The Rich Cultivator
Chapter 187. A New Beginning

Chapter 187: 187. A New Beginning

After the Labyrinth emerged, the old port city underwent a complete transformation. It became a thriving hub, filled with adventurers, merchants, and even pirates in disguise. The heart of this bustling activity was the White Crown Galleria, now the largest and most important castle in the city.

With the Royal Family and the entire capital mysteriously vanishing into the Labyrinth, there was no one left to manage the other four islands of the Rosefall Kingdom. In the absence of the monarchy, the governors of each city began monopolizing power, each seeking to control their territories for personal gain. The governor of the port city was no different. His eyes were firmly set on the White Crown Galleria, and he made various attempts to seize it.

However, his efforts were in vain. Mana, Tyler’s Ghost Spirit, had no intention of letting him succeed. Using her ethereal abilities, she simply possessed him and made him write an agreement that dictated his resignation. According to the agreement, the governor would step down, and a new head would be nominated for the city.

When the announcement was made, everyone was dumbfounded—the new head was none other than Silvia, a young elf. The idea of such a young girl ruling the city left many in shock, but no one dared to oppose it. Oddly enough, those who initially voiced their disapproval mysteriously changed their stance the following day, suddenly becoming Silvia’s strongest supporters. This strange phenomenon made everyone cautious, but no one dared question it openly. In reality, Mana had been behind it all, using her ability to possess key figures and manipulate events in Silvia’s favor.

Soon, the people of the city began to refer to Silvia as "Princess." Under her leadership, she gained control of more than half the businesses on the island. Through Mana’s influence, neighboring cities slowly began to merge with the port city, increasing Silvia’s power. All it took was for Mana to possess a few influential figures, and the rest followed suit. Before long, the entire island was under the control of the White Crown Galleria.

Silvia, under Mana’s guidance, renamed the island White Crown City. It became a bustling center of commerce and authority, with its own distinct leadership structure. Mana also took the initiative to recruit a private army, which soon became known as the White Crown Army. With this growing force, the island resembled a mini-kingdom, ruled under the banner of the White Crown Galleria.

Five years passed in the outside world, though to Tyler and his crew, only one month had passed while they were trapped inside the Labyrinth. Upon their return, they were shocked to discover the sweeping changes that had taken place. They could hardly believe that so much had happened in what felt like a mere month to them.

White Crown City was now a thriving metropolis, with a strong economy and a powerful army. Merchants and adventurers traveled from afar to do business there, while its strategic location made it a popular stop for both legitimate traders and pirates looking to avoid attention. The city had grown far beyond the port they had once known.

Tyler sat in the artificial hot spring, casually blowing bubbles as he listened to the story of everything that had happened while they were trapped in the Labyrinth. His body was mostly obscured by the mist, and despite the seriousness of the conversation, he seemed to be enjoying the warm waters without much care. Beside him, Lily, Mana, Mathilda, and Silvia also soaked in the spring, their bodies bare but mostly hidden by the steam.

Silvia, now 15, couldn’t resist stealing glances at Tyler. Though she tried to be subtle, it was clear she was trying to show off her own beauty, perhaps hoping for a reaction. The others noticed her behavior but pretended not to see, silently laughing to themselves. Despite her efforts, Tyler, who now appeared as an 12-year-old and was rather cute in his new form, seemed not understand what Silvia is doing. He was more focused on the story than the suggestive atmosphere around him.

Suddenly, Tyler opened his eyes, breaking the lighthearted tension with a serious question. "What about the other islands?" he asked.

Mana, appeared next to Tyler, replied, "They aren’t as united as we are. Each city is still governed by its own governor. Most of them aren’t bad, but a few cities have been trying to follow our path and have started waging war against their neighbors. We’ve made sure none of the citizens are harmed, though. After all, this is Astrid’s kingdom."

Tyler nodded thoughtfully. "Since the royal family is back, we should help Astrid ascend the throne."

"No need." The voice came from the entrance, where Astrid stood hesitantly, wrapped in a towel. After a moment’s pause, she stepped forward and removed the towel, revealing her young and slender form. Before Tyler could react, Silvia quickly covered his eyes with her hand, making him chuckle softly.

Astrid blushed deeply, realizing her boldness. She quickly slipped into the water, hiding behind the girls. A mischievous pair of hands suddenly grabbed her from behind. It was Mathilda, giggling as she playfully teased Astrid.

"Aww... so soft... and big... even though we’ve regressed in age," Mathilda remarked while staring at Astrid’s chest.

"Stop..." Astrid blushed harder, trying to fend off Mathilda’s hands.

Tyler, ever the captain, brought the conversation back to the topic at hand. "What do you mean by ’no need’?" he asked, his voice curious but calm.

Astrid, gathering her composure, sighed. "I remember my father’s dying words, even though I was trapped by Evergreen. He told me that my mother is still alive. She’s probably in the Highlands, somewhere up north. I’ve had enough of the kingdom’s politics. Evergreen manipulated the prime minister, but even so, he’s still a good man and will lead the country back to its former glory. My younger brothers and sisters can take the throne if they want to. I’m leaving... I’m going to find my mother."

The air around them grew quiet as Astrid spoke. Her words were filled with a sense of finality, but also freedom. It was clear that her heart no longer lay with the responsibilities of the throne.

Mathilda, ever supportive, grinned and spoke up. "Then if you want to leave, leave with us."

Astrid turned, her eyes locking onto Tyler. Her gaze was full of hope, yet she hesitated, waiting for his approval.

Tyler, knowing the unspoken bond between them all, nodded without hesitation. "You’re always welcome to sail with us."

Astrid’s face lit up with a warm smile, grateful for Tyler’s understanding. The future was uncertain, but for now, she knew where she belonged-on Tyler’s ship, seeking the truth about her mother and leaving the burdens of the throne behind.

Three months had passed since the turbulent events that reshaped the kingdom. With the support of the White Crown Army and the Royal faction, the once-chaotic White Crown City had transformed into the new capital, marking the dawn of a new era. Astrid’s younger brother, now seated on the throne, was beginning to guide the kingdom into a time of peace and prosperity. The prime minister, burdened by guilt after learning the truth about Evergreen’s manipulation, had resigned and knelt before Astrid, seeking forgiveness.

True to her kind nature, Astrid forgave him and even requested that he continue as prime minister, trusting in his experience to help lead the country. The White Crown Galleria resumed its business, its grandeur undiminished, but the city itself had been relinquished. Silvia, however, didn’t mind—the only thing that mattered to her was that Tyler was back, and she was ready to continue their adventures alongside him.

The long-awaited announcement from the White Merchant Group finally came, signaling their departure. For the Royal Family and the nobles, it was a bittersweet relief. The presence of the powerful group had been a protective barrier, but with their departure, the kingdom could truly reclaim its independence. Yet, no one dared challenge the White Crown Galleria, now securely in the hands of some of the best managers in the region. The income from the Galleria would continue to flow into the Bank of Atlantis.

As for White Crown Army, some boarded the ship to join Tyler’s crew, while others opted to remain, pledging their loyalty to the newly formed government. The kingdom, once known as the Rosefall Kingdom, had been reborn as the New Rose Kingdom—a name that symbolized the fresh start and the promise of a brighter future.

The colossal ship, gleaming in the sunlight, set sail from the kingdom. Even though five years had passed since Tyler last sailed on it, the ship still looked as new as ever, its magical arrays preserving its integrity. Astrid stood at the ship’s railing, watching her homeland shrink into the distance, her emotions swirling inside her. The kingdom that had once been her burden was now in safe hands, and she could finally pursue her own path, free from the chains of duty.

With a deep breath, she turned away from the horizon, feeling both a sense of loss and liberation. Ahead lay the unknown, filled with new adventures and the promise of discovery. With Tyler at the helm, and her friends by her side, she knew that no matter where they sailed, they would face it together.