"You look in good spirits today," Sean said with a smile.
Rose emerged from his room looking exceptionally refreshed, especially with a healthy glow about him.
As he sat down beside Sean, a state of lingering contentment floated above his head. Who knew what he had dreamed about last night, what he had conjured in his own mind, to turn even an imperial historian into this state.
"My lord."
No sooner had the two settled in than Aslant walked out from another room, not drowsy but beaming with a blissful smile.
It seemed the young man had also indulged himself quite a bit last night.
But speaking of it, the ability to weave a perfect world in one's dreams was inherently captivating, especially since the sensations in the dream felt identical to the real world. It was like being a god creating a universe, where everything was under your control.
"How was it? Did you sleep well last night?" Sean deliberately asked.
"It felt very unique. I think this place isn't as bad as we imagined."
"Indeed, I've traveled through many parts of the Basharan Empire, but only here do I feel something different," Rose chimed in, and both of them had states of anticipation hovering above their heads.
Wasn't this just like those people on the street?
The three of them had woken up relatively early. In this household, even the servants didn't stir until much later. As for Baron Mailand, he only rushed over in a flurry when breakfast was ready, apologizing profusely.
His expression was sincere, though a state of joy lingered throughout.
It was only then that Sean realized that in Upper Valley Town, it seemed everyone wasn't living in reality but was constantly yearning for their dream lives.
Because of this, what they did or ate in reality became irrelevant.
They could make up for it in their dreams.
Although Sean didn't know if eating in a dream would bring a feeling of fullness, based on his own experience last night, it certainly would. The brain might give you that sensation, but the real body would inevitably waste away.
Looking at the table, the breakfast consisted of boiled potatoes and a plate of boiled salted meat. This was the food of the lord of Upper Valley Town; ordinary households probably just chewed on roots to sustain their energy.
"Baron Mailand," Sean called out to the man across from him, who seemed distracted.
"Count, is there something you need? Is the food not to your liking? Should I have a servant buy something from the street?" the man replied.
"No need."
Even if he wanted to buy something, there was probably no one selling on the street.
"I rested here last night, but I felt myself entering a very peculiar dream. Why is that?" Since no one had brought it up, Sean decided to ask directly.
The living room fell silent at his question.
Baron Mailand stopped eating, and even Rose and Aslant turned to look.
Everyone harbored some fantasies, call it daydreaming, but reality and dreams had to be distinguished, or else this region couldn't function normally.
After hearing his question, Baron Mailand slowly set down his teacup.
There was no real tea; what they had was a kind of licorice, which gave a faint sweetness when steeped in hot water. For a town that preferred living in dreams, reality just had to be passable.
"This is a trait of our Upper Valley Town."
"A trait?"
"Yes, everyone who comes to this town finds a sense of belonging here. No matter their past profession—thief, criminal, whatever—once they arrive, they let down their guard and gradually calm down. This is the comfort only Upper Valley Town can offer." Baron Mailand spoke without fear; since anyone who came here would experience the dream world every night, there was no point in hiding it.
"Is there a wizard in the town?" Rose interjected.
Though he was deeply immersed in the dream world, Rose was a notable figure in reality, and one night here wasn't enough to fully ensnare him.
"No."
"This is a gift from heaven to Upper Valley Town, filling it with fantasy." When Baron Mailand spoke of his town's situation, he showed no worry, and no state of lying appeared above his head.
It seemed they had never bothered to investigate the cause of this.
"Don't you think, Baron, that this life is just self-deception, without meaning?" Rose suddenly asked.
"Then what do you, Sir Rose, consider meaningful?" He looked at Rose, then at Sean.
"My townspeople live in the most peaceful place in the entire nation. Everyone smiles, there's no theft, no robbery. Even with doors unlocked at night, it's safe. You've recorded countless stories from many places—how many ended in regret? But in Upper Valley Town, that doesn't happen. Everyone lives happily. I've seen so many people pass away with smiles on their faces," Baron Mailand said.
The structure of the Basharan Empire meant Sean could only discuss this verbally, not force the man to do anything. Upper Valley Town was his domain; as long as Baron Mailand didn't betray the nation, he could manage it however he wished, much like the Viger family sealing off their town back then.
And the residents here were likely happy to live in such an environment.
"Yes, many might not understand, and some travelers have discussed similar issues with me. But what I want to say is, Count Viger, what do you think it means to truly live?"
Uh...
Was he about to dive into philosophy with him?
"When we're born, everyone around us tells us to strive. My very early ancestors even said the Mailand family shouldn't stop at baron, but aim for higher titles. Yet, generations passed with no change. Eventually, the ideal became leading the townspeople to a peaceful, prosperous life." He looked at the three, and seeing no response, continued.
"So you see, even so many ancestors never found the true meaning of existence. Look at those with higher titles—the grand duke family that ruled the southern nobles for centuries now faces challenges from Prince Philip's status, dragging their aged bodies through schemes."
"In the end, what do they gain?"
"In a few years, a new Duke Haruman will emerge to revive past glories, leaving behind a brood of disgruntled heirs who can't inherit the title. The same goes for the prince—endless struggles, endless losses, gaining and losing again. So, Sir Rose, Count Viger, tell me: which is real, the dream or reality?"
Silence fell.
"My townspeople can live here in peace, looking forward to each day. Isn't that the dream everyone yearns for? Perhaps reality is just another dream of ours."
He understood life, understood it all too well.
Sean suddenly felt he had underestimated this rural baron yesterday.
After breakfast, Rose began asking Sean about his plans.
They were supposed to leave today, but Rose wanted to request staying for a day or two. This town was too unique, worthy of a record in his chronicles.