Savaran, the Royal Capital of Leiner.
Outside the Governor's Residence.
Travel-worn and weary, Roland and his party finally returned to this place under the control of the Atrelin People.
At the sight of the familiar residence, the Mage Corps guards breathed silent sighs of genuine relief. Roland and his servants felt the same inexplicable ease.
Only during their recent journey had they truly experienced what it meant to be strangers in a foreign land, surrounded by enemies on every side.
Though the mages were confident in their strength, living in such a constant state of tension was certainly no life for ordinary people!
"Mr. Roland, Grand Mage Pollas would like to see you."
Shortly after he entered the gates, a servant from the Governor's Residence came to inform him.
"Aier, take care of the things I brought back first," Roland said. "I'll go see him."
Although he had left in haste to avoid danger, he had still brought back plenty of local specialties from Blue Agate Port, along with financial ledgers, records of local customs, and other written materials.
With these, he could continue some of his sociological research without even leaving the residence.
Knowing how much Roland treasured those things, Aier promptly answered, "Yes, Master."
Roland then went to see Grand Mage Pollas.
"Heh, Roland, that turned out to be just a scare. Still, you've had a taste of the Lainer people's 'hospitality,' haven't you?"
Grand Mage Pollas greeted Roland with a half-joking remark, invited him to sit, and began chatting with him.
"To be honest, I had heard of similar incidents before coming here," Roland said. "But I never expected to be the first member of the Mage Corps targeted for assassination."
"Rest assured, the Leiner authorities will give you an explanation. If they can't, I'll keep the