Brettel City had become somewhat different. Lately, some of its civilians, dressed like beggars, often saw sights unlike those of the past. The soldiers who had lived like cowardly parasites in Brettel City seemed suddenly possessed, filled with energy. They actually ran in orderly ranks, panting under heavy loads, or practiced Sword Techniques in the City Lord's Mansion, where the holes had been repaired.
These formerly cowardly, incompetent soldiers wore expressions of trembling fear. Under the harsh drilling of a troop of silver-armored knights, they gradually gained a measure of toughness and backbone. Even their once sallow, emaciated faces acquired harder lines. The changes happened imperceptibly.
It was not just the soldiers within the city; noticeable changes had begun to emerge elsewhere in Brettel City as well. For instance, some elderly retired soldiers spent their time repairing the ruined city gates and the holes in the city walls. The City Lord's Mansion in particular seemed suddenly alive, with crowds coming and going in some disorder.
To the utterly dispirited civilians of Brettel City, these changes stirred little feeling. Accustomed to their city lord being the first to flee, they did not immediately believe these changes would accomplish anything. Instead, they rather maliciously speculated that such actions might bring them harm.
Who knew whether the bandits and soldiers of the Seven Grand Duchies, who had not visited for several months, would take the changes in the city as a sign that there were spoils to be had again? If they took it into their heads to come and plunder once more, it would be another miserable ordeal.
Inside the City Lord's Mansion.
Early one morning, Han Shuo slowly emerged from the secret chamber. Valklan, Dick, and Chester were waiting in the reception room. Glancing at the three of them, Han Shuo