[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-city-of-desire-kingdom-building":3,"chapter-city-of-desire-kingdom-building-city-of-desire-kingdom-building-chapter-780":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"english","City of Desire [Kingdom Building]",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},1846924,2449,"Chapter 784: Offers and Discussion","city-of-desire-kingdom-building-chapter-780",780,"\u003Cp>Proofread by Thomas F\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Orwin Dunwall\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I opened the door and walked into the café; it was filled with people, more than I had ever seen, even on a busy day.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The servers are busy running to serve the customers, and there seem to be more of them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The shelf is also looking filled with more stuff than I had seen in the past year. It had been only five days, but every day, more and more goods were entering the city.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It had started to look lovely, with clean streets and no addicts lying around on the streets.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They have burned the drugs, not just the goods, but the whole damn warehouse as a symbol, and taking the addicts to Greltheaven to heal them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I pushed those thoughts away, looked around, and heard the conversations all around me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This is the café preferred by the officers, and I could see a lot of familiar people, but there were also many unfamiliar ones.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They are from the Greltheaven's army—humans, as well as the orcs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even after nearly a week, I couldn't fully get used to it. In the Empire, they are our enemy. There are only three places in the whole empire that employ the orcs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Greltheaven, Deerpond, and Namdar all did it after the emperor died.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I spotted the table and pushed Veyra's wheelchair toward them. There are three people there, Birrows, Hadil, and Nivera.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All of them were Lt. Colonels, like me. Currently, our positions have been under suspension till they finish the investigations.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, informally, all of us have been cleared.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Veyra, it's good to see you well,\" said Birrows. He, too, is in a wheelchair, along with Hadis and Nivera.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Thank you, Birrows,\" Veyra replied.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It had been five days, but she had yet to recover fully. She is still pale, but not as much as when she was at the battle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She could walk, but only for a few minutes at a time. It will take her another week before most of her injuries heal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I sat down on the chair as well, and a few seconds later, the waiter arrived, taking our orders.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Nobody spoke; we just sat there in silence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"They have not put us in prison,\" said Hadil, and we all laughed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"We were spared. Many were sent into the dungeons. Earlier, I saw them taking Bilmir,\" replied Nivera, turning the mood sombre.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"He deserves it!\" said Hadil, gritting his teeth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When I heard about the investigation, I thought it would be just a formality, like it usually happens in the empire.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As long as one is powerful enough, they could be spared the consequences with a slap on the wrist, but here, they are picking people.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I have seen people taking from the hospital beds.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was a despairing period, but some revelled in it. Doing all sorts of things. Things that would be punishing elsewhere, but here, all they got are a few words, most of the time, not even that.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Nobody talked for another minute; it was hard after what we had experienced.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I believe all of you got the offers?\" I asked, and they nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It isn't just the army and guards, but mercenary companies based in Greltheaven that are making the offers to take us.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Usually, only the army does it, but here everyone is doing it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>We also didn't have a choice but to select one, because since we were associated with the undead, nobody would trust us. There is a good chance the Empire will arrest us if we step out of Greltheaven's influence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It is surprising that Greltheaven not only takes us, but also nearly the entire army.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not many nobles would take such risks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I am going to join the army. General Cardin had promised the same rank and promotion to Colonel within a year, if I did a good enough job,\" stated Birrows, looking down at the stump of his left hand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It is a miracle that he survived. Given his injuries, I thought he would die.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Me too,\" added Hadil.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I am thinking about joining a mercenary group.\" Added Nivera, surprising us. I might have expected Hadil, but not her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She is a pure army woman.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A moment later, I began to understand. These past two years have changed things. Even I am not the person I had been two years ago,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Which one?\" Birrows asked. \"Vandal,\" she replied.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Is it true that he advanced to Lv. 40?\" asked Veyra, to which she nodded. \"Yes, he showed it to me,\" she replied.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>We are hearing things; it is said that several people in Silver's army have advanced to Lv. 40. His elderblood General, and General Cardin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Some are even saying General Azalia and Hiren had also advanced.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The number is shocking. That is why I don't believe it, but I kept that to myself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I am joining the Police,\" blurted Veyra, surprising me and everyone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The army is a natural choice; mercenaries pay well, but guards, or Police as they're called, are hard to understand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The pay isn't as good as the army's, and it isn't that respectful.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The army didn't seem to like them either. Seeing how the soldiers talk about them. Which is not surprising, seeing that they think those people took what is theirs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In most cities, it's the army that has control of the cities. Even if the guards aren't under the army's control, they still exert some influence over it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the dominion of Greltheavn, they do not. The city guards, or Police, as they are known, are independent of the army.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The army didn't have even the slightest control over them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Why? The Army is good with all the privileges, like a good salary and those essence potions,\" he said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Essence potions are a unique feature of Greltheaven. Others have it, but only the highest-level officer. Even among them, a very few have it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Here, however, as long as they become a colonel, they get an essence drop potion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The higher they reach, the purer the potions become, and their numbers also increase.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes, the salary is a little lower, but other perks are the same, including the essence potions. The reason I am taking this job is that I like what they do.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"My father is a city guard, and he is immensely proud of the work he does,\" she replied.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The conversation at the table stopped for a few seconds before all the eyes turned to me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What have you decided?\" Birrows asked. \"I haven't made the decision yet,\" I replied truthfully.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All of them have made the offers, but some are outstanding ones, but I am hesitating.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Well, you should decide quickly. Places are filling up. If you are too late, you might have to settle for less,\" advised Hadil.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He is right, I didn't have time. Many are getting offers, and there are not unlimited places. It would be wise for me to make a decision quickly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I wish I could return home,\" said Nivera suddenly, and all of us sighed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It won't be possible, at least in the short term, or even in the long term. It is something I have yet to come to terms with, even after a year.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>We were busy with our own thoughts when I noticed the whole café went quiet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I turned and saw the woman in a wheelchair coming inside, pushed by the two people, a man and a woman. A woman is wearing an army uniform, while the man is an orc.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He is the same man who came to me with an offer to join the police.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The woman in a wheelchair is wearing a simple white dress and looks harmless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That woman scares the hell out of me,\" said Birrows, shaking, and I couldn't help but nod.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All the officers were interviewed by her, including me. She never raised her voice, nor did the smile on her face disappear during the questioning.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The whole experience was pleasant. It didn't feel like the interrogation at all.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was only after she left that I noticed my sweaty back, and I shook in fear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"When she was questioning me. I felt like I was talking to an old friend, the words just slipped out of my mouth,\" muttered Veyra, with us nodding.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When she met me, she said she was from the city, but I heard whispers that she is from intelligence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A few weeks ago, in a briefing, they had mentioned that Greltheaven had established an intelligence department and asked us to be careful.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"She is Silver's,\" said Nivera.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I didn't have to ask what she was talking about. The governor and this woman are both from Velvet Garden, the brothel.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Something, I would have thought, impossible a year ago.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The three of them ordered and talked. We could hear them, but couldn't understand them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I think it's time to leave. I have a physical therapy in half an hour,\" said Birrows as he got up, leaving a few coins. The others also got up and left.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Leaving only Veyra and me at the table.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Are you sure about joining the police?\" I asked her and she nodded. \"I think it will be suitable for me,\" she replied after a moment of silence before looking at me with questioning eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I am not sure what I want to do. Though I am sure about one thing, I don't want to be in the same position I was in for the past year,\" I replied.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I have done things, and I am not proud of them. I was ordered to do it, and it nearly broke me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I don't want to do such a thing ever again. If I join the army or police, I will have to do things that I am unwilling to do; it is part of the job.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Veyra seemed to understand it. She is the reason I remained sane during that period.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Start a mercenary company then,\" she said, and a laugh escaped my lips. \"I am serious,\" I replied, shaking my head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"So, am I,\" she said, and she is.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It's not easy to start a mercenary company. Many of the officers who started it left, but many failed. It's not easy, and besides, who will join me?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It requires money, which I don't have much of, and most importantly, people. The life of a mercenary is filled with risk.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There is no pension or official death benefits. It's a hard life.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I will not ask Veyra, I know how much she liked the order that the organisation provides.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>More than that, they provide the resources: spells, tools, and other things. Commander Daphus had only a few effective spells for High Mages.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If she had the proper resources to grow, that assassin wouldn't have been able to do what he did to her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She didn't say anything further, and we moved on to other subjects, but I couldn't stop thinking about it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Soon we finished and paid our bill, before I got up and pushed the wheelchair.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I was near the door when suddenly a piece of paper flew in front of me and seemed to come to a stop. I hesitated for a moment before picking the paper from the air.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was writing on it. When I read it, I shook.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lerman Mozil\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Department of Martial Services.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I froze for a moment before slowly turning my head and seeing the woman looking at me with that pleasant smile on her face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It shook me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She shouldn't have been able to hear us; our conversations were cloaked in Privacy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What happened?\" asked Veyra, breaking me out of my spiralling thoughts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Nothing,\" I lied and pushed her wheelchair forward, wanting to get out of this place as quickly as possible.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Too excited to wait? Jump50+ chapters aheadonPatreonand read what others haven’t even reached!\u003C\u002Fp>",1987,"2026-06-09T06:55:06.199Z",1,"novelbin.me","d4cae0c9c3cd9046924ebb6917a2a277f1de41090d93cb7a31e7f1c3cc0913b2","city-of-desire-kingdom-building-chapter-875","city-of-desire-kingdom-building-chapter-874",917,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fcity-of-desire-kingdom-building-cover.jpg"]