Woooooo~


    Rudolf''s shoulders slumped down.


    It was so hard to get this new season.


    In Baymard, people can ess thetest season the moment it drops. But for the rest of the world, it takes time to transport it all across thend.


    For thest 3 days since they arrived in this city, he has been searching for thetest season like crazy. It wasn''t until now that a passing merchant had it, signaling that Baymard won''t be too far from the officialunch.Rudolf had a bad premonition.


    "My good buddy, why is it with you?"


    "Because I''m watching it and won''t be done with it any time soon."


    "_"


    "You''re kidding me, right?"


    "No."


    "Then, then... How about the limited edition snacks I sent for? Did you at least leave those ones for me?"


    "I had no idea they were limited edition."


    Liar! Liar! You definitely know. Rudolf inwardly retorted, while telling himself to calm down, lest he identally drown his friend in a river someday.


    "Fine. Now that you know that they are limited edition snacks, where are they?"


    "Confiscated. They are mine now... Go send for yours."


    "..."


    (:T?T:)


    Bastard!


    Was it a crime to be his friend? Rudolf wanted toin but had no one to talk to.


    Like so, the stories of the strange masked man slowly began spreading across Arcadiannds.


    It was the story of the great Ghostly prince who left a mysterious GP mark everywhere he went.


    Sebastian had made his move, and now it was William''s time to do the same.


    .


    -- The Royal Capital City, Arcadina, Pyno. --


    .


    It was raining hard these past few days, as summer came to an end.


    Look. It was now September 30th. The tree leaves began to fall, and the weather also grew colder by the day.


    Wild beasts of the forest had long begun saving up food for the winter. This was also true for farmers and many others, who harvested their crops and stored them for the harsher seasons.


    The crops still nted were those that could survive these rainy periods.


    But unlike other times, this year''s seasonal crop yields were far greater than expected.


    A new crop called the potato, which many initially thought was inedible, was very popr, since its yields were 3~5 more than that of grains.


    It''s been 2 years since Arcadina was introduced and encouraged to nt this crop. And so far, it alone has saved a great number of people''s hunger.


    They used to see this thing in the wild, but some thought it was poisonous.


    s… me their ignorance.


    With things running smoothly, the capital was vibrant, even during these rainy periods. The many newly improved transport wagons/buses drove around the city in an organized fashion, making stops here and there.


    Official registered taxi drivers also worked hard, and many on the street could be seen holding several decorative Baymardian umbres. Of course, some people still use their ancient umbres.<novelsnext></novelsnext>


    There were many types of ancient umbres, depending on one''s ss.


    Some umbres were made of bamboo sticks with animal skins stretched across them. These were mostly used by the poor.


    Those in higher positions used oil-paper umbres that had hand-painted images and designs on them.


    One shouldn''t think that just because Baymard made umbres, there wasn''t any need for these beautiful ancient ones.


    Baymard''s umbres were used for practicality, while the oil-paint umbres were used as fashion statements, for women to use when walking through the park on hot sunny days or taking strolls.


    This was why umbre makers here registered their businesses with Baymard, importing Baymardian umbres to sell in the colder seasons. And once the heat was on, they would switch back to mostly selling their oil paint umbres.


    Of course, oil-paper umbres are also sold now, mostly for asions like traditional weddings, special events, and so on.


    Like so, the city was buzzing with activity despite the heavy rain.


    The people''s clothes were thicker, their shoes were stronger, and their smiles brighter. But the same couldn''t be said for their beloved leader.


    .


    -- Royal Pce --


    .


    William''s face was grim, as he lightly tapped his finger on his table.


    In the room with him was his father, Oden Barn... his mother, Mona Ferris... And his uncles, Murel Ferris and Powin Ferris. His subordinates, such as Death, and his aides were also there.


    In fact it was Death who brought the news directly to him.


    Silence...


    The foul weather added to everyone''s already gloomy mood. And the fruits they chewed on now turned to cardboard in their mouths, as the news left a dry sandbox sensation on their tongues.


    Bam!


    Oden mmed his fist on the table.


    "Who the hell is messing with us? How dare they use my son''s title for their schemes?"


    Dammit!


    Don''t let him find out who it is, or he will skin them alive!


    Mona also agreed with her husband. Why was it that every time they sat on their own, minding their damn business, someone somewhere always wanted to provoke them?


    Did they have some sign on their foreheads that read: Easy targets?


    Why was this happening now that her beloved son was about to get engaged?


    That''s right. The girl from Baymard who happens to be a security guard, was the one William chose to be his only queen.


    It took years of wooing to get her to agree. And finally, she did. And their wedding was scheduled for next summer.


    Summer is the time for royal weddings. Who wants to hold them in rain and snow? Only in hurried situations would it be done.


    Who?


    Powin and Murel continued biting their apples, deep in thought about the matter.


    When they spoke, their every word was always full of absolute wisdom. They were strategists at their finest, ones William valued highly.


    They looked at each other tactfully, finally asking for the table to be cleared. Enough snacking.


    There was a big situation at hand. But one that wasn''t unsolvable, if they yed their cards right.


    Want to use their nephew''s former title against him? Then think again!