With the successful conclusion of the drawing of lots, the individuals who would accompany Linde to Branica had been determined.
They were Star Spirit, Akame, Setsuna, and Meyn, the four of them.
However.
However, Linde did not set off immediately.
He had more important things to do.
"Miss Esdeath, are you done or not?"
"Hmph, it's because your strength is too weak."
"Damn it, I'm a Magic User, how can I compare physical strength with you?"
"That's why... you should train your body more diligently."
The sound of arguments constantly echoed through the palace.
For various reasons, Esdeath, Norn, and Najenda, who couldn't draw lots, came knocking on his door one after another.
Even later.
Those who didn't draw lots also appeared consecutively.
All wanted to seize the time to improve their level.
When it came to getting stronger.
The Retainers' thoughts were surprisingly similar.
During the time Linde was away, the bedroom's decor had long undergone a complete transformation, even expanding in size, and its capacity for guests sharply increased.
Freya and the Star Spirit personally took action, leaving countless Magic Circles with different effects.
Linde continuously used Rubber Body, Weight Manipulation, and Iron Body to guide the cultivation of his Retainers.
"Ah, this life..."
Linde was too lazy to move, leaning directly against the wall.
He had expended most of his energy in the Main World.
Now.
He was forced to work overtime.
Indeed.
Being the master of Retainers was sometimes too exhausting.
He sighed softly, looking at his attribute panel.
"experience 10"
"experience 30"
"experience 55"
Watching the constantly fluctuating experience points, this was his only comfort.
At this rate, he believed he would soon break through the bottleneck again.
Several days later.
Branica.
Linde and his group had already arrived here.
What met Linde's eyes was a city that fulfilled all his fantasies of Other World from his previous life.
Countless people wore strange clothes, with weapons at their waists.
There were also people with beast ears or other animalistic features constantly blending into the crowd.
"Good, this is what Other World should be like."
Linde looked at all of this, a smile appearing on his face, and began to walk.
Here.
Even with Akame, an demi-human, the five of them didn't attract any attention.
It was as if a drop of water had fallen into the ocean, causing no ripples.
"It's truly hard to imagine that there could be such a city in this world."
Akame looked at the demi-humans who were laughing and chatting, drinking and boasting with humans, a look of longing appearing on her face.
"Don't worry, once this world is completely ruled, every corner will be like this."
Linde gave Akame a head pat, speaking gently.
In this world.
Whether it was demi-humans and demons, or humans, they could even marry and have children with each other.
Essentially, they were all different races of humans.
With proper guidance, achieving all of this was not difficult.
The city before them was a vivid example.
Poke! Poke!
At this moment, Akame poked Linde's arm.
Linde turned his head and smiled, "What's wrong, Akame?"
"Meat, Akame wants to eat meat."
"Alright, you foodie, do you have a target?"
"Mhm."
Akame nodded, her eyes shining as she pointed to a tavern not far away.
"The meat from this place smells really good."
"Then let's go check it out."
As soon as Linde entered with his four Retainers, he felt a warm atmosphere.
The rich aroma of wine and meat wafted through the air.
"Welcome, honored guests."
A well-built demi-human girl quickly came forward, sizing up Linde and his group, then apologized:
"I'm really sorry, the large table for five is already occupied."
"I wonder, would you mind sharing a table?"
"Alright, bring me a serving of all your best dishes and drinks."
Linde didn't mind, and led by the demi-human girl, came to a table.
Their arrival immediately drew exclamations from nearby guests.
"Haha, young man, you're so lucky to have so many beautiful wives."
"Mhm, I think so too."
Having not interacted with strangers for a long time, Linde also found it interesting.
So he naturally started chatting with them.
Soon.
Linde's food and drinks were served.
After a few drinks.
These drinkers also opened up.
"Looking at you, young man, you must be from out of town, right?"
"I'm telling you, you've come to the right place, only our Branica can let you and your demi-human wife live peacefully."
Hearing these words, Akame wagged her tail happily while eating meat.
Akame liked what this person was saying.
"I heard that human nations are currently at war, and it's very unstable."
"And here, human blood is a very precious nutrient solution."
"We only need to regularly offer a certain amount of fresh blood each month, and the demons will be responsible for protecting our safety and property."
Meyn hesitated, "Doesn't that make us like domesticated poultry?"
"Haha, you could say that's not wrong."
The drinker sighed, "But this is unavoidable."
"Ten years ago, those bastards abandoned us; if it weren't for the Lord and the demons reaching an agreement, everyone here would probably be dead by now."
Akame and Meyn fell silent.
At this moment, they thought of the former Empire.
If merely donating some blood could lead to a stable life.
Such a life was far better than living under the rule of the Empire back then.
Just as Linde was about to speak, his gaze slightly narrowed.
Because the Demon Contract began to flicker.
He subconsciously turned his head, and a graceful figure already came into view.
It was a girl wearing a black cloak, with smooth black hair.
Her pointed ears and skin like white jade were particularly striking, even without seeing her figure.
In her crimson eyes, there was unconcealed worry.
Adding a touch of pity to her delicate face.
What a coincidence.
Linde stared at the other person, stunned.
He hadn't expected that even though the plot had almost been completely messed up by him, he could still encounter this Demon King candidate here.
"It seems this is fate's choice... mhm."
Linde stroked his chin, nodding secretly.
Star Spirit: "Stare—"
Such a look.
The master definitely had another target.
However... at this moment, she thought of herself.
Should she find an opportunity to offer herself?
Otherwise, the master's Retainers were growing more and more numerous.
Meanwhile.
Eve, who was being chased, did not notice Linde's gaze.
She took out a few copper coins and handed them to the demi-human girl: "These are for some food to replenish my strength, thank you."
"Alright, please come this way."
The demi-human girl nodded, leading her to a seat next to Linde.
Her arrival did not stop the drinkers' conversation; they continued to chat animatedly.
"By the way, do you know?"
"Recently, the Demon King has been offering a reward for the Black Wing Clan; the bounty is terrifying.
If it fell into my hands, I could drink and eat meat every day, eat a portion, throw away a portion, and still not spend it all in several lifetimes."
Hearing his words, Eve unconsciously clenched her fists.
If it weren't for her strength being almost exhausted.
Plus, she was short on money.
Now, all she wanted was to leave this place immediately.
After all, even with the cloak covering her.
The racial features of the Black Wing Clan were still too conspicuous.
"Miss, are you interested in getting to know each other?"