Chapter 2, Spoils of War

The delighted bloodline nobles soon realized that their weakened selves were facing a terrifying invader. They decided "to sacrifice their legitimate rights for the greater good to satisfy the decaying selfishness," and developed a peculiar system of titles—"same knight, same baron... same duke"

According to Ruikawa, there are quite a number of humans in the inner city

The journey from the South Forest Tower to the Chulin Fortress takes three days. Fortunately, during these three days, he did not encounter any formidable bandits. He only saw some refugees, the boldest of whom left as soon as they got close enough to see his equipment. He also met a relatively respectable refugee leader, who was leading many people towards the Chulin Fortress. This suspected landlord invited Ruikawa to join their group and stated that he would offer a small sum of money as compensation. He also met a relatively respectable refugee leader, who was leading many people towards the Chulin Fortress. This suspected landlord invited Ruikawa to join their group and stated that he would offer a small sum of money as compensation

Although impersonating a blood clan member is a capital offense in the territories of the blood clan lords, he has already done so more than once

"You too." Ruikawa grinned, turned, and galloped towards the city gate

What should I do if I get robbed? Before leaving, the amateur robber Ruikawa pondered. In the end, he made an incredibly difficult decision

The positions of mid to high-ranking civil and military officials in the Bloodline Dynasty are only appointed to residents of the inner city, unless you are of the bloodline.

If you are fortunate enough to acquire a supply of goods, and there are portions that you do not particularly need, then selling them is undoubtedly a very good option

Indeed, Ruikawa's legitimate profession is neither that of a bandit, nor a hunter, nor a farmer. He is a garrison soldier at the Chulin Fortress, a soldier long forgotten. This place is too remote; no one has ever come to seek him out for training or during wartime mobilization. He has never received his military pay, and even the tax collectors have only come once, only to be shot dead by his predecessor and left to rot in the wilderness

At the last moment before setting off, he fitted himself with a set of false teeth. Grinning widely, two long and sharp fangs covered his real teeth, standing out remarkably. He intended to impersonate a vampire to scare off any potential robbers he might encounter—such a disguise could only fool unsophisticated country bandits who had never seen the world. Displaying a sinister smile, he was quite pleased with the effect and nodded to himself with satisfaction, then removed the false teeth. He planned to put this thing on again when needed. Displaying a sinister smile, he was quite pleased with the effect and nodded to himself with satisfaction, then removed the false teeth. He planned to put this thing on again when needed

The South Forest Tower is an almost forgotten tower; apart from a few soldiers who have a relatively good relationship with Reikawa and the group of veteran soldiers who have served the longest, most other soldiers are hardly aware of this place. Even when these informed individuals speak of it to others, they are regarded as merely a legend

However, speaking of which, what are the shops in the inner city like

You take four, and I take six. However... how should we prove that this is the 'tempered' horse leg? Right now, it just looks like a horse leg.

Indeed, it is precisely because no one collects taxes that his life is better than those above him and more than sufficient compared to those below him. However, there are quite a few wild beasts near his home

"Haha, I will take care of this matter," said Marlo as he unfastened the bag from his horse and slung it over his shoulder. "I will take this thing back first. Also, do you have any more of 'this'?"

The major popular institutions of the Bloodline Dynasty government can only be staffed by residents of the inner city, even if it is just a minor clerk, unless you are of the bloodline.

In fact, I am already very satisfied with my current life, " Reikawa murmured to himself

Only residents of the inner city have the right to vote in the parliament, unless you are of the bloodline

Rekawa expressed sourly that he has no such aspirations

For those like Ruikawa, who cannot even afford to live in a city and can only reside in the wilderness, this is undoubtedly a source of envy and jealousy

More than 130 years ago, the renowned Crown Prince of the Brode Empire, the generous Edward Brode, first conferred knighthood upon humans during the suppression of a human rebellion, and as a result, he was falsely accused of treason and had no choice but to rise in rebellion against his father. With the support of human soldiers, he won this war. After ascending the throne by killing his father, he began to bestow various higher titles upon humans.

Moreover

"You are overthinking it. This is my trophy," Ruikawa said with a proud smile. "I took down a centaur and looted a lot of good stuff! Once I sell it for a good price, I will treat you to a meal"

He took away the seized sabers, his own longbow, twenty seized good arrows, ten self-made arrows, along with the simple cavalry spear left by his predecessor

Ironically, after his inexplicable demise, the Bloodline Noble Regency Council declared that these fiefs were invalid. The human nobility was quite displeased, leading to a series of rebellions—this was the war known as the Great Rebellion. The once unified Bloodline Empire fragmented into pieces, and the numerous independent Bloodline principalities scattered across the land are a result of this war that lasted nearly thirty years

Well, what a pity, this fellow is worth more than he eats. " Malo chuckled, stroking his beard, "You really have come late. Recently, there have been particularly many battles, fighting against cavalry and bandits. With your current equipment, you could completely join them in the offensive and earn military merit. But unfortunately, you chose a day without any offensive missions to come, sigh!"

Due to a certain occasion when Ruikawa boasted in front of friends that he had seen the ghost of a Norman soldier in the tower, the South Forest Tower has now truly become an urban legend

"You have quite a bold spirit, not bad at all. However, this is too much of a loss," Marlo said with a meaningful smile, speaking softly, "I have a way; some wealthy families are looking to try unique foods, like this one. They are willing to pay a high price... I can help you sell this. How about a split of 30% for you and 70% for me?"

Ah, is this it... Hahaha, the weather is really nice today. "Ruikawa's eyes rolled, and he began to grin foolishly.

There is also a wooden plaque, on which the few words engraved are the only ones recognized by Ruikawa: "The garrison of Ruikawa at the southern forest tower of Chulin Fortress."

In this country, there are both affluent humans and fallen bloodline aristocrats. Given the established fact that humans live in the Blood City, many fallen bloodline nobles engage in transactions with wealthy humans for considerable assets—transforming these wealthy individuals into their nominal servants. In this way, these wealthy individuals are able to reside in the inner city without having to fulfill the obligations of servitude, while the bloodline aristocrats acquire the wealth they require

This is a vast and heavily guarded city

Then the bloodline nobles informed the decay that the knight and duke title system belongs to the retainer rank system, not to the knight rank system

In this way, all aesthetic flaws can be disregarded

Indeed, it is quite good, but I am not particularly interested in military achievements. Goodbye, I have some matters to attend to, so I will take my leave first

"I thought the city gate was already closed," he muttered to himself. The city gate stood wide open, with refugees queuing and pushing forward, while several soldiers checked the passersby at the gate.

Indeed, their new decay soldiers are once again filled with fighting spirit, having reclaimed the sacred domain and half of Jekaman

"The troops stationed at the South Forest Tower of the Chulin Fortress, Ruikawa, have come to report," he said

As a soldier, Ruikawa certainly could not squeeze in with the refugees. He did not cut in line, but rode directly along the side of the queue, heading straight towards the soldiers who were inspecting the pedestrians.

He donned the armor, the modified set he had scavenged from the centaur's corpse six days ago. He had removed all the unnecessary decorations from the luxurious armor and stuffed them into his bag to sell, and he also retrieved his old set of armor, taking the skirt armor, battle boots, greaves, and the disassembled upper body armor to assemble a new set—indeed, the stark contrast in colors posed a significant challenge to one's aesthetic limits. According to his senior, this old armor was left to him by Reikawa's father. He had taken the skirt armor, battle boots, greaves, and the disassembled upper body armor to assemble a new set—indeed, the stark contrast in colors posed a significant challenge to one's aesthetic limits. According to his senior, this old armor was left to him by Reikawa's father.

Blood clans can feed on the blood of any creature under their dominion without consent. If the creature is not a blood clan member, it is permissible to drain them to death; however, if the creature is a blood clan member, draining them to death will incur legal consequences. Nevertheless, the scope of this "dominion" does not include the residents of the inner city. Residents of the inner city, as long as they refuse to be drained, cannot have their blood taken by their blood clan rulers. Should these blood clan rulers act forcibly, they will face legal prosecution. Residents of the inner city, as long as they refuse to be drained, cannot have their blood taken by their blood clan rulers. Should these blood clan rulers act forcibly, they will face legal prosecution

The inner city is protected by an additional layer of walls compared to the outer city, making it more secure; it is home to prominent nobles who enjoy greater political and economic opportunities. Over the years, a certain atmosphere has developed in the realm of the bloodline: the nobility regards residing in the Blood City as an honor, a symbol of nobility, and they admire those who live in the Blood City, taking pride in their residence there. For countless nobles, the pursuit of upgrading their status from the outer city to the inner city is a lifelong aspiration. The realm of the bloodline has fostered this atmosphere: the nobility regards residing in the Blood City as an honor, a symbol of nobility, and they admire those who live in the Blood City, taking pride in their residence there. For countless nobles, the pursuit of upgrading their status from the outer city to the inner city is a lifelong aspiration

Those I intend to use myself

"Haha, even veterans may not necessarily know, Uncle Marlowe," said Ruikawa with a smile

Almost all bloodline towns are divided into an inner city and an outer city. According to the law, humans are only permitted to reside in the outer city, which is thus referred to as the Decaying City. Only the bloodline is allowed to inhabit the inner layer, hence the inner city is known as the Blood City

Marlow signaled several soldiers nearby to clear a path, allowing Reikawa to enter the city. Upon entering the city, he dismounted.

Haha. But the castle had already sent up smoke signals before the cavalry arrived, why did you wait until the cavalry left to come?

Noble families of the blood clan require servants to attend to their lives. The blood clan does not have enough members to serve as servants, so the rulers have no choice but to allow humans to live in the blood city as blood clan servants

However, none of this matters. He draped himself in a faded soldier's cloak, adorned with the emblem of the Library of Chulin Fortress, depicting a large tree that floats in the air, its bare roots as lush and vibrant as its sprawling branches above, surrounded by twinkling stars. He also covered his horse with a faded and tattered blue warhorse cloak. These were left to him by his predecessor. He also covered his horse with a faded and tattered blue warhorse cloak. These were left to him by his predecessor

Laughing heartily, he suddenly felt Marlow grab the collar of his robe and pull it down, his eyes widening as he exclaimed, "What the heck, such exquisite armor! A solid breastplate and shoulder armor combined with chainmail! Where did you get this?" As he spoke, he took out Reikawa's sabre and examined his arrows, "These are also of high quality. Has some nation taken you on as a squire? Or have you already become a knight yourself?"

According to the law, if a decay slowly has the fortune to reside in the inner city, it is as if they have adorned themselves with a halo.

Although it has been five days since the enemy was defeated, the campaign to eradicate the bandits should be nearing completion...

"Your kindness will bring you good fortune," the man said with a smile

"Thank you for your help, brave soldier." As he approached the city gate, the man suspected to be a landlord smiled and handed him a silver coin, which bore the image of a profile. Reikawa could not recognize who it was, but he knew he liked this profile very much, as it was a face he could only see on the coin

He also equipped his warhorse with armor, which was mostly made from the dismantled pieces of the human-horse armor set. However, this appearance is somewhat visually jarring, as the horse is clad in armor while its neck and head remain unprotected, still posing a significant challenge to one's aesthetic sensibilities

The laws of the Bloodline Dynasty stipulate that only those of the bloodline can be granted the title of knight and various ranks above it. In the prolonged struggle against banditry and rebellion, the bloodline nobles realized that they must offer certain benefits to the commoners; otherwise, the battles would be difficult to win

"Is there really this tower?" said a stranger, "Are there truly the ghosts of the Normans there?"

"Well then, I shall return as well," said one, and the two parted ways. Marlow returned to his home in the city, while Reikawa headed to the only jewelry store in the outer city

Rekawa naturally agreed, as this would allow someone to help take care of his horse. During that period, whenever he rode on horseback, holding his lance and leisurely wandering alongside the troop, the people who inexplicably appeared in the distance would gradually retreat, moving away from them until they disappeared.

What makes the inner city so enchanting is the significant legal privileges held by its owners

Hehe hetushu.com, you know, the 'rebound' of the horse's leg, I plan to sell this as a horse's leg!

"Oh! What is this?" Marlow pointed at the horse's leg tied up in the bag next to the riverbank and asked

"Please, I have been a soldier since I was born, yet I am only sixteen years old now. Is there anyone who sends children to war? Isn't this age just right for me?" Ruikawa defended himself

At present, urban residency has become a luxury commodity. It is expensive, and its high cost is justified.

"Newbie rolling around." The leader laughed and scolded, his skin dark, with a face adorned by a scruffy beard and a wild mane of curly hair tinged with some white. Lean and wiry, he carried a long axe and was the only one among the soldiers without a helmet—yet from the collar of his robe, it could be seen that he was the only one wearing armor. It was a chainmail. Lean and wiry, he carried a long axe and was the only one among the soldiers without a helmet—yet from the collar of his robe, it could be seen that he was the only one wearing armor. It was a chainmail.

The same knight is different from the knight

Four days later, Ruikawa mounted his horse and set off on the journey to Chulin Fortress. Before departing, he felt a deep sense of anxiety. Whenever war broke out, there would always be a group of long-hidden bandits re-emerging, a group of reckless and ignorant ruffians seizing the opportunity to embark on a life of crime, a group of scattered soldiers turning to banditry, and a group of starving refugees reluctantly resorting to theft. As for the regular armies of both sides robbing civilians, that had become a matter of course.

Strange food? Why don't you eat people? Reikawa thought

At last, the bloodline nobility was very pleased; they had successfully exterminated those "ignorant upstarts". The centaurs were also very pleased, as they had successfully taken control of the Holy Domain for the first time. The werewolves were likewise very pleased, having successfully conquered Parisca and the entire territory of German.

However, these events occurred during the early days of the blood clan's rule. The laws on the surface cannot determine the social structure, especially since the laws are also in a state of flux

The term 'blackened horse leg' in the context of the black market commonly refers to a 'human horse leg'

"How have you been lately? I remember you never came during the battles; what brings you here this time?" Marlow instructed his subordinates to continue checking the pedestrians while he followed Reikawa to engage him in conversation

A recluse and a bold criminal. This is how his mercenary friends in the fortress once described him

The senior said that the society of the Broad Empire underwent changes in the following manner

The National Academy of the Bloodline Dynasty only admits residents of the inner city, unless you are of the bloodline.

Although this slap in the face is somewhat painful, the decayed nobility values practical benefits more than reputation