After Ale's serious conversation with Kevin that day, preparations for his departure began in full motion. The entire duchy seemed to spring to life with an intensity Ale hadn't seen in years. Servants scurried through hallways carrying boxes, potions, and artifacts; knights trained harder than ever; and merchants from all over the world were secretly contacted to supply the best equipment.
The Duke spared no effort in ensuring Ale's safety. He turned both the black and regular markets upside down, searching for high-quality spatial storage rings. His trusted agents negotiated discreetly with merchants, securing rare supplies, from protective artifacts to self-defense weapons. Each item underwent rigorous testing, handpicked to ensure Ale faced minimal risk on his journey.
