An ordinary profession creates the world's strongest

"Are you okay?"

Seeing Meredith smile faintly and gaze nostalgically into the distance, Oscar and Niz looked a little worried, but Meredith gave them a bright smile, which startled them. Then Meredith ran forward and turned magnificently.

Her skirt and golden ponytail also fluttered.

The happy and lively Mireidi is so lovable that the attention of people around her can't help but be attracted to her.

"Oh! Xiaonai! Xiaomi is hungry! Let's buy something to eat! And then we should take some pictures! It doesn't matter where! Take pictures randomly! Take pictures freely!"

Oscar opened his eyes wide in surprise, then squinted as if he saw something dazzling, and a smile appeared on Natsu's lips.

As soon as she finished speaking, Meredith really ran out freely, and rushed to a random vendor. Oscar and Niz shrugged and caught up with Meredith.

"Uncle! This skewer looks delicious! What kind of meat is it?"

"Oh, thank you. This is the meat of a fish called Lax. Since there haven't been many caught lately, it's not cheap, but I guarantee it'll taste delicious!"

"Oh, that's okay! I'll buy three!"

While buying the skewers, Mireidi also raised questions.

"You said the catch wasn't large. Is this a very valuable fish?"

"No, it's a pretty easy fish to catch, but... little sister, judging from your complete lack of knowledge of the area, you're probably from out of town, right?"

"Yes! I'm a heretic who just drifted ashore today!"

"Is that so... You must have worked so hard."

Generally speaking, heretics also come here by ship. There is actually a disguised ship connecting Antica and Epona.

Seeing that the girl's words and actions were too unorthodox in every sense, the boss told her many things with a feeling of half fear and half sympathy.

According to the boss, the recent increase in the activity of marine monsters, coupled with earthquakes on the island and sudden storms and other abnormal weather conditions, has led to a significant decrease in fishing catches.

Because the crops on the island grow very fast and all kinds of fish seem to be attracted to the island, life in Andika has not been affected so far, but prices are rising.

"I heard that the 'sea-controlling monster' that hasn't been seen in decades is now lingering nearby. Some people have lost their boats and have struggled to save their lives, while others have been forced to dig holes themselves."

Meredi and the others all had the same thought: that monster was definitely that guy. That nasty guy with a translucent body like jelly that was chasing Meredi and the others relentlessly.

"Oh, oh? What's wrong? Are you okay? I see your eyes are dull..."

"Yeah, I'm fine. I just thought the ocean was scary. So what do you mean by digging a hole?"

According to the boss, although Andica is a floating island, the bedrock of the earth is hundreds of meters deep underwater and its area is quite large, so there are also miners working to explore underground resources.

I heard the overseers were the Devat family, the ruling family of Diank, and the work was extremely arduous. Generally, only those who had committed fraud or robbery, or those who had failed in their resistance against the Devat family, were forced to work. On the mainland, it was probably a place where criminals were forced to do forced labor.

Incidentally, due to excessive excavation, the underground of Antica has become a bit like a maze. Strangely enough, even if you accidentally dig through to the sea, the water somehow doesn't intrude, but simply forms a wall of water.

It is said that people sometimes discover caves leading to the island's interior while collecting shellfish clinging to the rocks on the shore. Of course, the passages to the caves are sealed with sturdy iron railings.

"Oh~ Antica is truly a mysterious island beyond my imagination."

"Because I was born on this island, I never thought there was anything mysterious about it."

The boss laughed, and Mireidi and the others thanked him and left the store.

Afterwards, they spent some time discussing and organizing their intelligence, then strolled around the outer district of Antika while buying food. As the sun began to set, Oscar checked the store's merchandise and spoke to the other two:

"As expected, the quality of the goods improves as you move from the outer circle towards the center. We lost a lot of items, and I really want to replenish them as soon as possible, but..."

"Especially, you need to replenish your mana recovery potion."

"Yes, but buying a low-quality potion is a real hassle, so let's go back to the central area—"

"We're going to the casino, right?"

Oscar was about to say, "Let's find a store that sells high-quality goods," but before he could finish his words, he was immediately interrupted by Miledy in an excited tone.

Oscar sighed and looked back at Meredith, whose eyes were full of anticipation.

"First, we need to stock up on supplies, then find a place to stay—"

"We're going to the casino, right?"

Meredi's eyes, as vast as the sky, were filled with anticipation, gleaming with an unprecedented light.

Oscar thought to himself, "How badly does this woman want to gamble?" He glared at Meredith impatiently, but Meredith seemed unconcerned.

In support of Oscar's opinion, Natsu rubbed his brows and said:

"Meridi, have you forgotten that we almost died? No one knows what will happen next—"

"We're going to the casino! Right?"

From the shining eyes of Mireille, one can see her determination. If Oscar and the others dare to object again, she will not hesitate to roll on the street and act like a spoiled child.

Oscar and Nez exchanged a glance and sighed deeply. Facing Meredith's demanding gaze, "Alright, alright, let's go to the casino!", they could only shrug and admit defeat.

"As expected of Ao and Xiaonai! Come on, let's go! Let's go! The casino is calling us! It's calling for us to 'liberate' our desires! Brothers! Follow gambler Xiaomi!"

After shouting, Meredith immediately ran out.

"When did we become the 'liberators' of desire?"

"If you're talking about someone who is liberated by common sense and self-control, then she's the perfect person."

In addition, the energetic leader seemed to have been freed from many constraints, and Oscar and Niz could only chase after him with a wry smile.

The Central District is a magnificent place, no wonder it is called the Casino.

The most eye-catching thing is the majestic and solemn palace in the center, which is in no way inferior to the royal capitals of great powers such as the [Beruka Kingdom] and the [Grandate Empire].

Near the center of the palace stood a trident-shaped spire, nearly three hundred meters tall, towering over the entire island with a majestic grandeur. Every street and building was as magnificent as any capital city on the continent.

Houses are mostly made of wood, with stone and metal rarely used. Because it's an island, those materials are limited and must be transported from the mainland.

Furthermore, the main streets are the only ones paved with white flagstones, and the buildings are also painted in a beautiful white, which shows that the people in the Chuo Ward have a high sense of self-esteem and consider themselves to be "upper class."

People's clothing is extremely luxurious, completely different from that of people in the outer circle area, and the various ornaments they wear on their bodies seem to compete with each other in value and quantity.

"...I feel like this is the general impression people have of the 'upper class'."

Oscar spoke so quietly that no one around him could hear him.

As if to match the atmosphere of the central district, he had changed into high-end clothes.

Having said that, he was only wearing a simple and plain tuxedo, without any glittering gold ornaments or a gorgeous cape.

However, as long as Oscar didn't speak, he looked like an aristocratic young man, so just wearing a tuxedo, he looked like a "person of the upper class".

"You seem to have something else in mind?"

The one who responded to Oscar's whisper was Natsu who was right next to him.

Nez was wearing the same tuxedo as Oscar. Although simple and plain, it was finely crafted.

It was the first time in Natsu's life that he wore a tuxedo... no, it should be said that it was the first time that he wore clothes other than the traditional costume of the desert people, so he seemed a little uneasy.

However, he is definitely not unsuitable for a tuxedo, because Natsu is tall and handsome with a tough appearance, and the tight black clothes are the perfect fit for him.

Unlike Oscar, Naiz didn't look like a noble young man, but rather a mafia boss. He exuded a strong sense of oppression just by standing there.

The two dressed like this because the largest casino in the central area requires formal attire for entry.

Of course, they didn't bring any formal attire, but luckily the palace had clothing rentals, so they decided to rent dresses.

Oscar and Nez changed their clothes first and waited for Miledy in the lobby in front of the clothing rental store.

In the luxurious and spacious hall, the ladies frequently looked at Oscar and Niez. Oscar ignored their gazes and replied to Niez:

"It's not like there's a hidden meaning in what I'm saying. It's just that there are always those nouveau riche merchants in the kingdom who dress in a fancy way."

"Is it different from what the upper class normally wears?"

"Hmm~ Let me think about it. While there isn't a huge difference, and it also depends on the national conditions of each country, at least the nobles of the Beruka Kingdom tend to dislike luxury."

"...I see. They think luxury is tacky, and simplicity is elegance."

"Yes, to casually incorporate elements of great value into simplicity is the way of the upper class. The previous Orcus—Mr. Kagu—although he was often summoned to the royal palace and noble residences, he never dressed extravagantly. Of course, that was because he himself hated luxury."

"So, in order to avoid being looked down upon by the nobles, he also insisted on maintaining a simple and elegant style."

I see, even just an outfit can be so elaborate—Natsu nodded in agreement.

Then, because Oscar and Niz didn't respond no matter how much they flirted, instead chatting among themselves, just when the well-dressed Andika ladies finally couldn't hold back any longer and were about to come forward to chat -

"Ao, Xiaonai, sorry to have kept you waiting."

"Miledi, what took you so long—"

"..."

Oscar turned around and froze when he heard Meredith's voice. Nez also opened his eyes wide, speechless.

The reason is simple.

Because they were stunned.

Her usual frivolous demeanor had vanished. Meredith stood straight, her posture graceful, her hands dignified before her, not waving them about as they usually did. She walked with a quiet, slow pace, her manner imbued with grace.

Meredith's signature ponytail was let down, and her thick and delicate golden hair was flying lightly. The scene could even be described as dreamy.

She wore a pure white gown, simple and plain, but the ruffled hem and the ribbon embellishing the back of her waist were very lovely. Her ears were adorned with white gemstones that resembled pearls, and her neck was encrusted with a necklace of sapphires the same color as her eyes. Although the gems on each side were small, they only served to highlight her dazzling charm.

The most surprising thing is that Meredith herself, her face is not a playful smile, nor is it the expressionless look when she occasionally enters the Lassen mode, nor is it an energetic and innocent expression.

Her long eyelashes trembled, her head lowered slightly, and a beautiful and faint smile appeared on her face.

Manners, clothing, temperament, expression...

Every detail is impeccable. This is the true upper class, the real aristocracy.

Even among the nobles, she is a top lady. No, in terms of loveliness and nobility, it is not an exaggeration to call her a princess.

Oscar and his friends were not the only ones stunned. Everyone in the reception room was attracted by the appearance of this beautiful girl with outstanding temperament.

Everyone probably instinctively understood that she was different from them.

That girl was a "genuine noble."

Miledy stood pitifully in front of Oscar and Niz.

“…”

The two of them were speechless, frozen in place with their eyes wide open. Meredith gracefully raised her head, tilting it to the side in confusion, as if to ask, "What's wrong?"

Her actions made my heart beat faster...

"hehe."

But after that, Meredith's expression changed, from an elegant expression to an infuriatingly complacent expression. Her originally noble image now became as frivolous as a dandy boy.

"Eh~? What's wrong? Oh, Na-chan! Why are you guys just daydreaming?"

“Ah, no, no…”

"Y-Yeah, nothing much..."

Because the gap was so huge, Oscar and Niz didn't know how to respond for a moment.

Meredith's expression grew even more smug, as if to say, "I've tricked you!" She began to jump up and down, saying:

"I understand, Xiao Mi, you are all mesmerized by what you see, right? This super beautiful girl Xiao Mi makes your heart beat faster, right? Hehehe."

"Don't be silly, I'm just a little surprised by the different impressions..."

"Don't hide it! Don't be shy! Ao's crush on Mi is off the charts, right? Hey, Ao! You're so flustered! Tell us how you really feel! Tell us now!"

Mireille teased Oscar, and she was indeed very annoying. Oscar completely regained his composure, and even his anger index instantly exceeded the limit.

"...My true feeling is, right now I want to punch you and send you flying across the ocean."

Oscar clenched his fists, while Meredith let out a happy "Ah~" and then went around behind Natsu, using him as a shield. This time, she changed her target to Natsu.

"Hey, Xiaonai, can I write a letter to Xiaosi and Xiaoyun?"

"! What do you want to write?"

Natsu asked with a twitching cheek, even though he had guessed the horrible answer.

Xiaomi gave a cunning smile.

"Of course I have to write about it. Xiaonai became completely frozen when she saw Xiaomi wearing a dress. She was so mesmerized! This is already cheating!"

"Don't write! Or I'll beat you so hard you'll fly across the sea."