Chapter 281: The Crowded Streets

In the distance, Nova could see the magnificent Imperial Castle, its imposing silhouette rising above the surrounding buildings. Not far from it stood the largest temple of the Light Goddess Order.

He could also spot another imposing structure nearby, the main headquarters of the Human Continent’s Twilight Order.

As Nova and his group reached the city’s second boundary, they spotted a man dressed in a butler’s suit waiting for them. He looked fairly young, unlike Rodrick, and his aura belonged to a Peak King Realm expert.

"Welcome, Champion Nova Valencrest, and tournament winners Asia Frost and Rieka Vargirth. I am Fred, one of the servants of the Everhart family. I’ll be responsible for escorting you to your destination, where you will receive your rewards during the ceremony."

Nova was surprised. He had expected someone to be waiting for them at the southern gate, but apparently, the Everhart family had made arrangements here as well.

Noticing Nova’s expression, Fred explained, "Two butlers were assigned to welcome you at both entrances in case you chose a different route. That’s why I’m here."

"I see. Then please lead the way," Nova replied.

"Of course, Lord Nova. Would you prefer to fly there or walk?" Fred asked politely.

Nova turned toward Asia and Rieka, waiting for their opinions. "Let’s walk. I want to see more of Everhart City," they said.

[Yes, husband! I want to see it too!]

Even Nyxara, who was watching from inside the System Space, sounded excited. After all, she was a woman too, and even queens and empresses could enjoy exploring a beautiful city.

Nova had no objections. Bai Chen would be accompanying him regardless, as Nova had already offered him the choice of travelling with him or remaining in Vaunis.

Bai Chen had chosen to come along, and Nova was perfectly fine with that.

In fact, Nova had a plan in mind that he had been considering for quite some time, and Bai Chen would be the perfect person for it. However, he would need some time before he could put that plan into action.

For now, Nova followed Fred into the city, with the others walking behind him.

As they walked farther into the city, they eventually reached a crowded area bustling with people. Everhart City was packed with visitors, as several important events were about to take place and the Racial Emperors were arriving.

People from all over the world had gathered in the Imperial Capital. Beastfolk, elves, and even dwarves who lived on the Beastfolk Continent could be seen roaming the streets. Nova could also spot a few dragons among the crowds.

After all, this was a rare opportunity to witness the gathering of all the Racial Emperors in one place. Naturally, countless enthusiastic people had travelled here to experience the occasion for themselves.

Meanwhile, Rieka and Asia stopped at several stores as they explored the streets. Their beauty quickly attracted attention, and many people recognized them almost immediately.

However, Nova was even nore famous, and the women surrounding him were particularly enthusiastic. Seeing the crowds of admirers swarming their husband, Rieka and Asia could only sigh helplessly.

They couldn’t possibly beat up every woman who approached him! At the same time, plenty of men wanted to approach the two breathtakingly beautiful women, Asia and Rieka, but most of them lacked the courage to do so.

Nova, meanwhile, found himself in a predicament. What was he supposed to do?

[Beat them up, husband! These bitches need to stay away from my husband!]

Nyxara growled from inside the System Space.

[He can’t do that, Princess. You know Lord Nova better than that.] Velena tried to calm her down. Liya could only roll her eyes at Nyxara’s outrageous suggestion.

Fortunately, Fred had already anticipated this situation and summoned several Imperial Guards. He had actually preferred that Nova fly to his destination, but since Nova had chosen to walk, Fred had made the necessary arrangements.

As soon as the guards arrived, they began dispersing the women surrounding Nova, finally clearing a path for the group.

"Sigh... Junior Brother is just too popular. This old one is honestly envious of him," Bai Chen remarked as he stood beside Fred.

"Being popular is also a curse, you know. It comes with plenty of dangers," Fred replied.

Bai Chen turned to look at him.

"Why do you talk like an old man? This old one knows a butler who’s old, so this old one can understand him talking like that. But why do all butlers talk like old men, even when they’re still young?"

Fred was momentarily taken aback by the question and decided to remain silent.

Lord Nova really does have a rather strange little friend, he thought. Seeing that the path ahead was finally clear, Nova turned toward the others.

"Let’s go."

As they walked farther into the city, similar situations kept occurring.

Nova was repeatedly surrounded by enthusiastic women, while Rieka and Asia attracted the attention of several men. Eventually, the Imperial Guards had to accompany them just to keep the crowds under control.

Everhart City was enormous, and they still had a considerable distance to cover. Seeing how difficult it was to continue walking under these circumstances, Nova decided to change their plans.

He had been offered Royal Guards for the journey, but he had rejected them for obvious reasons. Consequently, Fred hadn’t made any additional arrangements to deal with the crowds.

In the end, Nova decided to cover the remaining distance by flying. The women readily agreed. They could always explore the city later, though they would have to disguise themselves to avoid attracting so much attention.

Soon, they arrived at a large mansion, nearly as spacious as the one Nova had received in Vaunis.

Fred led them inside, where numerous maids were already waiting to serve them.

"Lord Nova, you can all rest here together. However, I’d like to mention that Lady Asia and Lady Rieka were originally assigned separate mansions. Considering your relationship, though, we’ve arranged this larger mansion for all of you," Fred explained.

"That’s perfectly fine. Thank you for your consideration," Nova replied.

"You can rest here for now. The three of you will need to be at the Imperial Palace in three hours. I’ll remain here until you’re ready, and then I’ll personally escort you there."

"Thank you, Fred," Rieka and Asia said.

"It’s my honour to serve the winners of the tournament," Fred replied politely.

With that, they settled into the mansion and gathered in the hall, where the maids served them snacks and refreshments.

A few moments later, Bai Chen stood up.

"Junior Brother Nova, this old one would like to explore the city. He’ll be leaving now, since this old one won’t be able to enter the Imperial Palace with you all anyway."

Nova looked at him and nodded.

"Sure, go ahead. Just be careful and don’t get into any fights."

"Hahaha! Junior Brother, that only happened once! This old one intends to show the people of the Imperial Capital his medical skills," Bai Chen replied confidently.

Bai Chen had been eager to put his medical skills to use. During his time in the Twilight Order, he had repeatedly offered to examine his fellow recruits for potential illnesses or treat any ailments they were already suffering from.

Despite his exceptional medical expertise, however, no one had been willing to believe in his abilities. Instead, he had been forcibly stopped from practicing medicine and warned against bringing it up again.

Now, finally, he was free to put his skills to use once more.

"Fine, you can go. Just be careful," Nova said.

With that, Bai Chen left the mansion to explore Everhart City and demonstrate his remarkable medical skills to its residents.

Of course, Nova wasn’t about to let him wander around completely unprotected. He secretly sent Hybrid Five to follow Bai Chen, keeping an eye on him and protecting him from any potential trouble.

**

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