Under the driving of Beifa, Bafeikete’s carriage quickly turned onto a street that appeared somewhat disorderly. Compared to the new district they were in just moments ago, this place was noticeably more chaotic and filthy.
However, overall, there was still a semblance of order; at the very least, the streets were planned out, and the roads were cleaned.
But that was the extent of it—the streets were planned and cleaned just up to that limited degree.
As for the buildings on either side of the street, they were essentially makeshift constructions, appearing as if they were randomly pieced together.
And the streets themselves could be said to be free of visible garbage, aside from the sewage and ancient grime that stained the stone bricks black.
So typically, people of status like Perfikot would not venture into such areas easily.
Because even the soles of her shoes were cleaner than the clothes on the people here.
Fortunately, Perfikot wasn’t particularly concerned about these things. She only glanced disdainfully at the drunkard who had just been thrown out of the building in front of her as she stepped off the carriage. She covered her mouth and nose with a handkerchief to avoid the unpleasant smell, and then walked into the bar with a lurid woman painted on the door.
This bar was the meeting place for the other member of James’s exploration team, who was recruited for her.
If she were a typical noble lady, she would certainly avoid such a place, no matter how curious. She would never set foot in such a place.
Besides the disorder, there was another fatal issue here: it was uncontrolled.
This was the border between the civilian area and the new district, inhabited by some who had a bit of money but didn’t follow the rules. Over time, the social order deteriorated, turning it into a tumor in Langton City.
However, due to the lack of order, some gray industries saw thriving development here.
After all, only such ambiguous territories could breed gray industries.
Higher-level new districts demand rules and order, with the middle class aspiring to look up to the upper echelons, running businesses like cafes and legitimate shops.
While the lower civilian areas were more chaotic and disordered, engaging in so-called black industries.
If there were really some naïve noble miss coming to such a place, either her family was powerful enough, or she had reliable bodyguards by her side.
Or else... she might be kidnapped for ransom, lucky if she could escape, unlucky needing to search special services in this area for her.
Of course, those even less fortunate might float up in Langton’s moat a few days later, in those giant forms without clothes.
Noble status is not some death exemption. Every year Langton City sees a few out-of-touch noble children die, even among those with titles.
To the Empire, the death of a few clueless nobles is not really an issue.
The Victor Empire doesn’t have any rules that sound as dumb as "killing a noble is an insult to nobility."
It just means that if a noble happens to die in such a gray area, the Noble Council would command the City Defense Army and police to clear these places and execute the involved gang or individuals. Updates are released by NoveI(F)ire.net
But for Perfikot, if something truly happened to her here, that would be a ghost story.
Using the silver cane she held, she pried open the weathered and patinated bar door, and an instant clamor hit her ears.
Alongside came an unpleasant mix of alcohol, vomit, cheap powder, foot odor, and body smell. Fortunately, Perfikot had already covered her nose and mouth, though it still made her feel uncomfortable.
Accompanied by Beifa, she frowned as she entered the bar.
Internally, she vowed to throw Richard O’Connor, whom she was meeting, into the moat to wake up if he failed to satisfy her, as punishment for making her step into this disgusting place.
Nevertheless, as Perfikot entered the bar with Beifa, before she had a chance to look for whom she was meeting, someone noticed her presence.
Perfikot wore a dark blue set skirt today, a custom outfit made by her tailor, resembling a skirt suit from the original world, simple yet dignified for daily wear.
To match this outfit, she especially styled her hair and pinned on a small hat that needed hat pins to fix, giving her a slightly playful look.
This outfit would be very normal and proper if appearing in a noble or wealthy district.
But in a place so chaotic, it stood out awkwardly.
Perfikot’s abrupt appearance in such attire drew a lot of attention.
But upon seeing she was just a girl, those present lost any vigilance, thinking she was just a lost noble miss.
Clearly, a noble miss appearing in such a place wasn’t likely to inspire any reverence from the drunken folks here, considering even ordinarily they barely felt anything positive or respectful toward nobles.
So, like a scene out of a third-rate novel, a burly drunk, dressed as a sailor, approached to harass Perfikot, "Hey, little lady, who you looking for? Could it be your little lover not coming home? Hahaha..."
While saying that, the drunk also reached out his dirty hand toward Perfikot.
However, facing the burly drunk in front of her, Perfikot merely turned her cane slightly, holding it backward like a sword, then struck heavily on the filthy hand reaching toward her.
With a sharp "crack," the arm bent at an unnatural angle.
Evidently, his arm was broken.
"Ah! Filthy whore!" the drunk screamed as he beckoned for his mates, shouting at Perfikot, "I’m gonna kill you!"
Seeing their comrade "bullied," other drunks in the bar quickly charged toward Perfikot, regardless of anything else.
Some even smashed bottles intending to use them as weapons.
The other patrons, upon seeing the scene, watched eagerly from the side while continuing to guzzle their drinks.
"Beifa, take care of them," Perfikot said, lowering her cane, while the Alchemy Puppet behind her extended two half-meter-long slender blades from its arms, attacking the drunken crowd as per Perfikot’s command.