Chapter 32: The Lavish and Corrupt Place, Simon Maple's Special Hospitality

Thanks to Asheena's fierce battle, she was now exhausted and curled up in the carriage, wrapped in a black robe, sleeping soundly. The dragon-breed wolf had been retracted, and Asheena was now only serving as a maid.

The humanoids were too conspicuous. In the Holy Griffin Empire, all humanoids seen were slaves. To avoid attracting attention, Field decisively ordered them to wear cloaks to conceal their identities.

Continuing west from Maple Leaf Fortress for a day, they reached Maple Leaf City, a beautiful city built along the mountains.

Even before entering Maple Leaf City, Field could feel the extravagance of the place. The city wall was only three meters high, covered with flowers and silk banners, and there were almost no guards on the wall. Instead, the mage towers and the adventurers' guild in the distance were particularly eye-catching.

There were caravans and travelers everywhere. Before even entering the city, vendors carrying bags were already selling drinks, tobacco, and snacks.

Maple Leaf City had little in the way of defenses, but it was a top-tier money-squandering den. 

The entire empire knew that Maple Leaf City was like a needy "lady"—whether you used sweet words (academically or magically), glittering gold coins (merchants or nobles), or direct attacks (military means), it didn't matter as there was hardly any defense.

The city was filled with brothels, gambling dens, and gourmet food and wine. The only unwelcome guests were those with empty pockets, as evidenced by the numerous beggars at the city gate. Many of these beggars were even impoverished landless nobles who had lost everything and been thrown out.

"It's so prosperous." Hammer, struggling with his limited vocabulary, managed to find an appropriate word.

"Indeed, but the future Nightfall Domain will be even more prosperous."

Field was full of confidence, having seen big cities in his previous life. To him, Maple Leaf City was at most a bold and unique tourist spot.

Presenting his identification and entry fee, Field easily entered the city.

"Hey! Sweethearts, the journey must have been tiring. Let big sister help you have a good time. Just ten silver coins, and I'm yours for the day."

Just as they entered the city, a flamboyant woman in a high-slit dress approached them. After speaking, she smiled coquettishly and pulled open her right neckline, generously displaying the unique high peaks of Highcastle Province.

"Holy shit!"

"Big, big, big!"

"Firm, firm, firm!"

Field's men had never seen such a scene. The sound of hard objects clanging against their waist armor filled the air as they stared, red-eyed, necks craned, shouting excitedly.

Even Field, despite living two lifetimes, had never encountered such a scene before.

This was at the city gate, after all!

Clearly, this woman was an excellent "software hardening" engineer, with solid professional skills.

Field felt a rush of heat, having heard of Maple Leaf City's depravity, but not expecting such a grand display right at the gate. No wonder it was a place favored by the God of Love.

"Ahem, no thanks." Field, after enjoying the view, waved his hand.

"Master, this place is teeming with devils! I'd rather face those disgusting corrupted creatures." Maid Jazz blushed deeply, her hands fidgeting awkwardly.

Asheena also emerged from the carriage, casting a disdainful look at Field. "Master, do you want to go have some fun first? We can wait for you to finish."

"Don't doubt me like that. I'm not that kind of person." Field patted Hammer on the shoulder. Hammer was already restless, drooling and looking around. Field joked, "Hammer, your name might be wrong. Should it be changed to Iron Rod?"

Hammer scratched his head in embarrassment. "Master, I want to spend a little. I want to polish my 'spear'."

"How much have you saved?"

In Nightfall Domain, slaves could have private property, a privilege granted by Field. But they could only save money, not spend it, as there was nowhere to spend it—Nightfall Domain didn't even have a tavern. The guards saved quickly, earning a silver coin for each corrupted corpse they killed. Outside the northern territories, this was a benefit worth fighting for.

"Forty-seven silver coins," Hammer proudly replied.

"Save it for now. This won't be our last trip to Maple Leaf City. Come back and enjoy yourself once you're free men." Field preferred to use goals to motivate them, ensuring they would work harder and generate more value rather than wasting it on software hardening. "Asheena, take the cavalry to buy some food, then rest at the inn outside. I need to visit the local noble."

Maple Leaf Manor was one of the few noble estates in the empire built in the bustling city center. Baron Maple Leaf, also known as Simon Maple, loved the noise and wasn't afraid of loud shouts or assassinations.

Handing over his card, Field waited at the manor gate for a while.

"Handsome Baron Field, I am a maid of Maple Leaf Manor, ordered to bring you into the estate. Your caravan should enter through the side gate." A flamboyant woman, almost dressed in a silk swimsuit, bowed deeply to Field, nearly revealing all her charms. "Only noble bloodlines can enter through the main gate, please understand."

Field rubbed his temples, taking deep breaths to calm himself. This Simon Maple really didn't shy away from showing his preferences.

"Please lead the way."

Entering the manor, the maid swayed her hips, leading Field through several twists and turns into a grandly decorated hall.

"Ahem." As soon as he entered, Field choked twice. The thick steam and smoke made him almost think he was back in the northern province, nearly making him pull out his fog-repelling lamp.

"Hee-hee, don't touch there!"

"Come chase me, catch me and you can hee-hee-hee."

Seven or eight women were laughing and playing in the hot spring pool, their white bodies gleaming. Field glanced once, and his blood pressure shot up. It wasn't that he had wicked thoughts, but he feared running into Baron Maple's wife, which would be disastrous. Field turned to leave, but a deep yet slightly comical voice called out, "Hey, Baron Field, no need to be shy. These are maids meant to entertain you, enjoy them as you wish."

Wow, this guy is something!

But Field remained unmoved. If he messed around with the maids and ended up with a child, Simon Maple could later have him assassinated. According to imperial law, the inheritance would go to the child of the maid.

Nightfall Domain and Field's property would then be "jointly ruled" by Maple Leaf Collar.

The maid who had led him there smiled mischievously, crouching down to undo Field's clothes.

Field awkwardly pulled away, straightening his robe, and said seriously, "Thank you for your hospitality, Baron Simon, but I'm here to visit you and discuss a business matter."

Of course, Field knew the name of the "Enchanting Dancer". He didn't want to be enchanted, squeezed dry of all value, and left destitute on the streets.

Even though the maids continued their seductive antics, Field, having seen the unparalleled beauty of The Chosen, was no longer interested in ordinary women.