Inside the town hall, pillars of Stone Skin Soft Vine wrapped around gray rock supported the dome.
Winter sunlight streamed through the wide skylights, casting tracks of light on the floor. Countless dust motes danced in the beams.
The atmosphere was solemn yet fervent.
The royal messenger stood in the center of the hall, his high-pitched voice echoing through the space.
"...By this decree, Velin Klein, Pioneer Baron of the Grey Marsh Territory, is hereby granted the right to pioneer the Southern Archipelago!"
"May he guard the Duchy's maritime borders and bring glory to our nation!"
The final syllable faded.
A brief silence fell over the hall before erupting into a torrential roar of cheers.
"ROOOAR—!"
Barrett pumped fists like iron tongs, his roar drowning out all others.
Ola Stonebeard's face flushed red. He didn't cheer, but instead twirled his meticulously braided, reddish-brown beard with his thick fingers, letting out a low, rumbling laugh.
