Chapter 14: Survivors
On the seventh day of the circus's arrival at the Piethek Citadel, the performances meant for the common folk had concluded. The pointed tents remained temporarily stationed at the Fountain Square.
The soldiers engaged in combat outside with bandits were to return to the citadel in different batches for rest.
Hence, all they had to do was wait for the messenger guards to arrive and announce the preparations for the next show.
In the early morning hours, as the rays of the sun blossomed from the horizon, casting a golden hue upon the sky and clouds, sunlight slipped through the cracks in the curtains, gently rousing the slumbering guests within the inn.
Xia Zuo stirred from the sweet embrace of his dreams.
His roommates, Pole Pie and Sneck, had risen early and ventured into the city.
They were probably just stepping out of some restaurant, praising the delicious breakfast, heading leisurely towards places of amusement.
Just like any unmarried men of their age, they would frolic in taverns until late into the night, playing dice, cards, engaging in arm wrestling for free drinks. Occasionally, they might find themselves with a beautiful lady, staying out overnight and returning the next day with dark circles under their eyes.
In this land, these were the sole forms of entertainment available.
"Knock, knock, knock."
The sound of a knock echoed.
Xia Zuo opened the door to find Audrey standing outside: "Good morning, big sister. Isn't it too early for class? I haven't had breakfast yet..."
His gaze and words gradually froze as he appraised Audrey's attire, remarking in admiration, "Big sister, you look stunning today."
Audrey had applied light makeup, softening the stern lines on her face, hair styled into a bun at the back of her head, adorned with a sparkling silver pendant at her neck.
The surging waves were wrapped in a pristine silk undergarment, revealing a deep cleavage, complemented by a 1.9-meter tall figure donning a slit skirt, displaying slender legs beneath the hem.
"Little one, accompany me to the tavern later. Go get changed into something more formal."
Audrey pushed the boy into the room, closing the door behind her.
Xia Zuo, wearing a perplexed expression, rummaged through his luggage for clean and decent clothing.
After each city performance, Audrey would take a stroll through the streets.
Xia Zuo followed, assisting her with carrying clothes and parcels, occasionally purchasing books and replacing garments for himself.
A few minutes later, Xia Zuo emerged from the washroom, donning a brown short robe adorned with thin ropes. "Is this attire suitable?"
"Mm, it's fine."
Audrey nodded with a smile, perching on the edge of the bed, raising one leg: "Little one, I was initially going alone. But I find you quite clever with a good memory. Maybe you can be of help, which is why I brought you along."
"What precisely is it?" Xia Zuo seated himself at the desk, grabbing some slices of bread to fill his stomach.
Audrey took a breath, her chest heaving gently, memories flashing in her eyes.
"During the years when I roamed for points within the Warrior Guild, I briefly joined the kingdom's army.
"A few days ago, among the officers returning to the citadel, there was an old comrade of mine. We agreed to meet and catch up at the tavern today.
"I was planning to inquire about the battles between the army and the bandits, preparing for the next round of performances."
Xia Zuo nibbled on the bread, once again surveying Audrey...
Her meticulously groomed appearance indicated that her former comrade held a significant position within the army.
"I'm done eating. Shall we depart now?"
Audrey took the boy's hand and led him outside.
"I'll introduce you to him as... my brother. Make sure to remember everything he says. It's a rare opportunity to understand the state of affairs in the battles."
...
Within the circus, there was a consensus: their new fire manipulator, Xia Zuo, wasn't fond of wasting time in leisurely places.
Indeed, that was the truth.
Xia Zuo had accompanied Sneck and others to taverns before.
There were various kinds of board games available there.
Winning might bring some money, but the experience gained was minimal, almost akin to preparing a dish.
Moreover, losing meant losing both money and experience, besides squandering time.
Gaining experience through leisurely means was evidently an unprofitable endeavor.
The tavern they arrived at today with Audrey was far more upscale than any Xia Zuo had visited before.
In the ground floor's hall, booths divided by wooden panels and curtains replaced the usual long benches and square tables in common taverns.
Customers engaged in low conversations amidst the melodious tunes of a harp.
The bartender behind the counter was neatly dressed, a bowtie adorning his collar, his groomed beard more refined than Xia Zuo's hairstyle.
Unconsciously, Xia Zuo tidied his hair with his hand, adjusted his short robe, then followed Audrey down the corridor into a private room.
A middle-aged man with a scar on his cheek sat upright at the dining table.
Upon seeing the radiant Audrey, he stood up with a smile to greet her, "Audrey, you're even more charming than before."
"Wilson, it's been a while. Your complexion is as good as ever."
Audrey extended her hand for a brief shake before turning to the boy beside her, "This is my brother, Xia Zuo. Wilson, this is my nephew, Xia Zuo."
"Hello, Uncle Wilson."
Xia Zuo presented a courteous smile, employing his reconnaissance ability.
[Character Name] Wilson
[Identity] Piethek Citadel military personnel
[Health] ??
[Strength] 7
[Agility] 9
[Endurance] 6
[Vitality] 3
[Perception] 6
[Willpower] 6
[Spirit] 2
[Charisma] 5
[Character Specialty]
[Effects of Breath Technique] ??
Wilson's attributes were similar to those of Audrey and Xia Zuo, both possessing high levels of strength and agility.
This was a common trait among those who practiced the breathing techniques.
Except for Fan Er Si, whose outstanding attribute was willpower.
"Hello, young one. Please, join us."
Wilson gestured for Audrey and Xia Zuo to take a seat, instructing the server to bring tea and snacks.
As comrades who had fought together before, they reminisced about their past military experiences before delving into their current situations.
From their conversation, it was evident:
Wilson had previously been the captain of a mobile unit, tasked with swift interventions, dispersing marauders, or hunting ferocious beasts.
Audrey had been his team member, the sole female within the ranks.
After several years, the two met again.
Audrey had become the ringmaster of a circus.
Wilson had risen through the military ranks, becoming the third-in-command at the Piethek Citadel's army—a scribe responsible for recording all matters within the military and offering counsel to commanders.
Audrey gently stroked Xia Zuo's hair, a somber expression on her face as she addressed Wilson, "Old friend, let me tell you the story of this boy..."
She spoke calmly, recounting Xia Zuo's ordeal of being abducted by rogue alchemists, only to be rescued by the circus troupe.
Wilson was engrossed in Audrey's words.
Upon learning that among the boys from the underground, only Xia Zuo had escaped and trekked through the forest for two days, Wilson regarded the boy with deep admiration.
"Courageous, Xia Zuo."
A rare smile crept onto Wilson's stern face.
"Thank you for your praise, Uncle Wilson. I've moved on from that sadness."
Xia Zuo replied with a polite, slight smile.
Standing up, Wilson crossed over the table and patted Xia Zuo's shoulder, a look of admiration in his eyes, "When you come of age, consider joining the military under me. We need fine young lads like you."
"Oh, no, Wilson. Xia Zuo is our fire-breather in the circus," Audrey interjected with a light chuckle.
Wilson's smile froze momentarily before he shook his head slightly, jesting in a regretful tone, "Little one, didn't know you had that talent. Audrey, you're quite lucky."
Audrey raised her teacup to hide her amused smirk.
"How have you been lately, old friend?"
"A complete mess."
A hint of helplessness flashed across Wilson's face. "Seems something's amiss in the wilds to the south of the kingdom. The marauders' behavior has drastically changed."
Audrey and Xia Zuo exchanged glances, both leaning in to listen.
Resting his arm on the table, fingers interlocked in contemplation, Wilson continued, "Audrey, remember how we used to eradicate marauders back then?"
"I'd pretend to be a washerwoman, you a laborer, and others disguised in fields. When the marauders arrived, we launched a surprise attack," Audrey replied with a smile.
"Those marauders of the past merely sought food or cattle, maybe some coin or clothes from the villages."
"The villagers either rallied to drive away these starving pests or simply surrendered to the bandits outnumbering them. Either way, the casualties in villages weren't as dire as they are now."
Wilson's tone grew graver:
"In recent months, it seems the marauders aren't after the resources in the villages. They attack, kill, loot, and then set everything ablaze."
"Every time the citadel receives an alert and dispatches troops, it's always a scene of utter devastation."
Xia Zuo furrowed his brow, a vague suspicion forming.
It seemed like there was an enemy force manipulating the marauders to harass the Piethek Citadel, attempting to divert the citadel's forces and weaken its strength.
The number of villages in the Rosack Province was exceedingly vast.
The circus caravan traveled along trade routes, encountering villages every twenty to thirty kilometers.
Maintaining a permanent military presence in all these scattered points was an immensely challenging task.
Usually, village defenses comprised a few stationed citadel soldiers and a group of militia armed with hoes and pitchforks.
The primary military force within the entirety of the Rosack Province concentrated within the various citadels.
Whenever banditry occurred, the village guards would ride to the nearest citadel to raise the alarm, prompting the citadel garrison to send troops to quell the bandits.
The relationship between the marauders and the villages resembled that of a sickle and the chives.
Only living villagers were useful; the dead couldn't produce food or other resources.
For the marauders, killing villagers, besides potentially landing them on the gallows, offered no benefits.
Audrey echoed the thought, "Were there no survivors in the villages the marauders destroyed?"
"None."
Wilson shook his head, "As you know, the army must clear ruins, dispose of bodies, and prevent plagues. We thoroughly searched the sites; no survivors were found."
"Uncle Wilson, I suppose I count as a survivor."
Xia Zuo sounded unsure, his tone wavering.