Starting with the defeated female knight

"The flavor of this spice is... very good, and quite unique."

It is indeed unique for the capital, but it is actually a common local product in the border areas.

"These teas have a very unique flavor, and the seasonings are quite special... May I take some home? Then I can ask the chef to prepare some new dishes, and we can try them together..."

—Actually, they were all getting tired of these things in Dawn City, and eventually they even started helping Green find and try various seasonings.

"This dress, this skirt, and these... stockings? They're so beautiful! Where did you get them?"

"A magical city."

The nobleman being asked answered with a smile.

If it had a tail, it would probably be wagging its tail in the air by now.

Although they couldn't reveal specific information about Dawn City for certain reasons, many people could roughly guess what Green was planning.

But so what?

After all, this matter did them no harm. They not only received a tangible gift, but they could also show it off to others, thereby gaining a sense of satisfaction.

Moreover, if the publicity is successful and trade channels are eventually opened, those who will be able to participate in the trade activities at the very beginning will definitely be people like them who have had contact with Green and have lived in Dawn City.

There's a guaranteed minimum reward if the promotion fails, and there are additional rewards if it succeeds; the entire family could even benefit from it.

They had no reason to refuse, and were even willing to work hard for it.

Even more extreme cases involved those who didn't keep any of the items Green gave them for themselves. Apart from keeping a set as a memento, they gave the rest to nobles they were on good terms with under various pretexts, allowing these items to circulate further and spread their influence. Eventually, this led to the formation of a concept called 'Dawn Wind'.

There is even a subtle trend forming.

The investigation team was even happier now, and they started secretly planning when to form a joint caravan to buy more goods from Green.

In particular, Green had assured them that when they came back next time, the variety and technology of these items would be improved again.

In exchange, he hoped the investigation team would not give him money, but instead send him some materials from the Empire. This would not only further enhance his output but also help to make up for Dawn City's shortcomings.

At the same time, he would not treat those who delivered materials unfairly, and was willing to buy or exchange them at a price 20% higher than the market price.

Who wouldn't want to do this kind of business?

But the investigation team members' happiness didn't last long.

It wasn't because anything happened, quite the opposite, that they felt upset—it was precisely because nothing happened.

Upon returning to the capital, they enjoyed a triumphant welcome and even loaded up a large amount of the things Green had given them.

As the celebrations ended and the fatigue from their journey dissipated, they returned to their previous life in the capital.

Training, working, dealing with family troubles, watching others argue and disgust each other over trivial matters, and occasionally going outside to see the filth, decay, poverty, and all sorts of mess behind the glamorous facade...

They didn't really care about these things before.

Having grown up in this environment, even if they might initially resist, over time they not only get used to it, but they gradually begin to feel that this kind of environment is normal, and that those who resist are strange and childish.

After all, the capital has been like this ever since they became conscious.

This was true in the past, it is true now, and it should be true in the future.

Moreover, even in this state, the capital city is far superior to other parts of the empire, which further proves that the current state of the capital city is correct.

but now......

The training grounds within the family were far superior and more professional than those in Dawn City, but looking at those lazy, ugly, and deformed individuals who relied solely on their bloodline to act recklessly, unwilling to endure hardship or participate in combat, spending their days idly and disregarding noble honor, they suddenly lost the desire to train as well.

After all, bloodline is everything. As long as you have good bloodline, even if you don't fight and just become a breeding machine, you are still useful to the family.

This is why nobles pay special attention to young boys, since men do have a natural advantage when it comes to breeding.

Unable to continue training, he thought he would rest for a while in the clan.

But soon, all sorts of unpleasant things will begin.

Today they say someone has invaded their territory, tomorrow they fight over the distribution of profits. Although they share the same blood, their hatred and disgust for each other are no less, and even more so than for other families or lower bloodlines.

After all, even though people of lower bloodlines are looked down upon, as long as they exist and can pay taxes, they can still bring benefits to the people.

But other members of the family could steal the meat from their mouths, threatening their interests and even their safety.

Having spent a long time in Dawn City and grown accustomed to the harmony and tranquility of its people, it's hard not to find these places noisy and irritating.

Okay, if I can't stay at home, I can go out for a walk, right?

Congratulations! Although the capital is very prosperous, with buildings far superior to those in Dawn City everywhere, and even the roads are paved with a mixture of blue-green stone.

However, because the buildings were constructed in the past and no one was willing to pay for maintenance, while things were relatively good near the various families, once you moved a little further away, you were surrounded by potholes, garbage, and a stench, especially in the slums or alleyways...

My mood got even worse.

Even the air they breathed seemed more foul than that in Dawn City.

Especially some nobles who had worked in Dawn City and interacted with its residents, looking at the indifferent expressions around them, and recalling their conversations in Dawn City, felt that the other party was neither humble nor arrogant, not only talkative, but also seemed to know a lot.

My mood became even more irritable.

It wasn't sympathy or pity, but simply the feeling that even those of lower bloodlines were far superior to those in the capital.

At least, it's not as repulsive to look at.

Of course, they also had their share of unpleasant experiences in Dawn City.

The problem is, no matter how bad the situation or how frustrated they are, that place always has a last resort for them.

Tentacle Dungeon.

A place where you can fight, train, vent your emotions, and have fun.

On the way back, quite a few people experienced dungeon withdrawal symptoms.

Upon their return, the sense of satisfaction from their previous triumph and celebration temporarily suppressed the emptiness in their hearts.

And after having some free time, especially after plunging back into this peaceful yet nauseating life.

Even if they keep repeating things like "Don't think about it," "That's the trick of the ancient gods," and "Waaah, will my equipment rust?", it's hard for them not to recall their adventures in the dungeon and the equipment they finally managed to get.

Then, I became even more irritable.

"Why is it that being back in the capital, back home, feels worse than when I was in Dawn City?"

They couldn't figure it out.

But what they didn't know was that they weren't the ones suffering the most.

After returning to the capital, the woman who felt the most nauseous and vomiting, and had the strongest withdrawal symptoms, was someone who had never even been to the Tentacle Dungeon.

"I've investigated thoroughly. Both of you were involved. Stop trying to shift the blame; you're both going to be punished."

"What do you mean by disagreeing with my plan? Look carefully, this is something that benefits everyone! Just because you have a grudge against him, you're willing to ruin everyone's livelihood?"

"Great, another set of fake data. I knew they wouldn't tell the truth."

"Keep investigating. Let's see what a mess they've made of me."

Upon returning to the capital, Elise naturally resumed control of the Stuart family and took over the management of their businesses.

At the same time, I also recalled that pain.

As it turns out, not every place is Dawn City, and not every place and every person will listen to her rule.

Especially that one overpowered character with millions of avatars, although he seems unreliable and occasionally manages to bring her back to life after a near-death experience, his abilities are absolutely undeniable. Not only is he intelligent, but he is also very cooperative.

And now...

"A bunch of idiots, can't they even do basic math?"

"Why can't you handle such a simple task? Why can't you see such obvious principles? Why do I have to explain everything to you one by one!"

As it turns out, even if you are very capable, if your subordinates are incompetent, then you are truly incompetent.

Yes, through her own power, Elise saved the lives of the Stuart family's scum and assisted her work by bringing them into the family management.

The problem is that even if he survives, he will still be considered inferior within the family.

Not only do they not receive a good education, but even those who are truly capable are the ones who actually wield power—those of high birth.

Those with high bloodlines, even without doing anything, still have the power of their bloodline to bless them, and at the very least, they can be used for breeding.

Apart from the members of the investigation team, most of them actually lacked motivation to work hard, and it was very common for them to be untrained and ignorant.

After all, bloodline doesn't just bring advantages; it also limits their potential.

Since the empire has been fine for over two hundred years, the difference between working hard and not working hard is negligible, so why not just lie down and enjoy life?

Given this situation, the outcome is self-evident.

Not to mention that Elise was already disgusted, so she wanted to go out for a walk to clear her head. But after wandering around Dawn City and coming back, instead of improving her mood, she was even more irritable.

Especially when she saw that tentacle that was circling around her personal little maid, having a great time playing with her.

Elise's brows were furrowed so deeply they almost formed a vertical line.

"You never spare little girls, do you?"

【You're the one who dumped me in her care, what can I do?】

However, given time, and with the gradual adaptation and development of resistance, even a branch base of tentacles can be gradually recognized by ordinary people.

The same applies to those small scraps from before, as well as to others, and even Edith.

As for why it was the little maid, it was because she was busy with work and preferred to wear more fitted clothes, unlike her sister who wore a large robe that concealed a dozen tentacles without any visible problems. So, after some thought, she handed over Green to her personal maid to take care of.

Unlike Edith, she was at least a dictator in the Stuart household, if not the absolute ruler.

If it weren't for the mental pollution caused by the tentacles and the sensitivity of the ancient gods among the nobles, it would be fine to take them out for a stroll without any problem, and there would be no fear of being discovered.

Even so, she never expected that just a few days after she returned to work, that tentacle would become involved with her little maid.

But you can't really blame the maid, because even she could see that her master really liked and valued that tentacle.

So, being loyal and grateful to her master, she naturally developed a good impression of the tentacles and tried her best to accept and like them afterwards.

Ultimately, this led to the current situation.

But Elise was unaware of this.

Or rather, she refuses to know or acknowledge it.

"Don't trust Him so much. The true form of this tentacle is an ancient god, and..."

She glanced sideways at the tentacles on the table.

Don't you think He's disgusting?

The maid did not answer.

Although she initially found the tentacles disgusting and slippery, after spending more time with them, she actually found them beautiful and soft.

He's also very witty and humorous, knows a lot, and treats her very well.

Of course, she knew her master's temper, so she couldn't possibly say these words. In the end, she just silently left, and even helped lock the door before leaving.

After the maid left, Iris fiddled with the tentacles a couple more times.

After temporarily relieving some of her inner turmoil in this way, her expression gradually became serious.

"I need your help."

"Because if this continues, I'm worried I'll get so angry I'll die."

That won't do.

The tentacles nodded in agreement.

He was hoping to drag her back to help him with his work, so he couldn't let her die here.

But the thing is…

How can I help you?

The tentacles swayed slightly.

This isn't Dawn City; I don't have that many informants here.

[Furthermore, my identity is quite sensitive; showing myself rashly would only cause trouble.]

Most importantly, if I help you, you have to give me some reward, right?