Several days later.
The winds and waves at sea were rather strong. Though it was noon, the sky was thick with dark clouds, the black clouds pressing down over the Sorbé Kingdom.
On the commercial street in the kingdom's northern district, the crowds bustled with noise. Ever since the brutal old king had left the country and the citizens had formed a self-governing community under Tsugikuni Yoriichi's support—
The people's lives had steadily improved.
Although the Sorbé Kingdom was not rich in resources, it was located in the South Blue, where trade routes were relatively developed. Smarter people could always find ways to make money, while more honest folk only needed to work hard to have enough to eat and drink. If they saved a little, they could even set aside some money to improve their lives and guard against risks.
"Looks like it's about to rain. Honey, hurry and bring in the laundry!"
"The weather's changing fast. Don't get soaked."
At a corner of the street, the man watching over a shop glanced up at the heavy clouds overhead, then turned and shouted to his wife inside.
They were not the only ones. The pedestrians on the street had also noticed the changing weather, and they all hurried along.
Boom—
A flash of lightning burst through the clouds, followed by a muffled peal of thunder. The rumbling quickly spread across the entire island.
Tap—
Raindrops as large as beans fell from the sky, striking the ground and bursting into tiny sprays. In the blink of an eye, torrential rain poured down, and the once bustling street quickly emptied.
At the entrance of the shop, the man watched the sky abruptly change and could not help complaining, "What awful weather."
"There goes the day's business."
"Who knows how long this