The Prince's Test

Castel truly was a magical place.

Bettis knew that if not for Castel, the humorous bald middle-aged man before her would only be a lofty duke.

The noble lords shook hands and spoke with people like her not because they were kindhearted, but because Castel's ironclad warships were docked at the nearby harbor, airships could be seen overhead, and Mystic Society patrols marched along the streets.

Bettis's gaze flickered.

It was the Faithguard Army of Empire Truth that had pulled her from the ruins of Blood Port. It was the relief fund specially approved by Theus that helped her bury her parents. And it was Castel's schools that had given her food to eat, keeping her from starving to death.

Even if little Gwen had not gone missing, she would still have donated some money to the Church.

Looking at the duke before her, Bettis suddenly did not feel quite so nervous anymore.

She had never eaten this duke's food, nor had she received his help. They merely happened to stand on the same patch of land.

"Delicious! Another serving!" Alvarez exclaimed, handing over a Leo.

"Thank you for your patronage!" Bettis smiled professionally and tossed the Leo into the cash box beside her. The clink of coins mingled with the bubbling of hot oil and drifted away on the wind beneath Blood Port's morning light.

This was a magical land, a place that always had sea breezes, sunlight, and hope.

"You let them go?"

The prince withdrew his gaze from the window. The aroma of fried fish squeezed in through the gaps, and Theus could not help swallowing.

"Yes. Alvarez showed clear signs of progress and reformist leanings during his studies in Castel. I believe letting him return was the better choice—he will bring change to the Northern Territory."