Royal Capital, outskirts.
Civilian District.
Rows of low and disorderly houses spread out, with very short distances between them, creating cramped spaces. Sometimes, one had to sidle through the narrow passages.
Mark, following his memory, arrived in this Civilian District and knocked on a certain wooden door.
"Who is it?"
A somewhat weak voice came from behind the door.
Accompanied by a creaking sound, the door was pulled open, revealing a face covered with a beard and looking somewhat haggard.
His face bore scars, and one empty sleeve hung limply. With his other hand, he fully pulled open the door.
"Deputy Commander, why are you here? Iron Ball, Wood Fang, come see who's come!"
The Bearded Man's eyes flashed with surprise, and his voice rose several decibels.
He then blurted out, "Deputy Commander, did the recent scouting yield any findings? What's the situation with the Black Tide?"
As soon as he finished speaking, the Bearded Man regretted it.
