciously lower their voices and cast reverent glances, as if afraid of disturbing the rest of the owner.

When a ruler truly treats their people like their own children, the citizens naturally repay with the utmost respect.

Gaven couldn’t help but recall his last return here, where he truly caused a commotion.

Thinking back now, his actions at the time seem somewhat childish, with elements of showing off.

Now, with greater power, he actually disdains such tricks and honestly used a Psychic Whisper with Zalanda, asking her to send someone to receive him.

Yet after waiting for half an hour, he finally saw a familiar figure descending from the sky on wings. At the entrance to the City Lord Mansion, she morphed into a tall, foreign race maiden, with horse ears and a tricolored braided ponytail, a white horse tail swinging back and forth behind her, looking around.

Gaven revealed himself from invisibility and greeted, "Luna, long time no see!"

The person in front of him was none other than Luna the Halfling Steed, who had once served as his mount for a while.

However, his growth rate was so fast that once he transformed into various flying species with a flight speed surpassing the Half-Moon Colt, she naturally had no place to employ her skills.

In previous interactions, the Half-Moon Colt was captivated by Zalanda’s charisma and thus voluntarily resigned to stay by her side as her exclusive mount.

Gaven, of course, did not refuse. It appears now that she not only serves as Zalanda’s steed but also takes on the role of a Messenger.

"Lord, you truly have returned." On horse girl Luna’s face, there was unmistakable delight, "You have returned at just the right time. If you had been any later, you would have missed..."

The Half-Moon Colt quickly covered her mouth with her hand, narrowly avoiding letting something slip.

"Missed what?" Gaven’s brow arched involuntarily, "What are you all hiding from me exactly?"

He couldn’t help but think of Philancy’s peculiar expression when she passed through Darama.

One person’s expression could be a coincidence.

Two people having the same expression is not such a simple coincidence.

The Half-Moon Colt’s big eyes darted around, feigning ignorance, "It’s a surprise. Ms. Zalanda wouldn’t let me say it. You’ll see for yourself shortly... I’ll take you to the lady..."

Seemingly afraid that Gaven would continue to ask, she hurriedly reverted to her original form, flapping her wings to fly towards the outside of the city.

"What exactly is the surprise?" Gaven followed alongside the Half-Moon Colt, questioning her.

He doesn’t enjoy this feeling of being kept in the dark.

"Oh... I already said it’s a surprise... Saying it wouldn’t be a surprise..." The Half-Moon Colt mumbled, accelerating to try to lose Gaven.

Yet Gaven’s incarnation as a Giant Eagle has a terrifying speed, and even though she activated her signature ability, Natural Sprint, it was futile, with him effortlessly keeping pace.

This was a blatant flight overbearing.

Once again, a familiar sense of powerlessness welled up in the Half-Moon Colt’s heart, feeling crushed by an outsider in her most skilled domain.

Previously, she voluntarily resigned from Gaven’s side to be with Zalanda because she couldn’t bear this sense of powerlessness.

Whether in terms of personal strength or tactics, Zalanda can’t compare to Gaven.

But Zalanda has one advantage that Gaven lacks, which is a presence.

Gaven is so dazzling, so that those around him are overshadowed, nearly imperceptible.

Zalanda fully taps into the strengths of those around her, allowing them to shine and become a part of her light and strength.