Once back in Yannopolis, Jared didn’t linger. He quickly boarded an airship with Castina and Feenix, making their way back to Imperial Fox City.
As it came time to part ways, Winona held onto Castina tightly, tears streaming down her face. The two had spent decades together, and this moment felt particularly poignant. With Winona reconciling with Hartwin and choosing not to return to Imperial Fox City, a wave of melancholy washed over her.
Yet, all good things must come to an end; the cycle of separation and reunion was simply a natural part of life. One must always learn to say goodbye.
As they journeyed to Imperial Fox City, Castina couldn’t shake her feelings of sadness. Meanwhile, Feenix and Jared made every effort to lift her spirits.
After a day’s travel, the airship gracefully descended on the outskirts of the city.
Castina’s mood began to lighten as she looked out at the familiar city.
She sighed, concerned for the well-being of her subordinates. “I wonder what kind of mess the Foster family has made of my home during my absence. And what about my former subordinates? How are they faring now?”
“Don’t worry. The Fosters wouldn’t kill everyone in Imperial Fox City. We’ll find out what’s really going on once we go in and take a look!” Feenix spoke softly, trying to reassure Castina.
The group of four made their way toward the city.
As they reached the entrance, they were met by a line of unfamiliar guards. Lacking the distinctive aura of the beast race, it was clear they were human cultivators.
Jared recognized that these guards were likely soldiers from Allardland.
When he and his companions entered through the city gates, the guards only cast them a cursory glance and made no move to stop them.
This lack of scrutiny intrigued Jared. Are the guards merely for show, or is there something else at play?
Castina frowned slightly as she approached the guards, halting her steps. “Aren’t you all tasked with guarding the city gates? Why aren’t you inspecting those who come and go?”
One of the guards gave her a cursory glance before responding in an indifferent tone, “General Quivey has ordered that there’s no need to interrogate anyone entering or leaving the city.”
“What if someone with ulterior motives decides to cause trouble?” Castina asked, puzzled by their lax approach.
The guard shrugged nonchalantly. “Honestly, we’re hoping someone does stir up trouble. It would be the perfect opportunity to deal with them all at once. Besides, it could allow General Quivey to earn some more military accolades. He has said that it’s not worth mobilizing such a large force just to handle a mere Foster family.”
Castina was utterly bewildered by the guard’s response, unable to grasp the meaning behind his words. Despite Jared’s earlier assurance that Allardland had vanquished the Foster family and reclaimed Imperial Fox City, she couldn’t understand how this was connected to military accolades.
Upon hearing this, Jared instantly grasped the situation. So General Quivey considers annihilating the Foster family and reclaiming the city to be too trivial an achievement. He’s likely concerned that he can’t even ask Bernard for a reward. By having the guards lower their vigilance at the city gates, he’s inviting anyone with ulterior motives to create chaos. This would allow him to maintain control and continue exerting his influence. The more unrest he can quell, the greater his perceived merits will be! When it comes time to report his accomplishments to Bernard, he’ll have plenty to boast about!
“Thanks,” Castina said, expressing her gratitude to the guard as she prepared to enter the city.
“Halt!” At that moment, a soldier clad in silver armor approached, his stocky, imposing figure radiating authority. A dozen men followed closely behind him.
“Sergeant Zedde!” the guards called out to the man, their voices filled with respect.
Lorcan Zedde stepped forward, eyeing Jared and his companions with a piercing gaze. He let out a cold chuckle. “I’ve been keeping an eye on you for a while. Why are you questioning my soldiers? Planning to stir up trouble in the city, are you? Let me be clear: Imperial Fox City is now fully under Allardland’s control. If you’re contemplating any mischief, you’d best reconsider.”
Upon hearing this, Castina quickly clarified, “I think there’s been a misunderstanding. I am the Fox Queen, and while I appreciate your assistance in reclaiming my city, I never consented to relinquish control to you!”
