Chapter 1449 419: The Dragon God's Majesty (Part 2)
Chapter 1449 419: The Dragon God's Majesty (Part 2)
These guards won't bother to search personally; they're not motivated by a sense of justice but by potential gains.
Until they find the person they're looking for, not a single cart will pass through. They detain all passing caravans here, and the merchants eager for trade naturally urge their guards or mercenaries to search the forest for someone on their behalf.
It's best if they can find them.
If they can't find them... it's not a big deal. That runaway "nun" was someone Lord Cabbin wanted, not what the Lord wanted.
After confirming the escapee either starved to death or was eaten by wolves in the forest, they would eventually release all detained caravans. However, in return, they would demand a fee from the merchants as compensation for their "investigation."
Those merchants, anxious and frightened, are usually happy to pay for peace of mind; those who trouble themselves are in the minority.
Of course, all this is based on the condition that the person cannot be found.
If someone deliberately harbors the fugitive Lord Cabbin is after, that's a different matter. They are just more concerned about their business, not that they don't handle any real cases.
Finally, the mercenary leader couldn't bear to trouble the boss, nor did he want to see things getting worse.
He drew a cross upon his chest, praying for Saint Sis's forgiveness, then, with resolve, walked to the wagon where Carian was hiding.
"Don't blame me." Watching the terrified face, he muttered a bit before reaching out to grab her like a chick.
"No! Let me go!"
Carian screamed, struggling desperately, trying to break free from the mercenary leader's strong grip but was unable to budge it at all.
Disheveled hair draped over her frail shoulders as she cried out, sobbing uncontrollably.
"I didn't desecrate Saint Sis! He's lying! My family sold me to Lina; they owed her money!"
"I don't want to go back! That demon! She forces me to do profane acts to the Divine! I refused, so she beat me!"
"Her henchmen, and that Cabbin, they are the real devils of Hell who desecrate the Divine! You... you are just like them! You're going to Hell!"
Her sobbing cries were sharp and desperate, like a blunt knife gouging into the heart of anyone not entirely devoid of humanity.
The crew of the caravan turned their heads away in pity, and several young mercenaries lowered their gaze, not daring to meet her terrified eyes.
Before, Eagle Rock Territory had disguised prostitutes, but most were poor by circumstance or willing degenerates.
But now, it seems that those who sold their souls to demons weren't only those people; it included those trapped against their will.
The cavalry captain didn't look at Carian, nor paid heed to her cries, instead raising an eyebrow out of interest, gazing at the pale-faced Thomas.
The latter forced a stiff smile, knowing he couldn't hide it, explaining to the cavalry captain with an amused expression.
"We indeed encountered a suspicious woman yesterday... but please believe me, we truly didn't know she was guilty of desecrating the Divine."
"I hope so." The cavalry captain gave him a meaningful look. "Lord Cabbin has sharp eyes; he won't let any evil henchmen escape."
"Yes, sir, you're right; we will definitely cooperate with your investigation..."
Thomas's mouth twitched.
He naturally understood the implied message, so he endured the pain and untied a money pouch from his belt, cursing inwardly, while squeezing a flattering smile on his face, respectfully handing it to the cavalry captain.
"Sir, spring in the Northern Wilderness is frightfully cold; thanks to your tireless efforts, Eagle Rock Territory has prosperity and stability. This is a small token from me, albeit unworthy... just for the brothers to drink."
These thieves!
Helping them capture the fugitive, without reward, one still must pay them!
Seeing the treacherous merchant bowing deeply, the cavalry captain expressionlessly took the money, weighing it twice casually.
Under Thomas's nervous gaze, he finally tied it to his waist, and a tight grin spread across his lips.
"Of course, the honorable Lord Cabbin would never wrong a good, innocent person... I think you might be good people."
For the sake of the money, he chose leniency.
The pale Thomas forced a weak smile.
"Glad you're thinking that way..."
He knew they had passed.
At least, they got through this hurdle.
Carian continued to cry desperately, struggling with all her might, then was thrown by the mercenary leader in front of three cavalrymen.
Her voice had cried itself hoarse; she no longer had the strength to struggle, only weak breath seeping from under her disordered long hair.
The cavalry captain's face bore a gentleman's smile, looking at the despairing Carian, he continued jokingly.
"Don't be afraid, madam; Lord Cabbin never wrongs any criminal. If you truly haven't desecrated the Divine, Saint Sis will surely forgive you."
Those hollow eyes resembled a frozen lake, devoid of any liveliness, as if dead.
Perhaps, knowing she was doomed, she didn't have the strength to plead anymore, leaving only prayer-like muttering.
"I don't want to go back to that place... I'd rather die than go back!"
novelraw