July arrived, bringing the hottest season on the North Continent.
Normally, this would have marked the beginning of Backlund's social season. The nobles who had spent pleasant days in the residences, castles, and manors on their fiefs would return to the city, attending balls and dinner parties to maintain good relations with other families and associates.
But with the new King's call for thrift, these events, originally intended to flaunt the nobility's wealth, had become more subdued. Many families whose fortunes had shrunk considerably after their manors and plantations suffered damage during the war now had a respectable excuse to reduce their spending on balls and banquets during the social season. Instead, they held salons for scholars and professionals, following the example of the old-fashioned nobles of Intis to establish contact with emerging powers.
Of course, several large-scale demonstrations had also played a part, as had the royal family's decision to make examples of a few heartless wealthy merchants as a warning to the rest.
Compared to the nobles, whose wealth and power had both diminished since before the war, Backlund's commoners had already regained their former standard of living. In fact, thanks to war reparations from Feysac and Intis and the implementation of policies aimed at helping the poor, their lives had become even better.
At least, that was how things looked on the bustling streets of the North Borough.
As Angel made her way through the busy crowds, the clamor around her blended into a continuous din:
"Fish and chips with a glass of apple juice, just six pence!"
"Ice-cold Black Bear Cola! We have the latest orange flavor, too!"
"Coming through! Coming through!"
Clear, distinctive bells rang out as a string of bicycles, spontaneously forming a line, rode past Angel.
Klein's "invention"... Watching these vehicles, so different