Chapter 14: The East District of Backlund

Chapter 14: The East District of Backlund

Hobert resisted the urge to pat her head. With her height and appearance, it was just too tempting. "Miss Derecha, your friend Miss Hall asked me to help you out of your current predicament."

Last night, Fors had used her "Apprentice" ability to inform her in prison about seeking help from the Earl of Hall's daughter and the young Viscount Glaint.

xio politely said, "Please thank Miss Hall for me. How should I cooperate with you?"

This young lady is quite sensible!

Hobert smiled, "I need to know the entire process of the conflict."

"Alright," xio began. "Mr. Bennett is an honest worker from the East District. He was quite wealthy over a decade ago, but a business failure led to his family's bankruptcy.

"Even in his hardest times, he still protected the pocket watch inherited from his father.

"Half a month ago, Bennett found his pocket watch stolen after work.

"Fortunately, the thief hadn't gone far. Bennett saw the thief's face and recognized him as one of Weir's men.

"Do you know the relationship between the East District thieves and the bullies?"

Hobert replied, "I have a rough idea. Some thugs force or instigate the children in the East District to steal."

xio nodded, "Exactly. So my arbitration was that the seven or eight-year-old thief was not at fault. Weir had to return the pocket watch and compensate Bennett with 3 shillings for lost wages.

"But Weir refused to comply with my arbitration, so I had to resort to physical persuasion."

Physical persuasion, my foot! Hobert thought. Isn't that just beating him into submission?

"I swear!" xio said. "I only intended to break one of his legs. It was his own fault for accidentally hitting the table and reportedly breaking his spine."

She spread her hands, "That's the whole story."

Hobert nodded, "I understand."

Lisa, who had remained silent, timidly asked, "Is that thug Weir really so fragile? Or is he ill?"

Otherwise, how could such a small girl possibly beat a grown man?

xio opened her mouth but didn't know how to explain.

"Miss Lisa, allow me to introduce you. This young lady is wearing a knight's training uniform," Hobert winked at xio. "As far as I know, she has undergone rigorous knight training. Not to mention a thug, even two or three grown men wouldn't be her match."

xio quickly nodded, "Yes, yes!"

She guessed that Hobert might also be an Extraordinary or at least aware of their existence. That's why Miss Hall sought his help and informed him of her status as an Extraordinary.

Lisa was a bit surprised and started considering whether to have her daughter undergo knight training as well.

Hobert then asked, "Where can I find Mr. Weir?"

"I don't know where he lives, but you can definitely find his men at the Blue Knight Tavern," xio replied.

Hobert stood up, "Alright, Miss Derecha, please be patient. I will resolve this matter as soon as possible."

"Thank you," xio politely shook hands with Hobert.

Hobert felt like he was shaking hands with a middle school student. Sorry, it's not that I want to look down on you, but it's the only way I can make eye contact with you.

Leaving Minsk Prison, the carriage headed straight for the East District.

In the carriage, Hobert asked, "Miss Lisa, have you ever been to the East District?"

"A few times," Lisa replied, returning to her stern demeanor. "I went there to hire maids."

Hobert sighed, "I've heard countless stories about the East District, but this is my first time going there."

He asked, "What do you think of the East District?"

"It feels like they live in a different world from us."

The carriage fell silent. After a few minutes, Hobert said, "You're absolutely right."

By this time, the carriage had arrived in the East District. It was Friday, a workday, yet the streets were still filled with homeless people with vacant expressions.

Emaciated children with disproportionately large heads ran through the streets, eyeing Hobert's carriage with shifty eyes.

Hobert looked at the children and sighed, "They should be in school, living carefree lives, not mingling in bars frequented by thugs, engaging in petty theft."

He continued, perhaps explaining to Lisa or talking to himself, "I know I can't help them now. I just feel their lives shouldn't be like this. Haha, 'Why don't they eat meat porridge?' My words must sound so detestable."

Lisa didn't quite understand Hobert's words, but she sensed something was off with the young man beside her.

Of course, something was off. When Hobert read about the East District in books, it didn't affect him much. He was born and raised in a peaceful country and lived in an upper-class family after crossing over. It was hard for him to empathize with the people of the East District.

Only by coming to the East District did he understand what numbness and "as thin as a matchstick" truly meant.

After a moment of reflection, Hobert quickly adjusted his emotions. As he said, he couldn't do anything for them now. Showing sympathy would be meaningless and could ruin his plans.

Arriving at the Blue Knight Tavern, it was a different scene. The place was bustling, filled with the stench of sweat and feet.

Many people hoped to drown their sorrows in alcohol, escaping their wretched lives.

This was also a small black market. Thieves would fence stolen goods here, and thugs would make illegal deals or collaborations.

At the bar, Hobert took out a one-pound note. "Whoever takes me to see Weir will get this pound."

The noisy bar suddenly fell silent. Most workers in the East District earned around 10 to 15 shillings a week. A pound was a significant amount here.

A young man approached with a grin, "I'll tell you where Weir is."

Hobert coldly replied, "You need to take me there."

"Alright, no problem. Give me the money, young master." After receiving the money, the young man laughed, "Now let me tell you, Weir is dead. Do you want me to take you to hell? Hahaha."

The bar patrons joined in the laughter.

Hobert calmly opened his coat, revealing a revolver at his waist. "My gun seems dissatisfied with your answer."

He had anticipated coming to the East District today, so he had specifically requested a revolver. However, his marksmanship was such that the gun was most powerful when not fired.

The revolver silenced the bar again. The young man stopped laughing, "Alright, alright, young master. I'll take you there."

Intimidated by the gun, the young man didn't dare to play tricks. After several turns, they arrived at a dilapidated door. The young man knocked, "Boss Weir, are you still alive?"

A rough voice came from inside, "Which bastard is here to rob me again?"

Since he couldn't stand up, no one treated him as a boss anymore.

(End of the chapter)