The story continues in the castle of the ghouls, where King Thulgrim speaks with his general Duskfang. Duskfang reports, "We have all the details on Daekrahm City, and that white-haired Ralf has assured us that the Renolva army won’t interfere."

King Thulgrim smiles, sensing victory. He confidently states, "A surprise attack with a large force will overwhelm their defences. Victory is already ours."

Duskfang bows and asks, "My king, when do you think is the best time to order the attack?"

Thulgrim responds with a confident smirk, "Let's wait until the festival. We'll mobilize all our forces, so they feel secure and lower their defenses. Keep some scouts to report anything crucial."

After bowing, Duskfang leaves the throne chamber. As he exits through the main entrance, he encounters Grimscar, who greets him, "Duskfang, you've returned from your mission. Welcome back."

Duskfang nods respectfully and replies with a stern expression, "Thank you, my lord."

Grimscar inquires, "How is the mission progressing? Is everything going according to plan?"

Duskfang affirms, "Yes, my lord. Daekrahm City won't be too difficult to overcome."

Then Duskfang raised his head and gazed at Grimscar, his usual demeanour tinged with either sadness or perhaps anger. He spoke, "My lord, your eyes convey a tale of determination, but I sense a lack of your usual fervour. Are you not thrilled at the prospect of reclaiming our joyful lives?"

Grimscar nods and confides, "I aspire to be a leader and king my people need and respect. You know me better than anyone - I don't shy away from battles or wars. It's Ralf's intentions that concern me."

Duskfang inquires, "So, are his words deceptive? Or are his motivations false?"

Grimscar gazes towards the castle with a grave expression, "We will find out. The snake cannot hide forever. And if circumstances change, remember our motto: improvise, adapt, and overcome."

Duskfang responds with a bow, "It's our code, the path we've forged through the years."

The scene shifts to Yory and Joe arriving in Daekrahm City, a sprawling metropolis surrounded by two walls. The outer ring accommodated the less privileged, including the poor, commoners, middle-class merchants, and ordinary officers. The inner ring, at the city's core, was reserved for high-ranking officers, nobility, and the city's lord.

The upcoming festival would split the city into two sections: the southern part facing the borders and the northern part overlooking Hetry City and two large regions.

Daekrahm City's festival is one of the only two events that allow middle-class merchants to enter the noble ring and participate in the festivities. While there's also a festival in the second ring, merchants often compete to secure a spot in the noble ring for greater profits.

This year, Yory didn't face much competition in reserving a spot for his cart due to the recent ghoul attack that had scared off many merchants. Some of the rescued traders decided to move elsewhere, fearing the ghouls and their mysterious intentions.

Yory and Joe entered Daekrahm City through the eastern gate. Joe smiled as he took in the houses, the bustling market, the well-constructed castle, and the children playing in the streets.

"This city is quite lively. I’m already growing fond of it," Yory said, taking in the vibrant surroundings.

Joe nodded in agreement, and they made their way to a nearby inn to rent two rooms.

The following morning, Yory rose before the sun to secure a suitable spot for his cart in the market.

Approaching his cart, Yory found Boris already awake. Yory grinned and said, "My friend, let's find a good spot in the market to kick off the festival."

Boris let out a loud neigh and began guiding the cart toward the market. Along the way, they encountered a man heading towards the northern gate of the city, accompanied by four young boys and two slightly older girls.

The man caught Yory’s attention with his long white hair, small beard, timeworn appearance, and sturdy build. He carried a tall, broad wooden staff reminiscent of the monks in the mountains. His gaze alternated between the ground and the children, ensuring their safety.

Yory halted the cart and greeted, "It's still early, but good morning to you, kind sir."

The man turned to Yory with a warm smile, replying, "Good morning to you too, merchant."

Yory smiled and remarked, "You know, we people have a tendency to poke our noses into others' affairs and ask rather direct questions. But Isn’t it a bit early to be leaving the city?"

The man's smile remained, and he shared, "I'm not bothered by your question. In fact, I'm heartened to see goodness in people's hearts. As for your inquiry, there are many impoverished children in this city. I take them in, raise them, and when they're grown, they can choose to stay or leave. I welcome anyone. I'm taking these kids to Hetry City, where I have a large home and many other children. Then, I'll return to this city with a cart to collect the remaining children. Some are unwell, while others have families. I need to find suitable places for them to live."

Touched by the man's compassion, Yory said, "We are fortunate as long as people like you exist."

The man introduced himself, saying, "My name is Rod. It's a pleasure to meet you."

Yory responded, "I'm Yory, a simple merchant."

Yory then noticed one of the girls eyeing an apple with delight, but she quickly hid behind Rod.

Yory reached into his cart and pulled out a bag containing ten apples. He looked at the girl and said, "Don't worry, little one. You can have it."

The girl approached slowly, her gaze fixed on the ground, and she timidly took the bag before returning to Rod.

Rod, with a big smile, asked "How much th..."

But Yory waved his hand, declining payment, and said with a warm smile, "I've always loved helping those of my own kin."

Rod smiled and nodded, and they both continued on their journey. The kids and Rod waved from a distance, and Yory reciprocated while his cart kept moving.

Arriving at the market, Yory was surprised to see that many merchants had already claimed spots for their carts. He chose a good location for his own cart and began preparing for the festival, which was set to begin in the morning.

After four hours, morning arrived, and Daekrahm was even livelier than when Yory first laid eyes on it. He started calling out, "Come on, good folks! Stop by my cart and let’s talk prices!"

The other merchants were determined not to lose customers to Yory, so they shouted with impressive lines to attract attention. One declared, "This fur is fresh, the price is within your means!"

A female merchant called out, "You there! You look like an adventurer. I have fine potions for just a few gold coins!"

A young merchant, holding a stylish blue coat, shouted, "My lovely lady, this coat will not only keep you warm but also make a fashion statement!"

Later, Yory noticed a young girl eyeing the food and sweets that children love. She had short brown hair and appeared very young, perhaps only three years old. Her worn clothes hinted at her poor status. Nonetheless, she was smiling and continued walking, clearly unable to afford the treats.

Stolen story; please report.

After serving a customer, Yory approached the girl. She smiled and gave a small nod in response. Yory returned the warm smile and offered her a large apple generously coated in honey, one of the treats she had been eyeing.

The girl smiled once more and indicated herself, asking if the apple was indeed for her. Yory assured her, "Of course, it's for you."

With a bright smile, she took the apple and began walking slowly, as she was very young.

Yory watched her and commented, "There are needy people everywhere. I don't have to help everyone, but bringing some joy to a child is never a bad thing."

Returning to his cart, Yory noticed the same little girl sharing the apple with other poor children. She beamed with happiness, and the other children embraced her tightly.

Yory couldn't help but smile and called out, "You kids!"

The kids and the little girl looked at Yory as he said, "Come here, let's enjoy some sweet apples."

The children smiled and approached Yory. The little girl bowed to him, but Yory laughed and said, "No need for that. Six sweet apples, please."

The elderly merchant handed them the apples and looked at Yory, saying, "No need, it's on me."

Yory nodded and replied, "Thank you, my fellow merchant."

The old merchant smiled and looked at the children, adding, "No, thank you."

The day passed quickly for Yory, who barely noticed time slipping by as the number of customers remained high. In fact, more people joined as night fell.

After about half an hour, Joe arrived and saw Yory taking a break. He commented, "Long day, mate."

Yory smiled and agreed, "Indeed. But why are there so many people? I know it's a big city, but it's nighttime and more customers are coming to the market."

Joe observed the bustling crowd and explained, "That's the magic of Daekrahm City. The festival doesn't stop at night, it continues until it's over."

Surprised by this information, Yory said, "So, I can't move the cart to the inn."

Joe reassured him, "Another merchant will take your spot. Sleep here, and I'll cancel your room at the inn. We're not paying for an empty room."

Joe handed him a small bag and said, "I brought this for you. I cooked it myself."

When Yory opened the bag, he found a well-cooked, sizable piece of meat along with a plate of salad and hot potatoes.

Yory smiled, and Joe said, "Have a good night."

Yory replied, "Thank you. See you in the morning."

Joe nodded and headed back to the inn. Yory spread out some carpets to create a makeshift bed and settled in. Despite the noise from the merchants' calls, people's chatter, and children playing, Yory felt surprisingly at ease.

The next morning, Joe took Yory’s place because Yory had other plans. He left the market and headed towards the prison, his scarf giving off the scent of various spices. At the gate, a guard stopped him and said firmly, "You can’t enter without permission."

Yory looked at him and stated, "Go tell Falkor that his ally has arrived."

The guard nodded and went inside. The other guard examined Yory and asked, "So, you're the one who assisted Falkor with the ghouls, right?"

Yory met his gaze with a serious expression and replied, "I helped based on orders from a third party. I don't have a habit of risking my life for acts of goodwill."

The soldier smiled and said, "Even though it wasn’t your intention, you helped some nuns. Thanks to you, my sister is alive. Thank you, merchant."

Yory nodded, and the returning guard reported, "Falkor is waiting. You may enter, sir."

Yory entered the prison, accompanied by another guard. They passed by the prisoners' rooms, many of them appearing pale and weakened from the meagre rations. They proceeded to the second floor, where dangerous criminals awaited their execution.

Yory observed some reading books, others playing in hushed tones, and a few engaged in conversation.

He thought to himself, "They don't seem as menacing. It's oddly calm compared to the wretched prison in my own kingdom."

Upon arrival, Yory made sure to mask his scent and cover his face with a scarf before entering the interrogation room.

Inside, he found Falkor, who gave him a nod of acknowledgement. Also present were Christana and Eyva, two soldiers, and of course, the ghoul leader, bound to a wooden chair.

Yory noted that the ghoul didn't bear any new wounds aside from those sustained in the previous battle. He appeared to be in decent condition.

Falkor stated, "We held off on the interrogation per our agreement."

Yory nodded, questioning, "But what took you so long? I didn't see your entry into the city, and you were delayed to the point where I feared the ghouls had ambushed you on the way."

Falkor explained, "We waited for the festival to begin so we could enter without drawing attention. Arriving with a heavily guarded cart through the city gates would have raised suspicions, possibly linking us to the bandit attack."

Yory inquired further, "And his companions?"

Christana responded, "The knights took them to Brilfax City."

Yory nodded and pressed, "You can't keep the truth hidden, Falkor. This morning, two patrons were talking about rumours that the bandits were soldier ghouls in disguise, and it seems they weren't entirely mistaken."

Eyva chimed in, asking, "So, why are the ghouls attacking? I've heard the history of the ghouls and Daekrahm city from dwarfs I used to share a drink with back when I was an adventurer. I've also gathered more information from Falkor, but that still doesn't answer all the questions."

The knight gestured toward the ghoul leader, asserting, "That's why this asshole is here."

Falkor turned his gaze to the ghoul and urged, "Speak. We'd rather not turn this room into a bloodbath."

The ghoul remained silent, fixated on Yory. Yory couldn't help but add a touch of levity, asking, "You're a fan of the scarf, aren't you?"

The ghoul retorted, "I can't smell you. You do have some knowledge about us, but I won't talk. You humans speak as if we were some kind of monsters, yet you commit acts far more brutal and ugly."

Falkor sighed and spoke with a furious expression, "You attacked us! You attacked innocent people! You took my love from me!"

The ghoul met Falkor's gaze and remarked, "Sad news, but let me give you urgent news. No one cares about your love."

Seeing Falkor's rising anger, one of the knights placed a hand on his chest, attempting to calm him, and said in a measured tone, "Falkor, we need information, not bloodshed."

The ghoul turned to Christana and said, "You mourn your mother. I mourn too because my mother was killed by a vile woman who called herself a nun."

Christana was taken aback by this revelation and protested, "A nun killed your mother? You're mad! That can't be true, because we nuns dedicate ourselves to helping people, never causing harm."

The ghoul grinned and challenged, "Are you absolutely sure about that?"

Falkor then roared, drawing his sword, and declared, "You're testing my patience! Tell me why the ghoul soldiers invaded and attacked our lands. Speak or face your end!"

The ghoul began muttering unfamiliar words, eyes closed and face turned towards the ground.

Observing this, Falkor glanced at the knights, who were puzzled by the ghoul's behaviour. Eyva explained, "He's offering his final words—apologies, thanks, and wishes for his kind."

Falkor held his sword aloft for a moment before sheathing it. Christana felt disheartened that they hadn't gleaned any information from the ghoul.

The second knight asked Falkor, "Sir, should we resort to torture?"

Eyva shook her head, refusing, and said, "He won't talk. I've had ghoul friends who told me that when they sense the end is near, they perform this ritual. This ghoul is prepared to die rather than speak. Leave him be."

The knights nodded, and everyone left the room. As they exited the prison and made their way to the castle, Yory removed his scarf and took a seat in Falkor's new office. Christana and Eyva followed suit, occupying nearby chairs, while the two knights remained standing, awaiting further instructions from Falkor.

Yory initiated the conversation, "That didn't go as I'd hoped, but not everything was without merit."

Falkor inquired, "So, what's your next move?"

Yory nodded and stated, "I'll return to being a merchant; there's nothing for me here."

Just then, one of the knights interjected, "That wretched ghoul proved useless, Sir Falkor. With your permission, I can go and extract the information we need. He'll talk eventually."

Yory turned to the knight with a stern expression, which Christana noticed. Before Falkor could respond, Yory cut in, addressing the knight directly, "But he isn't entirely wrong about you."

The knight looked at Yory, bewildered, and stammered, "I apologize, sir. I didn't—"

Yory interrupted with a steely anger in his eyes, revealing a dark chapter from history, "Three hundred years ago, the nuns and temple soldiers killed, violated, and incinerated every demon, devil, and ghoul they encountered, as if they were chosen by some divine light or something."

Christana remained silent, while Eyva, with her own history among adventurers, knew of these events involving ghouls, elves, and various other races. The knight, growing furious, retorted, "With all due respect, you attacked first. Historical records confirm this. We didn't instigate it arbitrarily. Our proud history of noble nuns and valiant soldiers is our heritage."

Yory responded calmly but with fiery conviction, "Your records are as tainted as your supposed heroes. Let me ask you this: Were you alive during that time? Three hundred years ago, in that blood-soaked era?"

The knight fell silent, and Falkor turned to Yory, admitting, "No one in this room except you."

Yory continued, walking towards a table full of wine goblets, "Exactly. The nuns scorched us with their spells and holy water, while the soldiers butchered and violated everything. That ghoul in the prison isn't entirely mistaken. You sowed the seeds of vengeance."

The knight's face reddened with anger, and Falkor asked with a grave expression, "So, the nuns and temple soldiers spared no one? Not even children?"

The knight who had argued with Yory exploded, shouting, "Sir Falkor! There's no way this man is speaking the truth! Our history is unblemished, and they initiated the conflict! Think about it. Why would we start a war? It makes no sense!"

Yory replied, "Because you viewed us as monsters. You humans may feign civility and high manners, but when you hold power, you'll extinguish anyone you deem different, even among your own kind."

The knight fell silent once more, unable to dispute Yory's words. He knew that what Yory said held truth; humans have always battled against what they don't comprehend or accept. This was the very root of the conflict between Renolva and Arguand kingdoms, driven by greed for the other's resources and gold.

Christana then inquired, "And what about the innocent people? What about my mother? Must the vulnerable always bear the brunt?"

Yory looked at her with a calm demeanour and a serious expression, as if he empathized with their plight, and stated, "I'm sorry, but your nuns were just another set of victims in this merciless world. Until we change our ways, there will always be those like your mother."