Sevia's Plea

The pearly waves repeatedly slapped against the shore as flocks of seagulls foraged between sea and sky.

It was an utterly ordinary morning in Franklin Harbor.

A passenger ship slowly entered the harbor and, pulled by tugboats, came to a steady stop at the pier.

Passenger ships were a recent development. As traffic between Northwest Bay and the various trade hubs increased sharply, the old practice of traveling aboard cargo ships had gradually become unable to meet demand. After all, cargo ships were mainly used to transport goods, leaving little room for people. With such cramped spaces, living conditions naturally became poor.

Thus, shipping companies had begun introducing passenger ships dedicated to carrying people.

Considering that ordinary passengers were not as agile as sailors, the simple gangplanks used for boarding and disembarking had been improved into ramps with railings on both sides.

A tall, beautiful woman stepped onto the pier one step at a time. Her waist-length, emerald-green hair swayed lightly behind her with every step.

"Sevia Asitini?"

Not far ahead, a woman with chestnut hair caught her attention and startled her.

"What are you doing here?"

Laddie Setia approached her and questioned the female Spellcaster.

Sevia gave her a faint smile.

"I've been waiting for you at the pier every day these past few years. You said you'd return around this time."

But the expression on Sevia's face quickly turned puzzled.

"Where's your earl?"

"What do you mean, my earl?"

Laddie's reaction startled Sevia. Her tone carried a hint of embarrassment and irritation, as though someone had touched a sore spot.

In Sevia's impression, Laddie had always been as calm and unruffled as still water.

She came back alone. Something must have happened, Sevia thought secretly.

"I mean... where's Lord Greiman? Shouldn't you have returned with his fleet?"

Laddie's