Restart:Untalented Man

412  Mindsza, The Red Capital n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

While Albert's wife was busy pinning the blame on his head, the man himself had safely made his way to the outskirts of Mindsza. Seated next to his driver, Mon, Albert stares at the city with wide-open eyes as the wagon approaches the city.

"Woah! It's all red," he said.

The cityscape, bathed in the warm hues of the sun, intensifies Mindsza's reddish glow. Albert had gone to numerous places throughout his life but never he saw such a striking city.

His wide-eyed reaction was to be expected by Mon.

"I guess this is your first time stepping foot here. Mindsza is dubbed as the red capital."

"Yeah...I can why they called that."

As usual, they had to line up to enter the city. The red capital still has a city wall protecting it although recently, there's been a debate about whether or not to abolish the city wall, following the footsteps of Ryntum.

However, that idea was thrown away as many opposed it. It was deemed unsuitable since the move would destroy the isolationism-like nature they had maintained for centuries.

Not to mention, they don't have the knowledge or trained personnel to defend the unwalled city like their neighbour.

There's also the matter about the increase risk of spies sneaking into the city.

Overall, the higher-ups think it does them more harm than good.

While Albert was absorbed in observing his surroundings, Mon's voice broke his attention, "Let's not waste time and settle the deal quickly."

Mon couldn't wait to get his hands on the hefty amount of money and run off. His mind already imagines an easy life he is about to obtain.

The wagon continued to move through the city, navigating street after street before coming to a stop in front of a humongous red building.

The building stood tall and grand, dwarfing the rest of the structure in the vicinity. Not only is it big, but also looks elegant and extravagant with all the intricate designs adorning the exterior. As someone who often comes here, Mon decided to give a quick introduction to Albert after seeing his confused face.

"You're standing in front of the most important building in their capital, the Lair of Slydris. This place also serves as Turtevekesia's administration centre and the residence of its leader. It is said this building was built in the very same place where Dragon Empress Slydris lived before the dragon moved to another location."

"I see," said Albert as he processed the new information he just received. "You know quite a lot from someone who looks..."

"What do you mean by that?" Mon stares menacingly at Albert. "Are you saying I'm stupid?"

Albert shook his head, "No, certainly not. I'm just...surprised."

Deciding not to exaggerate the situation further, Mon drove the wagon inside the premises of the luxurious nest-shaped building.

Given his frequent visits to deliver goods, the guards stationed at the entrance instantly recognized him. The transition from the bustling streets of Mindsza to the interior of the building was nothing short of spectacular.

The grandeur inside surpassed the already impressive exterior, leaving Albert staring around curiously.

Contrary to his assumption, the interior was not one massive auditorium but a complex of many smaller structures, each serving a different purpose.

Currently, they are in the small open space on the ground level.

"Now what?" asked Albert. His eyes lingered around, watching people in a long red robe walking passing them. They don't look surprised seeing the wagon park in the heart of their country. Everybody seemed to be minding their own business.

"We wait." Mon calmly replied. "I'm sure the guard has sent someone to inform about our arrival."

Time ticked and minute after minute passed, no one came to them as Mon said earlier. Albert, who is losing his patience asked, "How long we're gonna wait here?"

"Be patient, Mr Ferron. They are probably busy with meetings or something." Mon's eyes kept scanning the people around him to search for the elder who always facilitated the transaction with him.

Since he's been looking for one particular person that correlates with the image he had, his mind instinctively rules out most of the people there.

As such, he didn't notice a man approaching them until Albert questioned him. "Is that the one you're waiting for?"

Following Albert's direction, Mon shook his head. "No. But I can see he's approaching us. Let's see what he wants."

"Excuse me, sir. Are you from Tegrot?" the man in the red robe asked Mon.

"I am. Is there anything you want from me, sir?" Mon asked as he stared at the man who looked pretty old.

"My name is Fire Priest Gliibious. I was sent by Elder Samnitte to handle the deal on his behalf."

Mon raised his eyebrows. It is rare for Elder Samnitte to entrust the job to someone else, especially this job.

That person is very sceptical toward everyone.

Some might say he's living in constant paranoia.

"Sir, I can't simply trust you simply because you said so. I need a prove that you're running an errand for him." Mon said respectfully. Fire Priest Gliibious doesn't feel offended by Mon's distrust. He calmly takes out Elder Samnitte's exquisite emblem from his pocket.

"Would this be enough to be considered as proof?"

Mon took the emblem from Gliibious and scrutinized it. He had seen it before when Elder Samnitte took the initiative to show it to him.

Despite being made out of wood, the craftsmanship was beautifully done with each detail meticulously carved.

After one long minute, Mon gave it back to Gliibious. "Seems right to me. What's next? Should I drop the merchandise at the usual place?"

"Follow me." Without further ado, Fire Priest Gliibious lead them deeper.

"You seem to be familiar with their elders." Whispered Albert to Mon.

He had heard about how hard it is to form a connection with these elders from his clique.

"I am only familiar with one of them. And that too after repeatedly delivering goods to him."