Chapter 15
Clayton froze, anxiety gripping his chest. Should he hide, or open the door? Torn between fear and confusion, his hands didn't stop moving—he kept packing the most important of his belongings.
Before he could even react, the door burst open, and a group of rough-looking men stormed into the house.
Seeing who they were, Clayton let out a quiet sigh of relief. They weren't connected to the trio of robbers from earlier—they were city administrative enforcers.
Still, something felt off. Why were they here?
"Heh, kid. Planning a rebellion or something? Why didn't you open the door when I called?" barked the man at the front—Tiger.
"Ah, Brother Tiger, I didn't mean to ignore you. I was tidying up and didn't hear clearly. Lately, too many people have been showing up at my house, so I didn't think it'd be you. But hey, what brings someone as busy as you here?" Clayton replied politely, adding a touch of flattery.
Tiger glanced around the cluttered house. He seemed to buy the explanation, but he didn't care. He got straight to the point.
"Alright, then—do you have money?"
"Uh... no, Brother Tiger. Why do you ask?"
"Word is you're working as a farming assistant now. Don't tell me you're broke. Pay your residential tax—today! If not, you're out of the city."
Clayton was stunned.