The Broken Water Lock

Night fell.

The Oath of the North Wind bade farewell to the First Water Lock and sailed into the true inland waterways of the Tsaros Empire.

The Vein of Saint Io, which ran through the heart of the empire, was far calmer than Mistveil Lake. The river was broad, and its current steady.

The ship sped forward at full power. Under the moonlight, river water flowed like a ribbon of black silk, while the rolling silhouettes of hills stretched along both banks. Occasionally, the lights of imperial watchtowers flickered in the distance.

Warm yellow magical lights filled the first-class dining room, making the entire space feel cozy and comfortable.

Tonight's meal was far more lavish than anything they had eaten during those seven days on Mistveil Lake. The table was covered with sizzling honey-glazed ribs, spice-seasoned mushrooms, and a large steaming pot of thick soup.

Xia Lin ladled himself a bowl of soup.

The creamy white broth swayed gently in the bowl, giving off an enticing aroma.

"This soup tastes great," Xia Lin said after taking a sip. "It's a hundred times better than that slop on the lake."

"Ah, this is Knight's Homecoming." Kade stirred the soup with his spoon, a trace of nostalgia on his face. "It's a very traditional Talos home-cooked dish. Legend says that, in ancient times, after knights returned home from long patrols, their wives would take out the best vegetables and dried meat from the cellar and stew them into a pot like this. This flavor represents safety and comfort."

"Oh my God." Sera was struggling to tear apart a rib when she rolled her eyes. "Kade, in your country, do you have to listen to a bedtime story about justice and glory before you can even drink a mouthful of soup? I'm about