The Princess's Retainer

The official road, a tea stall.

The scenery here differed somewhat from that of the Northwest Continent.

The wind on the Northwest Continent was like a burly, brawny man, brimming with rough force. Here, the wind was hot and sticky, carrying a trace of dampness, like an exotic woman wearing a mysterious mask and striking with venomous intent. The midday sun was especially vicious.

In a corner of this deserted tea stall, a tall, sturdy man in coarse hemp clothing rolled his Adam's apple a few times before swiftly draining a bowl of tea larger than his face. Only after the tea reached his stomach did the heat in his body ease somewhat. He set down the pottery bowl with a thud.

"Shopkeeper, fill me another bowl."

The tea-stall keeper was propping up his cheek with one hand, his eyes half-lidded and his expression listless. At the thunderous sound, he instantly came awake. He was just about to lose his temper, but when he saw the man's physique and ferocious expression, he nervously swallowed and obediently refilled the tea.

The tall man drank another bowl with gusto.

He tugged at his collar and muttered curses under his breath.

At this time of year, the temperature on the Northwest Continent was still pleasantly cool and warm by turns, but this place was already unbearably hot and humid. The exposed skin was coated in a thin layer of sweat, looking almost waxed at first glance. When the wind blew dust through the air, the fine particles clung stubbornly to the skin. Rub it with a finger, and a strip of gray-black grime would come away, along with an indescribably sour stench of sweat.

"Not enough. Fill another bowl."

Only after drinking seven or eight bowls in succession did he finally stop.

The