Shouldn't we be welcoming esteemed guests over by the docks?

Hearing Luna say these words, Ronald immediately realized that the girl might reveal her background.

The girl's speech, the profound knowledge she previously displayed, and her current reflection on her experiences—all points indicate Luna's extraordinary identity.

This is where the conversation should naturally progress.

Ronald should start inquiring about Luna's background.

However, reality isn't like that.

Ronald knew that he would only be in this city for a week, so he didn't plan on forming close connections or leaving trouble for others.

So even when he heard Luna's reflections, he maintained the casual tone they had since their meeting:

"In a week, I, alongside the Greed fleet, will leave here."

"Luna, if you have any other plans, you'd best prepare in advance."

"…"

After saying those words, Luna had actually already decided to reveal her identity.

But seeing Ronald's indifferent reaction to her identity, Luna was quite surprised, and she seriously contemplated Ronald's advice.

Thus, they both fell silent once more.

They stood on the street, quietly watching the fireworks display at the docks, while pondering their own situations.

Afterward, Luna cautiously finished eating the food in her hands, then seriously requested of Ronald:

"If I must say, I still want to see the streets to the south."

"I've heard there were quite a few incidents over there; recently it's said to have changed, but I've yet to have the chance to see it myself."

"If I miss this chance, who knows when the next will come."

"…"

This guy...how does she resemble Claudia so much?

Hearing Luna's plea, Ronald was instantly reminded of past memories.

During his first meeting with the princess in Springs, they ventured into Springs' impoverished district and had a direct confrontation with the holder of the original Nine Commandments.

Now it's unexpected that in a foreign land,

the girl he inexplicably bumped into also voiced a request not that different from Claudia's back then!

This truly is rather amusing.

With this thought, Ronald promptly responded to Luna:

"If you want to go, let's take a stroll."

"But let me clarify first, this activity is limited to tonight."

Luna earnestly thanked Ronald:

"Ronald, thank you. I'll remember everything about today."

"…"

And so, the two headed towards the southern part of the city.

Both Ronald and Luna were Casters, with no major issues regarding stamina. So, in less than half an hour, they left the port area and arrived at the most impoverished region Luna had mentioned.

How should I put it...

The situation was a bit different from Ronald's expectations.

According to Luna's earlier description and combining it with the technology level and productivity of the Nyx Empire, Ronald was prepared for an extremely dire scene before him.

However, upon arriving, the situation was starkly different from his imagination.

In this part of the city, there indeed existed ragged houses akin to straw huts, but often just a hundred meters away, luxurious small mansions would follow. These two completely different types of buildings were almost scattered throughout every corner of the district.

A rather peculiar living arrangement.

As he walked forward, observing such a scene, Ronald gradually realized.

These buildings actually have a sort of classification pattern.

Surrounding one or several luxurious villas, the remainder are dilapidated houses barely suitable for living. These are clearly residences for the poor, encircling the villas like stars around the moon.

Ronald immediately formed a hypothesis.

These luxurious villas should belong to the 'lords' of an area, while the people living in the deteriorated houses are either servants hired by the lords or outright private property.

Only in such circumstances would such urban areas exist.

But Ronald never expected that while they were walking there, Luna suddenly said something he couldn't have anticipated.

Seeing the order reflected amid the complexity, Luna showed no shock at the scene, but instead nodded with satisfaction and introduced to Ronald:

"These people had promised to provide residences for their ship slaves, Sea Slaves. Now it seems, these fellows who only know how to eat and drink all day have done pretty well in this regard."

"..."

Ronald found himself speechless.

The things Luna was saying now, in stark contrast to Ronald's previously nurtured views, yet after spending time in this world, Ronald also knew there was indeed no issue with Luna's perspective.

After all, at least these civilians, or so-called 'ship slaves, Sea Slaves,' were provided with residences. In more remote and backward areas, such conditions could even induce envy.

"Phew..."

Faced with such a situation, Ronald took a deep breath.

The collision between reason and emotion is always one of the most contradictory things.

He adjusted his state as much as possible, leaning his thoughts more towards his books. Once he stabilized more or less, Ronald called to Luna:

"Luna, it's already late; I'm preparing to head back."

"Oh? Is that so." Luna, completely unaware of Ronald's complex thoughts, simply showed a consenting expression upon hearing the call, "Then let's head back, I've seen what I wanted to."

"…"

After a not-too-long journey.

Ronald and Luna proceeded back towards the city's direction with vastly different emotions.

By now it was night, but the city still retained a very bustling scene.

Due to Nyx's significant emphasis on the arrival of the Greed fleet, the royal family immediately decided to host a three-day banquet to welcome these important and respectable guests.

Such a grand event also brought a celebratory festive atmosphere to the city.

So, just by walking down the streets, one could see the citizens' joyous expressions.

Facing this scene on the surrounding streets, Ronald thought again of the images of the impoverished district.

Comparing the two, while not exactly ironic, indeed vividly showcased the era's ethos.

"Hmm?"

But soon, Ronald had no time to consider these issues.

Because he noticed that behind him and Luna, several stealthy individuals suddenly appeared, following them, all carrying noticeable yet not very strong magic power responses!

Are Casters tracking me?

Since Ronald had only recently arrived in this city, these individuals were most likely not after him.

So he immediately turned his attention to Luna:

"Luna, someone is following us from behind."

"Are they here for you?"