Chapter 13 [The Town Of Ruid]

The town of Ruid was a bustling town. Although it was labeled a town, it rivaled cities in population and prosperity.

Located right beside the Great Forest Of Lumina, Ruid was an ideal location for adventurers and the likes and there was no lack of opportunities in the town.

With a history dating back to times even preceding the kingdom itself, Ruid held the distinction of being a Royal Town. As such, it wasn't under the territory of a noble or a lord but instead came directly under the royalty.

It was a town of high status and importance and it didn't have any lack of wealthy individuals hence the town had a separate area for them called the Noble District.

The Noble District was a symbol of luxury and grandeur. It was a neighborhood that was exclusively reserved for the town's most prosperous citizens.

The streets here were wide and clean and adorned with elegant lamp posts that cast a warm glow on the surroundings. Lush trees lined the pavements, adding a touch of greenery and serenity to the area.

The Noble District was known for its opulent estates that showcased the wealth and power of the individuals who resided there.

These estates were grand in scale and featured sprawling gardens, elaborate courtyards, and extravagant architecture that were designed to impress visitors and demonstrate the owner's wealth and status.

In the heart of the Noble District, there stood a particularly impressive estate that surpassed all others. It was none other than the Mayor's Mansion, a grand structure built over five centuries ago.

With exquisitely decorated walls and beautifully patterned marble floors, the mansion was akin to a miniature palace serving as a testament of the Mayors royal heritage.

The Mayor, a surprisingly young man in his late twenties, sat at the head of a spacious dining table in the opulent dining hall.

Seated around the table were four individuals, elegantly dressed and radiating an aura of significance.

"The construction of the Blessed Monument is going smoothly, it should completed within a fortnight," One of the men, in his middle-ages with stripes of grey hair, spoke in a respectful.

"That's good, however the Church Of Vallan has been awfully quite for the past few days, I would have thought they would be seething at the prosect of loosing followers to an unaffiliated Saint," Another spoke, running his hands through his long white beard before glancing sideways at the man who sat on the special guest seat.

They were Albert Dogus and Reihart Ovail, and they were two of the most prominent and influential figures in the town.

The special guest had neatly combed white hair, deep blue eyes and he was dressed in a white priestly suit with red and golden embroideries. It was Dane Robert.

"Well whatever they are scheming even the Church won't dare to openly go against the kingdom's interest," The young Mayor replied before looking towards Dane and continuing, "Not openly that is."

"Indeed. If that church is as much of a menac as you speak of than it's given that they won't let a random saint like me challenge their authority." Dane didn't seem too concerned, he was dignified and calm as if the matter being discussed didn't have anything to do with him.

Although the Kingdom Of Igthalia was quite powerful and Ruid being a royal town had the kingdom's backing, the Holy Church Of Vallan was an extremely powerful organization with it's influence spanning over dozens of kingdoms and empires.

"Aside from that, what became of my request Mayor Selliac?" Dane spoke, casually changing the subject.

"Ah of course, the first batch just arrived today," Mayor Selliac replied before gesturing to a butler who bowed and left.

After a short while, the butler came back with two maids carrying an exquisitely designed box each.

The boxes weren't big, one was about one and a half square foot while the other one was around 6 imches in diameter.

They placed the box on the large dining table near Dane before opening them to reveal a jet black black cloak and an intricate pendant with a red ruby in it's center.

The cloak was woven of high quality fabric and it's design was plain and simple, meanwhile the pendant was intricately crafted and it's metal body was engraver with very small runed. The red ruby in it's center glimmered with a red light.

"The Cloak Of Anonymity and the Blood Moon Blessing. The cloak blurs out the appearance and voice of the wearer and the pendant is imbued with a special skill called Blood Siphon which once activated drains and vitality of everything around the wearer and transfers it to the wearer," Mayor Selliac spoke with fervor.

After all these two were 4 star magical items, especially the pendant which was a very rare magical item since only the Twin Moon Cult knew how to produce them. Hence even if one had the money one might not necessarily be able to obtain it.

He had spent over ten thousand gold coins to obtain these two items through his connections in the black market but he had to give them up to Dane.

However compared to gaining favor of a saint, it was chump change.

After all Saints were a special class of holy magic users, aside from being able to cast at least 7th tier holy magic, Saints would also awaken special stigmas or skills called Miracles.

Even a giant organizations like the Holy Church Of Vallan only had just over a dozen saints that were spread throughout the continent.

Dane on the other hand was pleased with Selliac's resourcefulness, he felt that it was worthwhile to build a closer relationship with him.

"As expected of Mayor, you are swift with your actions. Don't hesitate to ask of me if you ever need help with anything," He spoke with a slight smile.

"Ah Your Holiness is too kind, it's all my pleasure!" Selliac was over the moon.

It was to be noted that not even the King had many Saint level individuals working for him.

The four then proceeded to talk about politics and the development of the town, "There has been a 60% increase in immigrants to the town since last month, I suggest we start expanding the peasant residential area, the increase in population after all is a good thing," The Reihart suggested while combing his beard with his fingers.

"I agree with Alfred, according to your future development plans, we will be needing a lot more workforce and the new immigrants can be put to good use," Alfred agreed.

"Hmmm, you are correct. I had already planned on expanding the town area, it seems like Lord Dane's arrival has only sped up the process." Selliac commented.

"How about a campaign to attract more immigrants and workers? You can use my status as a saint for that purpose, I don't think anyone would mind living in a town protected by a saint," Dane chimed in.

The more the town relied on him and needed him, the more influence and power he would hold over it.

"T-That would be insolent of us! But if Your Holiness insists, I do agree that people would flock in at the prospect of living in the same town as a holy saint such as yourself," Selliac spoke pretentiously, his eyes glinting with light.

His family had always been looked down by most members of the main royal family despite both being descendants of the first king of the kingdom of igthalia, the Valus family had lost their original prominence and were treated as just servants or the main family.

His parents had always taught him to be humble and to accept his duty as a mayor of a town but Selliac was too ambitious to settle for that. He intended to rise above a mere mayor to reclaim his royal status and he intended to start by upgrading the status of Ruid from a town to a proper City.

He had been constantly working to bring in more people and to expand the town slowly.

Lady luck had been smiling upon him recently and now even an unaffiliated Saint had appeared to help him.

Dane was about to continue to make suggestions when suddenly he felt a ripple in his soul.

"Ah it seems like something urgent has come up, I shall take my leave then and I hope you gentlemen a fine evening," He spoke and stood up.

Selliac and the others respectfully bade him farewell before returning to their talk.

Dane swiftly left the mansion and walked along the wide streets till he reached another splendid manor, albeit a bit smaller than the Mayor's.

"Welcome back lord," A manservant greeted Dane as he walked into the spacious hall.

"Where is Eliza?" Dane asked without stopping.

"She must be helping the other maids prepare the food my Lord, would you like me to call her?" The servant replied as he tailed Dane.

"Yes, have her come to the main bedroom," Dane replied as he started to climb the stairs to the second floor.

The servant aptly bowed and went the other way.

Dane continued to walk after reaching the second floor, he went past the rows of doors and exquisite decor before coming to a stop In front of a particular room.

Dane pushed open the hard wood door and entered the dimly lit room.

The room appeared simple but graceful, with every single piece of furniture serving a purpose in creating a warm and cozy ambiance.

The room had two big windows that were covered with royal blue drapes and the room was filled with a sweet fragrance of medicinal incense.

On the large double bed in the center of the room, a young man dressed in comfortable cotton garments sat, his eyes were still a bit blank as if he was in a daze.

"Master, you have awakened!" Dane spoke with an emotional voice as he bowed towards the young man.

"D-Dane? Where am I?" The young man asked, feeling confused and lost.