"I really don't understand what's so great about being a patrol captain. The workload is the heaviest, and the pay is exactly the same. I don't know why all of you are so jealous of that position," the city lord asked with a smile.
"You don't understand, City Lord," the bearded man said with a grin. "We do the same work and receive the same pay, but with the position of patrol captain, whenever something comes up that requires a decision, everyone listens to that person."
"That is the embodiment of absolute authority and status," the bearded man said proudly.
"I truly don't understand you people," the city lord said with a smile. "Then you should compete for my position as city lord in the future. This is the highest status in all of Winterfort."
"We're not the least bit envious of your position. It's lonely at the top. We don't want to deal with so much government business. Being a little patrol captain suits us best," the bearded man said with a laugh.
At that moment, a shadow appeared beneath the opening in the thick ice. Everyone stared intently at the water's surface, especially the bearded man. Determined to prove that he was not old yet, he had long since raised his weapon and waited in readiness.
A figure suddenly burst from the water, and the bearded man seized the moment to slash down with his blade.
Clang!
The bearded man stared as his weapon was blocked by a graceful figure.
"What are you doing, Bearded Man?" Carter Binda asked in astonishment, staring at him after emerging from the water and finding his blade coming down at her.
"Carter Binda?" Everyone looked at Carter Binda excitedly. No one had expected that the magical creature emerging from the water would