Alan noticed a huge, unfinished statue on the open grassland.
The face of the statue somewhat resembled his own.
Seeing Alan's gaze, Count Sere introduced, "The city lord previously wanted to build statues for you and Miss Alice. I took over the task after learning about it. I hope you don't mind the liberty."
Several emaciated laborers, some barely clothed, were working hard on the statue.
Nearby, guards armed with whips occasionally lashed out at these frail workers, among whom was a girl not even ten years old.
Alan immediately understood Count Sere's intentions. This was a provocation.
Count Sere, believing Alan to be a champion of the commoners and slaves, had gathered these pitiful people from the slums to serve as slaves to build Alan's statue.
This was his challenge: how would Alan respond?
Count Sere watched Alan intently, trying to gauge his reaction.
