Isaac sat at his desk, picked up a fountain pen, and began writing on a thin sheet of paper. The letters he inscribed were unmistakably in the Empire's official language. However, while the characters themselves were familiar, the sentences and their context were completely incomprehensible. It appeared to be some kind of ciphered message.0

Change is waiting once again. A single vest untouched by influence…0

Isaac wrote dozens of similar letters before picking up the last remaining sheet. This time, however, he wrote something different and readable.0

I, Herbert Chandler, Lord of Grassmere…0

Isaac paused momentarily, then continued writing.0

…hereby welcome the Skeleton Knight as a permanent guest of the Chandler household and grant him the following privileges:0

1. Permanent, unrestricted access to the inner-city forge reserved for the lord.0

2. If an A-rank or higher weapon is crafted within the city, it must first be presented to the Skeleton Knight. It shall be granted to him unconditionally and immediately if he desires it.0

3. All artifacts within the Hall of Ancestors shall be recognized as the property of the Skeleton Knight.0

4. The entire underground section of the inner city and all items buried there shall be ceded to the Skeleton Knight.0

5. If the Skeleton Knight makes a request that the lord himself cannot fulfill, it must be resolved immediately through...0