City Lord's Mansion
After finishing her work, Olmedo realized she had not seen Wei Devere Steelton all day.
"Where's our guest?"
Ingrid, who was clearing the table, said, "At the tavern."
"Let Abby handle that." Olmedo called to Abby outside the door. "Didn't you arrange Embassy accommodations for him?"
"I did, but... the tavern offers services the Embassy doesn't."
Olmedo understood. "Men..." she sighed helplessly.
The Succubus services had made Free City far more appealing to Professionals, drawing countless Mercenaries. Of them all, the most chaste was, ironically, the notorious Sorcerer... Annan.
Olmedo selected Merchant and goods for the trip to Steelton Fief, then sent someone to notify Wei Devere Steelton.
Before long, Wei Devere Steelton arrived at the City Lord's Mansion, trying not to put a spring in his step. His gaunt frame gave him away.
"Don't you need to rest for a while before going back?"
Olmedo worried that sending Wei Devere Steelton home like this would strain Free City's relationship with his lord.
"If I stay, I'll only get thinner." Wei Deville Steelton knew himself well. He had to leave, though he still had one regret. "I never met that genius City Lord."
Olmedo recalled Annan's unspoken fascination with the Southlands... This was a good opportunity.
"You'll have your chance," she said.
Deepwinter Territory
Atop the Tower of the Castle, Lady Deepwinter gazed out over the barren land.
The Rat Nest and the Demon Tide had ravaged the lands beyond, but the devastation gradually faded closer to Deepwinter Territory. Around the hilltop Castle, grass and shrubs still flourished, and the fields were growing strong.
The Ratfolk and demons were not complete fools. Once they failed to take Deepwinter Territory, they turned on the surrounding borderlands. As a result, Deepwinter Territory stood out more and more.
Before