"City Lord, why haven't we driven them away?"
In Shelter Cove Town, Knight Captain Sven asked Olmedo, who stood by the window.
Cooking smoke rose over the town that morning. Outside, the same smoke rose from a sprawling, disorderly camp.
The locals were getting bolder. The factions eyeing the town had even set up camp outside it. Lords, nobles, people in power, mercenary companies—they waited like crows beside a dying man, ready to feast when his life ran out.
Apart from the nobles, these refugees from the Northern Frontier were either wealthy people carrying fortunes or Elite Soldiers. Taking in either would be a gain.
And if a mage happened to join them, that would be an even greater prize.
"Think of this as a trial, Sven." Olmedo could sense the knight growing restless. "Think of your uncle Blom."
"I just think they're acting like bandits."
Of course, they weren't that stupid. Once they learned an Epic was in the town, their attitude had turned "friendly." They had even invited Olmedo to meet them.
At the meeting, Olmedo had told them plainly, "I won't stop my people from leaving town, but I won't tolerate anyone coercing them."
The locals no longer acted in secret or used such rough methods. As a result, those who had lost hope left in a steady stream.
But that was fine. Shelter Cove still had plenty of people.
Eight thousand, six thousand, four thousand, two thousand... Even if only a thousand remained, it would be fine.
What mattered was that life in the forest town would wear down their pride and resentment. In time, they would be grateful to Annan for taking them in and become his loyal supporters.
Knock, knock, knock—
Someone knocked at the door, and the maid Abby called, "Mr. Olmedo, the