Kallen City was beautiful in late autumn. Warm, moist air from Liurnia drifted here along the Vania River, while the cold currents from South Gelmir were blocked by the rolling hills of the northern wilderness. Thanks to these two factors, in mid-October Kallen could still behold the fiery autumn leaves dying across the dynasty's northern frontier, without suffering quite so much of autumn's inevitable desolation. Such a combination was truly rare.
On this day, Clareville had unusually finished his work as magistrate early. Cloaked in a cape, he sat atop the eastern city wall of Kallen. Though he was alone, two rather large wine gourds rested beside him, as if he were waiting for someone.
Before long, brisk, heavy footsteps sounded on the stairs behind him, accompanied by an exasperated, amused complaint.
"I'm saying, you send me out first thing in the morning to escort supplies, while you sit here enjoying yourself in idleness?" The newcomer strode over and sat beside Clareville, unabashedly picking up one of the wine gourds. He also punched Kallen's magistrate on the shoulder.
"Ow—easy does it," Clareville gasped in pain. "I'm a Perfumer, not one of you thick-skinned knights. Taking that punch without any fragrant medicine hurts, you know?"
"Heh..." Knowing he was in the wrong, Alvins said nothing. He merely pulled the stopper from the wine gourd and took a long swig, smacking his lips and narrowing his eyes in satisfaction.
Two months ago, he had been appointed the new governor of Kallen's inner affairs, having been recruited as one of Clareville's aides. The busy life of late had brought a visible transformation in the young knight. At some point, he had grown a short beard encircling his lips, and his once handsome, somewhat boyish features now bore the weathered look of someone who