The goddesses attempted to gain my salvation.

"I......"

Tracy smiled and walked over, supporting her shoulders with both hands to help her stand up, and invited her to sit with him on a bench in the reception area.

He personally brewed her a cup of hot tea and brought her the desserts and late-night snacks he hadn't finished.

These actions flattered Pamela.

The usually bold and unrestrained woman suddenly became a little awkward, unsure of where to put her hands.

"Have something hot to warm yourself up first. We also have some desserts here. Please help yourselves if you don't mind."

Pamela waved her hands repeatedly and subconsciously shifted her position to create distance between herself and Tracy, maintaining a respectful demeanor at all times.

"How could your subordinate dare to look down on Lord Tracy!"

Tracy's smile was calm and gentle, like a warm fireplace in winter, making people feel relaxed from the inside out.

"It's okay, don't be nervous."

"I know you must have a lot of questions you want to ask me right now."

"No rush, let's talk while we eat."

"I will answer your questions."

------

If we say that Orina managed the Papacy of Bysma by relying on her absolute strength, outstanding foresight, and swift and decisive methods, then...

Claire earned the respect of the People's Assembly of the Principality of Ferrante because of her courage to not give up even in the face of despair.

So, Tracy managed Irkutsk by winning people's hearts with his gentle words, kind manners, and skillful tactics.

He took a completely different path from King Quranden.

For the next hour, Tracy and Pamela talked a lot.

We started by talking about her background and childhood, and then moved on to her hobbies and interests.

Through his exceptional linguistic skills, Tracy further gained Pamela's trust.

After confirming that the other party had completely let down her guard and after probing her several times, Tracy finally explained why she had given her one-third of the staple food ration in the council hall.

It's very simple and easy to understand.

It can be summarized in one sentence.

Tracy's current position is unstable, and he desperately needs a steadfast follower.

This staple food ration, enough for thirty wagons of grain, was the olive branch that Tracy first extended to Pamela.

As for how to choose, that's up to Pamela herself.

Pamela knelt down on one knee almost without thinking after hearing Tracy's words.

As a warrior of the Icefield, Pamela possessed extraordinary combat abilities from a young age. Beasts like polar bears and dire wolves were no match for her.

Some low-level magical beasts would not pose a threat to her.

From a young age, her parents told her about the cruelty of the world, the cold of the wind and snow, and the sharp teeth of wild beasts, which accompanied her throughout her entire childhood.

Cruelty and bloodshed were ingrained in her very being.

But now, she felt a warmth she had never felt before from Tracy.

This warmth is as comforting as the winter sun.

She was willing to offer her loyalty to this excellent and considerate city lord.

"Lord Tracy."

"Please take back the grain from these thirty carts and sell it to those who need it."

“I also participated in the production capacity race and wasted Irkutsk’s resources. I feel ashamed to have received this food.”

Tracy gently wrapped her soft hands around Pamela's calloused, thick, and hard hands, and smiled brightly.

"it does not matter."

"Please accept this grain; consider it a gift from me."

“I know that food prices in your town are about to collapse. Some people have even taken to the streets to protest and have threatened to smash up your mansion.”

Pamela snorted coldly.

"They're just talking big. Even if they had a hundred lives, they wouldn't dare do that!"

Tracy poured Pamela another cup of hot tea and pushed it toward her with the back of her hand.

"That's true, but we also need to listen to the people's dissatisfaction."

“Take this grain back to the town to calm the people’s emotions. When the people trust you more, it’s equivalent to them trusting Irkutsk and me as their leader.”

"So, this is a win-win situation."

"I'm helping you, but I'm also helping myself."

Since Tracy had already put it that way, Pamela couldn't very well refuse.

but......

"Lord Tracy."

I appreciate your kindness.

"However... I will only take twenty cartloads of this grain. The remaining ten cartloads will remain in Irkutsk, just in case."

"As far as I know, the situation in the main city of Irkutsk is also not optimistic. Signs of widespread famine have already emerged."

Tracy smiled bitterly.

Pamela saw that smile and felt a slight pang in her heart.

"So you knew too."

"Then I don't intend to keep putting on a show. Twenty cartloads of grain will be ready first thing tomorrow morning. As for the remaining grain, consider it a debt I owe you. I will repay you after the second batch of grain arrives."

Pamela nodded.

Of course, even if the second batch of grain arrived, even if Tracy actually delivered those ten truckloads of grain, she wouldn't accept them.

Chapter 233 Emergency Evacuation

Irkutsk still has many problems that need to be solved.

Food shortages during the harsh winter, fiscal deficits, and increasing external pressures...

However, Tracy has already taken the first step.

She will continue to walk firmly on this path.

However, Yvette was never mentally prepared.

Even without a map, a voice in Yvette's mind was guiding her in the direction of Ryan.

Therefore, she will never get lost.

As long as the horse is fast enough, she can find Ryan as quickly as possible.

But......

What will happen when she finally meets Ryan?

Would he personally kill him?

Or should she throw herself into his arms on the spot?

Yvette had no idea.

This conflicting emotion tormented her, making her hesitate to move forward.

But time slipped away second by second while she hesitated.

Antovia said that when the first rays of sunlight shine on the earth a week later, the stone egg on her chest will explode.

Faced with the threat of death, any hesitation seems utterly ridiculous.

Finally, at the second sunrise, Yvette made up her mind.

Raise the whip, quicken your pace, and gallop towards the direction you desire.

------

Two days later, late at night.

Yvette, exhausted from her long journey, found a nearby village to stay in temporarily.

According to her estimate, Ryan could be found tomorrow.

On the return trip, it will save a lot of time compared to the journey there.

After all, Ryan is a light-attribute mage, and lightships and warp are the signature magic of the light attribute.

With these two items, and if released at full capacity, we can reach Irkutsk in a day.

There is enough time.

The only problem is how to convince Ryan to go to Irkutsk with me after we meet.

It was already late at night, but the hotel was still brightly lit.

Once inside, the place was bustling with drunken patrons.

They shouted at the top of their lungs, their large, red, bulbous noses proclaiming their tiny, insignificant "glorious deeds."

Yvette's appearance also attracted the attention of some drinkers.

Although she was wearing a loose black robe and a hood that covered most of her face.

However, as she walked by, one could still see the outline of her graceful figure and her proudly long legs through her robe.

For these drunken patrons, the sight of a beautiful woman appearing late at night is enough to instantly excite their brains, which have already been numbed by alcohol.

"Boss, one private room, the innermost one."

Yvette naturally noticed the malicious gazes, glanced at them disdainfully, and took out ten copper coins, placing them on the counter.