Francois, wrapped in a warm deerskin coat, approached the Carriage that the Knights had stopped outside New Town.
"You're not welcome here."
Francois was ready to have the Knights drive away the uninvited guests: Rona Gillman and her deformed brother.
The Gillman Family was infamous in Breeze City, enough to make even Francois feel outdone. At least people in Breeze City didn't frighten their children by saying, "Keep crying and the Faceless Baron will tear your face off."
Rona Gillman stepped down from the Carriage bearing her Divine Emblem. The cold sea breeze lifted her Black Hair. "Francois, I thought you would understand people in the same position as you."
"What are you trying to say?" Francois frowned slightly.
"The rumors about cannibalism, incest, worshipping an Evil God... My 'brother' and I intend to end our family's corrupt bloodline. Worship of the Evil God ended with our father's generation."
"So the cannibalism is real?"
"...The King of the North accepts an Ogre. Why can't he accept us?"
Francois glanced at the Carriage. "You want to join Star-Moon Bay? Why?"
"Why did you?"
The answer was freedom from the past. The new residents didn't know the "Faceless Baron," nor did they care. The bustle of Star-Moon Bay kept Francois busy and fulfilled.
Did the Gillman Siblings also want to escape their disgrace and start over, just as he had?
A noble seeking refuge with the King of the North... Francois chose to bring Rona Gillman before Annan and let his lord decide.
Annan, Ingrid, and the Stout Craftsman gathered around the mold. The Stout Craftsman swung his pointed hammer, but it left only a white mark and a few chips in the Cement that had hardened. After dozens more blows, he had managed only a shallow dent, confirming that it