Before they even approached the city, Velin had already seen the citizens waiting along both sides of the road.
Several hundred guards formed a barrier, keeping the road clear.
"How many people are on Yolia Island now?" Velin asked as he looked at the decently dressed commoners on either side.
Hearing this, Levandor straightened in his seat and reported, "Yolia Island has 154,737 registered residents, 373,789 permanent residents, and roughly 100,000 transient residents."
"At its peak, the population could reach 500,000."
"Even during its lowest period, the population remained at around 300,000."
"That many?" Velin turned to Levandor and asked with some curiosity.
If he remembered correctly, when the island had become his territory, it had seemed to have only a few thousand inhabitants, nearly all of whom made their living by fishing.
"That is actually considered few." Levandor adjusted his gold-rimmed glasses and said, "If I had lifted the restrictions, Yolia Island's population should have already swelled to one million."
"The Eastern Region of the Ilia Kingdom is far too densely populated. Many people have no land, and in order to avoid becoming serfs while also pursuing a glimmer of hope, they chose to come to Yolia Island because of your reputation."
"After Yolia Island clearly began developing commerce, merchant ships without backing almost all chose to detour here to trade because of your reputation, avoiding exploitation by port officials in the coastal provinces."
"Beyond that, many adventurers and children of noble families have also come here because of your name."
"Now, anyone wishing to enter Yolia Island must apply in advance."
"It really is..."
Velin looked at Levandor, unsure how to respond for a moment.
The officials of the Ilia Kingdom's coastal provinces had undoubtedly contributed greatly to this place's prosperity.
Still, his reputation had played a major