Henry, Olaro, Yngvi, and Leier stood around the large table in the center of the throne room, an outstretched map laid before them. The intricate lines and roads traced over it reflected the whole territory they had just conquered, giving them an idea of direction. Behind them, the former queen of Aritreia stood silently, her presence diminished, as if hoping to go unnoticed. But Henry had summoned her to the table for a reason.
"It looks like you've been using the White Merchant Road to trade with Luak. Is it still in good condition?" Henry asked, his fingers trailing across the map, following the route that snaked eastward toward Luak's borders like the veins of a living body. These roads were like veins, supplying the kingdom with oxygen, much like Stahl.
