Chapter 18: That’s Too Much Trouble
Chapter 18: That's Too Much Trouble
A group of people appeared in the citizen area.
Their clean, tidy, and well-made clothes strongly contrasted with those of the people here.
One city, two types of people!
Charlotte slightly frowned.
Beneath the prosperity, dark corners were hidden.
The other people seemed afraid to approach them, though they showed no malice.
They looked at them with fear.
Yes, with fear.
Those rich lords had no mercy for them; they considered them trash, and no one cared if they died.
Charlotte felt these emotions with her perception. There was something indescribably oppressive in their eyes.
"Mister... if you need anything, I'm willing to help, just pay in berries," said a young, fearful voice.
Charlotte instinctively looked towards the voice.
It was a dirty, injured boy.
However, the people around him were filled with fear, as daring to speak like this to the rich often led to punishment.
Charlotte smiled and extended her hand, giving a gentle pat on the boy's thin shoulder.
But her hand suddenly stopped.
The people around showed looks of terror.
Charlotte looked at the boy with a complex expression. Upon touching him, she felt something about him.
"Very well! If you help me, I promise to fulfill one wish of yours, okay?"
"Really?" The boy's eyes sparkled with hope.
"My name is Charlotte, and yours?" Charlotte asked kindly.
"Mister, my name is Mitis."
Charlotte nodded firmly, and the people nearby showed expressions of astonishment.
"Lina, arrange to buy more food."
Lina nodded and immediately got to work.
Soon, a large amount of food was brought, and Mitis swallowed hard.
"Mitis, to work, you must first eat well." Saying this, she handed him the food.
Mitis didn't know what to do. He couldn't remember the last time he had eaten something so delicious and clean.
Mitis ate slowly, secretly saving most of the food in his clothes.
At the same time, he looked worriedly at Charlotte and his group, fearing their reaction.
Luckily, it seemed that Mister Charlotte hadn't noticed his movements.
Charlotte didn't mind Mitis's actions nor broke the last bit of dignity of a child.
Since Mitis had chosen to earn his reward through his own effort, Charlotte would respect that decision.
After eating, Mitis quickly said, "Thank you, Mister Charlotte, I'm full now."
Charlotte smiled and said, "Very well, tell everyone to come here to get free food."
Mitis was surprised but didn't hesitate and got to work.
The reason was clear: the people here were afraid of them, and through Mitis, they could show good intentions.
He needed to approach more people and observe their memories to find Zaga Lido's trail.
Soon, more citizens began to arrive.
Charlotte started distributing the food himself.
Upon receiving the food, many cried and praised the kindness and generosity of Mister Charlotte.
Charlotte couldn't help but feel that people were really different.
These poor folks, even with a bit of food, felt infinitely grateful.
Soon, Charlotte began to get more information about the Island's Gourmet City.
The original citizens had received no compensation for their lost lands and now lived in extreme poverty.
Even this dilapidated area was the last show of mercy from the "Gourmet King" Domi Sys.
How ridiculous!
Charlotte didn't feel good.
He didn't have the power to change the world, he could only do some things within his capabilities and always with a goal in mind.
So he wasn't a particularly noble person.
How many more islands like this, full of poverty, must there be? Surely countless.
Lina, who was beside him, could sense Charlotte's mood. She said softly, "Charlotte, don't be upset. The world is like this, but you've known that for a long time. At least you have protected the peace and tranquility of Isla Ratti."
Lina's words calmed Charlotte.
It was true, the only thing he could do now was maintain the happiness and peace of Isla Ratti.
"Thank you, Lina."
Lina's silent company and comfort made Charlotte feel much better.
At least, he wasn't completely useless.
Just then, Charlotte made a discovery.
In an old man's memory, he finally saw the fleeting face of Zaga Lido.
That face and the information about Zaga Lido were engraved in his mind since he set out.
With the desired information, he ordered his followers to keep distributing the food until it ran out.
"Mitis, your work is done. What is your request? You can tell me now."
Mitis hesitated a bit at Charlotte's question. He didn't know if the simple work he had done would allow him to ask for help. After a moment of doubt, he spoke with determination.
"I hope Mister Charlotte can save my sister; she's sick."
Charlotte did not discourage the boy and his courage.
"Okay, no problem. Lina, take care of it."
"Understood, don't worry."
Lina looked at Mitis kindly and left with him.
Charlotte stopped worrying; Lina was meticulous and trustworthy.
Then, Charlotte set off.
According to the old man's memory, he quickly arrived at a discreet courtyard.
He knocked on the door, but there was no response, so he went in directly.
"You're here, Zaga Lido. Why didn't you open the door?"
Charlotte said casually, looking at the disguised Zaga Lido.
Hearing Charlotte reveal his identity, Zaga Lido turned pale and said, "Are you here to catch me and take me back?"
"If you kill me, your secrets will be revealed."
"Wait, wait..."
Oh, this guy misunderstood. He didn't want to know any secrets. That was too much trouble.
He just wanted to build a fortress, nothing more.
So he had to talk patiently.
"Mister Zaga Lido, I think there's been a misunderstanding. I just want you to build some things for me, that's all."
At that moment, Zaga Lido was puzzled, and before he could say anything, more than ten figures appeared in the area.
" Zaga Lido, we finally found you."
A man with a blue hat and a sword at his waist appeared.
Zaga Lido turned pale upon seeing the newcomer, "Niskin, is it you?"
(End of the chapter)