"Far-Sail Port was attacked by pirates, and the wise lord annihilated them!" What had happened in Tatshaw Territory immediately drew the attention of the other nobles in the county.
At first, before they had understood the situation, these nobles had busied themselves preparing defenses. After all, the earlier Elves incident had given them some warning.
Only after learning that the other side's target was merely Far-Sail Port did their attitude shift from defense to watchful observation.
In what had once been the center of the county, inside a luxurious residence, another viscount who already showed signs of age was leisurely savoring fruit wine.
Upon hearing his servant's report, his brow furrowed slightly. Then he said with some irritation, "They swiftly repelled the pirate attack? This Tatshaw Territory is no weak force!"
He gently set down his wine cup and told the servant, "I understand. Continue keeping watch. Find out exactly what happened and report any developments to me at once."
"Yes, my lord." The servant accepted the order and withdrew.
The nobles of the county reacted in much the same way. It was nothing more than a pirate attack, after all!
Yet those who truly knew the details were deeply shaken.
In the early morning, brilliant light rose from the east and climbed steadily upward. White clouds dotted the azure sky. It was truly fine weather.
As June drew near, the weather had begun to turn hot. Many people had started changing into lighter clothes, and with fewer layers came brighter spirits.
In the Feisi Kingdom branch of the Pilgrimage Trading Guild stood a medium-sized estate enclosed by high walls. Everyone living within was an internal member of the Pilgrimage Trading Guild.
There were men and women, old and young, without exception.
Unlike what many imagined, the heavily guarded estate