For the past fortnight, Bishui Harbor has been buzzing with festive energy. Even from the rooftop terrace atop Lord's Tower, Fairen could sense the city's jubilant atmosphere.
The influx of supplies and settlers from Eagle City significantly boosted the maritime hub's power. Pirates reaped substantial gains, while the slave market thrived. After weathering a series of battles, the Black Sail Fleet not only avoided major losses but also replenished its crew with enslaved laborers, now undergoing rigorous training at the harbor. Within days, they will set sail for the fjord route to commence their first annual raid.
The Queen timely promulgated the Slavery Reform Act, granting captives from Eagle City the privilege of becoming citizens of Bishui Port if they could secure new recruits through plunder. Such an inspiring decree would surely motivate the enslaved residents of Eagle City to fight with all their might.
Now that Tifeck had suffered a crushing defeat, the Kingdom of Graycastle stood without anyone capable of stopping the Queen of Azure. Given time, Jiasia Wimberton would surely become the ruler of Graycastle. Farion mused, yet why did the Queen's face show no trace of joy, only a lingering gloom that refused to fade?
"Your Majesty, the chieftains of the Sandstone Clan and the Blackbone Clan request an audience." The voice of the Guard echoed from outside the door.
Fairen glanced at His Majesty, but seeing no reaction, he called out, "Bring them in." Whether resting, holding meetings, or receiving visitors, His Majesty preferred to conduct these affairs atop the tower. When the weather permitted, the terrace became the place where Gia spent the most time. Most people struggled to stand suspended mid-air, discussing matters in the slightly fishy sea breeze. The Shamen were no exception.
The leader of the Sandstone Clan was a petite woman, the clan's Godwoman. When Fairen first heard this description, he scoffed inwardly—what Godwoman? Just a fallen witch. The Blackbone Clan's leader, on the other hand, was a towering figure with a scarred face and arms as thick as a man's thighs. During every meeting, three or four Guards would stand guard around him, wary of any schemes against Her Majesty the Queen.
The moment they stepped onto the terrace, both chieftains simultaneously furrowed their brows, but quickly restrained their God-like demeanor. They knelt respectfully before the Queen of Azure Waters, "May your path be paved with oases, and may the stars above illuminate your journey." "Rise," Giasia sat down with his back to the railing. "How is the new dwelling?" "Everything is fine," Goddess Kabalah interjected. "The territory has forests and water sources—far more comfortable than Iron Sand City, where sandstorms rage." "Very well. What brings you here?" "Your Majesty, your last—" The Black Bone chieftain was cut off by Kabalah. "After the last battle, many warriors showed signs of weakness and lethargy. Only regular doses of new pills can restore them, but we have few left. I came to request more." "That's my intention," the Black Bone glared at Goddess Kabalah and muttered.
"The materials for this are exceptionally complex, and I have very little left. Rest assured, I'll distribute the new batch to you as soon as it's ready. But remember to prepare the Golden Dragon—if it's insufficient, we can offset it with the River of the Netherworld." "Your Majesty, may I ask," Kebala hesitated for a moment, "when will the next batch be ready?" "I can't tell you," Jiasia said, smoothing his hair tousled by the sea breeze. "All details about the pills are confidential. Wait patiently at home. Those warriors are just fatigued—they'll recover with rest." Sensing Faerien's hint, the Imperial Guards advanced, surrounding the Sandfolk, and escorted Kebala and Blackbone away, who were still eager to ask more.
After the door of the terrace room was closed, Jia Xiya sighed softly.
Farion rarely heard His Majesty the Queen utter such words. He proactively asked, "Your Majesty, do you consider it improper to grant the lands along the southern border to the Sandfolk for settlement? If they ever grow powerful..." "No, Farion," Jiasia shook his head. "I have never feared the Sandfolk—they pose no threat to Port of Greenwater. The lake in that territory lies precisely between the two clans 'territories, with its upper reaches flowing past Port of Greenwater. By blocking half the river, the diminished water would only provoke them into internal strife. This is why I chose the Sandfolk and the Blackbeards—their relations have always been strained." "So you're concerned about the pill?" Jiasia remained silent. At that moment, the Guard knocked again: "Your Majesty, the priest Dikar seeks an audience." "Bring him in," the Queen immediately rose, her expression growing even more grim.
"Your Majesty, I greet you from the Holy City," the priest said, bowing as he ascended the terrace.
"What about the pills? Why were the previous batches delivered normally, but these ones are delayed?" Jia Xiya asked coldly.
"Your Majesty, please calm down. I came specifically for this matter," Decal wiped the sweat from his forehead. "Your request for five thousand units is excessive. Even if Hermes were to produce them at full capacity, it would take too long to meet your demand. This time, I've brought back a new batch—" "How many?" Giasia cut in.
"A thousand," Dika murmured, pressing his hand to his chest. "The rest will arrive in due course." "But what was your promise?" Her expression softened slightly. "As many as you need. Wherever the pills are, I'll have them retrieved." "Right here in the church, the Golden Dragon..." "Not a single Golden Dragon will be missing," Jiasia whispered in Dika's ear as she approached. "But if the pills don't arrive soon, your head will be hung on the black sail's flagship mast. I doubt the Great Bishop will shed a tear for you." The priest withdrew with a pale face, and she returned to the railing, gazing at the distant horizon. The sea breeze lifted her gray hair, like a flag fluttering on a fleet's mast.
"You're absolutely right—I was concerned about the pill's efficacy," Jiasia's voice sounded distant. "Had Tifeco delayed for two more months, my preparations would have been more complete, and I could have defeated his Knight Corps without relying on the pill. But he arrived too swiftly." "You've done remarkably well," Faren thought. Who could have done better? Since seizing Eagle City, she had devised a plan: evacuating supplies and residents while digging canals to flood the city with black water. Despite manpower shortages, she secured aid from the southern wastelands and had pill-taken clan warriors flank the Knight Corps. Her loyal supporters, too, swallowed the secret potion without hesitation to withstand the final, overwhelming assault.
"The Church's secret remedy is far from harmless, as I claimed. Without timely replenishment, the patient would first grow restless, then succumb to weakness, agony, and limb atrophy. While I don't care for the Shannin's fate, my loyal followers deserve the finest reward." She paused. "Faren, have your men retrieve the pills and distribute them to the brave warriors. Divide them into two halves for sustained efficacy." "As you wish, Your Majesty." Just as Faren was about to depart, the Guard's cry rang out for the third time. "Your Highness, a confidential letter from the capital." "Read it before leaving," she commanded.
"Yes." Faren retrieved the secret letter, deftly cut open the seal, and produced the paper. These confidential messages were typically intelligence reports from undercover agents stationed across the country—unsigned, without a designated recipient, and written in the most concise and clear terms possible. Yet when he read the first sentence, he froze in place.
On the 22nd day of spring, the Church seized the kingdom's capital, declaring its control over all of Eternal Winter, accusing Queen Jelena of being a witch she had long concealed.