When I returned to the village, a new idea came to mind. Before that, I ate and took care of my needs. Then I turned to Lie and began to voice my thoughts.
"Lie, I don't know if you've ever read books, but usually in books they say that those who want to stay inside castles—the leaders—are actually afraid. Isolating themselves from everyone, trying to protect themselves... they say it stems from fear. I think so too."
"What's this now? Are you philosophizing, Rei?"
"No. I'm saying I'm going to walk right into Premeus's kingdom, hands in my pockets."
"How are you going to do that?"
"I'm too lazy to explain."
"You always do this. Things only become clear at the very end."
"You're right. Sorry."
I went to the elf king and told him about the necessary clothes. After putting on the garments, I took on a certain disguise. Then I returned to Lie.
"Are you going to enter in disguise?"
"No. I'm just going to use this while traveling. Premeus is probably watching everywhere by now. Let's swap phones. I've also transferred team leadership to you. Until I return, you'll be the team leader. Understood?"
"Alright. I understand."
Lie no longer felt the need to ask for my reasons. She trusted me.
I set out on the journey. I could see soldiers standing guard around the forest. I ignored them and kept moving toward the kingdom in my disguise. The kingdom was large in size. In the center stood a castle, surrounded by buildings. The area was circular, enclosed by white walls. About forty-five minutes later, I approached the kingdom's vicinity. At a suitable spot, I changed out of my disguise and returned to my normal appearance. I played with my hair a little. Now I no longer looked like Rei—I looked like someone who greatly resembled Rei.
After that, I walked toward the royal entrance as if nothing had happened. When the two guards saw me, they immediately thought I resembled someone. They raised their spears and pointed them at me.
"Aren't you Rei? What the hell are you doing here?"
"What do you mean, Rei? I'm not Rei. I just look like him."
"Don't bullshit us, you little bastard!"
I continued speaking calmly and confidently.
"What are you talking about? If I were really Rei, would I try to walk in here like this? I could die at any moment this way."
The guards were beginning to understand the logic of what I was saying.
"Show us your phone."
I nodded. I showed them my phone. There was no information on it indicating that I was Rei.
"I told you. I just look like Rei. I'm sick and tired of it. I'm going to change my appearance."
The guards were convinced. They carefully allowed me to enter. They were talking among themselves. I walked into the town without a care.
"It'll be fine, right?"
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"The guy's got a point. If he were Rei, why would he risk his life? And he wouldn't just walk in here like this."
"But on the other hand, he said that himself."
"The guy defended himself with his own logic. It'll be fine."
"You're right."
Once inside, I immediately slipped into one of the dark alleyways to avoid being exposed. I decided to hide and think about the situation.
The buildings were surrounded by tall walls everywhere. Their lives seemed more luxurious compared to the villages, but I thought there might be people suffering from economic issues due to Premeus's influence. I changed my hairstyle a little more. I entered a nearby clothing shop. Since no one expected me to be here, I wasn't drawing much attention. I bought a gray hooded outfit for myself.
After putting on the hoodie, I covered my head. I bought some decent food from the market and added the provisions to my inventory. My goal was to tempt the poor who were caught in the economic crisis. I would empathize with them. I entered another dark, narrow corridor. Based on my estimates, the poor might come to stay in places like these.
I waited for a while, but no one came. I checked the other corridors. In one of them, an elderly man was sitting on the ground. He looked exhausted and was coughing. I calmly approached him and offered him a drink and some food.
"Here you go, old man. You look tired."
When he saw that I was helping him, the old man was happy. He quickly finished the food with joy.
"The economy of this place shows no mercy to people like us, does it?"
I sat down gently beside the old man. I offered him a small beer. When he saw the beer, the old man quickly took it and thanked me. After drinking the beer and regaining his composure, he answered my question.
"Yes. This damned place never cares about us. The rich are too rich, and the poor are too poor. There's never a middle ground."
"You're absolutely right, old man. They never think about us. Do you have any acquaintances who also complain about this situation?"
"We've discussed these matters with our other acquaintances, but unfortunately, we can't do anything about it."
"Would you let me join you, old man? We can talk about how they could care for the poor. Maybe we can find a solution."
The old man gladly accepted my offer. Together, in a secluded area, I entered the same space as a group of older, poor people. I spoke with everyone, and we shared common opinions.
"Your conversation is really good, kid. What's your name, then?"
"My name is Zankou."
"Zankou. That's a nice name."
There were about five of us. The sky was slowly beginning to darken. Everyone except me was sipping their drinks.
"I have a bit more food. You look hungry. Here, take it."
I offered the remaining food to everyone. They continued eating with satisfaction.
"Thank you, Zankou."
The old man thanked me on behalf of everyone. Everyone was grateful for my help.
"Where do you all stay, by the way, old man?"
"We sleep in that old building back there. If you don't have a place to stay, would you like to come, kid?"
"That would be great. I won't be alone, at least."
We made our way to the old building together. Everyone created a suitable position for sleeping. I leaned myself against the wall. I had eaten before coming. I was gazing at the stars in the sky.
"Good night, son. We're going to sleep early."
The others, along with the old man, also wished me good night.
"Good night to all of you."
I need to awaken the sense of injustice inside them somehow...
After pretending to sleep, I went outside. I quietly observed the surroundings.
The area seems safe. There probably aren't many thieves or bandits around.
I turned my head to the right and fixed my eyes on the royal building in the center.
Are you locking yourself in there because you're trembling with fear? He probably comes out at certain hours of the day. I should observe his authority. If his discipline stems from arrogance, I can trigger people's emotions. Haru is probably also living in this large building. It would be better if I don't show myself to Haru. He has the intelligence to intuitively figure out it's me.
I still have one disguise potion left. I need to use it at the right time.
After getting closer to the old men, I'll apply the same tactic in other parts of the area and increase the number of poor supporters. I plan to stir the atmosphere by spreading rumors. But for now, I'd better gather my energy. I should focus on strengthening my bond with these men and earning their trust.
I entered the lower floor of the old building again. I leaned my back against the wall in a position I felt safe and comfortable in. After sleeping on the bed for a while, it didn't feel comfortable. But I had long since grown accustomed to these difficult conditions. I had been enduring for my mother for a long time. I had no intention of compromising my determination. I slowly drifted off to sleep.
The third day had come to an end.