When Asa's gaze shifted from the table full of delicious food and precious porcelain to Morgan, his tone suddenly became somewhat inquisitive and mocking.
"So, what about this year's tribute?" Asa blinked, seemingly wanting to observe Morgan's reaction, "You see, last time at the port of Oakes, the nobles there presented..."
Morgan immediately raised his hand as if to cut off Asa's inexplicable provocation. He mysteriously said, "My Black Flag Army has passed, and Asa need not worry about these matters." His voice was deep but certain, like a sword aimed at its target.
"I guarantee that the tribute from Oreston City this time will definitely be the most luxurious in The Kingdom of Asturias. Asa need not worry about these matters. I guarantee that the tribute from Oreston City this time will definitely be the most luxurious in The Kingdom of Asturias."
Asa heard this and laughed even more smugly. He seemed to see his own further rise in status within The Sacred Church and even in the entire The Kingdom of Asturias.
"Very good, very good," Asa said with delight, "With that said, the gods will surely favor us even more. Their blessings will rain down upon us like spring shoots after the rain, bringing us more power and wealth."
Morgan smiled proudly. He knew that gaining the approval of a high-ranking priest like Asa was undoubtedly a testament to his family's status and devout beliefs to the entire The Kingdom of Asturias and even the divine realm. All of this paved the way for his own path to higher power and status.
Morgan and Asa locked eyes for a moment, seemingly understanding each other's joy and pride in that instant. Then, they exchanged a knowing smile and burst into laughter. This laughter was filled with confidence and superiority, as if they could already see their future success and glory.
The beautiful women nearby, seeing the two noble gentlemen so happy, also smiled. Although their smiles were charming, they could not hide the unease and anxiety hidden in their eyes. After all, in this world dominated by nobles and priests, they were well aware of their small status.
But at this moment, Morgan and Asa seemed not to care about these. They only cared about the greater power and fame that was about to come to them, as well as the more wealth and glory that would follow.
The grand feast in the castle continued amidst joy and revelry. Nobles dressed in magnificent attire, laughing and bickering, indulging in various fine wines and dishes. In the hall, musicians played lively music, and dancers gracefully performed, creating an atmosphere of ultimate artistry.
Silverware and golden plates adorned the tables, filled with a variety of delicacies, from roasted lamb to caviar, and an assortment of desserts and fruits. The nobles savored these exquisite flavors with silver utensils, their faces displaying expressions of contentment and joy.
Not far away, some clowns and jugglers are performing, attracting the attention of the crowd. They are each showcasing their exquisite skills, from fire-eating to tightrope walking, and even some mysterious magic performances.
Of course, the most eye-catching is the the Morgan family. They are sitting on the dais, overlooking everything, as if they were born to rule this world. Morgan is seated in the center, with his family and some important guests, including the high priest Asa whom he just met with.
Everyone is seeking happiness, but this kind of happiness is so superficial and illusory, yet only a few people can see through it. But even if they see through it, no one is willing to break this surface harmony and happiness, because in this world dominated by nobles and priests, maintaining this superficial happiness means maintaining their own status and power.
Alan stood on a small hill outside Oreston City, overlooking the beautiful scenery of the city. The late-night wind carried a hint of coolness. His gaze was far away, towards the castle, where the windows were brightly lit, and fireworks were blooming in the dark night sky, each one shining like a sparkling gem. The castle stood there, with magnificent fireworks blooming in the night sky, like brilliant stars. Distant music and laughter faintly came through, allowing him to almost feel the happiness and joy of the people in the city.
"Look how happy they are," Alan thought. "They don't have to worry about their family and friends being harmed, or fear whether they will live to see tomorrow."
From here, he couldn't hear any specific sounds, but the distant laughter and singing coming from the direction of the castle made him feel a pang of sadness. "Those people are living their days under the blessings of the Four Symbols, they have love, family, and a future," Alan couldn't help but think.
He looked down at the palm of his right hand, where a diamond-shaped mark was clearly visible. This mark was the indelible symbol of his status as a slave, as well as a symbol of a lifetime of humiliation and suffering. In this world, except for the few chosen by the Four Symbols, most people would be branded with such a mark, losing their freedom and becoming the property of others.
Alan couldn't help but fantasize about what it would be like if he were one of those blessed by the divine. Perhaps he could have his own home, perhaps he could walk freely on this land, no longer subject to discrimination and insult from anyone. "If there is a next life," Alan silently wished, "I hope I can become someone recognized and blessed by the Four Symbols, living an ordinary but fulfilling life."
But he knew that all of this was impossible, because he was born into a world of slavery and oppression. He couldn't choose his destiny, just like he couldn't choose his family and friends. In this brief moment, Alan felt a hint of despair and powerlessness.
Just as he was lost in thought, suddenly a force hit his back, causing him to lose his balance and fall down from the small hill.
"Huh?!" Alan turned around in panic, only to hear a burst of laughter.
It was his sister, Eilena.
She was dressed in tattered clothes, her hair disheveled, but her black eyes shone in the moonlight like mirrors, clear and pure.
"What are you doing, Eilena!" Alan asked in surprise.
Eilena giggled, "Brother, you were so lost in thought standing here, I couldn't resist scaring you a little!"
Alan sighed, feeling a slight relief in the heavy burden in his heart with his sister's appearance. Looking at his sister's carefree smile, he thought to himself, perhaps in this dark world, there are still things worth persisting and protecting.
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