Oro City.
In the original Tacoma region, it was the second-largest city, second only to Tacoma City itself. However, after the events of last time, it leaped to become the largest city in the area, and the region was even renamed after Oro. The entire city was also undergoing expansion and renovation work.
In a spacious courtyard located in the wealthy district, Diwala had been watching the building next door for a long time. These past few days, workers had been speeding up construction every night. Although the distance was considerable, the noise always drifted over from the hill.
At times like this, someone would inevitably frown.
"Why have they been building that house over there nonstop day and night lately? It's keeping me awake!"
The speaker was the daughter of the Diwala family, possessing the typical golden hair and delicate, refined face of a southern girl, dressed in a manner as elegant and luxurious as a young lady should be.
The Diwala family wasn't nobility, but they were still a prominent and prestigious clan in Oro City, having settled there since their great-grandfather's generation. Though he started as a clockmaker, through hard work he steadily expanded his business, eventually becoming one of the wealthiest figures in Oro City, and his descendants also achieved considerable success.
Over time, family members became inspectors, guard captains, priests, and more—not limited to just merchant magnates. Although they didn't hold overt control over any region, they didn't have to sacrifice some heirs to ensure a single line of succession like nobles did. Many wealthy families were a unified whole; if you looked at their influence alone, it could even reach half the city. That was quite remarkable.
"Hey, it's probably some rich merchant wanting to build a villa in that area. But the property prices there are sky-high. I wonder which merchant would choose such an unprofitable deal."
A man with a neatly trimmed beard, sitting across from the girl, said.
The youngest generation of the Diwala family consisted of just two people—a brother and sister. Since their parents were still alive and well, the two of them didn't need to manage the family affairs for now. So, most of the time, they were more like idle rich young masters and ladies, only occasionally using some pocket money to dabble in small businesses for fun.
"But the scenery in that area should be nice. I remember it wasn't allowed to be sold before. I don't know why it's up for sale now. No, I'm going to the city management office later to ask about it," the girl said, looking displeased.
Although the Diwala family was wealthy, they weren't a family that could do whatever they pleased. Often, even a city gate manager could give them a hard time.
Of course, most of the time, the city still preferred not to provoke the Diwala family!
"Forget it. Even if they agree, it would cost a lot of money. I don't think it's necessary," the brother said, always inclined to save where his sister was concerned.
"How can that be! The Diwala family should have a more suitable living environment. And if we buy that land, we could sell it later at a high price. We can negotiate with the buyer," the sister said, still unwilling to give up such a prime location.
"No need to negotiate. We can't buy that place."
Just as the siblings were arguing, a voice came from the other side.
"Father!"
Both of them stood up to greet him.
A middle-aged man in his forties with a goatee walked over.
Orlando Diwala.
He was the father of the two siblings and the true master of the house.
"Father, what did you mean when you said we can't buy it?" the brother continued with his question.
Orlando found a seat, and a servant dutifully brought him a cup of morning tea. He gazed at the house being built on the distant hill.
"This is news I just received. The owner of that villa over there will be the new count's residence."
"A count? The rumored newly appointed Count of the Oro region? Something like Sean, right? Yes. Count Sean Vigor," the brother suddenly recalled the name.
"That Sean Vigor?!"
"That's right. His residence is over there. This is what I want to say next. Philo, and Charles, from today onward, whenever you encounter any workers or people heading to that house, if you see them, be friendly. If possible, send over some tea and snacks," Orlando said to his two children.
"Why?"
He glanced at his son, hoping not to see so much confusion in his eyes.
"Oh, I get it, Father. We need to build good relations with the future lord of Oro City, right?" Charles finally voiced his thoughts.
Orlando smiled approvingly.
"Exactly. No matter what kind of person the new count is, getting along well with him is our best choice."
"But the Diwala family has a very high reputation in Oro City too!"
Orlando shook his head.
"People always prefer to step on others to climb up; no one likes to push others forward. Don't oppose those in power—that's the Diwala family's way of survival."
He watched as both children eventually nodded.
Meanwhile, on the other side, Sean and the others were still on the road to Oro City.
"Sir, I still think something's off. Should we go back to Shanggu Town and take another look? I feel like there's a problem there."
"What problem could there be?"
He had already heard this several times this morning. Almost all the troops had dreamed a terrifying dream last night—a giant planet suddenly appearing in the sky, with a huge eye in its center staring down at the earth, and at them!
That spine-chilling feeling was terrifying even in sleep, to the point of paralyzing them in the dream.
This claim left Sean a bit speechless. What did it mean to be paralyzed in a dream?
Fortunately, this horrifying dream didn't last long; it ended after a short while, followed by a pleasant one. But strangely, they couldn't wake up. Even until the next day, when Sean ordered everyone to leave immediately, they were still recalling the nightmare's images from the night before.
"I feel it too. Are you sure it's nothing, Count?" Even Ross, who was nearby, began to ask doubtfully.
How could this scholar, who had seemed so knowledgeable before, suddenly start questioning at a time like this? Could it be that the Eye of Ghroth had truly driven them mad?
"That's still someone else's territory. Staying there any longer won't do us any good. If you have any thoughts, Sir Ross, you can come back later and stay a few more days on your own," Sean said.
"It's nothing really, just a bit strange. There are plenty of strange places in this world; at least this one is still decent," Ross finally shook his head and said.
Indeed, there were many strange places in the world. A dreamlike place like Shanggu Town was already quite good.
That was also why Sean chose to leave.
The Wood Elf had no intention of harming anyone; it just lived in a way different from others.