The Elven Kingdom occupied the finest lands on the continent and possessed the most resources. Coupled with their long lifespans and their dislike of change, almost nothing had changed over the tens of thousands of years. It seemed to have remained in a constant state.
However, not every Elf enjoyed such an environment. Thus, many young Elves chose to travel abroad and settle in the Highland Kingdom, with which they had friendly relations.
But Bonnie Sun-Chaser, a high Elf bearing the Sun-Chaser surname, had adventure in her blood. She chose to head north rather than remain in the "safe zone."
As she passed through a border town of the Graycastle Empire, watching the bustling market, listening to the vendors' cries and breathing in the tempting aromas drifting from the food stalls, Bonnie was utterly exhilarated.
This was a sight one would never see in the Elven Kingdom or the Highland Kingdom. Or rather, it was a sight created by the Graycastle Empire's decades of reform. Had she come here thirty years earlier, she certainly would not have seen such vibrant prosperity.
But thirty years was merely the blink of an eye for Elves. Bonnie had never heard her traveling sisters mention such scenes. Especially after learning that there were Bards and circus clowns performing in the town square, she became even more excited.
"Eh? Why are so many people gathered over there?" Having just arrived at the square, Bonnie had not yet found the circus or the Bards when she spotted a large crowd gathered before a notice board in the distance.
The Graycastle Empire had the highest literacy rate among all human kingdoms, thanks to His Majesty the Emperor's reforms. Even so, there were not many who could truly read, and most people were listening to the literate ones