The Lord Demon King is Unfathomable!

Theresa, who was standing to the side, was also stunned and instinctively said.

"Your Highness... are you serious?"

She remembered this pocket watch.

It was a gift from the late king to Princess Erin, said to be crafted by dwarven artisans.

Its magical quality lay in how ordinary watches needed winding or were powered by Magic Power, whereas this pocket watch required neither winding nor replacing Demon Crystals; it would keep ticking as long as it was worn, reportedly being extremely valuable.

In Theresa's impression, Princess Erin always kept it on her, even placing it on the bedside table when she slept.

She never would have thought that the Princess would choose to sell it.

Seeing the shocked expression on Theresa's face, Erin gently smiled, making her tone as lighthearted as possible.

"...Compared to the losses suffered by the local residents in this disaster, the price I'm paying is negligible. Besides, even unrelated strangers are working hard for our people, so I also want to do my part. This winter is colder than usual, and I hope the money can help make up for the residents' losses—alleviate the suffering they face in the cold."

To be honest, she didn't feel so lighthearted inside as she appeared.

After all, it was the gift her deceased father had left for her, a precious keepsake and one of the most valuable items she owned.

Still, she believed that what she was doing was right.

Perhaps the money exchanged for this pocket watch could save countless families, keeping their loved ones from starving or wandering in the freezing wind like refugees outside the city gates.

If her father's spirit in the heavens were watching, she believed he would be proud of her decision today.

"Your Highness..."

Theresa gazed at her with emotion, took a deep breath, and earnestly said, "Serving a compassionate and generous Lord like you is the greatest honor of my life."

Helping the weak is a knight's virtue.

Even though she didn't agree with Erin selling her treasured keepsake, Theresa, raised with chivalric values, could not help but respect the act itself.

Looking at Theresa's solemn expression, Erin smiled faintly and said.

"We've known each other for so long; stop saying such mushy things!"

The guard standing quietly to the side hesitated for a moment before ultimately deciding not to speak.

He actually wanted to say that in places like Silver Pine Town, the local granaries were more like the Lord's property—even if they were burned, not many people would actually starve.

As long as not all were burned.

Yet reality was reality, and he couldn't bear to rain on the Princess's enthusiasm.

A benevolent Lord was certainly someone he longed for too.

In comparison, Edward, who colluded with merchants to push so-called reforms, felt more like a Demon sent by Hell to cause trouble.

He even harbored an unspoken thought that he shouldn't have—

If only the late king had entrusted not just the Light of Praise to Princess Erin.

...

"Come one, come all! Don't miss out as you pass by!"

"After this marketplace, you won't find this shop again! Don't hesitate, don't linger. Hesitation and lingering are as good as coming for nothing!"

"The Socduo Merchant Guild guarantees this! Everything you buy from us is absolutely worth the price—we only sell good things that the average person has never seen before!"

The marketplace in Thunder City.

The not-so-wide streets were packed with bustling crowds.

In the center of the throngs stood three wagons with their curtains drawn to the sides, displaying an array of dazzling wares like mobile shelves.

More than twenty burly guards stood nearby, keeping an eye out for pickpockets in the crowd and ensuring the wagons weren't overturned by the surging masses. Beside the wagons, a kindly-looking man stood at his stall, shouting loudly to promote his goods.

For the proud citizens of Thunder City, no novelty was ever truly surprising to them, yet the sing-song marketing pitch managed to draw a good deal of attention.

Curious onlookers gathered at the marketplace, hoping to catch a glimpse of the novel items the merchant spoke of with such bold claims.

This casual glance proved captivating; they couldn't tear their eyes away from the strange goods on display.

What a sight!

These really were things they had never seen before!

Though, who knew what they could actually be used for...

Seeing the street jammed shoulder to shoulder with people, Socduo's face gleamed with excitement, his palms even growing slightly sweaty.

Just as he expected.

Transporting those peculiar gadgets from Beifeng City to Thunder City had indeed drawn the attention of the local citizens!

Though the majority came simply out of curiosity to join the commotion, it didn't matter to him!

He had a plan for the next step!

Seeing the timing was just right, Socduo raised his brows meaningfully at a direction in the crowd and gave a signal.

Soon, a middle-aged man wearing a round felt hat and a monocle over his nose directed two servants to push through the crowd and approach Socduo's stall. Picking up a silver rectangular box about the size of half a palm in one hand, he curiously asked.

"What's this thing?"

Seeing the item in his hand, Socduo eagerly grinned and replied.

"Oh, this? It's a lighter! Sir, you've got a great eye for quality—spotting one of our most popular items right off the bat! Just press the button on top to light it; whether at home or while traveling, it's extremely convenient! If you buy it now, you can get a 10% discount!"