Starting Unlimited Evolution from Grinding

Chapter 220: Parading Through the Streets

When he opened his eyes again, it was already the next morning.

Having slept for nearly half a day and a full night, Lin Mo felt somewhat stiff when he got up.

However, that lingering sense of exhaustion had indeed completely vanished.

His mind was exceptionally clear, feeling refreshed and invigorated.

Glancing beside him, Finnie, who had been stiff as a board yesterday, was now curled up in a ball, leaning against him, one hand clutching his pajamas, her delicate face rosy and fair.

So adorable, just want to pinch her.

As for the other side where Ellie was...

Unsurprisingly, her drool had already dripped onto Lin Mo's clothes.

The big-tailed wolf had her tail covering her like a blanket, one leg draped over Lin Mo, most of her pajamas hitched up to reveal snow-white skin.

If they were alone right now, Lin Mo would definitely be unable to resist giving that perky bottom a smack.But unfortunately, there were two other people in the room now, and one of them was even looking right at him.

"You're awake, Master. Did you sleep well?"

Sherfilia came to the bedside to greet him, her gaze then falling on Finnie.

Usually her sleeping posture is much more restless than this, but at critical times like this, she actually restrains herself.

"Pretty good... Good morning, Sherfilia."

Lin Mo greeted her, sat up, and stretched.

"Did Flora come by again later?"

"No."

Sherfilia shook her head: "She's probably still busy handling affairs in the city."

Lin Mo nodded, his eyes meeting hers: "What about you? Shouldn't you get some proper rest too?"

Sherfilia shook her head: "I've already rested."

Lin Mo didn't press further. Although he knew that what Sherfilia called "rest" was just closing her eyes while leaning on the sofa, at most light sleep, after spending so much time together, he understood Sherfilia's personality very well. Even if he insisted she rest now, Sherfilia would still just brush him off.

Oh well, she is a Professional after all, not an ordinary person, and this time Sherfilia hadn't been through many battles, so he'd let her be.

"Mmm~ Mr. Lin Mo..."

Finnie beside him made vague dreamy sounds, while Ellie, noticing her "hugging pillow" seemed to be missing, began frowning and searching around.

"Have them send some breakfast over."

"Yes, Master."

Sherfilia acknowledged, got up and left the room to notify the kitchen.

With nothing to do for the moment, Lin Mo poked Finnie's cheek - soft and squishy, like cotton candy.

"Mmm~"

Finnie in her sleep let out a pitiful sound, her long eyelashes fluttering slightly as she finally opened her eyes, her gaze carrying some confusion and resentment.

However, after her eyes met Lin Mo's, her light purple eyes immediately held only shyness.

"Mr. Lin Mo, good morning~"

Finnie's voice was soft and sweet, very pleasant to hear.

The door opened again, and Sherfilia who had just left returned: "Master, breakfast will be delivered shortly."

Her gaze then met Finnie's, and she very naturally walked over: "Young Mistress, it's time to get up."

As she spoke, she picked up the clothes beside her as if no one else was there and reached to undo the buttons of Finnie's pajamas.

"Sherfilia sister?!"

Finnie was startled, changing clothes here?

Lin Mo somewhat awkwardly averted his gaze - that little maid had deliberately made eye contact with him just now, she was definitely doing it on purpose!

She's messing with both him and Finnie at the same time...

Just as Finnie was about to suggest going to the changing room, the drowsy Ellie suddenly sat up beside them.

It was really sudden - one second she was hugging Lin Mo's arm, breathing evenly, the next she sprang up like she had springs, very naturally reached into her pajamas to scratch an itch, then directly pulled them open.

"Lin Mo, where are my clothes?"

Ellie felt around beside her, didn't find her clothes, and immediately turned to ask.

Visibly, Finnie's cheeks instantly puffed up, making her face look even rounder.

She put down the arms she was using to cover herself, wearing an expression of "facing death unflinchingly": "Sherfilia sister, please continue!"

Sherfilia glanced at Ellie, never expecting she could use this method to stir up her Young Mistress's competitive spirit.

Might be useful to exploit in the future.

Now, Lin Mo was the only one left feeling awkward.

Not that he was being particularly pretentious or hypocritical, or that he didn't want to see these things, but rather he didn't dare look...

Mornings were naturally when vitality was vigorous, and if he got fired up but had no outlet to vent, that would be truly uncomfortable.

So he could only get up, quickly change his clothes, sit on the sofa, and practice "eyes watching nose, nose watching heart" meditation.

Well, now it was his turn to sit with his back ramrod straight.

After finishing breakfast, Lin Mo brought the girls to the study in Lania City's City Lord's Mansion. As expected, Flora was currently working there.

Shaya was also in the study, lying on a nearby sofa sleeping like the dead.

Flora sat behind the desk, looking exhausted with noticeable dark circles under her eyes.

Had she not rested at all from yesterday until now?

"You've come..."

Seeing them enter, Flora patted her cheeks: "The emergency post-battle work, I've already completed with the assistance of some officials in the city. Afterwards, the Kingdom will reassign a suitable lord to take over. Until then, Lania City will be temporarily managed by those honest officials and the few barons in the city who didn't participate in the Lawrence plan."

"Those guilty of crimes have all been sent to the dungeon. Later, the Kingdom will dispatch personnel to conduct specific trials and punishments."

"You've worked hard."

Lin Mo said sincerely.

He had considered helping, but this kind of matter was rather special, belonging to Kingdom affairs. Flora was appointed by the royal capital, while he held no official position, so it wouldn't be appropriate for him to intervene casually.

"It's nothing... Now, we can return to Silverstream City."

Flora, having completed her mission, now felt greatly relieved.

"No need to rush that much, you should get some proper rest first."

Lin Mo said with a slight frown.

"It's fine, it's fine~"

Flora waved her hand: "A Professional's body isn't that fragile. If I want to rest, I'd rather do it properly after returning to Silverstream City. But thank you for your concern."

She looked at Lin Mo before her, momentarily feeling somewhat dazed.

Not long ago, Lin Mo could only be considered a novice in her eyes, like a child needing her protection, care, and guidance.

But now, his strength wasn't far from hers anymore.

Even his temperament had matured somewhat.

Somehow, she suddenly remembered that day when they rode the hippogriff together. That scene once again surfaced in her mind, that peculiar yet clear feeling still fresh in her memory.

A faint blush rose on Flora's face. She quickly stood up and stretched to cover it up.

"By the way, there's a problem, I wonder if you have a solution..."

"What is it?"

"It's like this... The people of Lania City have long accumulated resentment against the nobles and officials who abused their power daily, especially those who unfortunately lost family members in this disaster. Since yesterday afternoon, they've been urging for those people to be punished."

"But..."

Lin Mo understood Flora's meaning. She actually also hoped these villains could sooner pay for their actions, but the judgment of their crimes ultimately needed to wait for the royal capital's decision, most likely only happening after the new lord succeeds.

"So I'm wondering, is there any way to both make them receive due punishment, vent the people's anger, comfort the populace, while not violating the Kingdom's rules?"

"This... simple!"

After brief consideration, Lin Mo thought of something.

Simply put, it was about letting the people vent their anger without harming those nobles.

This could be difficult, but also not that hard.

Lin Mo quickly found corresponding content in his memories - public humiliation parades.

He briefly explained the related concepts and specific methods to Flora.

"That is to say, imprison them in prisoner carts, take them onto the streets, let the people curse at them, and even throw things like stones at them."

After all, most of these nobles were Professionals, hard to kill by throwing things anyway.

As for injuries... in this world, that was too easy to solve. Any healing magic or Life Potion could cover it up. By the time the royal capital's envoy or new lord arrived, they could ensure these nobles were still healthy and intact.

Even if this damaged the dignity of Kingdom nobles, what could these nobles do by complaining afterwards?

Their backers had already fallen and abandoned them. Who would stand up for these criminals and offend the future great mage Flora of the main country?

"This..."

Even Flora was shocked by Lin Mo's ingenious idea.

"This isn't good, they are after all nobles of the Kingdom."

Though she said this, her eyes were clearly filled with excitement, her face eager to try.

"So of course we must give them the dignity befitting nobles - when parading on the streets, they can't wear prisoner uniforms, they must change back into their usual magnificent attire."

"Excellent!"

Flora slapped the table in admiration, which woke up Shaya beside her.

The girl opened her eyes, looking at her with a dazed expression.

What happened, what's going on?

Thus it was decided. Flora instead wasn't in a hurry to return now.

She absolutely had to personally see those nobles imprisoned in carts for public humiliation parades, to slap them in the face.

So she obediently went to sleep.

Lin Mo then took Finnie and the others to stroll around Lania City. Although not as prosperous as Silverstream City, and though many places were damaged by goblins, there were still interesting aspects.

Like some local specialty snacks and scenery.

Taking the girls to eat and play on the streets provided good relaxation.

In the afternoon, the parade began.

Currently, Lania City was basically entirely under Flora's control. With one word from her, those nobles were brought out from the dungeon, changed into luxurious clothes, put into prisoner carts, and taken to the streets.

Their names and families were posted on the carts, along with listed crimes.

The people of Lania City had never heard of such a practice, but after initial confusion and surprise came ecstasy.

Instantly, countless stones, broken wood pieces, fruit peels and other waste materials were thrown at these nobles.

When had these nobles ever suffered such humiliation? Naturally, they were extremely furious at first, cursing loudly, but their voices were soon drowned out by the public outcry. Overwhelming amounts of debris flew at them, leaving bruises all over their bodies.

Before long, these nobles lost their usual arrogant demeanor, becoming like frost-beaten eggplants, completely wilted.

After being pelted some more, they finally couldn't bear it and began begging for mercy, but no one paid them any attention. The humiliation and pain drove these nobles completely hysterical.

They shouted, threatened the surrounding people, their ugly appearances adding to the satisfaction of Lania City's citizens.

Flora followed Lin Mo, thoroughly enjoying this deeply satisfying spectacle.

"Ah, so satisfying, so satisfying..."

The parade continued until evening. These nobles would be sent back to the dungeon to spend the night in pain. Only the next morning would someone help treat their wounds, change them into beautiful new clothes, then continue the parade.

This process would last an entire week.

But Lin Mo's group didn't plan to stay in the city any longer.

Early the next morning, they took a carriage heading toward Roland Town.

More accurately, heading back to Silverstream City, but Roland Town happened to be on the way, so they could conveniently deliver a big gift to Roland Town's people.

Lin Mo looked at the dejected, utterly miserable Baron Rahl, feeling somewhat emotional.

He still remembered how infinitely glorious and lofty this lord had been when he first transmigrated.

Now he was finally swallowing the bitter fruits he himself had sown, truly getting his comeuppance.

It was just a pity that those affected civilians, those poor young girls sent to goblin nests by their own kind, couldn't see this day.

They stayed in Roland Town for about half a day. Baron Rahl, like those nobles in Lania City, received the same or even more "enthusiastic" treatment.

After that, the group finally returned to Silverstream City.

When they arrived at Silverstream City, it was afternoon.

Entering the city gates, a bustling scene unfolded before them.

Pedestrians and carriages came and went in an endless stream, vendors on both sides loudly hawking their wares. Passing by taverns, they could hear adventurers' hearty laughter.

It was hard to imagine this city had experienced a goblin siege not long ago.

Lin Mo went straight to the City Lord's Mansion, entered, and habitually headed toward the study.

Arriving at the study, he found Lady Behira wasn't there.

Or rather, she finally wasn't here anymore...

During this period, due to various matters involving goblins, Lawrence, and the necromancer, Lady Behira had truly worked very hard, needing to consider many things daily. Now that matters were finally completely resolved, she could properly rest.

"Young Master Lin Mo, and Miss Finnie and esteemed guests, the Lady is waiting for you in the detached courtyard."

The maids and attendants in the City Lord's Mansion had already changed their address for Lin Mo to "Young Master."

Now everyone in the City Lord's Mansion knew that this promising young adventurer was soon to become their Young Mistress's husband.

Finnie seemed quite satisfied with this form of address, a faint smile on her face as she secretly glanced at Ellie.

But the little wolf-girl obviously didn't have that much cunning, not paying any attention to these matters at all.

After experiencing the Sherfilia incident, she had long since come to terms with these things. Overthinking was useless - no matter what, Lin Mo would never abandon her. So she just needed to trust Lin Mo, act spoiled when she wanted to, and do whatever she wanted to do.

They arrived at the detached courtyard mentioned by the maid - actually the courtyard where Sherfilia and her mother lived.

In the pavilion of the detached courtyard, Lady Behira was indeed sitting there drinking tea, with Miss Melissa, Sherfilia's mother, standing behind her. Across from Lady Behira sat another familiar face.

Finnie's expression immediately stiffened slightly.

Why is Aunt Shachel here too...

Lin Mo wasn't surprised by this, since it was previously evident that Madam Shachel and Lady Behira had a good relationship. After learning about Lady Behira's background from Flora, Lin Mo estimated this Madam Shachel was probably also connected to the Oxivis Family, possibly even came over together with Lady Behira.

"They're back, they're back."

Shachel noticed them first, immediately waving toward them, her gaze then very naturally falling on Finnie.

"Little Finnie, come here quickly, let Auntie... let Sister see if you're injured..."

Lin Mo facepalmed.

Usually she was a perfectly normal elder, but the moment she saw Finnie, she immediately became a different person, her behavior could be described as lewd and off-putting.

"How did things progress?"

In comparison, Lady Behira was more concerned with serious matters.

"Quite smoothly..."

Lin Mo briefly recounted their journey's events.

Lady Behira listened very attentively, nodding occasionally to show approval.

When hearing about Lin Mo's invented "parade" method, she couldn't help but find it amusing.

"This method is indeed the best punishment for them..."

All nobles cared about face. Some nobles even valued face more than life itself. Being publicly humiliated like this was worse than death for some.

Moreover, afterwards, they still couldn't escape the Kingdom's judgment, and would still receive due punishment according to their crimes.

Having clarified all that had happened, it was time to ask about the future.

"What are your plans going forward?"

Lin Mo had anticipated this question and answered without hesitation: "The monsters and tasks here in Silverstream City are gradually failing to keep up with our strength progression. My temporary plan is to first develop in Fargard City, see how things go..."

"Hmm."

Lady Behira nodded, then said with a smile: "Not unable to keep up with you... just unable to keep up with your strength progression, right?"

Her gaze then fell on Finnie, eyes full of affection: "Finnie's talent isn't as strong as yours, her strength isn't improving as quickly. I hope you can take good care of her."

"I will."

Lin Mo nodded very seriously.

"I... I'll work hard!"

Finnie also clenched her small fists, her expression very determined.