There were only two people in the spacious meeting room but the current atmosphere was very suppressive.

  Mag watched Dominic calmly. The empire’s marshal had his head hanging down.

  “I know this is his intention. As the empire’s marshal, you cannot refuse this request.” Marshal broke the silence. He looked at Dominic and said, “But, Marshal, you are now the deputy commander of the allied forces and you have the responsibility of leading the allied forces to protect the Norland Continent. You’re no longer just a marshal for the Roth Empire.”


  Dominic looked up at Mag.

  “Before becoming a soldier, we first swore to become a knight. The people we should protect are the weak. This was what you told me when we first met back then.” Mag looked at Dominic. “Now, the various races are very sincere in sending out reinforcements to aid the Roth Empire, forming the allied forces to go northward. I am unable to accept it if you are still going to abide by your principles of putting the Roth Empire first.”


  “It’s quite an irony that I am unable to put into action the words that I’ve lectured you all with.” Dominic laughed at himself. After that, he had a serious expression as he stood up straight. “I will resign from my duties as the Roth Empire marshal and join this war as the deputy commander of the allied forces and do my very best.”


  Mag stood up too. He looked at Dominic and said, “Happy working together with you, Marshal.”


  ***

  Rodu, Romo Street.

  “Saipan Tavern…” A young lady dressed in a black lolita dress stood in front of the tavern door as she looked up at the signboard, then at the tightly shut door in disappointment.

  Three silver coins. After pulling through two days, Vicki finally came over to Romo Street with the paper.

  One would only know how costly the living expenses are if they are supporting the family. Vicki only understood this recently.

  There was no other choice. The people of Rodu did not know what Opera was, so they would not spend a few copper coins to watch an opera performance.

  Of course, one of the reasons was also that the opera house was too rundown.

  When she recruited the troupe members, she had huge ambitions and painted a beautiful picture for them.

  Now, they could barely feed themselves and were all hungry and skinny…


  There were five troupe members who left a letter behind this morning. They left without a word.

  They had gone to Maca Opera as they could have a full meal and sleep properly there. That was attractive enough.

  Right now, Pascal was using money to humiliate her and to attract the other troupe members. This had made Vicki decide to come here.

  When had she ever suffered such humiliation before…


  Compared to Pascal and that perverted young master, this uncle who could appreciate their performance was simply too amiable.

  If she had to make a choice, it would be this uncle.

  She could tell, judging from his attitude towards the two maidens, that he was not a bad person.

  However, the tavern was closed and there was even a sign hanging on the door that said that it would be temporarily closed.

  “Sigh…”


  Vicki sighed. She put her hand in her pocket and felt the few copper coins that she had leftover after buying breakfast for her troupe members. If she only had porridge, it could last her a few more days.

  However, if five had left today and another five leave tomorrow, within days, she would be all alone.

  All her hard work within the last year would go to waste.

  She would not be able to face those members who had gotten their dreams and hopes up because of her.

  “Hi, are you here for a drink?” A voice came from behind Vicki.

  Vicki turned and saw a beautiful lady who was around 15 to 16 years old.

  “I am here to look for the tavern uncle. It seems that he’s not around,” Vicki said disappointedly as she shook her head.

  “Are you Vicki?” Mala asked.

  Vicki’s eyes lit up. She sized Mala up and asked, “You know me? Have you watched our performances?”


  “Performances? I’ve not seen them.” Mala shook her head.

  “I see…” Vicki was a little hurt. “In that case, how do you know my name?”


  “It was Master. He told me that a young lady might be looking for him during these couple of days.” Mala said with a smile, “I saw you standing at the door for quite a while and it seemed to me that you had something to sort out, so I came over to ask.”


  “I see.” Vicki nodded. She did not expect that uncle to remember what had happened.

  “In that case, when is he coming back? I do have something important to talk about with him,” Vicki enquired.

  “He said he would be out for a few days but did not say when exactly he would be back.”


  Vicki was slightly disappointed upon hearing that. Her troupe members would probably all be gone in another couple of days time.

  “Thank you.” Vicki nodded to Mala and left.

  She had to go walk around the streets to see if there was any way to earn money. Perhaps she could sell a few things she brought from home.

  But she had already sold those things that could be sold and that which were left were what could not be sold.

  Aye…


  Money is a problem!

  “Hold on!”


  Mala called out to Vicki.

  “Huh?” Vicki looked at Mala curiously.

  “My Master told me to pass something to you before he left and even told me to bring you somewhere,” Mala said.

  “What’s it?” Vicki’s expectations grew.

  “I’m not sure either. Hang on for a while.” Mala ran back to Titan Tavern and in no time at all, she brought out a paper bag and handed it over to Vicki.

  Vicki recieved the rather heavy paper bag and looked at Mala. She opened the bag immediately.

  There was a black money pouch inside, a bunch of keys, and a letter.

  Vicki opened the money bag. There were 50 glittering silver coins shining brightly at her.

  After that, she picked up the bunch of keys and was a little confused.

  “Let’s go. I’ll bring you to a place,” Mala said as she walked off.

  Vicki quickly put away the things and followed behind her.

  Very quickly, Mala stopped in front of a house.

  This was a two-storey house that was almost as twice as large as the houses beside it. It was also slightly taller, being a two-storey house that was almost as tall as a three-storey house.

  The signboard was removed and the old-looking door was covered with dust. It must have been vacant for a very long time.

  “This is?” Vicki looked at Mala with confusion.

  “Master did not tell me anything.” Mala shrugged. She looked at the keys in her hand and said, “But you can try to see if it opens up.”


  Vicki went up, picked up the dusty lock and inserted the key. She turned the key gently.

  “Click.”


  The lock sprung open.

  Mala reached out and pushed the door open. Light shone into the place.

  A spacious hall appeared in front of her and there were dusty benches stacked in the corner.

  But Mala’s eyes were fixed on the stage in the hall.

  Rays of light shone in from the windows onto the stage. The dust danced in the light, but that light shone a brilliance onto her dreams.