Shanala Estate.
As time passed, the wealthy merchants and nobles who had remained behind began to grow suspicious and uneasy.
"Once the Church lands on the island, will they treat us as accomplices?"
"This is imprisonment, not protection at all."
"Shanala says she's protecting us, but I think she wants to drag us down with her."
More and more people joined the discussion, and everyone in the room began to grow restless.
Yet some still remained quiet.
This was Shanala's residence, with good food and drink laid out for them. Even if they left, skeletons still filled the island. Unless they could truly leave the island, there was nowhere else to go.
Compared to staying here, they were more worried about what Shanala had said: the Church had launched a holy war.
If... the Church really managed to attack the island, then everyone would die.
They hoped Treasure Island could hold out.
But how was that possible?
"What are you arguing about? The port isn't open. Who can leave?" someone said.
The person who had first rallied the crowd continued, "We can't just sit here waiting. We need to find a way to save ourselves."
"Treasure Island's coastline is huge. Maybe we can get out."
"Are you really planning to wait for the Church to come for us?"
More and more people were persuaded, shouting chaotically, "Shanala, let us leave already!"
The more people opposed her, the bolder everyone became.
As they spoke, some even shoved the skeletons guarding the door. One was struck in the abdomen by a Skeleton Warrior's sword hilt and curled up on the floor, cursing loudly.
Second floor.
Shanala and the heavily dark-circled Fifth Elder sat in their chairs, discussing Treasure Island.
The noise and shouting from downstairs drifted up. The Fifth Elder said,