The emergence of Flame City didn't cause the uproar many expected.
Even when the Azure Empire took notice, they didn't dispatch armies to attack.
In fact, not even a whisper of dissent was heard, as if they had tacitly accepted the city's rise. This unforeseen passivity surprised many.
However, those with keen senses and well-placed sources discerned a subtle shift.
The grip of the Azure Empire over the Eastern Shore was waning.
To put it bluntly, it seemed the empire could no longer maintain complete control over the region.
Moreover, there were whispers of numerous arrivals from the Westwood Continent.
These newcomers, aboard massive ships carrying distinct Westwood commodities, flocked to the cities of the Eastern Shore for trade.
This influx stirred the waters, adding to the region's complexity.
Yet amidst this chaos, the Eastern Shore thrived.
