Chapter 102: City Of Telon

As Ben approached the gate, the stationed guards cast one look at him before bowing a little and pushing the large metallic contraption to grant him exit.

The gate was black and of an impressive standard compared to other constructs he’s seen around the estate.

Made from heavy metal, black and beautifully designed with vertical joints and decent spacing in between.

It wouldn’t even be strange to see a gate like this back in his world.

One of the guards began insisting on taking Ben through the city and being his guard after he had to explain the purpose of his exit as per the duchess’s instructions.

Ben strongly insisted otherwise, assuring he would be fine on his own.

There was heavy reluctance from the guard, but he did not follow and simply handed Ben a small plaque of identification as Ben walked through.

Coming out of the gate, before Ben was a clear field and a road much frequented by carriages.

Following the road, as well as the descriptions he’s gotten from the twins, Ben came upon a downward slope.

Looking below him was a vast expanse of the beautiful city of Telon.

The Wolf estate was situated high up on a vast mountainous terrain, overlooking the immediate city below.

As Ben walked down the slope, taking in the scenery of massive forestry on either side, he began to recollect pieces of information regarding the current place he was in.

The entire Wolf Duchy is a semi-independent region, governed through generations by the Wolfs.

This noble family has always had a powerful sway in the royal court of the human kingdom of Zarion, second only to the grand duke.

Even though for nearly two years now, the Wolf duchy has been going through some harsh times, with consistently dwindling returns from farms, mines, trade, and all other avenues that generate income for the duchy, the people were still living a decent life through their own means.

The duchy might no longer be as powerful or wealthy as it once was, but the people still live their lives.

In a sense, the estate, managing so many mouths to feed and others to pay, sort of had it worse as funds dwindled lower with passing times. The chancellor actively sought aid from his connections in the noble circle to partially keep things afloat.

This was the central duchy of the Wolf such, where the Wolf estate was located. Telon.

There were other smaller towns on the border fringes which housed most people, but this place was like the trade hub when everyone met.... Often called the duchy capital, just like Zarion, the capital of the entire human kingdom of Zarion, where the imperial family resides.

Telon consists of smaller noble households and families. And is the commerce hub of the duchy, where goods are engaged and business is carried out.

Frequented by people from all over coming to either indulge in the goods and services or trade their own goods themselves.

The walk down only took a few minutes, and soon, Ben was walking through a bustling city, filled with people from different backgrounds and affiliations, going about their business.

There were frequent sightings of stalls selling different merchandise like adventurers’ gear, general wear stores, food stalls or fruit shops. There were pubs and guest houses, smiths and stable holds.

The region was known for its bountiful fruits, and it was evident by the different assortment of stalls carrying all kinds of fruits Ben had never seen before.

Most people went about dressing simply, with a few dressing similarly to Ben with more refined clothing, made from better materials.

Ben noticed how these people were treated with more consideration, just like he was. It wasn’t hard to see these were those with affluence or small nobles. They probably have homes in Telon.

There were many small guest houses here and there, considering adventures frequented the city, it was needed. There were also standout houses of the more impressive builds, simple bungalows and mansions alike taking prominent locations far enough from the central area, but close enough nonetheless.

Owning a home in the central region required one to be affluent enough, since it’s mighty expensive to even rent a small shop.

Most low-income to high-income citizens going through these parts are either traders renting, or those coming around to purchase and trade goods.

The regular citizens of Telon, low to high income households alike, have houses some distance away from the central regions. Only the small nobles or very wealthy hold properties in the central hub.

Ben walked past a massive monument depicting the ancestor of the wolfs, situated dead center at the heart of the hub.

Adjacent to his location was the adventurers’ guild not too far from the goddess’s temple.

It wasn’t too surprising to Ben seeing this world had so many adventurers, since, according to what he’s read, before the arrival of the world empress, this world had other threats, and still does.

However, Ben wasn’t really interested in going on some quests to fight some monsters for coins. He knew his path lies elsewhere.

His path lay before him as he took in the varying assortment of gorgeous beauties prancing around. Winking at some and waving at others, some shocked at this, others blushing and curious who he was.

Ben was enjoying his outing, putting a smile on the faces of these gorgeous ladies, most looking gloomy for obvious reasons.

As Ben walked from store to store, admiring the scenery and engaging lovely maidens, he didn’t fail to notice that most free men moving about, indeed had a similar branding on their hands, signifying their status as purified.

There were also those with branding on their foreheads, but these men were in servant uniforms, following along their masters.

Everything appeared novel and interesting to Ben as he walked deeper into the city, passing through alleyways and observing the different establishments.

Ben noticed that a few of these establishments at the back appeared to have been closed.

These were houses for ’gentlemen’ to relax.

But they have clearly lost their uses after all men are required to have their dicks cut.

A few had even been turned into pubs or guest houses.

A lot of people must have lost their means of livelihood because of this. Ben thought as he passed by two active guards in light combat gear, with swords on their waist, patrolling the city.

"Excuse me, young master."

Ben heard a call from behind, turning to see that both guards had stopped and were walking towards him.

"Pardon our interruption, but we haven’t seen you around here before. May I know your identity?"

They were respectful and careful. Ben guessed it was because of how he looked and was dressed.

Ben’s appearance was really striking: short, ashen silver hair, piercing hazel eyes, flawless skin and a toned physique.

He wasn’t tall, but Ben had all the bearing of a young noble. His already strong appearance, enhanced by his transformation as he entered the noble knight realm, made him even more dashing.

"Understandable. My name is Hardwood, I am a guest at the duchess’s estate, here...this should clear things up."

Ben spoke with a gentle smile, pulling out the small plaque from his pocket and handing it over to the lead guard who accepted it and examined.

A second later the guard nodded, bowing a little as he handed back the plaque to Ben.

"welcome to Telon, lord Hardwood."

"Thank you."

Ben accepted the plaque. The guards didn’t bother verifying if he had the brand, and simple carried on their way.

Ben had a destination in mind. The twins had recommended a few spots that are fun to Ben, and he was currently heading to one.

A place where people of influence gathered. Where he might find a strong beauty, as well as enjoy a fun time since he wanted to visit at least once ....

Ben was headed to the only auction house in the city.

Dawn Auction House.