The smell of blood had not yet fully faded from Greyrock Castle.
Outside the castle, the cleanup continued.
The monsters' remains were dragged out of the square, while flamethrowers and high-pressure water jets were used in turn to wash the dark red pulp clinging to the cracks between the stones.
The air was thick with blood and sulfur. When the cold wind blew, it seemed to rise from a deep well that had yet to be sealed.
Yet Louis still decided to hold the meeting to reward their achievements here.
Greyrock Castle had once been where the Raymont Family discussed military affairs and divided their interests. Now it was in use again, only with different people and a different flag.
When the doors of the White Gold Council Hall swung open, warmth almost struck them in the face.
The fire blazed, rows of candelabras stood neatly arranged, and light flowed between the white stone pillars.
Bottles of Amber Gold Liquor that the Raymont Family had stored for fifty years were opened one after another. Poured into glasses, the liquor gleamed with a mellow, inviting hue.
The family crests that had hung on the walls had been removed, replaced by the banners of Red Tide.
A huge parchment map lay across the center of the long table.
The map covered almost all of Greyrock Province, densely studded with little flags of different colors, as though the province were being carved up anew.
The nobles of the Northern Frontier took their seats one after another.
Their cloaks had not completely dried, and traces of the lingering smell of blood could still be detected.
Yet their eyes were already firmly fixed on the map.
Earl Albert held his wineglass, his fingers trembling slightly.
The old noble, who had endured more than sixty years