Black Horse Island had already seen snow; winter had arrived. Unlike previous winters, which still carried the atmosphere of great campaigns, Black Horse Island was now gradually becoming sparsely populated.
Large swathes of plantations lay abandoned, and several small towns were almost entirely uninhabited.
Many workshops had vanished as well, with only a few places retaining their lively bustle. One was Giant Kelp Town by the sea, an important source of potions, where many knights and serfs lived off the Giant Kelp Forest. Another was Giant Kelp City, Black Horse Island's seaport city open to foreign navigation.
Near Giant Kelp City stood Thorn Castle. As usual, Thomas carried the keys to every room as he inspected every corner of the castle.
He made his way all the way to the castle study.
Several young servants were cleaning the study. Upon seeing Thomas, they all greeted him, "Mr. Thomas."
Thomas's hair was combed with meticulous precision, and his expression was equally stern. He merely nodded before personally joining in arranging the books. "The books on milord's most precious curio shelf must be handled carefully during cleaning. Milord has said that knowledge is the most precious wealth!"
After lecturing the young servants a few times, he had finished organizing the books on the curio shelf.
Then he pushed open the study's balcony doors and stepped onto the balcony, already blanketed in snow. From here, he could see Needlegrass Hill behind the castle.
His gaze fell upon the slope. The familiar massive figure was nowhere to be seen, and he felt deeply disappointed. "Gray Cast Iron Dragon Ornn has already been ridden by milord to Flame Island, and all the elves have been sent to Tinder Castle as well. Black Horse Island is so quiet now. Thorn Castle has become so quiet."
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