NOVEL NEXT Chapter 265: The Neutral City, Halveron
About ten kilometers from the city of Gardian stands the equally magnificent city of Halveron.
The city stretches for several kilometers, though it is smaller than most cities. Even so, Halveron remains lively, its bustling trade routes crowded with merchants.
Just a kilometer to the south lies the coast and the open sea. Because of this, maritime activity here is as busy as in any other coastal city.
What sets Halveron apart is its ownership status. While most cities in the eastern region are controlled by noble families, Halveron stands as a neutral city.
This neutrality makes it a place where laws are upheld and disputes across the eastern region are settled. Whatever the case, the trial will be held in Halveron.
At the moment, the city gates stand wide open. Twenty guards wait in formation, as if expecting someone.
The people nearby look on in surprise.
"Is someone important coming?" A middle-aged woman asked curiously.
"I don't know," replied the man beside her. "But judging from their posture, it seems so. Either way, it's nothing unusual."
Many people of high status often come to this city to settle disputes or similar matters. The townsfolk are used to it and hardly feel excited anymore.
Clip-clop, clip-clop...
The sound of hooves suddenly echoed outside the gates. Moments later, a carriage rolled into the city, followed by another behind it, with dozens of cavalry escorting them.
Everyone quickly stepped aside to make way for the carriages. Yet their eyes were immediately drawn to the flags fluttering on the right side.
In an instant, their expressions stiffened. Those flags belonged to the Austin and Valmire families!
"The Austin family? Damn! Is Duke Austin inside?" One man exclaimed in shock.
The Austin family still held the highest prestige in the eastern region. They were, after all, its leaders, ranked just one level below the Emperor himself.
"Behind the Austin carriage is the Valmire family's. Could it be that the two families came to settle a dispute? Or is there another reason?" Someone muttered in confusion.
The Valmire family was no ordinary household either. They were one of the giants of the eastern region, with a status only slightly below that of the Austins.
"That doesn't seem likely. As far as I know, there's no conflict between them. The latest news is just a case being widely talked about. Rumor has it the eastern region's power structure is about to change. Could this be related?"
At that remark, murmurs spread, and faces grew tense. Everyone had heard the rumors. It was said the palace and the Austin family were hiding something.
Many believed the order of the eastern region would soon shift, and some even claimed it was tied to one of the Marquis families.
In the east, there were three Marquis households—the Castellan family, the Valmire family, and the Grimvel family.
Among the three, many believed the matter was tied to the Castellan family. After all, the recent clash between the Valmire and Castellan families could hardly be hidden.
And ever since that battle ended, no word had come from the Castellan side.
While the crowd was still caught up in discussion, another group of carriages rolled into view. Their luxury was no less than that of the Austin or Valmire families.
Once again, the crowd was stunned by the sight of the flags fluttering above the carriages.
"The Imperial Palace? The Red Obsidian Trading House? And the Count Tovtar family?" A middle-aged man cried, his face turning pale. "What... what is happening? Could the rumors be true—that the order of the eastern region is about to change?"
No one answered. Everyone was equally shaken. One thing was certain, though—the city of Halveron would not know peace anytime soon.
***
At the heart of Halveron stood the courthouse, a massive and imposing structure. Its grounds were even larger than those of most noble mansions in the eastern region.
Guards patrolled on all sides, armed with spears and swords. With such heavy security, anyone planning trouble here would think twice—if not a hundred times.
At that moment, the carriages of the Valmire and Austin families arrived. The stationed guards hurried forward to greet them with deep respect.
As the carriages passed through the gate, the soldiers stood tall. Yet behind their raised heads lingered doubt—and glances heavy with meaning.
"Could the rumors be true?" one of them whispered.
"It's possible," his comrade replied flatly. "But that's not our concern. Don't pry further, or it won't end well for you."
The questioning soldier trembled and quickly nodded.
***
The Austin and Valmire carriages came to a halt before the courthouse. Aston and Alvaron stepped out, and five soldiers immediately moved to escort them from both sides.
"Welcome, Duke Austin and Marquis Valmire. Your arrival brings me great honor."
A voice rang out from ahead. Both men turned reflexively and saw a thin man with short brown hair.
He was tall and dressed in a fine brown robe—beautiful yet expensive. This man was none other than Frederin Thias, the mayor of Halveron.
Although Halveron was neutral, the city was still led by a mayor—elected directly by its own citizens.
Of course, this system had faced heavy opposition at first, especially from the noble families surrounding Halveron.
But Alvaron's firm decision to uphold the city's neutrality through an election system was absolute. Since then, Halveron has held mayoral elections every ten years without fail.
Frederin happened to be the city's second mayor, now in his third year of office.
Alvaron smiled and returned the greeting. "Thank you, Frederin. I'm glad to see you're still doing well after nearly three years of leading this city."
"Hahaha!" Frederin laughed as he stepped closer. "Is that a compliment, Duke? If so, I'm truly grateful."
The two shared a laugh before moving on to talk about many things. As the only city that held elections, Halveron naturally drew close attention from figures like Alvaron and Aston.
They wanted to observe how a region with its own democratic system would develop—and Frederin's report so far was excellent.
It was even believed that other neutral cities might one day follow Halveron's example and progress in the same way.
Just as the three of them were deep in conversation, a group of carriages suddenly arrived.
Their talk stopped at once, and all three turned their heads toward the approaching convoy.
"They're finally here," Alvaron whispered, narrowing his eyes.