Poets and Painters

The emergence of the Northern Lands Knight Academy was still something far too lofty for the common folk of the Northern Lands.

Those knight lords riding tall warhorses were also figures they could only look up to. Many people found it difficult to hear news about the Knight Academy.

But that did not dampen their enthusiasm, because there were still many Bards traveling across this cold land.

They carried stories from distant places, knowledge clearly superior to that of commoners, and, most importantly, the badges of Rhino Horn Mountain, which kept them remarkably safe.

Bards had become one of the most renowned groups on this land. Everyone loved hearing their extravagant tales—hearing of Dragons roaring thousands of miles away, hearing of ancient castle lords toying with their maids' breasts.

The people of this land were simply that straightforward. Wherever Bards brought their stories, wine would appear before them.

Even the Corland Kingdom had gradually taken on this atmosphere. The changes came with every passing day, and even slaves and commoners could see that the world seemed to have become different.

When they stepped outside their homes, they no longer trod on muddy dirt roads overgrown with weeds. Though the roads were not paved with stone slabs like those in the cities, they were whole and proper roads. Something called order now blanketed their lives in neat arrangement.

"A letter! A letter has arrived!!!"

The young man shouted happily, holding up a cloth bag in his hand. The Corland Kingdom was much wealthier than its northern neighbors, and coarse linen had better uses elsewhere.

"A letter has come from the baron's town!"

Carrying the cloth bag, the young man hesitated outside a crude little church in the village before shouting loudly.

"Mr. Bennett!"

"Mr. Scott!"

At his call, a languid-looking man