"Honey!" A woman in her late thirties rushed toward her husband, her voice brimming with excitement.
"Maria? Slow down." Elric set down his wooden mug, raising a brow. "What's the rush?"
"There's another recruitment notice from the palace!" Maria said, breathless but beaming.
"Again?" Elric's expression darkened with curiosity.
For the past few months, Arthur had been recruiting hundreds—nearly a thousand—skilled workers for KTO and other department. Blacksmiths, non-ranking mages with decent proficiency, scholars who could read and write, and various other talents had been hired under strict selection. But this time… something was different.
Maria straightened with confidence. "I heard the requirements this time aren't as strict as before. They're looking for people who can handle heavy lifting and bad smells." Her eyes glimmered. "Doesn't that suit you? Your current job already has you hauling heavy loads—and the stench… I can't even get near you until you wash up."
