Southward Ambitions

Aldo's north had already been covered in ice and snow, while its southern border remained lush and green.

Five Rams Castle was especially so. The weather was warm and pleasant, with no sign of winter anywhere. The abundant Pearl River flowed westward from the inland, joining the sea south of Five Rams Castle. The alluvial plain it had formed was extraordinarily fertile, ranking first in the south.

Such uniquely favorable conditions had made it the natural center of power in Aldo's southern territory, as well as the greatest support for the Giles Family's dominance over the south.

In a luxurious castle east of the city, a grand birthday banquet had already been going on for two days. Even now, late into the night, it was still in full swing.

Giles, lord of the south and the grand duke known as Greedy Wolf, had welcomed his forty-sixth birthday during this springlike winter.

Countless vassals had been summoned to Five Rams Castle, where they reveled amid a sea of fine wine and sumptuous delicacies.

At the seat of honor, Grand Duke Giles's eyes were somewhat bleary. The heavy drinking had flushed his cheeks, but his back remained ramrod straight. Long habit had taught the grand duke to maintain his dignity at all times.

"Whew!" He forcefully exhaled a breath of stale air, rose steadily to his feet, and made his way slowly toward the exit, passing through the crowd engaged in feasting and conversation.

He stepped through the towering doorway, and an expansive terrace roughly a hundred feet across appeared before him.

The grand duke puffed out his chest and strolled across the terrace with his head held high. His luxurious silk robe billowed in the wind, its ornaments clinking crisply against one another.

The castle stood at the highest point in