Miss Keroy tiptoed and nudged her, turning towards a dress adorned with golden edges, seemingly recommending it to her with enthusiasm.
This was a harsh winter, possibly the coldest the imperial capital had experienced in nearly a decade.
The blizzards in the northern regions were becoming more intense. The Hunter’s Guild reported several people missing in the snow, but compared to the many major events happening recently, this was destined not to garner much attention.
"Have you heard about what’s happening over in Dark Furnace City?"
This was the most discussed topic today.
The assassination of the Chief Priest and Count Jialan has rapidly deteriorated the situation in Dark Furnace City.
"Another riot, huh? Just like before, it’ll be suppressed in a few days."
Someone eagerly joined the discussion, one of their rare interests. In the cold winter, they would order a few cups of strong alcohol and a pot of flavorful stew, using the influence of the drink to comment on the major recent events. But they couldn’t speak too recklessly; they couldn’t defame the nobility and conglomerates, and even if drunk, had to maintain proper restraint.
Some people, upon first hearing about the riot in Dark Furnace City, immediately rushed to the Guild.
With such a major incident, not discussing it with a few others made them feel like ants were crawling all over their bodies.
"I heard this riot is different; many Kingdom Army members are involved. It’s said that many wealthy merchants and new nobility have joined in, supplying them with weapons like firearms; the church and the Earl’s loyalists are struggling to hold on."
"If you ask me, those people are asking for it."
Someone lowered their voice, "Winter is just starting, and they issued such harsh tax policies, it’s cutting off people’s livelihood."
The hunters nodded knowingly, yet didn’t continue the discussion on this topic.
The flames in the fireplace flickered, keeping the harsh winter away from the Guild.
They all knew where the problem lay; however, all those who raised the issue were thrown into the fire and burned to death.
The hunter dressed in black trousers and a double-breasted military uniform initiated the conversation again, "I heard the garrison officers in Dark Furnace City deeply admire the Knight Commander’s character. It’s probably the Empire’s treatment of the Knight Commander that disheartened him."
This didn’t look like ordinary hunter attire.
The hunters’ faces grew more solemn, the drink seemingly losing its taste, yet curiosity drove them to ask, "Do you have inside information? Tell us more."
"Some say the top echelons of the Empire received relevant intelligence long ago but deliberately concealed it, purposely sending the Knight Commander to the frontier to die. Otherwise, why was the new Knight Commander chosen so quickly? And it was personally appointed by the Pope; the garrison officers in Dark Furnace City have always had complaints about this matter."
The speaker whispered, "I heard the preordained Knight Commander is not looked upon favorably by the Neseriel Sanctuary, but instead is close to the church people."
Typical conspiracy theory!
But no one refuted, as no conspiracy concocted by the Empire’s higher-ups would surprise them too much right now.
This Knight Commander appointment indeed didn’t follow the proper procedures.
The Imperial Knight Commander has always held a seat in the Council of Seven; their status is evident and is usually appointed by the King himself. Yet now, the Pope, joined by the Chief Judge of the Judicial Court, claimed that His Majesty Henry was unwell, and the crown princes too young, thus exercising this power on behalf of the royal family.
The church’s ambition is so obvious that even those small roles like them below could see it.
Someone asked him, "Where did you get this information? Are you from the Guild in Dark Furnace City?"
"I just entered the city yesterday; staying in Dark Furnace City is no longer an option."
The person candidly admitted.
Someone kindly advised him, "You need to understand the rules of the imperial capital; don’t let the church people hear these words, otherwise you’ll find yourself in trouble."
"Thanks for the reminder."
"Are you planning to settle here in the imperial capital this time?"
Shaking his head, he looked towards the bulletin board, "I have a feeling something major is about to happen here."
As he spoke, someone entered the Guild.
The man seemed very young; judging by his attire, he appeared to be an imperial official. The woman was wearing a white wool sweater, tightly fitting, outlining her nearly perfect figure, making the Guild hunters take a few more glances.
The two were there to post a commission.
Indeed, something major was about to happen. Upon hearing the pair’s purpose, the attendant was astonished, quickly asking them to wait a moment, then turned and rushed to call the Guild master. Shortly, this once-legendary hunter hurriedly appeared in the lobby, repeatedly inquiring with the two, seemingly confirming the authenticity of the news.
Receiving a positive response, the well-informed legendary hunter turned serious, solemnly taking out a list for the man to fill in.
The accompanying woman handed over a prepared Imperial Reserve savings card to the waiter, starting the complex registration procedure.
The Guild hunters’ curiosity piqued, they could hardly imagine what kind of commission would make the Guild master so anxious. After all, this was a fourth-level old hunter who had even joined dragon hunts in his youth!
Once the two finished registering and left the Guild, the others immediately gathered around.
The first thing that caught their eye was the reward on the commission.
One zero, two zeros, three zeros...
Five thousand golden lions!?
The hunters immediately erupted; such a large contract was rare. Whoever could complete this commission wouldn’t have to live by the sword’s edge anymore. As they eagerly looked at the commission’s specific details, a more intense shock overwhelmed them instantly.