Chapter 210

The cheapest accommodation that Ivel had found also functioned as a pub on the ground floor. Ivel was enveloped by the bars loud rowdiness the moment he entered, and a man looking to be the owner called out to him when Ivel walked to the counter.

3 Giga a night.

I plan to stay for about 10 days.

Then 25 Giga.

Ivel could only sigh at what remained of his funds after this. It wasnt much, but its all he had to survive on.

Just go out through that back door. I provide breakfast, but you wont get jack if you come down late.

The man instructed as he handed the key to Ivel. Free breakfast on top of the accommodations was the main reason Ivel picked this place. Those free breakfasts were all he was going to eat during his stayall to save money.

Ivel left the pub through the back door as instructed. The man quietly picked up the Communicator hidden under the counter.

Yes. Hes just arrived. Yes. It seems hes running low on funds. Sorry? Yes. Ill keep an eye on him.

Ivel was impressed by the view when he exited the back door into the lot behind the pub. In front of him were containers stacked together like a beehive.

So this is the famous single room.

Designed by the vile Isaac, these rooms were no longer in production due to the creators infamy. But its functionality was proven, so the single rooms that were already constructed were distributed into the market. As a result, they were commonly seen at cheap inns and accommodations.

My room is 2-17. Does that mean I have to climb the ladders?

The rooms were stacked together like stairs, with just enough room for 1 person to walk in between each level. Ivel climbed to the 2nd floor and entered the room he was given.

Wow. Its tiny.

The place was barely large enough for him to lie down. But Ivel was somewhat satisfied with this. This was much better than sleeping on the streets.

Ivel unpacked his belongings and counted what was left of his funds. There was enough for him to at least buy some bread, so he headed into the pub.

Id like some bread and milk.

Ivel placed a 1 Mega coin on the counter as he ordered. The man on the counter scanned Ivel from top to bottom and smirked.

That wont do jack to fill you up.

Ivel laughed awkwardly. The man on the counter handed Ivel some bread and milk, along with a small stack of paper. Ivel looked curiously at the man, who replied crudely.

These are tickets to New Port Citys buffets. Im only giving you this because you dont look like the gambling type.

Huk! Thank you so much!

Ivel was keen to express his grat.i.tude. The man snorted.

Hmph. Theres no need to thank me. Not like I bought this myself. All accommodations in the city get subsidised with those tickets. And I get to choose who gets it.

Ivel carefully placed the tickets in his pocket like treasure. Ivel was wondering how he could repay such kindnessand then realised he didnt need to worry about money for meals anymore. So he added on his order.

Um, can I get a bowl of noodles as well?

Just wait.

Ivel considered himself lucky, receiving such kindness from a man with such a cold demeanour. Ivel was waiting for his food when his ears picked up a news broadcast from a monitor to the side.

-Currently, the political world is in turmoil with the rumours of a hidden successor to d.u.c.h.ess Pendleton. The d.u.c.h.esss official spokesman has yet to mention anything, but according to a leak, the d.u.c.h.ess will make a formal announcement about her successor soon. Experts believe that under-the-table discussions have been ongoing but have been kept informal until now because of d.u.c.h.ess Rivelias perfect health. But early this year, d.u.c.h.ess Rivelia suddenly announced her retirement at the Empires Royal Palace, quickly bringing the issue to the surface.

-But hasnt d.u.c.h.ess Rivelia been single all this time?

-Thats right. which is precisely why this new successor has become the centre of the scandal. Meanwhile, New Port City has begun calculating the likelihood of succession for likely candidates. Tens of names are on that list. Among them is the Marquis Alpendle, va.s.sal to d.u.c.h.ess Pendleton, with 1.3 times the return and the strongest candidate so far. Behind him is Count Hidington with 1.5, Count Colpen right around the corner with 1.7.

To think they would gamble with who will become the next Duke of Pendleton. Ivel looked dumbfoundedly at the monitor, while others in the restaurant mulled over the topic.

Theres no one like Alpendle when it comes to blood relations. He is the nephew of the previous Duke Pendleton and d.u.c.h.ess Rivelias cousin.

But Marquis Alpendle has only 4 daughters. And considering his age, hes unlikely to have any more kids. Unless theyre going to repeat this again, theyll look for a permanent solution.

That would make Count Hidington the most likely candidate. Hes young, and although he hasnt graduated from Campus, hes administered a fief of his own under Count Hidingtons guidance.

But you cant ignore education and connections. Count Colpen is a College graduate, you know.

Ivel watched the crowd discuss among themselves on who to bet. Ivel couldnt help but think that had they applied themselves to the studies with the same enthusiasm, they could have enrolled themselves in Campus or even College.

Wow. So this is New Port City.

Ivel crossed the Sky Bridge connecting the two port cities, thoroughly impressed by what he was seeing. It was hard for him to take his eyes off the clean streets and fabulous buildings.

Do you need a ride?

Ah, sorry. Id like to walk.

Dont be, just give us a call if you need us.

Ivel refused the overly eager but kind group with an awkward smile. The palanquins, put into service by the villain Isaac to fulfil his impossible mission, had become an attraction of its own in New Port City.

The palanquin service was free in the past, but charges had been implemented since then. But the palanquin could take you anywhere in New Port City, followed you everywhere until you left the city, and even acted as a guide, making them popular among tourists. Apparently, famous palanquin teams made ten thousand Giga every year; it wasnt as simple of a job as it first seemed.

Ivel walked slowly as he looked around, eventually reaching the City Plazathe location of New Port Citys landmark.

Wow

Ivels astonished voice escaped his mouth, and many other tourists joined him as they looked at the City Hall. The Golden Dragon. Although it was an official City Hall, it was an airs.h.i.+p that could take off into the skies at any moment. It was the symbol of New Port City and was always present in any of d.u.c.h.ess Wolfgangs official ceremonies.

Ivel entered the City Hall and quickly checked his clothes once more. He then touched his upper left chest, revealing the silver badge with a star and a separate miniaturised pen and paper, showing that he was a Campus graduate of administration.

Welcom

The woman on reception noticed Ivels Campus badge and went silent. Just as Ivel was about to speak, the woman handed Ivel a pen and piece of paper.

Fill the application as required.

Sorry? Um, Youve got the

Hey now. I dont know what gave you the idea to come so late, but interviews started already. Fill up the doc.u.ments quickly.

I mean, Im not okay.

The womans ferocity took him by surprise; he couldnt even state the reasons for his visit. He reluctantly took the application form.

Ivel looked at the form, double checking what hed writtenwhen she took the paper out of Ivels hand and pointed him to a door to his left.

Pa.s.s through there and go to the 2nd floor, and youll see the waiting room for the interviews. Just wait there. Go anywhere else and bears will come out to scold you, so dont even think of strolling off elsewhere.

Um, Ive been trying to say that Im not

Ivel, somewhat frustrated by how the woman was pus.h.i.+ng him about into her own way, tried raising his voice. But the woman looked up from her desk furiously and glared back.

Ah. Why are you so slow? You better be the one a.s.signed to me when you get hired. Ill fix that lazy a.s.s of yours. I get that youre proud of yourself as a Campus graduate, but youre not the only Campus graduate around here.

The woman tapped on her somewhat voluptuous upper chest, revealing a silver star of her own. Ivel quickly bowed and walked toward the path the woman pointed at.

I said youre late! Run!

Yes!

The woman scolded, and Ivel was now in a full sprint. The woman smirked.

Hes pretty cute.

A man, who had been watching it all unfold from afar, took out a Communicator and reported.

Scenario 3-7, job recruit and mentor relations.h.i.+p. Can possibly lead to future marriage. Requesting more info regarding the female receptionist working at New Port Citys City Hall.

Where is this. Who am I. Ivel pondered how things came to this as he looked at others in the waiting room with him.

Ivel had come here to meet someonenot because he wanted to work here.

Thank you! Ill do my best!

A man did a 90-degree bow as he exited the door and carefully closed it behind him. Those in the waiting room looked enviously at the man, who seemed to have gotten himself a job.

The other applicants glared at the man with almost murderous gleams in their eyes, while the man smiled victoriously as he walked away. Soon enough, an elderly lady walked out of the room. Other applicants immediately looked straight ahead like stiff dolls.

Hm. Mr. Reinhardt?

Yes! I am here!

A man, clearly from a military school, walked to the elderly lady boldly. He almost completely eclipsed her with his height and giant frame.

The elderly lady was practically treating Reinhardt like an eager puppy as she waved him into the room. She then addressed the other applicants in the room.

Mr. Ca.s.sidy? Youre next, so make your preparations.

Yes! I understand.

A man who looked like a hooligan responded stiffly at the ladys words. Then again, who could possibly speak back rudely at her? She was such a famous lady that even Ivel, who didnt even apply for the job, knew of.

She was one of the first members of the Isaac Cartel, a group of people that had worked under the villain Isaac in the past. She was Count Selia, financial minister of d.u.c.h.ess Wolfgang, wife of Count Cordnell, and a senior graduate of Campus. To the very young hubaes of Campus in the waiting, she was intimidating to say the least.