377 No Excuses (2/2)

What he didn't know was that familial bonds were thin among the Johns. Also, the year of peaceful living had worn out the women's hate.

More importantly, Roland still had the power.

While walking, Roland observed the streets.

The city was a lot cleaner than a year ago.

Ever since Roland, Hawk, and their crew dominated the city, they had been building some infrastructures, such as a sewer system and public toilets. They also advocated the importance of personal hygiene.

It was not very effective, but at least, the city was not as dirty as before.

Also, after the fallout with Silver Wings, the Magic Tower had claimed the position of sheriff, which became Vincent's responsibility.

Vincent was a dutiful man. Though he disliked the job because it reduced his time learning magic, he had never slacked off. After a year, he had beheaded three small nobles for their wrongdoings, and imprisoned hundreds more thieves and robbers.

So the whole city was a lot safer, and the civilians were much more comfortable.

The sense of safety was intangible, but it was there, as could be seen in the smiles of the passersby.

Roland came to the base of Black Sand Gang[1] and walked straight in.

The gangsters were horrified to see him. They hurried to fetch Gru from upstairs.

”Mr. Roland, it's been a while.” Gru was quite embarrassed to see Roland. Because they chose the wrong side last time, the Black Sand Gang hadn't been favored by the Magic Tower, but since the Magic Tower never officially abandoned them, they managed to survive to this point.

However, life wasn't easy for the Black Sand Gang because of Sheriff Vincent's diligence.

Roland looked around and laid his eyes on Gru. He said, ”I'm going to have a banquet in the square in front of my Magic Tower. You'll inform all the celebrities in town for me, including the nobles, the scholars, the merchants, and the bosses of other gangs.

”Tell them that I want them all to be there if they have nothing important to do.

”No excuses!”

Looking at Roland's calm face and hearing the last phrase, Gru nodded quickly and swallowed.

He had a feeling that something big was going to happen.

Roland then returned to the Magic Tower and asked everybody to prepare wine and food for the banquet.

Andonara was slightly confused. ”After your travels, the local celebrities should be holding a dinner to welcome you back. But why are you entertaining them?”

”Because someone is going to be killed at this banquet.”

Andonara's eyes immediately glittered. ”Really? Great. I'm going to whet my sword. I'll cut down whoever you want me to cut.”

At this point, Christina joined them and asked hopefully, ”Master, if any noble girls are going to be killed, can you let me drink some of their blood before you kill them?”

”No!”

Roland turned her down without any hesitation.

Christina pouted so hard that a bottle could be hung from her lips.

[1] This is the same as Gray Sand Gang; the original author simply forgot what he wrote.