Just as busy back home

Lorist returned to the Northlands in September, accompanied by Fatty Shi and the Flying Tiger Legion. Ready, the legion's acting commander, did not return with them. He stayed in Molent City with Malek to help Shiward develop and build up the leased territory. Malek stayed out of a sense of responsibility. After all, much of the leased territory's purpose was military, and he intended to return only after all the basic planning and construction projects were running smoothly.

Ready stayed for two reasons. First, he and Shiward were close as fellow disciples. This was Shiward's first time taking charge on his own as the administrator of the leased territory, and they might not see each other for several years afterward. Ready therefore decided to stay another two or three months and use that time to hone Shiward's swordsmanship. Second, his uncle Garilando could not bear to let him return to the Northlands. After much persuasion, Ready agreed to head north at the end of the year with El's Guard Legion, sparing the old man the added sorrow of saying goodbye twice.

Princess Sylvia, Director Spel, Director Kodan, and family officials of every rank came to North Sea City to welcome them. They held a grand ceremony to celebrate the victorious return of the family's forces after years of campaigning abroad. Lavish feasts were also prepared for Lorist and the Flying Tiger Legion's officers and soldiers at the governor's residence and the military camp outside the city.

At first, Lorist wondered how a miser like Director Spel could bear such extravagance. Spel, who had returned to the family dominion at the end of the previous year, explained with a broad smile. Thanks to the revival of Molent City's wholesale market, every factory, mine, and workshop in the Norton Family dominion had