The annual special time was about to arrive.
As time passed, the arrival of the Wizard fleet from distant lands drew ever closer.
Early in the morning, Arthur stood quietly before a bustling harbor, watching the ships and merchants in the distance gradually thin out.
Beside him, Sidru and Walla stood silently to one side. As they watched the fleet in the distance, a hint of nervousness and unease showed in their eyes.
This was the largest harbor along the southern coast, and also the place where the Wizard fleet docked each year—an unusual region in its own right.
Because of the Wizards, this place had become a unique safe harbor. Ordinary wars and conflicts would not reach it, and over the course of several centuries, the harbor had gradually grown prosperous.
Every year, Wizard families from across the continent sent members of their clans with Wizard aptitude here, bound for the distant continent.
"It's already been a week. By my reckoning, it should be today."
Sidru's voice sounded beside him as he looked at Arthur.
Duke Arie thought highly of Arthur.
This time, although Duke Arie, as the ruler of a nation, could not come in person, he had sent Sidru and Walla along with a large number of attendants to accompany Arthur here.
Looking at the somewhat stiff expressions of those beside him, Arthur smiled. He appeared calm and composed, without the slightest sign of nervousness.
He looked around.
The area where they stood had long since been cleared. Though many people stood nearby, none of them were ordinary people; they were all outsiders like Arthur.
They were members of Wizard families. Being able to come here at all meant that their families possessed a certain history and strength, and that powerful Wizards had appeared among their ancestors.