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nChapter 442: The Parliament, the Price, and the People’s Hearts (3)

nTranslator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation

nThe only variable was how much that army would demand. If they were to ask for an exorbitant sum, we wouldn’t be able to afford it.

nAs the sun gradually set and a full moon rose into the sky, many people found it hard to sleep.

nStarshine City was a tiered city built around the central mountain. The higher up the residential houses and estates were located, the wealthier and more powerful the inhabitants.

nThe Thirteen Council Families, as the rulers of the Starshine Islands, naturally had their estates in high-altitude positions. They occupied the only few flat lands on the mountainside, boasting elegant surroundings and beautiful scenery. From their vantage point, they could overlook the lower Starshine City and the distant sea.

nHere, the Council Families had established independent facilities to ensure that their descendants could enjoy a life of luxury from birth.

nIn contrast, the crowded lower valleys were home to a multitude of impoverished residents. They huddled in tin-roofed shanties, wrapped in thin blankets stuffed with cotton to fend off the chilling sea breeze, enduring the gnawing sensation of empty stomachs.

nSince the news of the impending Sea Beast Tide had spread across the islands, the residents had become increasingly restless. Especially when there were rumors that the noble councilmen planned to escape with their wealth, the anxiety grew.

nThe nobles should be using their resources to defend against the Sea Beast Tide, shouldn’t they? Why would they want to leave?

nWhen some bold residents approached the city hall to inquire, they were brutally beaten by the fierce guards stationed there.

nThis seemed to confirm the truth of the rumors, and it sent all the residents into a state of panic. While the nobles could afford to leave on grand ships, safely accompanied by their servants, the common people had no means to cross the vast sea in those small boats.

nJust as the residents were overwhelmed with fear, another rumor surfaced.

nA powerful army from a distant continent had arrived on the Starshine Islands, and their strength was sufficient to withstand the terrifying Sea Beasts.

nAll it would take for the noble councilmen to call upon them for help was a small price to pay.

nBut the nobles, even in their desire to escape, were unwilling to part with even that small sum.

n“Why are they doing this? A mere trickle of gold from their fingers could save us. Why won’t they do it?”

n“They’re already so wealthy. Why are they so heartless…”

n“Are you out of your mind? If the guards hear you saying these things, they’ll beat you to death!”

nThese rumors and whispers circulated in the streets, eventually reaching the ears of the council members, infuriating them.

nHow could this be considered a small price!?

nThis was a tenth of their wealth, an amount you commoners couldn’t earn in ten thousand years!

nThey immediately dispatched soldiers to arrest those who spoke these words, throwing them into dungeons, but they couldn’t stop the spread of the rumors.

nAt the same time, the fleet of the Starshine Islands finally spotted the oncoming Sea Beast Tide from the south and received orders from the council to engage.

nHowever, the ferocity of the Sea Beast Tide far exceeded their expectations. Countless sea beasts, braving artillery fire, charged relentlessly. In just a brief encounter, they caught up with the warships, devouring all the crew members and leaving only a dozen or so battered vessels adrift on the surface of the sea.

nThis turn of events left the council members in a state of utter panic. They had never imagined that a mere dozen powerful warships couldn’t even slow down the advance of the sea beasts.

nAt the same time, word of the fleet’s loss quickly circulated among the people of Starshine City, intensifying discussions about the mysterious but powerful army’s role.

nDespite the council members’ efforts to calm the situation, their attempts were in vain.

nYou can’t defeat them.. Do you realize that you lack the capability?

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