261: Chapter 258 First, let's take out a bishop's deputy; an unexpected encounter.

No matter how casual one usually is, one must always dress decently for a banquet.

It's not that simple attire is unacceptable, but rather that it reflects respect for the inviter; it's a matter of politeness and upbringing.

If Zhang Mu went alone, he would only need to use Transformation Technique to change his clothes.

However, it would seem too unusual for a City Lord to attend an important banquet without his wife.

So, the group went out early to find a clothing shop to have formal wear custom-made.

Though it was called a group, it was actually just Zhang Mu, Palina, and Mr. Solon.

Domit and Mihe were not very comfortable with the noise and bustle, so they stayed at the hotel to rest.

Leah was the same; despite Zhang Mu repeatedly emphasizing that with him there, no one would dare do anything to her, the Little Cat Girl still chose to stay in the room and listen to Mihe tell stories from his youth.

To buy formal wear, especially luxurious custom-made attire, it was certain that no shops would be found on the previous street.

The three of them had to ask passersby for directions and arrived at a high-end commercial street.

Standing at the entrance of the street and looking in, Zhang Mu lamented that no matter where one is, indulgence never goes out of style.

The straight street was wide enough to accommodate three carriages side-by-side. The storefronts of the terraced shops on both sides had a unified design, looking orderly and clean.

Most luxuriously, the ground was not the usual bluestone but paved with light blue crystal, polished so well it could serve as a mirror.

"No wonder his tone was so suggestive when he mentioned this street."

Looking down at his own inverted face on the crystal floor, Zhang Mu muttered a sentence and then glanced at Pavlina's trousers. "Fine, no need to change locations."

"Lord City Lord." Mr. Solon scanned the street, which was filled with pairs of customers where women were linked arm-in-arm with men, the former all wearing puff skirts. "Why would he recommend we come here?"

"Probably to let country bumpkins like us from out of town witness the extravagance of the Royal Capital."

Pavlina was also looking around. "Don't they mind their wives' skirts being peeked under?"

"Wives?" Zhang Mu said cheerfully. "From where can you tell they are wives?

Also, do you call this peeking?

It's clearly looking out in the open."

As he spoke, he stepped into the street, and Pavlina quickly followed. "I still can't understand.

If they like them, even if they don't want to marry, they could take them home as servants.

In short, no man wants his woman to be voyeuristically observed, right?"

Seeing her curious baby-like expression, Zhang Mu helplessly stopped. "A man indeed doesn't want his woman to be voyeuristically observed, but as you said, that's for 'his own woman'."

"These..." He pointed to a woman not far away who was linked to her male partner's arm. "They aren't considered their own women."

"Then what are they?"

"Tools for showing off."

Pavlina still didn't seem to understand, showing a puzzled look.

This woman was usually very submissive, but she was stubborn about things she cared about. Zhang Mu had already experienced this deeply and knew that if he didn't explain clearly, it probably wouldn't end.

"It's like how a child shows off their treasured toys to their companions, gaining satisfaction from the amazed and envious looks of others."

"Is it the same?" She tilted her head.

"It's the same." Zhang Mu saw a clothing shop ahead and walked over while waving for the two to follow. "As you said,

Men don't want their women to be seen by others. So, what do they do? They just find some tools, and then there's no problem.

They're just tools; if they can be fixed, fix them; if not, replace them."

Mr. Solon suddenly asked, "Are they willing?"

"From their expressions and behavior..." Zhang Mu scanned the surroundings. "They are clearly more than willing. As for the reason, it's definitely because enough gold coins were given."

"Then, if they didn't lack gold coins, would they be unwilling?" Pavlina took a step behind him, leaning her head forward to look at his profile as she asked.

His steps paused for a moment before he continued walking. "I suppose so."

Zhang Mu suddenly lost interest in small talk. The two keenly sensed the drop in atmospheric pressure and also shut their mouths.

The clothing shop was not far away; a few quick steps would get them there.

However, the crystal ground was slippery. Pavlina and Mr. Solon both had ordinary physiques, so fearing they might slip, Zhang Mu slowed his pace.

It must be said that the street designer was well-versed in such 'tastes'.

The nobles who came here and their female companions were also ordinary people and couldn't walk fast either.

The time to 'appreciate' while looking down was naturally more abundant.

The customers on the street also understood this well; they would nod to each other in respect when passing by, though the time their heads stayed down was slightly long.

When they raised their heads, both sides would smile and give a thumbs-up, praising each other's taste.

Surrounded by such scenes, Zhang Mu and his two companions, who were looking straight ahead and trying to walk as fast as possible, became outliers instead.

Finally entering the shop, Zhang Mu called over a clerk to measure the body sizes of Mr. Solon and Pavlina.

Being on a commercial street where all customers were nobles, the shop's service was quite meticulous.

There was a dedicated female staff member responsible for Pavlina. As for Mr. Solon, after asking for his opinion, the scantily clad female employee was dismissed and replaced with a male clerk.

Once the data was measured, Zhang Mu expressed his wish to have the clothes in two hours, stating that gold coins were not an issue.

However, the Shop Owner looked at the commoner clothing of the three and informed them with difficulty that the shop only provided rush services for nobles.

Zhang Mu smiled slightly. "Do you plan to never leave the Royal Capital in your entire life?"

"Sir, the owner of this shop is His Highness the First Prince."

"I'll ask once more: do you plan to never leave the Royal Capital in your entire life?"

In the end, amidst the Shop Owner's mutterings about 'rude fellows from the village', he led the two all the way back to the hotel.

Two hours later, as the sky was turning dark, the formal wear was delivered to them.

Mr. Solon went to his own room to change. Zhang Mu stayed outside for a while, and then Leah opened the door and walked into the room.

"Lord City Lord, does it fit?"

Pavlina stood in the middle of the living room, her fingers clasped together in front of her lower abdomen.

Zhang Mu looked her up and down.

Although that Shop Owner was a bit foolish, his craftsmanship was indeed exquisite.

The long dress was a deep red overall, the silk fabric clinging to her body without a single wrinkle, fully revealing her graceful waist and hip curves. There were no redundant ornaments on the dress, only a Blue Enchantress pinned to her chest.

"It's alright."

Zhang Mu had already used Transformation Technique to change into a set of noble formal wear for himself, requiring no other preparation. "Let's set off. Leah, are you sure you don't want to come along?"

"Mm, Grandpa Mihe's story isn't finished yet."

Zhang Mu couldn't tell if these words were sincere or not; if the Little Cat Girl truly resisted going out, he could only take it slowly in the future.

The two went out to meet Mr. Solon and boarded the carriage sent by the Second Prince in front of the hotel's main entrance.

The carriage interior was not very spacious, with two sofas facing each other and just enough space in between for legs.

Zhang Mu sat upright on one side, with Pavlina beside him.

The crisp sound of horse hooves treading on the floor came from outside. He used magic to block the sound and then asked Mr. Solon opposite him, "The hotel rooms are full, you know that, right?"

"Yes."

"Have you figured anything out?"

He shook his head. "Analysis without intelligence is just guesswork and is unreliable.

Guessing too much might instead pull us in the wrong direction."

"True."

Pavlina asked in a low voice, "Won't the coachman..."

"Madam, the Lord City Lord has already sealed the carriage."

"Oh."

Turning to look at her hands resting on her thighs, her fingers fidgeting, Zhang Mu asked, "Do you have something to say?"

"Um..." She raised her hand and extended her index finger, poking his arm. Her fingertip passed through the fabric without any resistance, as if touching the surface of water.

"Is it okay for you to be like this?"

"That's why I brought Mr. Solon along."

Mr. Solon stared at the finger that seemed submerged in the fabric. "Those attending the Second Prince's banquet are all nobles. If I handle everything, wouldn't it be too rude?"

"Heh, do I care if they're unhappy?" Zhang Mu pinched Pavlina's finger and put it back on her thigh. "I accepted the invitation only to gather information."

"You came to the Royal Capital for a friend, why don't you just..." Mr. Solon hesitated.

"Moving in the shadows is much more convenient than acting in the open."

The logic was sound, so he didn't say anything more.

Palina, listening on the side, asked curiously, "Mr. Solon, didn't you and the Ci... Lord City Lord know each other before?"

"I only made contact with him after I came to the City Lord's Mansion."

"That means Mr. Solon hasn't seen the Lord City Lord's original appearance either."

"Yes."

Her dark eyes turned to Zhang Mu. "Lord City Lord, what do you look like?"

"Just like this."

"Hmm... you're very young, aren't you?"

"You haven't seen me."

"But..." Her thumb and index finger were pinched together, gently rubbing. "It's very soft, not like an old person's skin."

I was wondering what she was picking at on my arm just now.

"A Professional's age cannot be inferred from their appearance."

She wanted to speak again, but Zhang Mu closed his eyes as if napping, his intention to refuse communication being very obvious.

The carriage fell silent. About half an hour later, the coachman's voice sounded: "Two Lords, Madam, we have arrived."

After getting off, they were in front of a simple courtyard, the main gate no different from that of a commoner's home.

Where are the people?

Zhang Mu looked around and found only the three of them; he didn't see any other guests.

Perhaps sensing his confusion, the coachman bowed and said, "His Highness only invited the three of you."

This was truly rare; banquets in the Kingdom of Lake were basically about inviting as many friends and relatives as possible—the more crowded, the better.

Such individual invitations usually only occurred when the target was someone extremely important to oneself, such as parents or siblings with whom one had a harmonious relationship.

In any case, it was impossible for general friends.

Raising an eyebrow, Zhang Mu thought to himself that they were certainly giving him plenty of face.

"Hahaha..." The door opened from the inside, and the Second Prince walked out laughing. "Plentiful food has already been prepared. Why are you still staying at the door?"

As he walked over, his right hand reached toward Zhang Mu's shoulder, wanting to warmly lead him into the courtyard.

Mr. Solon took a step forward and reached out to catch the Second Prince's raised palm. "Thank you for your favor, Your Highness the Second Prince."

His movement interrupted, he was stunned for a moment. Seeing that Zhang Mu didn't scold him in displeasure, he realized and said, "I was being presumptuous. Please come in."

His hand naturally rested on Mr. Solon's shoulder, and the four of them crossed the threshold side-by-side, traversed the garden, and arrived at the brightly lit dining room.

He didn't get angry at all; I don't know if he truly has a casual personality or if his hypocrisy is just masterfully refined.

Muttering to himself, Zhang Mu sat at the head of the right side of the long dining table, with Palina beside him and Mr. Solon sitting at the head of the opposite side.

The Second Prince sat at the main seat, ordered the servants to serve the dishes, and then said, "I am very happy you could come. I hope the dishes later will suit your taste."

"I'm not a picky eater."

Perhaps because he was too direct, the Second Prince was dazed for two seconds and then laughed loudly. "Mr. City Lord is indeed straightforward; I was being too formal."

"When I was young, I spent years camping in the wild and mixing with Adventurer Groups. I hope Your Highness the Second Prince will forgive my lack of etiquette."

After responding, the two continued chatting along the topic.

First, they each recounted their struggling lives deep in the Labyrinth Forest during their youth, and then they discussed experiences in Professional cultivation.

During this time, dishes were served, and they chatted while eating.

Having eaten and drunk their fill, the after-dinner desserts and fruits were served. Zhang Mu thought that the warm-up was sufficient and it was time to get to the main point.

"I have some..."

*Knock knock—* The dining room door was knocked.

Unless it was something important, the butler wouldn't possibly disturb him. The Second Prince frowned, stood up, and went outside.

A few minutes later, he pushed the door back open, his face full of apology. "I'm sorry, Mr. City Lord, an unexpected situation has occurred. I..."

"Time is plentiful. We can talk again when Your Highness is free."

"Apologies, I'll see you out."

The Second Prince led them out of the dining room towards the main gate.

Walking along the path in the middle of the garden, Zhang Mu's face was calm, but he felt a bit irritable inside.

He already disliked social pleasantries and had planned to use this opportunity to settle matters, but who knew a spoiler would show up.

Tsk, what a hassle. First, deal with Brother Hai, then... Hmm?

From the corner of his eye, he glimpsed an icy blue figure standing in the window of the room on the left.

Senior?

Turning to look, he found the window empty.

I couldn't have seen it wrong.

Zhang Mu's eyes flickered a few times, but in the end, he didn't make a sound. He went all the way outside and drove away in the carriage under the Second Prince's gaze.

As the carriage disappeared at the corner of the intersection, he turned back and stepped quickly into the room Zhang Mu had just noticed.

"Avril, what's so urgent that you needed to find me?"

In the room, Avril was wearing an icy blue robe, sitting on a wooden chair against the wall.

Raising her pupils that looked like Ice and Snow, she didn't answer but asked instead, "Is that person the City Lord of Gur City?"

Sitting on the wooden chair beside her, the Second Prince nodded. "Yes.

Back then, I saved his remaining troops outside the Silent Forest, and I thought of winning him over to our side while he came to the Royal Capital to report on his duties."

After saying that, he looked into Avril's eyes. The Ice and Snow white was gradually eroding the icy blue, occupying most of her pupils. "It's gotten serious again."

"It won't break out before the Magic Tower opens."

"But my Royal Brother will block us... you shouldn't have taken the risk."

"If I am defeated by him in the war for the throne, not practicing Forbidden Magic would also mean death."

The Second Prince's face was heavy. "As long as Teacher Potter returns, you will surely win. Why must you choose a path full of danger?"

"Teacher Potter won't be able to return to the Royal Capital in a short time, and even if he returns... let's not talk about this."

Enduring the continuous stinging pain from her pupils, she said calmly, "I've seen Grand Duke Bulova; he has the intention to support you. Grasp the opportunity."

"Grand Duke Bulova? Isn't he..."

"Listen." Avril interrupted him. "I have no ambition for the throne; helping you is to enter the Magic Tower.

What you need to do is put all your effort into becoming King and then open the gates of the Magic Tower. I will go in to obtain the inheritance, and after handling some matters, I will leave Lake."

"Royal Brother, he... I..."

"Second Brother, just do your best, okay?"

Taking a deep breath, the Second Prince clenched his fists. "I understand."

Avril stood up and walked out of the residence. Before boarding her carriage, she glanced sideways at the now-empty intersection in the distance.

Strange, why do I feel... a kind of...

Maybe I miss my Junior. Tomorrow... I have to take care of Father King during the day. At night, then. I'll go see him at night.

Bending over to climb into the carriage, she closed her eyes tightly. "Mora, back to the Palace."

"As you command."

*Snap—*

The whip struck the horse's rump neither too lightly nor too heavily, and the sound of hooves treading on the stone slabs began to ring rhythmically.