Chương 151: Encounters in Rat Street

"Yes." Richard nodded and replied, "She said she wanted to save this country from the mire."

Amélie continued, "And Rat Street is one of the most conspicuous stains on the Empire."

"Isabella was determined to rebuild the empire, so how could she ignore Rat Street right under her nose? Therefore, she secretly came here to investigate the situation the year she became a paladin."

"I was being chased when she appeared and saved my life."

"And so, I became hers—" As Amélie spoke, she suddenly smiled.

"It's absurd to think about it. Ordinary citizens of the capital would cover their noses when they see people from Rat Street, and after passing by, they would wish to turn around and spit on them. Yet she, a princess, made me her personal maid."

"She also told me that one day when she becomes emperor, she will make places like Rat Street disappear completely."

"Ha, I never really thought her idea could come true."

"After all, without people like us, who would highlight the nobility of the nobles?"

"Besides, Rat Street is involved in too many shady businesses and has connections with many prominent figures. Even the various orthodox churches can't do anything about it. What can she do even if she becomes emperor?"

"The most troublesome thing is when we are intertwined, like two people in one another."

"But it doesn't matter anymore. Anyway, she's already bought me out of the woods with a huge amount of gold coins. I've always respected contracts, so I can only follow my beloved princess for the rest of my life~" Amélie ended the conversation, stretched like a kitten, and lifted the hem of her clothes slightly, revealing her slender and supple waist.

Richard pursed his lips, feeling he had gained a deeper understanding of the princess and her maid.

A dozen minutes later.

The carriage arrived at a street corner that looked dark.

Just as they were about to pass, a dozen or so children carrying broken bowls and basins surrounded them, forcing the car to stop, chattering and demanding money.

Amélie stepped down from the carriage, handed over the copper coins she had prepared beforehand, and then looked at the few teenagers bringing up the rear, saying, "Don't block the way, can't you recognize my carriage?"

The teenagers exclaimed in delight, "Big Sister!"

Amélie waved her hand: "I already told you not to call me 'Big Sister'—"

"Yes, boss!"

"Seriously, whatever."

"Boss, does Her Highness the Princess still have maids?"

"Stop thinking so much. Focus on mastering the skills I gave you. Otherwise, even if you follow Her Highness, given her capricious nature of going wherever there is danger, you won't survive more than three months."

After saying that, Amelie took out some more copper coins and gave them to the children, then waved for them to disperse, before turning to Richard and Grace in the carriage and saying, "Sorry, that's just how things are in Rat Street—" Richard replied, "It's alright, this carriage is indeed a bit too conspicuous."

Amélie pouted and said, "That's true. There's not much road left anyway, so let's just walk."

She beckoned the teenagers to come and watch the car, then led Richard and Grace on foot into the depths of Rat Street.

After turning and twisting for two minutes, they arrived at a dilapidated and greasy three-story building.

Richard stared at the menacing-looking burly man at the entrance of the small building, and at the crooked sign with a frightening skull painted on it. His Adam's apple bobbed slightly as he asked Amelie, "Is this—a tavern?"

Yes~

"It looks really bad, both in terms of hygiene and atmosphere—it's not even as good as a pub in the Phoenix slums."

"Because at least the taverns in Phoenix City still have legitimate adventurers, while the big clients here are mainly gang members, and the taverns themselves have shady ties with the Black Hand Society —" Richard suddenly realized.

I see, no wonder.

There aren't many adventurers in the capital city, since the surrounding areas have been thoroughly developed, leaving little low-level monsters or ruins for them to complete their quests.

The few adventurers who can travel here usually do high-end jobs and are not weak in terms of wealth, so they don't hang around in bad taverns.

Without powerful professionals to check and balance things out, the taverns in the slums inevitably became gathering places for gangsters.

Here.

Amélie, a native of Rat Street, glared fearlessly at the doorman, commanding him to make way before leading Richard and Grace straight to the counter.

"Welcome! What would you like to order? — Wait, it's you, Amelie!"

The tavern owner, a green-skinned orc, was listlessly wiping glasses when he saw Amelie, his face immediately lighting up with a warm smile: "What a rare guest! What, would you like some high-end stuff?"

"Hey, I have guests with me—" Amélie glanced at Richard and Grace, and suddenly remembered that the poet seemed to be a ruthless person who could buy sleeping pills on the black market— Okay, then I don't need to keep putting on airs anymore.

She coughed twice and said to the tavern owner, "We'll talk about the good stuff later. I'm here to find someone. Where is Old Gary? Where is he now?"'

Then she turned to Richard and explained, "Old Gary is the most senior bard in this area. Although he's not very skilled, he knows all the tunes here!"

Poets who can persevere here must have some talent.

Richard's eyes were full of anticipation.

However, the tavern owner poured cold water on their enthusiasm: "Old Gary? Ah, I'm sorry, you're a day too late."

Amélie asked, "What do you mean?"

The tavern owner explained, "He was kidnapped yesterday; it was the Beast Claw gang who did it."

"That's a newly risen gang, and it's said that they have the support of a Mafia boss who beheaded Luke."

"You know, new gangs like to establish their authority, so they arrested him under the pretext that old Gary wrote a poem mocking them, saying they were going to torture him properly—considering the old guy's age, I doubt he can even survive it—" Amelie's eyes widened: "How could you do this! Old Gary brought so much joy to everyone; according to the rules, no one can touch him!"

The tavern owner shrugged: "There's nothing we can do; newcomers never follow the rules."

"Damn it!"

Amélie scratched her head with both hands and turned to face Richard and Grace.

Richard squinted at the little maid: "Hmm—let me guess, are you going to rescue someone?"

Amélie bit her lip and replied, "I do have that idea, but your affairs are more important. Sigh, let's ask someone else—"

"If we replace him, will he be better than old Gary?"

"It's a bit difficult."

"Then let's put in some effort and try to rescue my poor colleague before dawn."

Richard loosened his joints and smiled at the little maid.