Many nobles were staying in Gigaster, a satellite city of Eslow’s fief. They weren’t in the major city yet, but they were ready to do so at a moment’s notice.2

Gigaster also had hotels reserved exclusively for high nobles, and as was customary for luxury establishments, these hotels featured massage rooms. Because everything uttered by the high nobility was considered top secret, all masseurs were either born deaf or had lost their hearing later in life. This ensured that nobles could converse freely, discussing matters of great importance without restraint.2

“The Sefira carriage has entered the fief.”0

Count Delmore, lying on a massage bed with only the bare essentials covered, was the first to bring up the topic. He was one of the four nobles financially pressuring Sefira through the Ultima Trading Company.0

Opposite him, Count Bristan chuckled, shifting slightly on his bed.0

“Hahaha! I bet they’re being turned away from hotels as we speak. It would have been quite a sight to witness.”0

Count Eiwen, without lifting his head, merely raised a hand and said, “We spent quite a bit of money bribing the hotel managers. This has to be the perfect opportunity to shake Sefira to its core.”0

Rolling onto his side, Count Delmore raised his voice.0

“The Sword of the South Tournament will be the finishing blow to Sefira’s downfall. They won’t be able to secure proper lodging in hotels and eventually settle for an inn—likely the best they...0