Hajin left the map room before noon, while the Sixth divided his absence between offices, ledgers, watch rotations, and contracts.
Marrick opened the civil spending ledger, Hans checked the wall roster, Taren gathered the first relay crew, and Lana held witnessed forms.
'The town moves while I am still deciding, so movement is not permission for me to interfere.'
Marrick tapped the open civil spending ledger twice before speaking.
"Civil funds stay under my signature, with the fixed reserve visible to the guild and emergency use recorded before sunset."
Hajin traced the printed reserve line with a single fingertip.
"If a monster reaches a village, don't wait for my approval, because delay is already a decision."
Marrick turned the heavy ledger toward the lord and answered.
"We won't wait, but if a captain calls every late wagon a monster, the guild won't pay the lie."
Hans placed the wall roster beside the ledger, his gray beard clipped close against a square jaw.
