Chapter-148

As Sin and Fatty ventured into the southern reaches of the Asmodeus Duchy, they found themselves immersed in an entirely different world. Unlike the opulence and grandeur often associated with the nobility, this part of the duchy was a stark contrast—a rural, humble landscape where the majority of the kingdom's less fortunate residents called home.

The Asmodeus Duchy, renowned as the richest state in the world, held an allure that drew people from far and wide. Its reputation for affluence and opportunity had attracted a steady stream of refugees and job seekers, all in search of a better life within its prosperous borders.

These newcomers, hailing from diverse backgrounds and regions, had converged upon this duchy with hopes of securing employment, improving their fortunes, and finding refuge from the hardships of their previous lives. Their presence had transformed the once-quiet rural areas into bustling hubs of industry and opportunity.

As Sin and Fatty made their entrance into one such village nestled in the southern expanse of the duchy, they were met with a palpable air of apprehension and vigilance. The villagers, hardworking and resilient individuals who had carved out their livelihoods amidst the rolling fields and modest cottages, cast wary glances toward the newcomers.

The reason for their wariness was evident. Sin and Fatty, bearing the unmistakable signs of noble birth, were a rare sight in these humble surroundings. The dichotomy between the two worlds—the opulence of the aristocracy and the simplicity of rural life—could not have been more pronounced.

In the eyes of the villagers, the arrival of two noble-born youths was cause for both curiosity and concern. It was an event that stirred a mixture of emotions—awe at the sight of individuals from a world they could only dream of and trepidation at the potential implications of their presence.

The villagers, who had toiled under the sun and tilled the soil to sustain their families, knew that interactions with the nobility often carried weighty consequences. Their lives were bound by the rhythms of agricultural labor and the simple pleasures of close-knit community living. The arrival of nobles, with their intricate networks of power and influence, held the potential to disrupt the tranquility they cherished.

As Sin and Fatty navigated the narrow lanes of the village, they encountered both inquisitive gazes and hurried whispers exchanged among the villagers. The duo's unfamiliarity with the rustic surroundings and the striking contrast of their noble attire against the backdrop of rural simplicity only intensified the villagers' curiosity.

However, despite the initial wariness, there was an underlying sense of hospitality and caution. The villagers were well aware that their duchy's reputation as the wealthiest in the world was not without its challenges and complexities. They understood that the nobility held sway over matters far beyond their understanding, and it was wise to approach such encounters with prudence.

As Sin and Fatty continued their journey through the village, their presence became a topic of conversation among the villagers. Stories and speculations about the noble-born visitors began to circulate, each narrative shaped by the individual perspectives and experiences of the villagers.

While some saw the arrival of Sin and Fatty as an opportunity for potential assistance or employment, others harbored concerns about the implications their presence might have for the tranquility of their lives. In the delicate dance of noble and commoner interactions, the villagers remained vigilant, ready to adapt to whatever changes might come their way.

As the sun cast its head over the village, Sin and Fatty pressed on with their mission, a quest that would take them deeper into the complexities of the kingdom and the lives of its diverse inhabitants. The encounter with the villagers had left an indelible mark on their journey, a reminder that the boundaries of nobility and commoner were not only defined by birth but also by the shared experiences and aspirations of the people who inhabited this enigmatic world.

Sin, ever mindful of the lessons learned from their previous encounter with Alex, turned to Fatty Jack with a solemn expression. The memory of their defeat at the hands of the enigmatic restaurant owner still lingered fresh in their minds, a reminder of the sheer power and skill that Alex possessed. The confrontation had been a stark demonstration of the immense gap that often existed between professionalism and recklessness, a lesson learned the hard way.

With a tone that carried a sense of urgency and caution, Sin cautioned Fatty Jack against repeating their past mistakes. "Jack," he said in a hushed but firm voice, "we cannot afford to be reckless like we were before. Alex could have easily ended us if he wished to." The gravity of their previous encounter was etched in Sin's words, a stark acknowledgment of the perilous position they had found themselves in.

Sin's warning carried a clear message—rash actions could lead to dire consequences. He emphasized that, in the face of danger, there was no room for impulsive behavior. To underscore the point, Sin made it unequivocally clear that if Fatty Jack were to act impulsively or recklessly, he would not hesitate to abandon their mission and retreat to the safety of his own home.

Fatty Jack, fully aware of the severity of their situation and the consequences of reckless actions, nodded in agreement. He understood the importance of restraint and discipline in their current endeavor. The memory of their encounter with Alex was a sobering reminder that the world they were navigating was fraught with dangers they had yet to fully comprehend.

With Fatty Jack now attuned to the need for caution, Sin took the initiative to seek information that could further their mission. He called out to a youth from the village, a local resident whose familiarity with the area might prove valuable.

Sin's inquiry was straightforward and direct. He asked the young villager if he was acquainted with someone by the name of Lobias. The name held a significant place in their quest, as Lobias was the individual who had reportedly crossed paths with the green-haired lady, Lita, setting their investigation into motion.

The young villager, his expression reflective of the weight of Sin's question, took a moment to consider. The villagers of this humble rural community often possessed a deep knowledge of their surroundings and the people who inhabited them. Their lives were intertwined with the ebb and flow of local affairs.

After a brief pause, the youth shook his head with a regretful denial. It was evident that the name Lobias did not resonate with him, nor did he possess any knowledge of the individual in question. The response was tinged with a sense of disappointment, as Sin and Fatty Jack had hoped to glean valuable insights from the local populace.

However, in the world of investigations and mysteries, setbacks and uncertainties were par for the course. The absence of information about Lobias did not deter them; instead, it fueled their determination to press on and uncover the truth.