Chapter 24: Eisenburg (4)

Mili stole a glance at the woman beside her.

Seraphina looked impossibly young…

Her finely sculpted face glowed under the light, so youthful it was hard to believe she’d carved out such a domain in this chaotic world…

Yet the truth was undeniable—

This woman, barely in her twenties, had built one of the most formidable powers in the wasteland.

Forced to stay by Seraphina’s side, Mili had to face the countless gazes coming from all directions.

Curious, reverent, probing…

The dense stares made her squirm, wishing she could dig a hole and hide…

Frightened, she tried to slip behind Seraphina, but the woman grabbed her hand.

“Stand tall.” Seraphina turned her head, speaking softly.

“You’re mine, and they should look up to you too.”

Mili forced herself to stand straight, trying to appear composed.

Goosebumps prickled her skin, and she kept her eyes fixed ahead, avoiding any contact.

“Come, let’s check out that area.” Seraphina took her hand, leading her toward the commercial district.

Clean, bustling streets stretched out, lined with shops offering a dazzling array of goods.

Clothing stores, general shops, tool shops, pharmacies, bookstores…

Everything imaginable.

The display windows showcased everything from daily necessities to luxury items, fully stocked.

Where was the wasteland in this?

—It was as prosperous as the pre-catastrophe world.

“Where… does all this come from?” Mili tugged lightly at Seraphina’s sleeve, whispering.

“Some we produce ourselves, some we trade for.”

“Eisenburg may be surrounded, but we’ve never lost contact with the outside.” She stopped before a boutique clothing store.

“Want to buy some clothes?” She pointed at the shop.

“Your wardrobe’s too plain.”

“No… no need.” Mili shook her head.

“Don’t like them?” Seraphina’s tone was unreadable.

“It’s not that… I just… have enough already.”

The shopkeeper, a middle-aged woman, saw Seraphina and rushed out excitedly.

“Your Majesty! What an honor!” Her voice trembled.

“How can I serve you?”

“No trouble, just browsing,” Seraphina replied coolly.

The shopkeeper stepped aside respectfully.

Other customers in the store retreated to the corners, holding their breath, silent.

Mili was dragged along as Seraphina toured the shop.

The clothes were high quality, practical in style but finely crafted.

“Like anything?” she asked.

“I… really don’t… need anything…”

“Hm—that blue dress is nice.” Seraphina pointed to a light blue dress in the corner. “Wrap it up.”

“Yes! Right away!” The shopkeeper scrambled to fetch and pack it carefully.

“…”

“Why the long face?”

“Nothing…”

“Don’t like it? Well, I do.”

“…???”

Seraphina smirked at Mili’s twitching expression, pleased. “How much?”

“No, no! It’s our honor to serve Your Majesty!” The shopkeeper waved her hands, flushed with excitement.

Seraphina didn’t insist, nodding before leading Mili out.

They visited a few more shops, each stop causing a stir…

Shopkeepers fawned over them, customers watched from afar with awe.

Mili felt like she was trailing a landlord on a shopping spree—whenever Seraphina wanted something, shopkeepers refused payment…

And even tried to give her extra.

Was this genuine devotion or fear-driven compliance?

If it was fear, their smiles didn’t seem fake…

“Tired?” Seraphina noticed Mili’s paling face.

“A… little…”

“Let’s find a place to sit.”

Soon, they arrived at a café.

A customer leaving held the door for Seraphina, light music and chatter drifting out…

Through the glass, Mili saw a packed interior.

Some read books, others chatted, a few worked on laptops…

“There’s… electricity here?” Mili couldn’t help asking.

“Of course.” Seraphina answered matter-of-factly.

“Eisenburg has its own power plant. Not as abundant as pre-catastrophe, but enough to keep the city running.”

“Let’s sit.”

The café was cozy and elegant, with landscape paintings on the walls and the faint aroma of coffee in the air.

A young man in an apron emerged from behind the counter, freezing when he saw Seraphina.

“Y-Your Majesty… you’re here in person?! Please, sit!” His voice shook.

“No need to be nervous.” Seraphina waved a hand.

“I’m just showing her around. Find us a quiet spot.”

The man’s gaze fell on Mili, curious.

“And this is…?”

“You’ll know in time.”

The all-purpose owner didn’t press, quickly leading them upstairs.

“Right away! This way!”

They were seated by a window on the second floor, overlooking the street.

Seraphina ordered two coffees, leaning back and gazing out quietly.

The owner soon brought brimming cups, setting them down gently.

Mili cautiously held the porcelain handle, taking a sip, the bitter taste making her wince.

“Don’t like it?”

“It’s… bitter…”

Seraphina added a few spoonfuls of sugar. “Silly girl, can’t even help yourself.”

“…”

“What do you think?” she asked Mili.

“It’s… prosperous.”

Mili answered honestly.

“Much… better than I imagined.”

“This is just a fraction.” Seraphina sipped her coffee, pulling out the monitoring device again, staring at the screen:

“Besides the industrial, residential, and commercial zones, Eisenburg has a dedicated research center.”

“Research… center?”

“Mainly for developing new weapons and restoring or improving old-era tech.” She set down her cup.

“We can’t rely on the past forever. Fall behind, and you’re beaten. Innovation is key.”

Mili nodded, gaining a new understanding of Seraphina’s power.

Building such a vast force in this environment wasn’t just about brute strength…

Her cunning and depth were unfathomable.

Outside the café, a crowd soon gathered—

People eager to glimpse the Queen.

Though they kept their distance…

The weight of so many reverent gazes made Mili deeply uneasy.