Evening.
The full moon hung high, its watery light spilling over Black Wolf Castle's gray stone walls, draping this ancient structure, weathered by centuries of storms, in a veil of silver.
The clock tower's spire seemed poised to pierce the night sky as it pointed toward the sea of stars. Beneath it, the Black-Haired Youth sat cross-legged facing the moon, his eyes tightly shut.
Tonight was a fine night for meditation, and Xian, who was determined to improve his magic power, naturally would not let it pass.
Meanwhile, in the castle's main building not far from the clock tower, the windows were still brightly lit—so bright they almost hurt the eyes.
Castle hall.
The enormous iron chandelier hanging from the lofty ceiling was covered in fiercely burning candles, illuminating the entire space as brightly as day.
After rushing about all day from dawn until late at night, Old Xiao En returned here, covered in dust and travel-weariness.
Before him, Karen sat quietly in the hall's seat of honor, while Danielle stood beside him, holding the still-infant Little Hayden.
"My lord, as per your orders, I have investigated every brothel and gang within Black Wolf Territory, as well as the number of villages suffering from famine."
Old Xiao En knelt on one knee upon the carpet and spoke respectfully.
"Report," Karen said with a wave of his hand.
"There were originally six brothels across the three towns of Black Wolf Territory. The largest, located in Mineral Town, has already been cleared out by His Highness. Five remain."
"There are two in Wolf Fang Town, one in Abundant Fruit Town, and one in Mineral Town. According to the investigation, every single one of them engages in the forced prostitution of women and boys."
"As for gangs, excluding a few petty thugs, there