This year's family banquet at Fluorescent Castle would have one more person than usual, Gwyn Baimaigen, Roland's new wife.
Roland, now married, had obviously matured and become much steadier.
And little sister Lola was growing up day by day; now thirteen years old, she was fast approaching the age suitable for an arranged marriage.
"How is the expansion of Blackflame Plains going?" Baron Roman asked as he sipped his red wine, "I've just returned from the trade route and haven't had the chance to see Blackflame Plains yet."
He had cleared obstacles from the trade route once more, fulfilling his three-year obligation of arduous service.
"It has already expanded into a rough shape, like a sloping triangle. If I estimate simply, it should be around three thousand five hundred square kilometers," Russell said, as signs of the borders of Blackflame Plains were appearing.
