At Arthur's words, Edwin gestured to one of the squad leaders under his command.
The squad leader immediately jumped onto a cart specially prepared nearby. Its horse had already been unharnessed, and a wooden crate had been wedged underneath to keep it balanced. More crates sat on top, stacked with three on the bottom, two in the middle, and one on top.
Just like that, a makeshift watchtower took shape.
The squad leader had sharp eyes, too. After only a few seconds of surveying the distance, he made everything out.
"Nobles. Those bastards from the West Berlin and Einhaas families!"
The squad leader reported in a low voice.
Arthur clearly heard how the squad leader referred to the families of the Marquis of West Berlin and the Marquis of Einhaas. Not only did he omit honorifics and respectful titles, but his contemptuous tone carried an outright insult.
Though the nobles' authority had diminished considerably since the start of the Pioneer Era, such language was still remarkably bold. In public, people were still required to address nobles respectfully, including in South Los. That requirement was written into the New Law, and offenders faced flogging.
Of course, most of the time, people no longer followed those forms of address to the letter. A token show of respect sufficed.
But most people would never dare speak like this squad leader.
After all, a lash hurt when it struck flesh.
Naturally, the squad leader's indifference came from the Lady of the Long Night.
Arthur could easily imagine how Malinda, driven to distraction lately by the families of the Marquis of West Berlin and the Marquis of Einhaas, cursed them in private.
Unfortunately, he had not witnessed it.
Otherwise, he would certainly have seized the chance to tease Malinda and get on her nerves.
It