In late December, ten thousand sallow, emaciated serfs were escorted to the Lake of Star Prayer.
The officer escorting them was an acquaintance of Velin's: Moira, the logistics director of the 16th Knight Order. A rather portly middle-aged man accompanied her.
"Velin, I've come as promised."
Velin was not surprised when he first saw Moira.
This ardent admirer of his father still had not forgotten the wooden toy he had offered her. He simply had not expected her to arrive so soon.
"Moira, welcome. And who might this be?" Velin greeted her warmly with a smile.
"Lord Velin, I'm from the South Kuhl Merchant Guild in Kurze Province. You may call me Hook. Miss Moira invited me two months ago, and I heard that you have a type of magic potion here. Please forgive my presumptuous visit." The portly middle-aged man bowed slightly, showing Velin his respect.
"Welcome, Hook. It's just that the magic potion is still... well, in the experimental stage. You'll need to stay at the Lake of Star Prayer for a few days," Velin said calmly.
"The Lake of Star Prayer—the name alone suggests a beautiful, bountiful place. I'm sure I'll find it hard to leave." Hook maintained his smile and answered with a touch of delight, easing the awkwardness.
Velin then instructed Belder to receive the serfs and arrange accommodations for Hook, the merchant from the South Kuhl Merchant Guild, before leading Moira to his castle.
In the castle's reception room, Velin personally served Moira tea.
"Moira, is the South Kuhl Merchant Guild trustworthy?"
Moira took a small sip of tea and said unhurriedly, "The South Kuhl Merchant Guild has an excellent reputation and a history of nearly two hundred years. It works with the Kingdom Army and many nobles. The first Count Andusi was one