Chapter 5: An Alternative City Lord

Faced with the invitation, Barrett asked pretentiously, "Mr. Alexa, are you sure that the chief here is willing to see me, a man of unknown origin?" ”

"For talents like you, Lord Caldicott of 'Coconut City' has always been welcome. And Master Caldicott has never been forced to keep people, even if you don't add him to his command. Of course, it would be better if you could call the lord the lord, he doesn't seem to like the chief's ......," said Mr. Alexa, blinking playfully.

'Let's go and see, and have a good relationship with the local ruler, which should help me in my next actions.' Barrett smiled after a slight groan, "That's all for this molecule. If I don't go, it will be too bad for you, Mr. Alexa. ”

"That's good! Mr. Boreham, please come with me! Tonight you will definitely experience the enthusiasm of 'Coconut Lu City'. Mr. Alexa, who said this, made a gesture of please.

Guided by the attendants, Barrett walked towards the town hall in the distance. But as he walked, Barrett suddenly noticed that the scenery around him seemed to have changed drastically. It seems that just one step away, in the middle of the city, a rather elegant neighborhood has emerged. Even though there are no walls, the difference between the inside and outside makes it look like a city within a city.

Seeing this, Barrett also began to look at the nearby neighborhood with great interest. A small half of the buildings of this city within a city are occupied by various shrines. Although the city is not a theocratic city, the influence of religion in this place is still very strong.

In fact, this situation is quite common in the Pamirs. There are even some areas where politics and religion are integrated, and the temple is also the city lord's mansion, whether it is to deal with official affairs or religious affairs, it is in the same place. However, the religion of such a theocratic settlement will often be very different from what is common in the western continent - the tribes are mostly dedicated to the indigenous gods of the Pamirs: the 'Pamirs' of the desert and the Sun Lord 'Muan' and his allies.

Although in terms of the strength of the church and the shrine. The members of the 'Pamir lineage' are no match for the pan-continental churches on the western continent. But they formed a group land, and they were far stronger than those ordinary gods and mansion alliances. In addition, it is fighting in the Pamir region itself, although the original territory has been eroded by foreign gods for thousands of years, but it is still able to occupy the mainstream in the Pamir Desert.

It's just that the theocracy was completely suppressed back then, and the bishop appointed and dismissed the king. Gone are the days in the Pamirs. Only a few theocratic tribes and oases remain, and the rest of the region has long been semi-secularized. Even in a prosperous city like 'Coconut City', the original 'Pamir gods' have long been out of the mainstream of faith. However, in absolute numbers, the majority of the inhabitants of the Pamir Desert believe in the 'Pamir gods'.

Perhaps in order to be lower than the possible counterattack of the Pamir gods, in the central Barrett of the 'Coconut City', he saw the familiar temple of the 'Lord of Notaria', the temple of the 'Goddess of Wealth and Commerce', and the temple of the 'Sun God'. The Temple of the God of Magic and Knowledge and a series of other ecclesiastical buildings common in other parts of the continent. If it weren't for the fact that their architecture has been incorporating local characteristics, Barrett would have felt like he's back in one of the West Coast cities!

In addition to the temple and the town hall and its outbuildings, the other half of the block is occupied by a merchant house, a barracks, and a library that is relatively rare elsewhere in the Western Continent. In particular, the library, which was decorated with enamelled and gilded glass, inlaid metalwork, woodwork, and fabrics, attracted Barrett's attention.

Mr. Alexa, who was walking beside Barrett, immediately noticed his eyes: "Mr. Boreham, are you just interested in the 'Hamped' library?" ”

"That's right! Knowledge is the crystallization of human civilization and should be repaid at all times. I would also be extremely interested in them. Barrett nodded.

Mr. Alexa spoke with a little pride: "The Great Library of 'Hhanded' in the City of Coconut may not be the largest library in the Pamirs. But at least one of the largest libraries. Although most of the books in the library were facsimiles from various parts of the Western Continent, there were still some treasures obtained from private sources. However, the latter is not something that everyone can see. ”

Unless it's a new collection in the last 200 years, I can read most of the books in it, whether they are facsimiles or solitary books. Perhaps the biggest change is that the library's décor has become more and more lavish. I think it was much more modest back then! Looking at the library again, which had changed dramatically, Barrett comforted himself in passing.

After all, this time is different from the past, what was his identity at the beginning, and what is his identity now. 200 years ago, you could be the guest of honor of the lord of the castle and read all the books in the Great Library of 'Hamred'. And now Dingtian can get a reading card with ordinary permissions!

"If only there was time after the troubles at hand. I'll find a way to go in and have a look. Barrett glanced back, then immediately turned his gaze to City Hall.

It seems that the owners and managers of 'Coconut Lu City' have always been in the same line. Therefore, the city hall in front of you is actually the city lord's mansion. Bypassing the extravagant fountain in front of the door, Barrett saw the appliquéd openwork wall of the municipal annex. Through the gaps in the hollowed-out high walls. Outside, one can see the extremely elegant garden-like courtyard inside, and the sparkling tiles in the courtyard seem to be a small pond - no less luxurious than the landscape fountain outside the door.

After a brief wait at the door of the town hall, the guards who had completed the passage nodded to Mr. Alexa, motioning for the two to follow in their footsteps. Wander through the Pamir palace architecture. Barrett's first impression was of the tapered brick columns, the large arcades, and the brick-heavy arches, as well as the light brought in by the portholes on one side of the high dome. Then he turned his gaze to the cloister. What catches the eye is the red, blue and gold that create an open and lively interior.

This is because the overall area of 'Coconut Lu City' is limited. The 'palace' in front of me is naturally not that big. It's just less than 2 minutes away. Barrett entered a hall with ornate blankets on the floor. There were no chairs or anything like that in this hall, and the hosts who waited for them in the center sat on the floor.

"Dear Lord Caldecott, on behalf of the 'Camel Bell Caravan', I would like to express my deepest respect to you." Mr. Alexa, who had said this, immediately bent down.

And Barrett naturally saluted, not only to show respect for the Lord Caldecott in front of him. It also shows that Barrett does not have any intention of friction with the local regime. Under their rule, Barrett would act as a law-abiding traveler, and when he left, he would be a passer-by who would not take a cloud with him.

Although Barrett doesn't mind using illegal means when needed, he still needs to show his friendliness when they meet for the first time - this is the so-called façade, like diplomatic rhetoric, obviously hating the other person to death. But before the official start of the war, it is absolutely necessary to speak civilly and tactfully.

"Is this Alexa, the master of weapons you call a weapon?" The man with the wide forehead with the mustache in front of him looked at Barrett for a moment, "Boram, the surname Bolim has crossed paths with us a lot before. The last time the strong man from the Boreham family was only a young man, but his strength was enough to affect the balance of war. Then Boreham in front of you. Do you bring the hand of friendship as your ancestors. ”

Barrett's face was embarrassed when he heard this, "I'm sorry Lord Caldecott!" I think I'm too weak compared to that powerful ancestor, and my position in the family is so insignificant. Therefore, although you come with good intentions, you cannot extend the hand of friendship on behalf of your family. ”

"Oh! Very sensible young man. The master in front of him nodded with a smile, "So what is the purpose for you to come to 'Coconut City', considering our previous friendship with the Boram family, I will order someone to provide some simple help." ”

'Do you want to continue your relationship with the Boreham family?' However, the two are thousands of miles apart. Is this really necessary? Or ......' Despite all the speculations in his mind, Barrett still smiled with joy on his face: "Thank you very much Lord Caldecott for your kindness. In fact, one of the things that has been bothering me right now is that the first thing I did when I came here was to find the legendary dancer named Freya. But as it stands. The matter seems to have reached a dead end. I wonder if Mistress Caldecott can provide some information about him. ”

"The mysterious 'Freya'!" The city lord of Caldecott frowned as he said this, and at the same time his left hand subconsciously pressed on his lower back, as if it was still faintly sore.

Seeing the appearance of the city lord of Caldicott, and then contact the words of those members of the caravan of the 'Camel Bell Caravan' before. If Barrett didn't understand the hobby of the lady named Freya, he could have found a piece of tofu and 'crashed to death'. And in the Pamirs, a region where the idea of male superiority and inferiority has been deeply rooted, the 'Freya' has been able to survive until now. Her strength and skill are definitely not to be underestimated.

However, since he had guessed what might happen to the Caldicott City Lord in front of him, Barrett naturally wouldn't do anything boring at this time. Without saying a word, he waited here for the Lord of Caldecott to come back to his senses.

It's a pity that the Caldecott City Lord, who came back to his senses, was embarrassed. He shook his head, "If that's the case, I don't think we can help you much." If you want to see her sooner. Be the target of her hunt! But if I were you, I'd rather try my luck in the shadows. After all, for any man, it's a beautiful or tragic experience. In short, I can only say that I wish you luck. ”

Barrett, who heard this, was directly stunned, and even Mr. Alexa on the side was dumbfounded by the amazing words of the Caldecott City Lord. After all, the two of them never thought that such words would come out of the mouth of the person in front of them in a semi-public place. Then the city lord of Caldicott immediately realized the inappropriateness of his language, he squinted slightly and waved his hand: "It seems that the old wound from the war with the sand thieves has been sick again. ”

Barrett and Mr. Alexa, who knew that the other party had ordered the eviction, had no choice but to obediently follow the guards out of the meeting hall. After walking out of the town hall, Barrett said with a little embarrassment, "I'm so sorry! If it weren't for me, there wouldn't be anything like this. ”

"Don't worry! Don't you see that Lord Caldecott doesn't look angry in the slightest? Today's events will be forgotten by that adult in two days at most. After saying this, Mr. Alexa stretched out his hand and pointed to a rare wooden building close to this street: "Mr. Boreham, this is the first time you have come to 'Coconut City'!" Now that the contact with Lord Caldecott is over, let me take you to enjoy the unique atmosphere of this place! ”

Barrett, who couldn't find a reason to refuse for a while, had no choice but to nod: "Then follow your arrangement, Mr. Alexa!" ”

Then, led by Mr. Alexa, Barrett walked to the rare wooden building in the desert in front of him. When they reached the door, Mr. Alexa's attendant immediately tossed a gold coin to the man outside the door. Immediately afterwards, he was warmly welcomed by the other party.

Stepping inside, Barrett is presented with a completely exotic atmosphere. Deck chairs covered with ornate blankets are scattered throughout. In the recliner workshop, a copper hookah is placed, and a curtain made of tulle divides the space on the first floor into small pieces. In the faint curtains dancing in the wind and the faint smoke that filled the air, Barrett vaguely saw a dozen people lying in their chairs, their faces full of enjoyment as they swallowed the clouds and spitted out the fog.

At the same time, Barrett's nostrils were filled with a sweet smell of smoke and grass. Because of its peculiarity, the Pamir shisha is often referred to as 'fruit tobacco'. They are made from fresh tobacco leaves, dried fruit flesh and honey, and are accompanied by some traditional spice recipes to give a different kind of enjoyment. (To be continued)