The sudden enthusiasm was because of the man next to Dana, a handsome young man.
Hmm... He probably isn’t young, just very well-maintained.
The man nodded with a smile. "Will. Dana’s cousin."
"Carl," Carl replied. Will... He suddenly recalled hearing that name; Dana’s family had chosen him as her fiancé. It was clear Dana wasn’t pleased, but that was none of his concern. He continued, "Carl Bergman, a mere patrol officer."
"You still remember your position." Unable to use Carl as a shield, Dana’s pretty face turned cold. "I heard you are about to leave Signo City, but at least for now, you are still a patrol officer. And your post shouldn’t be left unattended."
"Yes," Carl nodded. "You’re right, Chief."
He indeed had overdone it; because of the Black City affairs, he had been absent from work for a long time.
"You, come here!" Dana pulled him aside and muttered quietly, "What’s been going on with Carey recently?"
"Carey?" Being the only friend Carl had in Signo City, he couldn’t help but ask, "What happened to him?"
"He’s been borrowing money everywhere," Dana whispered. "Besides me, many colleagues have lent him money. Don’t you know? Hasn’t he asked you for a loan?"
"Uh..." Carl shook his head. "No."
"No? Does he look down on you, or did he not want to drag you into it?" Dana looked at him suspiciously, her eyes betraying a hint of resentment. "I even lent him twenty pounds!"
For her, that was certainly not a small amount.
Taking a deep breath, Dana continued, "I’m not afraid of anything else, just that he’s gotten into gambling. Twenty pounds... it’s not too much, but it can destroy a person."
"Yes." Carl looked grave. "I will ask him about it."
"But Chief, are you planning to just leave your cousin there and ignore him?"
As they spoke, they moved further from Will until the crowd separated them, and he was lost from sight.
"Don’t worry about him." Dana’s expression darkened. "My fiancé should at least be a Knight."
A Knight? Carl shook his head gently.
"The nations of Sake and Gando are a fraternal federation. Whichever side is in distress, the other must put aside prejudices to lend a hand."
"Our friendship, the Master of Dawn can testify!"
On the high platform, Princess Du Na from the Sake Kingdom was loudly addressing the crowd, "Kolon is a robber! Not only has he stolen the Master of Dawn’s authority over the Fierce Flame, but he also wants to rob the people of both our nations."
"The gods do not allow it!"
"We will not allow it either!"
"Such a thief deserves endless torment in the Netherworld, to be despised by all humanity!"
Given the alliance between the two nations, as a princess of one, it was only natural for her to make such declarations publicly. Only a few people in the audience were listening attentively.
"She is beautiful," Will, stroking his chin, spoke slowly.
"Who are you talking about?" Martha came over. "Cousin Dana or Princess Du Na?"
"Both are beautiful." Will turned around, skillfully wrapped his arm around Martha’s slender waist, and whispered, "Of course, neither of them is as beautiful as you."
"Heh... I know what I look like." Martha rolled her eyes and wriggled away. "Not here, it wouldn’t be good if Cousin saw us."
She didn’t dislike their close contact; in fact, her actions suggested she was quite accustomed to it.
"Dana?" Will shook his head. "She wouldn’t be interested in me."
"Cousin has always set her standards high," Martha shrugged. "If you could inherit your father’s title or become a Knight, perhaps you might win her heart. But it doesn’t matter; your marriage isn’t for her to decide."
"You seem quite keen on me getting together with her," Will said curiously. "If we really did, with your cousin’s personality, she definitely wouldn’t allow me to see you again."
"If she doesn’t allow it, you wouldn’t come secretly?" Martha rolled her eyes again. "I just want to see the expression on her usually proud face when you have her pinned beneath you—would she still be so aloof then?"
"HAHA..." Will said, full of confidence. "You know my capabilities. Her remaining so aloof? That’s impossible!"
After Princess Du Na stepped down, Earl Barro also gave a speech. This earl, from a military background, had illustrious battle achievements and was himself a Great Knight. His arrival would boost the morale of the frontline soldiers.
After them, well-known figures from the city took the stage, each expressing their loyalty to the country and their outrage at the enemy.
"As a token of my sincerity," Robert spoke with a solemn face, "I wish to one thousand Gold Coins and two thousand sets of clothing to support the warriors at the front and pledge loyalty to the King!"
His generosity elicited applause from everyone.
"Dr. Robert is so wealthy?" Carl said while clapping. "That’s one thousand Gold Coins and two thousand sets of clothing, given just like that?"
"Of course," Dana nodded. "He’s not only a doctor but also a successful businessman. He owns shares in the factories in the northern part of the city. A thousand Gold Coins may be a distant figure for others, but for him, it might not mean much."
TSK, TSK. Carl shook his head lightly. He had toiled in Black City for over half a year, risking life and limb, and all his earnings combined were barely one or two thousand Gold Coins. The comparison was truly enviable.
"Carl!" Hibell came over, her brows furrowed. "I don’t like the atmosphere here; I’m heading back to the manor first. Don’t forget to pick up your things when you return."
"Hmm..." After thinking for a moment, Hibell added: