As time passed, Arthur and the others continued heading south.
After several days, they reached this region. The surroundings were no longer an endless wilderness, and other travelers and caravans gradually began to appear.
They followed these people along rough roads and soon arrived at the nearby Duchy of Balun.
At noon, Arthur walked at the front of the group and looked into the distance.
A city was already visible far ahead, a tiny speck in his sight.
The others in the group did not have vision as keen as his, so they could not yet see the distant city. Still, they had learned of it through various sources.
When Flar returned from scouting ahead with word that they were close, the mood throughout the group lightened. The oppressive atmosphere brought on by their long journey lifted.
As the number of travelers ahead increased, smiles appeared on the faces of the group. Even Edward, who had seemed dispirited all this time, came out of the carriage with a faint smile.
"After we travel a little farther, our people will be waiting up ahead to welcome us."
Flar galloped over from the distance and quickly informed Edward, who was among the group.
To save time, more than a month ago he had sent several knights from the group ahead to notify the people in the south to come meet them. They had nearly reached the destination and would soon join up with the rest.
A little later, as they drew closer, Arthur looked ahead.
A large group was approaching them, numbering a hundred or two.
Leading them was an old man in a black coat. He was on horseback, riding quickly toward Arthur and the others.
A figure galloped out from behind Arthur.
Flar, clad in armor and smiling, rode up