After Gleia dealt with the aftermath of the Lizard Family's actions in White Tree City and returned to Padmira Palace in Night-Kirin City, she found Landen studying a huge map.
"What's wrong?" Seeing Landen's gaze repeatedly drift to the coastline, Gleia asked curiously, "Has the Sea God's faction launched another attack?"
"Yes. They seem to have set their sights on the Magic Furnace Temple," Landen said helplessly. "The southern states and the Southeast Kingdom sent word at the same time, saying that pirates have been running rampant lately and often making their way inland.
"The plans we'd agreed on for installing Magic Furnaces, relocating the Gallop Family, and establishing a joint school have all been put on hold. Even the Magic Fish supplies to Imperial Capital and Dragon Tooth City have been affected."
"It's gotten that bad?" Gleia was stunned.
"Yes." Landen studied the map, calculating. "In less than half a year, the danger around the northern Ice Sea, Moonfall Lake, and White Mountain Island should be over. We ought to be able to find a fairly stable supply of Mid-level Magic Beasts in the Central Forest and the Great Forest."
"Landen, you're not thinking of targeting the supplies to Imperial Capital and Dragon Tooth City, are you?"
"If we can't find substitutes soon, a large number of High-Ranks across the Empire won't be able to maintain their current levels. None of the factions in Imperial Capital can accept that. They'll definitely pressure us to take the initiative and make peace with the ocean." Landen was seriously considering it.
"On the other hand, if we can meet that demand with Magic Rat meat or hunting, the coastal regions won't matter as much to the Empire."
Looking at Landen's troubled expression, Gleia's face softened with affection. She gently called to her