On January 5, at noon, at the North 8 Post Station on the southern shore of Moonfall Lake, in the northernmost part of the Gallop Plains.
After being cooped up at the post station for several days, Dandelion finally reunited with her older cousin, Susie Lanyuan, and her younger cousin, Britt Lanyuan—the two sisters closest to her.
It was Gleia who had persuaded Landen to bring Susie and Britt along. She felt bad for Dandelion, who was spending the New Year alone here, so she convinced Landen to bring the two Lanyuan sisters with him while inspecting the northern border.
In the castle Study, Landen and Gleia stood by the north-facing window, surveying Moonfall Lake as they asked, "Well? After spending the past few days here, have you come up with any ideas for tricking the Merfolk?"
"It's really hard," Dandelion said with a laugh. "Now I finally understand why all those Sea Beastmen respect Tierney so much. I've come up with a few plans, but the Merfolk won't take the bait at all."
Unlike the fierce battle raging north of Breyak, the fighting around Moonfall Lake could only be described as all thunder and no rain. Ever since the oxygen-supply containers had been deployed, the Merfolk's attacks had clearly stalled. They only sent out small groups of warriors each day to harass the northern entrance.
As a result, the Merfolk here were exceptionally cautious. Neither Dandelion nor the local Walrus-folk, Yumis Longtooth, could find a chance to capture any alive, let alone engage them in a large-scale battle.
Hearing this, Landen shook his head. "What a shame. I'd hoped you could earn some military merit here, so that in the future..."
"Your Majesty, may I go scout the area?" Susie asked bluntly. "You've got Dany"—Dandelion's nickname—"cooped up in this