Since last autumn's harvest, even with Exar undergoing full-scale industrialization, there had still been no food shortages. Surplus grain could be sold in Exar at high prices, while goods produced in Exar could circulate more quickly.
The Central Continent had no more population to draw from, so they sold their goods westward to the Kingdom of Krun.
Mel had yet to decide whether to take Elena to the Holy City, Hess City, or hand her directly over to Bishop Sissika. After all, Felicia Darian had once been Gard's saintess, so continuing her development within the Holy Church should have been relatively easy.
The only difference was that the main body had changed from the Northern Church to the Southern Church.
In the end, Mel decided to take Elena back to Hess City first. At the very least, Claire and Libria needed to know. This could not be hidden forever.
Using teleportation magic, he arrived at the manor in Hess City, where Claire and Libria happened to both be present.
Spring was in the air—warm but not hot. Old trees sprouted fresh buds, and sparrows tumbled through the grass.
"Elena Darian."
"Claire Bernardo."
Their gazes met instantly, and Claire vaguely felt that something was wrong.
Then a child peeked out from behind Mel. She had probably already guessed something.
But judging by her age, this child should have arrived in this world long ago, shouldn't she?
"Mel... why is she here?"
"It's a long story." Mel explained everything that had happened when he had been hunted by the red dragon.
"Isn't she taking advantage of your vulnerability?" Hostility lingered in Claire's eyes.
"I thought you had the right to know, so I brought her here. Anyway, there isn't a throne for her to inherit, is there?" Mel had no idea how