Whether something is strict or not is relative. Compared to the Pearl Oyster, the Kingdom Gold Coin’s issuance system is as strict as if it had hundreds of screws tightened into place.
So Ella spoke with full confidence and emotion.
In the audience, Leah couldn’t help but sigh, “She really loves humans.”
It reminded her of the clothes she wore back when she negotiated alone in the Capital.
Above the Market, people craned their necks, their eyes fixed on the gleaming gold coin in the girl’s hand.
The older generation was stirred by deep memories, and for a moment, felt sentimental. The young people, though seeing it for the first time, instinctively yearned for the golden glow.
“Please rest assured, in the coming days, we will gradually distribute gold coin subsidies to everyone—regardless of age or gender, every household will receive them!”
Ella didn’t actually have that much money in hand, but that didn’t matter.
The Governor’s Mansion had confiscated plenty, her teammates were all wealthy, and Harbor City had a population of less than a hundred thousand—it was affordable.
Money is dead, but people are alive. From now on, this city would be theirs, so the investment was worth it!
This time, the crowd’s reaction was even greater.
Their anxiety faded, replaced by excitement.
People naturally seek benefit and avoid harm. The benefit was the subsidy, and as for harm, they had already considered it—if they kept using Pearl Oyster, they’d end up working for the Sea Demon Tribe like beasts of burden.
“We are proud humans! How can we let fish and frogs ride on our heads?”
A burly man in the crowd raised his arm and shouted, thoroughly igniting everyone’s sense of pride in their race.
“Naga are no exception!”
“They’re called Naga, but you’re right, Naga are out too!”
More and more people chimed in, the voices merging into one.
The few dissenting opinions were completely drowned out, unable to make a sound.
At that moment, someone asked, “What about the Pearl Oyster we still have?”
The crowd quieted down, and countless eyes turned to the pretty pink-haired girl on stage.
“You can still use them. Maybe someone still accepts them for trade, like those selling fish?”
Ella tilted her head adorably.
“Or you could keep them as a collection, since they’re imbued with Mr. Dagon’s… um, craftsmanship essence?”
Essence?
More like hand sweat!
At that thought, many people showed indescribable expressions.
They made up their minds to immediately take their Pearl Oyster to the Fish Market to exchange for goods—however much they could get, they’d take.
After the speech, Ella stepped down from the stage, and the group of girls gathered together.
“All done?”
Celes asked.
Ella made an OK gesture.
Of course it’s done. I said I had a way—why are you so nervous?
Look at you, your face is all red from worry.
She didn’t realize that Celes’ blush wasn’t from worry, but from thoughts only a young girl would have.
Leah, on the other hand, was far more open, her feelings written all over her face.
Her cheeks flushed with excitement, “Ella, you’re amazing at speaking!”
As the Saintess, even she struggled to achieve such an effect during her speeches.
“Hey, hey, don’t say weird things like that. How would you know if little Ella’s mouth is amazing unless you tried it yourself?”
“That’s not what I meant…”
It was Vina who said that, but Ella noticed Zero’s look was off and quickly cleared her throat, “That’s enough here, let’s go back and rest for a bit and let things settle.”
Everyone agreed to the suggestion, and with the help of the guards, they left the crowd and headed for the inn.
Due to the special circumstances, of the twenty guards who came, only ten returned; the other ten stayed behind, saying they would remain near the inn to await the girls’ instructions at any time.
Those who know how to adapt are wise—since the Governor was thoroughly dead, anyone with eyes could see that, at least for now, Harbor City was under the command of these beautiful girls.
They had status, powerful backing, connections, and outstanding personal strength.
Most importantly, they seemed extremely united.
Back at the inn, Ella still couldn’t escape—Zero cornered her in a small hallway.
“W-what is it?”
Ella was so nervous she nearly blurted out, “There’s nothing between me and Leah!”
Luckily, she stopped herself in time.
“You had tasks for me, so why didn’t you tell me directly?”
Zero gazed at her with clear eyes.
“Why did you have someone else pass the message?”
Oh, that.
You scared me for a second.
“Sorry, I was just too busy at the time. I had to arrange things for almost everyone, so I couldn’t get to it.”
Ella put her hands together.
“Next time, I’ll tell you personally.”
Since she said “someone else,” it meant she probably hadn’t suspected Leah yet, right?
Zero seemed appeased and gave a gentle “mm” before walking away.
Ella watched her go, only relaxing once she was sure Zero had left.
Thinking back to that once pure and innocent little assassin, she couldn’t help but feel a wave of emotion.
What had changed her into this?
There was no time to dwell on that now.
Ever since the High Platform Currency Declaration, countless rumors had started in the Market and were spreading to every corner of Harbor City.
“Did you hear? Pearl Oyster is useless now. We’ll be using gold coins from now on.”
“Have you heard? Pearl Oyster was a Sea Demon Tribe plot. All these years, it only came in, never went out. It was all to buy up the whole city today.”
“If you keep using Pearl Oyster, you’ll end up tending fish stalls for the Sea Demon Tribe—killing fish, fetching water, cleaning tanks.”
“Miss Ayla will be handing out money soon—Kingdom Gold Coin, real money!”
“Who’s Miss Ayla?”
“She’s the one giving you money—what else do you need to know? She’s not your mother, that’s for sure.”
Meanwhile, the Fish Market was packed tight.
The Sea Demon Tribe, who came daily to sell fish, were completely caught off guard.
They had no idea what was happening—just that crowds of people were coming with bags of Pearl Oyster to buy fish.
They wanted salted fish, preferably dried, the longer it could keep, the better.
As for the humans, some couldn’t sit still.
The wealthy families of Harbor City had tens of thousands of Pearl Oyster stored at home.
Hearing that this stuff was about to become worthless, they rushed to the Governor’s Mansion.
“This can’t be! We promoted Pearl Oyster on your advice and responded enthusiastically. You owe us an explanation—I want to see the Governor!”
The guard at the door glanced lazily at the portly man, dressed in rare Harbor City silk and adorned with pearls and jewels.
He still didn’t look as good as the small gold coin Miss Ayla had played with on stage today.
“Sorry, there’s been a personnel change on the Kingdom’s side. The Governor has been reassigned. All matters in Harbor City are now handled by the Envoy.”
So, after much inquiry, the wealthy finally found their way to the inn—only to be turned away by the guards. Ella couldn’t be bothered to deal with them.
Anyone who could get rich in a city where government, merchants, and clergy were all in cahoots—how could their hands be clean?
“Whoever comes, just tell them: to prevent a run, no gold coin exchanges are allowed. And we’re not accepting any Pearl Oyster, which are nothing but mass-produced art pieces with only ornamental value.”
She had the guards send the rich away like that.
She was waiting—for the reaction of the Sea Demon Priest.