Ross sent a cavalryman galloping to the checkpoint to report the purpose of his visit.
But the checkpoint still showed no intention of opening up. Not until more than an hour had passed did squad after squad of cavalry gather nearby.
Before long, a force of more than a hundred cavalrymen had assembled outside the watchtower.
Only then did the checkpoint open the gate to the passage and allow Ross and his cavalry to enter.
The captain of the guards beside Ross watched this unfold with an unhappy expression. He said in a low voice, "Why be so guarded over a checkpoint like this? Such simple defenses would be easy for us to break through."
Ross merely smiled. "You're wrong—and very seriously wrong."
"This checkpoint's defenses are indeed ordinary, and there aren't many soldiers stationed here. But it is the face of the Sun Elf lord."
"If you attack even a border checkpoint, doesn't that mean you intend to go to war with him?"
Only then did the guard captain nod.
"Let's go. Tell the brothers not to make any inappropriate moves."
Ross waved from inside the carriage.
"Yes, Chief."
The guards quickly relayed Ross's orders.
As they passed through the checkpoint, the guards were subjected to an inspection.
This left many of Ross's guards still somewhat unhappy—and somewhat tense.
They had passed through many territories and had never been treated like this.
Even when entering the territory of half-elf lords, border checkpoints were rarely established.
Besides, Ross of the Crimson Caravan Alliance had some reputation in the Land of Chaos.
After the inspection, the officer stationed at the checkpoint said to the captain of Ross's guards, "The inspection is complete. However, you have too many guards, so we will arrange for a cavalry unit to accompany you to Greenshade