บท 12: Nie Li's Disapproval

Two days after, the city was in an uproar. The soldiers went towards the south gate where monsters were arriving. The families stayed in their homes with door shut. Shen Yue stayed home as he was told by his family. He thought it was regrettable as he could have earned people's favor by fighting the monster beasts. He knows he will need it when his family fell from grace.

Explosions could be heard often and the fight went on for two days. The whole city was in a tense mood as the scale of the monster attack seems to be much larger than before. All available fighters had to contribute in the battle.

Scene Break

There were excitement and semi-celebrations on the streets as the soldiers returned home from battle to their families. The news on the street was that there were very few casualties because the City Lord was prepared for the attack. Also, the Alchemist Guild rigged grounds with fire poison and other novel explosive attacks to attack almost half of the beast hordes. There was news that it was that young genius who was critical in helping the Alchemist Guild setting up these unique traps.

That certain someone was obviously Nie Li. Because he had enough time to prepare, his contribution seemed greater than in the story and his reputation was higher than ever. There was no denial from the City Lord this time as it seems they intended to make it public. He almost regretted passing on the knowledge, but he knew he was critical in passing on the intelligence in advance. Alchemist Guild also received the goodwill of the public.

When he went to see Yang Xin, she was in a celebratory mood. She was satisfied at having the guild played a major role in battle. Her position in the city had risen a lot as she had to deal with the political matters on behalf of the guild.

Just as the town was in a jubilant mood, a rumor started spreading around that city lord had fatal injuries. Nobody knew where the rumor originated from, but most people dismissed it as hearsay since they saw city lord just fine after finishing the monsters.

Also, there was news that there will be a hero's banquet held in city lord's mansion in a week. Shen Yue guessed that the city lord must have plans to corner his family during the banquet as in the story and the rumor was for his family to drop guard.

At City Lord's Mansion

At the lord's office of the mansion, Ye Zhong sat behind a desk. In front of him stood his daughter, Ye Zi Yun and the troublesome youth, Nie Li.

"Lord father-in-law, there is no need for Zi Yun to go see that Shen Yue anymore. Now that we have a plan to strike on the day of the banquet, I don't think that guy can give us any useful information. Also, we cannot let out any leaks about our plan for the banquet to him. This is too important."

Nie Li said in a somwhat authoritative manner. Since he heard about Shen Yue being an informant for city lord, Nie Li had felt very agitated. This was not going according to timeline he was familiar with. He didn't think he did anything to cause a change in Shen Yue. He was a nobody in the last timeline who got killed in the monster attack, but the current Shen Yue seemed a little too special. When he learned Zi Yun had been meeting with Shen Yue to relay the information, he was infuriated but couldn't stop it because the information was very helpful. But now that they finally have the plan to defeat Sacred Family, that guy is no longer useful.

"Father, Shen Yue has given us very useful information both for the attack on mansion, monsters attack and about Ye Han's plan to assassinate you. Without his information, there would be a lot more casualties and even father might be endangered. He has sacrificed his family for the sake of Glory City again and again. Can we not show a little trust to him? Besides, he might have some new information that might be useful."

Zi Yun was extremely distressed and grieved that Nie Li would forbid her from meeting Shen Yue again. She had finally become useful to her father and he wanted to take that away from her. Also, she felt an injustice on behalf of Shen Yue.

Ye Zhong was feeling upset. He agreed with his daughter that Shen Yue had been very sincere and helpful to him. He hated the way Nie Li was talking to him as if he was giving an order. Even though the kid had contributed greatly to the city he still couldn't get used to his arrogance. But he still had to give him face because he knows Glory City would benefit greatly if Nie Li continued to help. Also, at least the fact that he might be jealous for his daughter meant he would love her well in future, right?.

"All right. I agree with both of you. Let's make a compromise. Zi Yun, you can go meet Shen Yue but this will be the last time. After the banquet, I don't think there will be any need to meet him. But you cannot talk about our plans for the day of the banquet."

"Yes, father. I will follow your instructions." Zi Yun relaxed a little. She was still not satisfied but knew couldn't say anything at the moment to change her father's mind.

"Hmph." Nie Li walked out of the room without any greetings in a dark mood.