Chapter 54 Persuasion

"Why are you being so rockheaded? There is nothing of value here, in these slums. You cannot improve or make any sort of progress. So why not join Ikasa and go to Birch City for a fresh start?"

Feng Yan queried, trying to understand why these people were so reluctant to leave these abominable lives behind.

The people before him were the families of his brothers who had suffered for the past Eighteen years. Even though half of them had shown willingness to accompany him, the other half were stubbornly refusing.

After stewing in silence for a while, the wife of one of the ex-guardsmen spoke up. Her agitation was apparent on her face.

"All those years ago, because of one impulsive decision of my husband, we ended up in this state. Now that we have some semblance of stability at last, why do you want to uproot our lives and follow some rich, stuck-up brat?"

At this moment, many people in favor of leaving with Ikasa glared at her. However, after her emotional appeal, some of the people who were willing to leave also doubted their decision.

Feng Yan looked at her semi-clean, threadbare gown. Her thin frame looked like it might be blown by the wind at any instant.

Seeing his silence, the people in favor of staying also started to protest against the decision to move.

"We have abundant food and clothing after so many years. We have already suffered enough. Why should we abandon what we deserve and go to some unknown city?"

"My brother died because he believed in you. Are you running away because this place reminds you of him?"

His eyes, filled with sorrow, roamed over similarly thin frames of other protesting family members. He was hit by a bout of guilt. He couldn't help but question himself.

'I led them into this mess. What right do I have to make a choice for them?'

That's when Feng Yan perceived a figure had walked closer and stood beside him.

"One, I am rich, but I am not some stuck-up brat. Two, what you are thinking of as stability is just stagnancy. It will last as long as you have some gold. When you run out of gold, your lives will be more miserable than now."

Ikasa spoke to break their delusions. He noticed the ones protesting were all family members. Most of the men and women of working age were glaring at those speaking against leaving.

Feng Yan was startled by Ikasa's presence. He exclaimed with surprise, "How? Why are you here?"

"I just secured our way out. Since I was close by, I decided to come and see if I can help you convince them."

'And good thing I came. Because they are clearly guilt-tripping my poor father-in-law.'

Ikasa's presence attracted everyone's attention. His clothes were normal for the upper echelon of the City but in these Slums? He stood out like a Celestial amongst mortals.

"He is Ikasa?"

"They say he is Feng Yan's Son-In-Law."

"Damn, My goddess Xin Ruo… (T_T)"

While the males were concerned about their goddess, females were taken in by his looks.

"Look at his clothes he definitely looks like a Rich Man."

"Leave his clothes, look at his face. He is so handsome!"

Ikasa preened like a peacock after being called handsome for the first time in this world.

'No matter how good-looking you are, your halo of handsomeness only activates after you become rich or powerful.'

Even though most of the comments he heard were positive, many of the protesters were not happy with his presence.

"He is the one who wants to take us to Birch City?"

"Absolutes know what magic he cast on Feng Yan to turn him into his puppet."

"I heard he plans to turn us all into his slaves."

Outrageous rumors spread amongst the crowd like wildfire. Even people who were ready to leave with Feng Yan looked at Ikasa with suspicion.

Feng Yan couldn't take it anymore. He roared, letting people see the fearful side of the infamous Red Eye.

"Who dares to slander our benefactor?"

Everyone quieted down. Many of them mouthed the word 'benefactor' to each other, inquiring what Feng Yan meant. But no one dared to question the angry man before them.

Once the crowd had settled down, Ikasa took the lead.

"I understand many of you might have misgivings about my intentions, but I am doing this only because Feng Yan cares about you."

He turned to Feng Yan and rebuked him gently.

"Old Man, they are unwilling to come with us. Why must we force them? Let them live the rest of their lives as they want."

He turned to the rest of the people who had agreed to come with Feng Yan.

"To those who want to start anew, we welcome anyone willing to come with us. If you are willing to work for me, I will take care of your food and shelter. You will also receive a monthly salary of 5 gold."

Many pairs of eyes lit up at Ikasa's proposal. One of the reasons for their reluctance was resolved, just like that.

Seeing so many people eager to join him, Ikasa smiled from ear to ear. He had to make a list of his future subordinates. But when he looked at the setting sun, he realized he didn't have much time to stay here. Also, looking at the number of people who were looking at him with shining eyes, he decided he didn't have the will to write either.

'Why should I do everything myself? Since they are my future subordinates, it doesn't matter if I test them with a small task right?'

He thought to himself as he justified the clever way he found to avoid labor. He raised his voice and asked,

"Does anyone here know how to write?"

His question was responded with confused looks and hushed whispers. He searched the crowd to see if anyone possessed the skill he required.

His attention was attracted by one of the middle-aged men who had raised his hand.

The man parted the crowd and came forward and said,

"I do."