Everyone Is A Lord: My Talent Is A Little Too Strong Chapter 2883: 1578: Speculation and Doubt (Part 2)
Previously on Everyone Is A Lord: My Talent Is A Little Too Strong...
From their lofty position, the entire group could survey nearly the whole city below.
Vibrant green vines cloaked the gray city walls, which boasted arrow towers and magic towers wrapped in vines, topped by a line of trees that infused a potent natural vibe.
Yet the true highlight lay elsewhere. Prosperity enveloped the vast linked metropolis. At the city entrance, vendors packed both sides of the avenue, thronged by eager crowds that buzzed with energy.
Though positioned at the road's far end and viewing from a distance, the vibrant scene unfolding made their eyes bulge in shock.
Remember, the Moon Shadow Deer People suffered harsh suppression from the Broken Wing King, teetering on ruin—even in their Royal Capital—leaving countless Deer People starved and emaciated. But this display clashed sharply with their expectations.
Amid the shock, Leo Ray sharpened his focus.
Stalls brimmed with ripe fruits, crisp vegetables, succulent meats, and seafood, plus spots selling bread, cakes, and grilled meats—all abundantly supplied, radiating vitality.
Deer People strolling past beamed with joy, cheeks flushed with health; their grand antlers were precisely groomed, glossy, decked with ribbons and ornaments, clad in splendid garments that betrayed no hint of hunger.
“It’s simply unbelievable.”
Lila parted her crimson lips slightly, rubbing her eyes repeatedly to confirm the sight was real.
She had come here years back, when Moon Shadow City had lost its vigor, decaying everywhere, with pedestrians dragging their feet in apathy.
Now, though, it outshone even the Stone Giants' prosperity.
Next to Lila, Hollis mirrored her look, scarcely crediting what he saw—this evoked the Moon Shadow Deer People's golden era.
“It seems the Moon Shadow Deer People have indeed struck it rich.”
Moli's starry eyes flitted about with keen curiosity.
She hadn't seen Moon Shadow City before, just some other Moon Shadow Deer People settlements, none matching this grandeur.
“But even if the Moon Shadow Deer People traded Secret Treasure for resources, they’re flaunting it too much, aren’t they?”
A hint of confusion crossed Lila's pale features as she puzzled, “It’s as if they’re afraid the Broken Wing King wouldn’t know.”
“Indeed, the Broken Wing King is inherently greedy. If he knew that the Moon Shadow Deer People were thriving despite being greatly oppressed, even the vast forest labyrinth around wouldn’t deter him from sending troops.”
Hollis's broad face reflected similar bewilderment, brows knitting as he added, “What exactly is the Deer People’s Clan Leader thinking? This places the Moon Shadow Deer People in extreme danger.”
Once Hollis finished, Lila joined Crisis, Broy, Fanny, and the other clan heads in nodding; no angle made this ostentation seem sensible.
Particularly after their recent cutoff from outsiders—this ostrich-like act screamed something unusual, bound to draw eyes.
“Have any of you noticed a problem?”
Fei’er fluttered her starry eyes and went on, “The Moon Shadow Deer People don’t just appear to have enough food; they seem extremely well-off in every aspect, truly obtaining a wealth of resources.”
“Indeed, the last time I came here, even the Protective City River of Moon Shadow City was filled with algae and filth, emitting a pungent odor, completely neglected, but now it looks crystal clear.”
Lila nodded while directing her sight toward the city entrance.
“Alright, their actions are perplexing, but let’s not forget our purpose here.”
Leo Ray swept his broad hand, directed Little Illusion to dispel the illusion masking them, gave a nod all around, and declared, “Let’s pay them an immediate visit.”
Then, the party advanced down the wide thoroughfare, promptly reaching Moon Shadow City's grand entrance.
The spot teemed with activity, surpassing what distance had hinted. Spotting Leo Ray's group, local Deer People shot intrigued looks before fixating on the array of nearby stalls.
With her prior visits, Lila promptly announced herself to the gate's Deer People officer.
“Ah, it’s the Stone Giant Clan Chief. Welcome to Moon Shadow City.”
The Deer People commander doffed his unique war helm, exposing just his antlers. His sturdy crimson visage held no suspicion, instead offering a courteous welcome: “Please, esteemed guests, wait a moment, or feel free to browse around. I’ll report immediately.”
With that, the Deer People commander spun about and departed, vanishing swiftly amid the throng.
While waiting, Leo Ray surveyed the area and observed that every Deer Person sported a wide smile, looking thoroughly pleased.
Besides the antlers on their heads, they appeared no different from typical Human Clan individuals.
Before long, the Deer People commander came back accompanied by an old Deer Person in opulent attire, his face flushed red.
“Haha, welcome the grand arrival of the Stone Giant Clan Chief; apologies for the delayed reception.”
The flushed-faced Deer Person elder obviously knew Lila well, his wrinkled face beaming with joy.
“I never thought the Grand Elder would personally come to greet us; how fares the Deer People Clan Leader?”
Lila kept a courteous smile as she traded polite words.
Though Stone Giants and Moon Shadow Deer People lacked close ties, no grudges existed between them, preserving amicable relations.
“Haha, as our honored visitors can see, he’s in excellent health.”
The Deer People Grand Elder moved aside gracefully, inviting them forward with a grin, “Your timing is impeccable. The Clan Leader is holding a lavish feast; kindly come this way.”
“Many thanks, Grand Elder.”
Lila’s pale face held a courteous smile as she nodded faintly.
As they walked, Lila shot a look at Leo Ray,
She had originally planned to present Leo Ray to them, yet they showed no interest, chattering animatedly about the feast’s dishes instead.
Catching Lila’s glance, Leo Ray stayed outwardly composed though inwardly baffled.
Remember, our group boasts several half-step seventh-order powerhouses, and the Deer People Grand Elder radiates potent energy, his power evidently at half-step Tier 7 too, surely able to detect something off.
In such circumstances, allowing a bunch of unknown half-step seventh-order experts into their capital without a single inquiry was truly baffling.
Amid his bewilderment, Leo Ray gave a nod to the powerhouses, urging vigilance, before turning his attention back to the urban sights.
The city buzzed with far more vitality than the outer marketplace, shops lining the streets displayed dazzling wares, Deer People hurried past burdened with fresh buys, and joy filled the air with laughter.
Furthermore, streets and flowerbeds alike received immaculate upkeep, making it feel like strolling through a verdant garden metropolis.
Seeing these vibrant street vistas, the group couldn’t help but express awe; this wasn’t a faction crushed under the Broken Wing King’s tyranny, but one poised to overpower him.
Trailing the lively districts onward, soon a colossal castle radiating innate serenity loomed into view for all.