When Lide returned to Green City from Dawn City, it was already three o'clock in the afternoon.
The atmosphere of Green City in spring was as oppressively dreary as ever, completely lacking the hopeful ambiance of Dawn City.
On the streets, shivering beggars stared blankly at passersby, while in the sewers, several soldiers were fishing out bodies—some unfortunate souls had starved to death as spring neared.
The air was still thick with a peculiar stench.
"Good day, Lord Lide."
"Lord Lide, you've returned."
"Lord Lide..."
Back at the Crimson Mage Tower, a group of apprentices greeted him with broad smiles.
After a winter, the Crimson Mage Tower had undergone significant changes.
Firstly, the area: all the residential districts around the Crimson Mage Tower had been bought up, and a newly built expansive wall now encircled the entire area.
