Chapter 1882 Freedom! Freedom! Freedom!

–Igshire Tavern, Gallavan Town, Arcadina–

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It was the wee early hours of the morning, but the sun's rays were already piercing as ever. Goodness! Many used to shake from the cold, and now they were throwing their blankets away from the what. It was always amazing how drastic weather change could make humans act differently, as if they weren't the ones looking forward to the heat when winter came last. Rain and heat? One would hardly relate these 2 things. But 2 and a half days ago, the frail showers of late spring fluttered across the land, cashing no discomfort to the humans walking beneath it. Did you say rain? No, it felt so light like a cold sprinkling breeze. The rains fell on the soils, bringing out whatever heated moisture was trapped underneath from the scorching sun. Today, many had woken up several minutes and even hours earlier than they should because of the unexpected heat. The morning dew clung on the spider webs laced on the grass stalks, creating a picturesque sight full of nature's beauty. The bees were buzzing around the flowers, and nature was in full bloom. As they say, the early bird gets the worm. All around the town, one could hear the fast and brisk clangs of wagons, horse hooves, carriages, and trolleys moving about. "Extra! Extra! Read all about it~... Dangerous criminal, Commander Hook and his rat bandits, caught in a sewer hole!" "Extra! Extra! Arcadina can now rest safe, knowing the Hojan bandits have been exterminated!" The newspaper boys drive around the cities, selling not just newspapers, but other pamphlets and public documents sent out by Baymard. As usual, many people who were just opening their shops and even the guards outside the many mansions and estates, rushed in to buy the latest newspapers. You don't understand. The person behind these newspaper boys, was also a very influential merchant who set up a Newspaper store and made it one of his priorities to supply the town and several other places with newspapers and other items. In the future, when Arcadina had its own technology and was strong enough to make its own newspapers and printing services, this merchant might consider switching to opening magazines and even a Printing Press for books. Hey… who knows? But for now, his newspaper business was booming. Don't underestimate how crazy the world currently went over Baymard's newspapers. Even Morg spies were buying them in bulk every day and sending them back to their superiors in Morgany. It has become a tradition for Morg spies to buy these and ship off every week's end. Baymard was a place that changed every month, heck! Every week and sometimes everyday! There was always something new springing up that would aid someone out there, like cures for outbreaks, and so on. Understand that even today in Arcadina and many other places in the world, they still had national outbreaks here and then. And who, if not Baymard, was quick to come to their aid? Even when dealing with other non-related health problems like the Locusts plague attacking their crops and other issues, they scurried over to these newspaper boys, buying the latest newspapers to arrive at Arcadina's shores. They must keep up with the news, especially for their own sakes. What's more, do you think only Baymardian News they get from these newspapers? Heh. Believe it or not, all Newspapers tell vital news from all collective UN empires. Through these Newspapers, they can get global, international and national news, which is a partial substitute for watching actual TV news. All this was what made the Newspapers continuously sell like hot cakes, even if these newspapers were a few weeks or even 6 months old. People were willing to buy them, especially when they were so cheap. … "Here ye go, dear… 1 copper coin. Now off ye go now. And remember to come with fresh news tomorrow, none of this stuff." The newspaper boy nodded, waving while riding off, "Will do, sister Martha. When have I ever supplied you with news you've already seen before?"

"Well, you're right there… and I expect yah to keep at it too." The gorgeous voluptuous woman called Martha, calmly took in the newspaper she just bought and headed back to the tavern with a warm smile on her lips, nodding to the passerbys who gave her kind nods too. But when she crossed the Tavern's doors, her warm smile turned frosty and filled with disgust. Augh~

Everyday, being surrounded by men, even men as young as the newspaper boy just now, made her feel the urge to kill. Men were so disgusting! How do other women do it? Staying for years married to such revolting species? 'I swear I can't stand it anymore,' Martha inwardly cursed. 'I can't wait for our preparations to all be completed for our final attack on Baymard!' Bloody bastards! Martha kicked on a finely carved wooden tankard lying on the ground. The wee early hours of the mornings were for her to clean up and prepare for opening. She wasn't the only one mumbling about the situation. There were 2 other younger girls, helping to clean up the mess and filth those disgusting drunk species left for them to clean after the tavern closes up. Of course, if you want to stay overnight in the tavern, that can only be done if you book a room. If you want any of the ladies to spend the night with you, that's going to cost you quite a lot, 'dear.' As Witches, they already hated the touch of a man close to them. So if they were going to lay down with a man, you best believe it was going to be pricier than what the average peasant taverns like theirs were offering. Hmph! (*^*)

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Martha moved her feet fast, clearing the space and returning it to its original appearance in no time. And when she was done, he headed down into what looked like a broom closet in the cellar. With a few actions, a hidden door was revealed, and she went, heading deeper and deeper down. Reaching one of the far rooms, she knocked lightly and patiently waited for an audience with the elders. Today was the day she would finally get to leave for a mission, one that could satisfy her current bloodthirst. Who knows… perhaps on her way, she might kill a boy or 2 to keep her sanity in place. "Come in, child." "Elders…." She quickly went on bended knee, tightening her lip to restrain her excitement. "Elders, the task is completed." So what about the mission? Hurry up and tell her already. Her old bones can't wait any longer!!! Martha of 31, was so anxious she wished she could fly towards her mission faction now. But well, if she was close to Arcadina's Capital, perhaps she could've? The elders didn't say anything, watching her slowly rise to her feet. "Martha, the time has come for you to head out on another vital mission that will aid our cause." Plop! Martha went down on her knees again in excitement. "Elders, say the word and it shall be done. No matter what task is required of me, I, Martha xxx, swear to complete it all without a moment to spare." (+0+)

Forget it. Right now, Martha looked at the elders as if taking them as her reincarnated parents!!

The elders chuckled after seeing her twinkling eyes. It's just that they knew the news they released next would definitely leave the overly excited Martha in… well let's just say in a not so happy mood. "Martha," one of the Elders called. "Martha, why do you think the High Witch, Jamila, left Arcadina with a majority of our forces to head back to Tenola?" Martha frowned, "Elder Goal, this humble daughter speculates that because of the failed attempts on the Traitor's daughter's life." They have already set their sights on Baymard's technologies, and felt that Much was the true mastermind behind it all. In short, they just didn't believe it was possible for a man to do it. Thus, Lucy must be the real brains of the operations. They've tried everything, from attempted kidnapping to even sneaking into the hotel's Lucy typically stayed in when out of Baymard on multiple occasions.

But whatever and whenever they tried, they lost woefully. It was after many tries and failures that they realized they might not be able to do it all on their own. That's why they started snooping around for Intel about any other forces that might want to take action against Baymard someday.

And sure enough, they weren't the only ones who wanted a piece of the action. The elders massaged their chins thoughtfully. From what they knew, Adonis has been after Baymard for years now to no avail. There was also Morg, and even the hidden remnants of the Temple of Dragmus too. In that case, wouldn't it be better to wait for these forces to fight on before taking advantage of the situation and emerging as the victor? They didn't know when Baymard's enemies would strike. But they sure as hell would prepare for the war to jump and cut in when the battle was 7/10th over.