"After these days in the Lower World, I've started finding life here a little boring."
"The gods came down to the Lower World to find amusement, didn't they?"
"So, I'm planning to stretch my legs a little."
"Very soon, I'll take this dull, tedious Familia game."
"And make it a little more interesting."
The moment those words left his mouth.
Royman's hand froze in midair as he wiped away his sweat. The fat on his face trembled uncontrollably. His mind went blank with a buzz. Was-was he saying Orario wasn't lively enough?
Royman's legs went weak, and he nearly dropped onto the ground littered with mud and debris. He swallowed hard, his throat burning dry, and shakily edged half a step forward, his voice trembling beyond recognition.
"L-Lord Haimo..."
"Y-your idea."
"D-do you need us at the Guild to make any... preparations beforehand?"
Royman didn't dare dissuade him and could only ask tentatively. Seeing Royman's reaction, Haimo's smile deepened.
But to Royman, that smile was chilling.
"Don't be nervous."
"I was only making an offhand remark."
Haimo patted Royman on the shoulder.
"That's enough looking around for today. There must still be plenty of business waiting for you at the Guild. No need to waste any more time on me."
With that.
Haimo turned and walked out of the construction site.
Only after Haimo's back had completely disappeared around the street corner did Royman's legs finally buckle. He leaned against a rough stone pillar, gasping for breath. The expensive custom-made coat he wore had already been utterly ruined by sweat... Leaving the outer ring area.
Haimo returned alone to Orario's bustling streets. But as he walked, a strange phenomenon appeared on the previously crowded street. Wherever his gaze swept, pedestrians and Adventurers voluntarily moved to either side of the road,