The next morning, at a secluded cove outside Light City.
The gloomy rain of the past several days had finally broken, and the long-awaited morning light pierced through the clouds, dappling the sparkling sea.
The sea breeze, carrying a hint of warmth and salt, felt exceptionally refreshing against the skin.
The sun had warmed and dried the beach, leaving only the damp marks from the receding tide to glitter like flecks of gold in the morning light.
Diana's vassals were gathered in small groups. The rare good weather had prompted them to shed their heaviest coats and bask in the warm morning light, but it did little to quell their doubts or their complaints.
"A gift? He dragged us out to this godforsaken beach at the crack of dawn just to see some gift?"
A Knight with a short mustache grumbled, "I bet His Lordship the Baron caught a big cod."
His companion let out a dry chuckle.
"Maybe he wants us to admire the little boat he used to flee? I hear it's rather well-made."
