Damned world knights. Chapter 9: Chapter 9: beutiful city

Read chapter 9 of Damned world knights. by Burnbright on NovelPedia.

As Ellowen gets inside the limousine, he notes how nice the interior is—drinks placed in compartments by the doors, plenty of space. It feels like something made for a guest of top importance. Honestly, he wouldn't be surprised if it was made for someone important, considering Zyphira seems to be highly regarded in this city. Ellowen sits with Linda in his arms. She's still unconscious, her breathing light, her short blue hair resting against his shoulder. "Why am I doing all this for a girl I barely met a few days ago? We barely know each other," he thinks, glancing down at her. "Well… I guess it's because she didn't leave me behind back there. And… the state she's in is technically my fault." He sighs, closes the door to the limousine, and sets the bag on the floor. The vehicle hums to life and starts moving. Ellowen looks out the window at the passing buildings and the people outside. The citizens are dressed in fine clothing—jewelry glinting on their necks and hands—but for some reason, the garments also seem designed to be practical in case of an invasion or battle. He notices beastfolk living freely among them, going about their lives as if it's the most normal thing in the world. "So, not trying to overstep any boundaries here, but could you tell me how exactly you're, uh… VIP in this city?" Ellowen asks, turning to Zyphira. She turns her head toward him. Her eyes look heavy, the kind of heavy that comes from too much crying. They're dry now, but Ellowen can tell—she's been grieving for a long time. Losing her husband and child has left a weight on her that won't lift anytime soon. "While I was traveling around trying to find that damn golem, I ended up meeting Davalin. That man looked like he had ambitions," she says with a sigh, stretching slightly. "This city was a backup for the Magicians and Engineering Association. Their main city was taken over overnight, so they rushed here—" "Not to be rude again," Ellowen interrupts, "but what do you mean by 'taken over' exactly?" "I mean exactly what it sounds like—it was taken over. But you'll have to learn more about that from Davalin." She waves off the interruption. "Back to what I was saying—they came here so they could figure out how to take it back while continuing their research and construction, even with fewer resources." Ellowen listens quietly, his tail wagging lazily behind him. Outside, the city lights shimmer like stars. The streets are full of cheerful people dancing and eating, as if trying to push away the fear of monsters. Beneath the laughter, there's a thread of anxiety. Everyone seems determined to make themselves beautiful, as if giving their lives meaning in the face of uncertainty. "When Davalin and I arrived, the magicians and engineers were already working to enhance the city's defenses—like the giant barrier around it. I just helped out with some magic, fought off monsters alongside Davalin, and, surprisingly, discovered he had a real knack for leadership." Zyphira brushes some hair from her face. "And that's how he became mayor while you became a permanent VIP?" Ellowen asks. The ice on Linda's body melts a little more, though a significant amount remains. "Yeah. I'm technically their dragon protector. Plus, since I have no children at the moment and no one to pass my knowledge and memories to, I plan to give it all to the Magicians and Engineering Association." She looks Ellowen and Linda up and down. "I know I told you to keep her close for faster recovery through skin-to-skin contact, but now that we're in a more public area, you should probably put shirts on—both you and Linda." Ellowen rummages through the bag and pulls out Linda's shirt from earlier—a brown long-sleeved one with buttons at the top, usually hidden under her crow-feather cloak—and dresses her in it. He then puts on his own white undershirt that he had worn beneath his armor. They arrive at the mayor's office. Ellowen steps out of the limousine, backpack held in his tail, Linda