NOVEL NEXT Chapter 118: Coin for Shelter
As Leonard shifted his sight away from those people inside the buildings, Mirelle was on the verge of shattering them.
How could these people be so heartless!
Dangers were literally on the open streets, but instead of assisting them, they actually dared to deny them entry?
"Are these people even humans?" Mirelle gnashed her teeth.
Along the way to coming here, she had witnessed quite a few corpses, many of whom held unwilling and fearful expressions on their faces.
Their corpses may have been dried up, but their facial expressions were very vivid.
She had thought they were just late in their retreat and ended up getting caught. However, now that she had stumbled across such alarming information. She couldn't help but think about the "what if" situations.
"It's precisely because they're humans that they behave in such a manner," Leonard said with a melancholy tone.
"You can see these women you rescued are dressed in simple clothes. Their entire appearance screamed commoner. It wasn't worth the risk for them to open their buildings, which are reinforced with defensive formations."
Although some of the buildings had indeed collapsed from the intense fight, the majority of them were still intact. They were all protected with a defensive formation, but such a formation required the area to be enclosed to fully function.
Once the entrance door was opened, some of the magical residue would leak out, essentially lowering the potency of the defensive formation.
In other words, the people inside the buildings were unwilling to take the risk of opening the door for three commoners.
However, if they were of nobility or some wealthy folks, then the situation would overturn immediately.
The berserk slaves running loose in the city might have come as a surprise to many, but they were still people who had witnessed lots of things.
To summarize, they were certain that the incident would be resolved quickly. So if they were to rescue influential or wealthy folks during the crisis, a reward would be granted to them shortly after.
"When I was making my way here, I was greeted by about 6 or more buildings that invited me in for safety." Leonard laughed hysterically. During their invitation, he happened to witness a few commoners who were hiding in some dark corner trying to enter the building.
Unfortunately, they were all denied and ruthlessly kicked out.
From their words, they echoed that it was better for them to remain outside as bait for the berserk slaves so their building wouldn't be targeted.
While they used such a tone with them, what he received instead was a warm and gentle warning.
It was then that he became enlightened and was able to inform Mirelle why these three women were left outside to rot.
"I can't believe this!" Mirelle clenched her fist, her eyes shifting to the three women, who already had their heads kept low.
It appeared that they were frightened by Leonard's presence and dared not look up one bit.
After all, Leonard was dressed luxuriously, with a complete resemblance to a wealthy and influential person.
"What do we do with them then?" Mirelle asked. She refused to simply leave them behind. Once they leave, and some other berserk slaves stumble across them, then their fate would stay the same.
"I'll forcefully pry open one of the buildings and escort them there." She then suggested and was ready to make the move.
"No need for that!" Leonard suddenly said and approached one of the buildings.
A few seconds later, the person in charge of the buildings was left with no other choice. They had to open the door slightly and greet Leonard.
"Do you wish to seek shelter, Sir?" The person was an elderly man clad in a security-like uniform.
"Here's 6 silver coins." Leonard threw a small pouch over to him and coolly said, "2 silver coins per person for accommodation until the incident is over."
The elderly man received the small pouch and inspected it. Upon confirming that it was 6 silver coins, the elderly man subtly gazed at the three women.
"I understand, Sir." The elderly man accepted the money and opened the door a bit wider.
Seeing that, Leonard beckoned with his hand to the three women to enter the building.
One of the women had injured their legs while running, so they were limping. Despite this, they made sure to kneel and bow in respect to Leonard.
"Thank you, kind Sir." They said gratefully.
Leonard calmly nodded and waved his hand to urge them to hasten their movement. There was no need for the pleasantries exchange.
Once they entered the buildings and could no longer be seen, Leonard shifted his attention to the elderly man.
"The incident should be over soon, but I hope that the three women will receive proper recovery treatment." He calmly spoke and took a few steps forward to whisper in his ear. "If I were to find that they were mistreated or happened to meet some demise while this building remained intact. Then we will have a problem. Is that clear?"
The elderly man's lips twitched slightly, their body trembling as they hurriedly nodded.
"Please be reassured, Sir. I'll make sure their injuries are tended to and that they are given some food during the lockdown."
"Good, you may close the door and stay hidden."
Sometime later, the doors closed tightly, and the defensive formation was once again brimming in full force.
Looking at the tightly shut doors, Leonard shook his head and returned to Mirelle's side.
"Why did you even pay them to accommodate the women?" Mirelle hissed, clearly unwilling to accept such a concept.
"You've been through many wars, according to that slave. How are you still so naive?" Leonard raised an eyebrow.
"If we don't pay them, then they'll definitely be mistreated if you forcefully make them comply. Not to mention, paying is also a direct warning that I'm willing to go the extra mile to secure their safety."
The city of Velastra was built in trades. To them, it was only accurate and logical that even personal safety must be paid for.