The Kingdom has been in a state of rapid development.

So everything is constantly changing.

Decades ago, there were no Western outlaws in the Royal Capital.

Because decades ago, the West hadn't been fully developed, and at that time, cowboys were still riding freely across the Western plains, drawing their guns in the center of town streets, with no energy to look further ahead.

But as the development of the West gradually approached its end, those cowboys of the old era lost their hunting grounds.

Some of these people spent their lives in the West, while others, restless or unable to find a means to live, continued to lick blood from the knife's edge.

A large portion of them drifted to the Royal Capital.

These people, invariably closely tied to the West, are easily identifiable, always wearing cowboy hats, equipped with revolvers, prone to dueling, treating the Royal Capital as their new Wild West.

This group has been fiercely tearing at the territories of the old forces for years, with the Mafia suffering the most.

Then there are the Old Continent immigrant gangs.

Although these people come from the Old Continent like the early Mafia, they are an entirely different breed.

They are not bound by family bloodlines.

They are more focused on the Old Continent label, recruiting only members from the Old Continent, regardless of where they're from, as long as they are new immigrants from the Old Continent, they're kin.

In theory, they should be close to the Mafia, but the reality is quite the opposite.

Those who clash most fiercely with the Mafia are precisely this group.

While snatching new members from the Mafia, they strive to annex the Mafia's power, incorporating it into their Old Continent immigrant system.

Moreover, as the Kingdom becomes more prosperous and immigrants increase, their influence grows stronger.

The result is that the Mafia, originally third in power, has shown significant decline in recent years.

With encroachments from Western outlaws and Old Continent immigrants, their territories are dwindling.

After roughly sketching the underground landscape of the Royal Capital, Herlosh felt parched, drinking several gulps of iced coffee.

"More in-depth information?"

Indeed, the situation in the Royal Capital is much more complicated than Wenster, something Ethan had anticipated before his arrival.

Thus, his strategy was one of gradual progression.

He absolutely could not rush into it recklessly.

Understanding every detail was the most crucial thing.

However, Herlosh shook his head and said, "I'm just a journalist, how would I know more?"

"Precisely because you're a journalist, you should know these things."

Journalists are the voice and eyes of a city.

Herlosh couldn't help but raise his hands in a gesture of surrender.

"Before eight o'clock tonight, prepare a detailed list for me. I'm staying at Aphrodisia Hotel in East City."

Ethan left him no room to refuse, saying this as he stood up, adjusted his collar, and walked towards the door.

Herlosh opened his mouth but ultimately said nothing.

————————

Ethan's schedule today was indeed a bit busy.

After meeting Herlosh in the morning, in the afternoon, he needed to go house hunting.

Securing a residence was also a very important matter.

Of course, because he promised Sofia in advance, they first headed to the house Sofia's mother had gifted her.

Speaking only of the location of this property, one could tell that Sofia's mother held an extraordinary status in the Royal Capital.

Central District.

The Central District is where the Royal Palace is located, as well as the Parliament, Prime Minister's residence, and many major government institutions.

Those who could reside in the Central District were either rich or noble.

To own property in this area was not simply a matter of being wealthy, one must also have status and position.

Not to mention, Sofia's house was a separate villa with a garden.

Even across the river, one could vaguely see a corner of the Royal Palace.

The decoration and interior of this house were of utmost luxury, unattainable to ordinary people in ten lifetimes.

"How about it? Isn't it nice?"

Sofia, leading Ethan on a tour, said enthusiastically, "I haven't stayed here in a long time myself. I only came twice as a child. You can choose any of the eight guest rooms, or if you like, Ethan, you can take the master bedroom."

Leaving Wenster and Ned's side, Sofia had become more audacious.

"Oh, and for the driver miss, you can choose any guest room too."

Anya suppressed the urge to roll her eyes, politely saying thank you.

Of course, Ethan ultimately didn't stay.

Initially, he planned to buy a place near Sofia's house, but that now seemed impossible.

The Central District properties were beyond his reach for now.

However, he had already assigned John Hott to check out properties in advance.

John Hott found several promising properties in the Port District.

The so-called Port District is East City District, also a very nice area in the Royal Capital, second only to the Central District.

It is a residential area for many big merchants and emerging elites.

Unhappy at the news of Ethan's unwillingness to stay, Sofia's expression fell, "Then I don't care, I want to stay there too. Living alone is too boring."

"Alright, then pick any guest room you like, Miss Sofia."

Anya finally took the opportunity to strike back, smiling politely in return.

And as Ethan's car was driving through the bustling streets of the Royal Capital, a pair of eyes silently watched.

Later, at a manor located in the Central District.

A servant walked quickly yet silently along a path paved with fine colored stones, eventually arriving at a conservatory deep in the garden.

After softly knocking, it was a while before the voice inside said to come in.

The servant carefully opened the door, head lowered, completely avoiding eye contact with the lady tending the flowers, and quietly said, "Madam, the young lady has arrived in the Royal Capital."

"Oh? Did she come alone?" The lady clipped a stem of a dahlia, her tone serene and inscrutable.

"No, she came with a young man and went to the house you gifted her this morning."

The servant became more cautious.

"A man?"

"I've already sent someone to investigate this man's background. From observation, the young lady seems... somewhat fond of him."

"Daughters grow up and can't be kept around forever, but since she's in the Royal Capital, as her mother, I must watch over her. Get the information to my desk as soon as possible."

The lady said while gently cutting the flower stem.

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