The four of them rode a carriage and traveled across the grasslands for two days, slowly seeing the distant rolling hills and gradually more trees.
The land near Shilin Mountain Castle is rarely watered and lush with vegetation, so many settlements gather around here. With more people, there are also quite a few conflicts. However, due to the authority of Shilin Mountain Castle, the intensity of these conflicts is kept within limits and isn't too bloody.
"You ask why I don't settle down here? Of course, it's because I can't afford to live here," Guy answered Flan's curious inquiry.
"The settlements near Shilin Mountain Castle have to pay taxes every year, and these taxes vary. Some are in grain, some in wood, and some require labor; nothing is free here."
"Therefore, the settlements that can stay around here year-round are relatively wealthy."
