Eslow’s fief was the major city where the Sword of the South Tournament was being held and where the Lord of the South resided. The city was already overflowing with people, and the northern, southern, eastern, and western gates were all packed with carriages and crowds stretching endlessly.0

“This fief is far grander than the fief in the east.”0

“Oh? You’re from the east? You should visit the fief in the west sometime. The Lord of the West’s dependency is built on the largest river in the kingdom.”0

“Eek, a noble’s carriage. Step aside. You don’t want to get run over and humiliated for no reason.”0

Commoners from across the kingdom quickly cleared the road upon seeing an approaching noble’s carriage. After all, if one were trampled under a noble’s wheels, there would be no compensation to claim.0

“By the way, which noble family is that? I don’t recognize the crest.”0

“Are you blind? There’s only one family in the entire kingdom known for archery.”0

“Ah, Sefira, the Masters of Archery!”0

“I never thought I would live to see Sefira participate in the Sword of the South Tournament. Do you think an archer can really hold their own among swordsmen? What do you all think?”0

As soon as the crowd recognized Sefira’s knights, heated discussions erupted. Since they had to wait in line anyway, it made for an entertaining topic.0

Ignoring the long queue, Sefira’s carriage rolled up to the gates and came to a stop. The gatekeepers, unsurprised, welcomed them without hesitation.0

“Welcome to the Eslow Dependency. Are you from Sefira?”0

“I am Didos, captain of the Fifth Division of the Order of the Galaxy.”'0

Didos handed over a lavishly decorated invitation bearing Eslow’s seal—an official summons inviting Sefira to the tournament.0

The gatekeeper reviewed the contents and seal before nodding.0

“We will need to inspect the carriage. It is standard...0