Peaceful Life System: I only need to live peacefully-Chapter 110: Inner City

Finally!

Riku wanted to leave immediately, but held back for some reason. Something told him that things might not go as smoothly. He had to take precautions.

He watched Lila and Elara chatting by the window, sharing a piece of fruit, their laughter filling the small, dusty room.

A profound sense of protectiveness washed over him, but it was coupled with a practical thought. This rundown inn, a place of shadows and secrets, had served its purpose. They deserved better. And more importantly, their expanding operation required a more suitable base.

Internally, however, a cold fear still gnawed at him. The laboratory, Malakor... I can’t let them anywhere near that. If something happened to them... I wouldn’t be able to control myself.

Just the thought was terrifying.

"Lila, Elara," he began, a warm smile on his face, "I’ve been thinking. We’ve been through a lot, and this inn, while cozy, isn’t exactly a place for long-term recovery. How about a change of scenery?"

Lila’s eyes lit up. "A change of scenery? Where are we going? A fancy new inn?"

"Even better," Riku said. "I spoke with Baron Charles. He insists we use Hummer Manor as our base of operations while we’re in Luxia. Proper beds, good food, and a secure place to coordinate everything." He paused, looking at them both. "You’ve earned a bit of luxury. And frankly, it’s a much better place for you to rest properly."

"Hummer Manor?" Elara whispered.

Lila, however, looked a little suspicious. "What are you planning, Riku?"

"Nothing at all," Riku said sincerely. "This is a promotion. Think of it this way: the manor is our new headquarters. I’ll need to be out in the city, gathering information and following up on leads, doing the boring legwork. But I need you two to be the command center. You’ll coordinate with Elder Borin on talisman production and manage our new partnership with House Hummer. I can’t do this alone."

His reasoning was sound, and his tone was genuine. He gave them a confident, reassuring smile.

"Maybe," Lila spoke with uncertainty. "But what about the innkeepers? They have been so good to us, plus they do not get any customers. They don’t even ask us for money anymore. Last time I went there to pay, they just returned the money, just hoping that we would stay with them for as long as we could."

"Don’t worry, I will convince them to move as well."

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The old couple was initially hesitant, but Riku was firm. Eventually, under the coaxing of both Lila and Elara, they gave in. Lila was so happy that she instantly ran to hug them, almost falling over them in the process.

A mental message to Baron Charles was all it took. Within the hour, a couple of discreet, unmarked carriages from House Hummer arrived at the back alley of "The Respite." Everyone took whatever little belongings they had, and moved into the Baron’s manor.

Once everyone was safely within the protective walls of the Hummer estate, settled into comfortable guest quarters, Riku set to work. The safety of his friends was paramount.

With his goodwill points now plentiful, he began crafting. He took several of the Dwarven-made copper blanks and, using a chiesel, carved runes into them. This time, instead of healing magic, he wove intricate Detection Ward enchantments into them.

He gave some of them to Baron Charles. "My Lord, place these at the perimeter of your manor. They are attuned to detect hostile intent. If anyone approaches with the intent to harm, these will flare with a warning light and sound."

"Eh? We already have guards 24x7."

"Believe me, my lord. Things might get very messy. Take it as an intuition." Riku said solemnly.

"I see. I will place them then, and I will also double the guards. I dare not take your suggestions lightly." The Baron agreed.

"I have one more request. Could you send some people to guard the underbelly as well?" Though the people there have money now, finding trustworthy people who would not discriminate against them might be difficult."

"Don’t worry. I will see to it."

Riku gave the Baron a few communication stones as well and then left for the Underbelly. The mood in the Underbelly was much better, with everyone having smiles on their faces. It was clear that the money coming in from selling the talismans had drastically improved their living conditions.

Kogrin, Brinna, and many other kids were dressed in new, bright clothes. As usual, the moment they saw Riku come in, they gathered around him. But this time, they insisted that they did not want anything and wanted to cook for Riku instead.

Riku shared a heartfelt meal with the kids, still giving them treats at the end. Then he went to the elders and gave them the same warning. He asked them to place the wards and gave them communication stones to reach out to him if anything happened. He also asked them to hold the talisman production for now, as he might not be back to enchant more talismans for a few days.

Finally, after tying up all the loose ends, Riku decided that it was time to head towards the inner city. He gave an excuse of going out to research the Creep in towns outside of Luxia, and headed off.

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Riku, now with only Clara for company, made his way towards the great dividing wall that separated the sprawling outer districts from the opulent inner city. He soon arrived at the Ivory Gate, a massive archway of polished white stone and surrounded by imposing watchtowers.

The security here was on an entirely different level. The guards weren’t the weary City Watch of the outer gates; these were the Capital Wardens, an elite force clad in gleaming silver-and-blue armor. Their scrutiny was intense, their gazes sharp. They weren’t just checking for weapons; they were checking for status, demanding official passes, and turning away anyone who didn’t look like they belonged.

Riku knew he couldn’t talk his way through this. He ducked into a shadowed alcove, watching the guards for a moment.

Invisibility (-10 Goodwill Points)

A faint shimmer, invisible to all but him, enveloped his body. His body faded and slowly became transparent. Waiting for a gilded carriage to command the guards’ attention, he slipped past the checkpoint, silent and unnoticed as a breath of wind.

He was finally in!