The routine became more and more busy as the spring festival drew nearer. The Count was occupied with trade and supply chain troubles, and Alaric had left the county to investigate the bandits disrupting the trade routes. Therefore, it fell upon Eldric and Serin to handle the more trivial matters of governance, such as greeting dignitaries, merchants, and nobles, as well as preparing for the spring festival.
Serin had no prior experience with such tasks, and Eldric could not fully handle the responsibilities on his own, no matter how much he wanted to. Fortunately, Serin found an unexpected guide in Countess Elayne, which came as a great relief.
The Countess effectively took charge and properly delegated tasks to Serin and Eldric, instructing them carefully on how to accomplish each duty. It seemed that this was far from her first time managing such affairs.
Brinescar had become a major hub of economic activity for the coastal Borderlands ever since the Hainar Family acquired the salt permit from the Emperor. This permit granted them exclusive rights to handle imperial shipments of salt in the region. The Hainar Family did not waste the opportunity; they immediately took large loans by leveraging the salt permit and used the funds to massively expand both the city and its port.
This sudden change in fortune bred envy among many, but no one could openly object, as it was no secret why the Emperor had granted them such a great honor.
Thus, year after year, the Hainar Family consolidated power in the region at a rapid pace. The salt trade and its supply chains were vital to the Empire, and as a result, the Hainar Family was permitted to amass private forces to protect the shipments, secure the trade routes, and safeguard their territory.
All of this quickly translated into considerable economic activity within the county. Economic activity bred prosperity, and it did not take long for the port city of Brinescar to flourish. The people were happy and prosperous, and the Hainar Family stood at the peak of its power and influence.
The clearest proof of this prosperity was none other than the spring festival. Years ago, the Count had decided to turn the festivities into a grand spectacle, and it proved to be an excellent decision.
The festival attracted travelers, merchants, performers, and even wandering knights from all over the region. This helped spread the county's reputation far and wide, further increasing the Hainar Family's prestige.
However, such grandeur required extensive preparation—especially in matters of law and order. A surge in visitors inevitably meant an influx of miscreants as well. This necessitated close cooperation between the City Watch, the Castle Guard, and even the banners.
Beyond that, there was the beautification of the town, preparations for religious rituals and processions, and—before all else—something the Count referred to as "clearing out the streets," which essentially involved rounding up thieves, rogues, and hooligans throughout the city in advance.
There was much to be done, and as a result, Serin was temporarily spared from the brutal training required to become an Ascendant, as his presence and activity were needed elsewhere.
Six days before the festival, preparations were already underway.
The city began shedding its winter skin. Ribbons and flowers draped the streets, lanterns bloomed along the avenues, and incense hung thick in the air. Shrines appeared where none had stood before, candles flickering beneath the Holy Mother's veil. Laughter returned to the taverns, markets overflowed, and music carried through the night—yet the guards doubled their patrols, and along the docks, flowers were laid where ships had failed to return.
Banners of the Divine Order, the Empire, and House Hainar fluttered proudly through the streets. Colorful lamps and lanterns were hung on the doors of every house and shop. Stalls slowly began appearing in the markets, while exotic fabrics and spices drew crowds to the commercial lanes.
Eldric, being more familiar with social niceties, welcomed the regular wealthy merchants and nobles, while Serin made use of his identity to draw in wandering knights eager to enter the prospering Hainar household.
Meanwhile, the Countess oversaw the management of the city and the preparation of the festival, while the Count personally ensured that the internal defenses of the city were in order.
The entire castle functioned like clockwork, as it always had. The only difference this time was Serin's presence and Alaric's absence. From the outside, everything appeared orderly. The city seemed to come alive with excitement—yet those residing within the castle could feel an oppressive pressure pressing down, as though threatening to suffocate them all.
This tension was most evident at the dinner table.
The Count was tense, his forehead creased with worry. Alaric's chair sat empty. The Countess remained silent, occasionally glancing at the vacant seat before looking at her husband, her fists clenching unconsciously.
Even the mischievous Ellis was quiet, her face blanketed with concern, her lips parting as though she wished to speak but lacked the courage to break the tension.
Eldric, however, was the only one who seemed unaffected. In fact, he appeared somewhat happier than usual.
And then there was Serin—who hadn't touched his food at all. His face was pale, his expression distant, as though lost deep in thought.
The Countess noticed and asked with concern, "Serin, are you feeling well?"
Eldric scoffed. "Prince Charming here seems to be struggling with his tasks—unlike me."
The Countess shot Eldric a furious glance, silencing him instantly. She then turned back to Serin, her expression softening. "What's the matter?"
Serin snapped out of his daze and remained silent for a moment. Then he sighed deeply and said, "I'm afraid it's not good news."
The Count narrowed his eyes, setting down his fork and knife. "What's the bad news now, nephew?"
Serin hesitated briefly before looking at everyone with resolve. He told them about the dreams and premonitions he had been experiencing. He also mentioned his promotion within the Divine Arena, lending weight to his words.
As Serin spoke of the nightmare, Ellis and the Countess exchanged uneasy looks. Eldric continued eating his dinner nonchalantly.
Then, abruptly, the Count's expression changed.
He rose from his chair and began pacing back and forth, deep in thought. His face grew pale—far paler than before—as a rare panic crept into his expression.
"I'm afraid we are in deep trouble," he said solemnly. "If this truly is a premonition granted by Serin's Divine Blessing, then it can only mean one thing. In folklore, Akh'Thal is also represented by tsunami and destruction."
He exhaled slowly, then looked at each of them in turn. "It's possible that this monster could attack our port."
"But… isn't it supposed to avoid the shore?" Serin blurted out.
The Count shook his head gravely. "Under the circumstances, this is the only explanation. We must act immediately. There may not be much time."
A heavy silence followed as everyone contemplated the consequences of such a possibility.
"We will hold an emergency meeting at once," the Count declared. "This is a matter of life and death. Eldric, tell the Steward to gather everyone in my study. We will discuss countermeasures immediately."
With that, he left the dining hall.
The others exchanged uneasy glances. The Countess sighed, reassured Ellis and Eldric briefly, and followed her husband. Soon after, Serin and the others departed as well, following the Count toward his study.