Grey Castle
Ed stood atop the castle, gazing at the distant Lake Melody. The boundless lake was devoid of any ships, but the shipyard by the lake was bustling with activity, and the outline of a large ship was beginning to take shape.
The bleak autumn wind rustled the leaves in the distance. The chilly wind told him that autumn had ended and winter had arrived.
Ed wasn't ready for winter yet, because Andrew and Will hadn't returned.
Ed walked down from the castle into the hall, where the fireplace was already lit and Adelaide and Carly were boiling water.
"Master, you've come down! Have a cup of hot water to warm up." Adelaide quickly poured Ed a cup of boiled water when she saw him come down.
"Um, Adelaide, any news about Will?" Ed was getting anxious. Actually, he didn't need to ask Adelaide, because Will would definitely come to him first when he got back.
"Master, not yet." Adelaide was also anxious, because she also wanted Will to bring back some honey, which she had been looking forward to for a long time. She didn't even know what hot honey flower tea tasted like.
Ed sat down, picked up his teacup, and took a sip of hot water. His body, which had been feeling a bit cold, instantly felt better.
"Carly, are there any other robbers at the market?"
Carly shook her head.
"Lord Ed, from what I've observed, there used to be only that one group of bandits at the market, but I don't know if anyone has taken over their stronghold and started banding again."
Ed looked at Carly, who was speaking fluently, with disbelief. "Carly, is being a robber a sought-after job where you are?"
Carly paused, a slight smile playing on her lips. She glanced at the serious-looking Ed.
"Lord Ed, this job isn't exactly ideal; it's quite risky. However, I'm just guessing based on the bandits' hideout. That place is indeed a well-defended and difficult-to-attack location. A ready-made job opportunity will surely attract many competitors."
After hearing Carly's words, Ed thought Will might have encountered new robbers, otherwise, judging by the time, he should be arriving soon!
New bandits have formed so quickly; trade in that area must be quite developed! If it were your own territory before, even if you invited those bandits, they wouldn't come.
Ed was considering whether to send someone to look for Will again. Tomorrow! If he doesn't return by tomorrow, Ed planned to send someone to check on him again.
"Carly, what's the situation outside the market over there?" Ed hadn't paid much attention to the situation there during his last visit, but now that the topic had come up, he was just about to ask.
"Lord Ed, the docks are not far from the market. The docks are very lively, and most of the goods come from there. The market wasn't very good when you went last time. At other times, there are many strange and wonderful things at the market. And across the docks is the Silvermoon Kingdom, which is a very powerful kingdom."
Carly stopped talking and looked at Ed, who was staring at her. Ed didn't know why she stopped talking either, so he looked at her back, thinking that she was just tired and would continue later. So the two of them stared at each other, neither willing to give in.
"Go on!" Ed was baffled. "Just finish what you're saying! Why are you suddenly stopping and staring at me?"
When Carly heard him continue, she stared at Ed with even wider eyes, looking absolutely hilarious.
A moment later
Ed was the first to give up and almost spat out a mouthful of blood.
"I told you to continue talking about the Silvermoon Kingdom, not to keep looking at me."
Carly blushed and rubbed her swollen eyes. "Oh no, I've completely ruined my image."