Black Ring City, East District, near the Reservoir River.
The scene was peaceful. It was morning, and sunlight spilled across the streets. Vendors could already be seen selling fruits, vegetables, and daily necessities by the roadside. These goods had been transported from the Elven race, and the two sides had reached a preliminary trade agreement.
Walpol, Ya, and five gray orcs walked down the street. None of them wore battle armor or carried weapons.
"It's been many years since I've seen a street like this."
Walpol's gaze remained fierce. He had spent far too long on the battlefield, and the sudden peace made him uncomfortable. However, he had already decided to leave Black Ring City soon and go somewhere sparsely populated. This morning, just after waking up and still somewhat groggy, he had nearly butchered a neighbor who came to visit. His instincts had told him it was an enemy attack.
"We need to stay away from civilians."
Ya spoke indistinctly as she held her lunch. She could eat an astonishing amount—roughly as much as six gray orc soldiers.
"Same here. Stay away from civilians."
The floating Demon Ghost Tanya Tan spoke with some emotion. She held a list containing the ingredients she needed for dinner.
"Walpol, I know a good tavern. Want to go?"
Ya spoke in her usual manner.
"Of course."
Walpol's eyes lit up. His greatest hobby was drinking.
"Tanya Tan, want to come?"
"No. I haven't prepared the lord's dinner yet."
"Lord Byakuya is going to the Elven race tonight."
"Huh?"
"Lord Byakuya is going there to negotiate a trade agreement, so come drink to your heart's content with us."
After Ya invited her twice, a troubled expression appeared in Tanya Tan's eyes. In the end, she sighed.
"Just this once."
Unable to refuse their warm