This was said to be related to the upheaval in the Cruz Empire. Ever since Black Moon's fall, trade had declined sharply. Fortunately, with the help of the Naga, the routes to Ailanta and Nazel at least remained open.
But this was hardly good news. The army of Fir Territory had already set out for the north. According to letters from home, Mintai and Olde had begun withdrawing southward, crossing the Gers River. Refugees were now gathering in Fir Territory, with some converging on Gris. The bitter winter had yet to pass, and it was as if they had returned to the days before the Year of Flowers and Summer Leaves.
At times like this, the captain could not help but especially miss the days when the lord had still been in his territory.
Recently, unpleasant rumors about the Crown Princess and Adviser Miss had begun circulating throughout the territory. They vividly described how the two women had usurped the count's position. Although the captain found this utterly absurd, anyone could see how loyal Miss Antitina was to the lord.
Still, he also felt that ever since the lord had left, life in Tonigell had indeed grown harder with each passing day. This might have been related to the turmoil in the south, but it made it difficult for people to place their trust in the Crown Princess's abilities.
These days left him deeply worried. Although the power struggle between the nobles and the royal family had little to do with people at the bottom of Eluin's society like them, not a single Tonigellian wanted to return to the past.
"Captain, I heard that the army in the north is made up of monsters?" The youngest sentry in the watchtower stared at the dark-red flames in the darkness. A flicker