A group of uninvited guests appeared outside Quilan Village.
"We are retainers of viscount Lucas."
As they spoke, the group's tone was proud, and Quilan's first impression upon seeing them was that they were well-trained.
He was not wrong. The local nobles and their subjects who had survived so many disasters were hardly weak. "I am Quilan Elias. Lord Elias, what is the purpose of your visit from so far away?"
"Quilan Elias, we're truly sorry, but we've never heard of the Elias surname. Could this... village chief perhaps explain in greater detail?"
Quilan clenched his fists, anger rising within him. This was contempt for Elias's honor—among nobles, it would not be an exaggeration to call it an insult. Still, he held back his temper and said:
"My father is the master of Count Elias's Territory."
At the mention of a count, the retainers from the viscount's territory grew solemn. After all, a great noble represented a higher level of pressure in every respect.
But in the end, they still forced themselves to say:
"Count Elias, we have never heard of Count Elias in these lands."
"That only proves your ignorance. What, are you planning to declare war on Elias?"
"No one can start a war now, unless they intend to challenge the friendship of all nobles."
"We came here to collect taxes!"
The retainers stopped discussing anything else and focused on the purpose of their visit. The viscount had instructed them to test the capabilities of these outsiders.
They were not qualified to learn about the otherworldly realm yet.
"Collect taxes?!"
Quilan's eyes widened.
"I have never heard of anything so unreasonable. I am the lord of this land. Who has the right to tax me?"
"Besides, Oren City will not collect taxes from me for three years."
"Village