The expressions on those nobles' faces naturally turned ugly. What these people said was like thorns stabbing into their hearts.
Wizard Dole believed only in ability and deeply despised the nobles' obsession with status. During Wizard Dole's tenure, very few nobles had been promoted, and the paths to advancement had been blocked tightly shut, practically offering them no opportunities. Commoners, on the other hand, were given plenty of chances.
Every family had objections to this, but Wizard Dole's reasoning was more than sufficient: merit and military achievements. No loophole could be exploited. The privileges of nobles, and of noble status itself, had almost no additional use here with Dole.
Still, Dole had not gone too far. The rights of nobles had been raised to the maximum—private guards, rights to occupy territory, management rights, trading rights, and so on all received the greatest possible preferential treatment.
But there were also many restrictions. The first generation of nobles received the greatest benefits, while those basking in their ancestors' shade did not have nearly so much good fortune. This placed heavy restrictions on many who had inherited their families' noble status.
But there was nothing they could do. Who could blame them when Dole was the city lord? They dared to be angry, but dared not speak.
The hall was exceedingly lively.
Just then, an enormous sound came in from outside. The violent tremor even made the Wizard Tower sway slightly.
Everyone was stunned. This was a level-seven Wizard Tower. What kind of force could make a level-seven Wizard Tower shake?
Everyone rushed toward the windows.
They were not afraid that the Wizard Tower would be knocked over. If something could topple the Wizard Tower, then they would all be more or less dead anyway.
In the distance beyond the city, in the