Dean’s arrival was like a downpour in a desert, bringing life back to Salted Fish Port, especially for Gray.
"We don’t possess great martial power, but we can still make our contributions. If we, the ones who honor the Holy Knight, live better than others, it will be the greatest support for the Holy Knight and the strongest rebuttal to those who oppose him,"
Under Dean’s call, Gray’s supporters started anew in the nearly abandoned Salted Fish Port.
Gray was dumbfounded.
"War is temporary, but true permanence lies in life itself. Changing our way of life is the key to changing this world. This is something I have come to realize in my travels," Dean said to Gray.
"You’ve been traveling all these years?"
"Yes. After you accepted the title of Saint, I left White City and traveled everywhere. I bet no one understands life better than I do now, especially in terms of mindset."
Under Dean’s call, people started to reclaim abandoned lands, planting new crops, building new houses, and even utilizing fishing boats to start learning sea fishing.
"You can’t drink while sailing, understand?"
"I haven’t touched alcohol for more than a year, really! I swear!"
Starting from scratch brought infinite possibilities to this place and to each person here.
Gradually, more people from various parts of the continent arrived at Salted Fish Port. Farmers, vendors, genuine businessmen, and even knights— all kinds of people, you name it.
"They insist that the Holy Knight being a Lich means he must be evil— no matter how you explain, it doesn’t get through. I couldn’t bear it anymore and moved my whole family here. This place is fantastic. No more endless chatter of nonsense in my ear."
"Hey, have you heard where the Holy Knight is recruiting soldiers? I only know how to fight. Aren’t all nations sending troops here now? I’m ready to fight for the Holy Knight. But why can’t I find a single recruitment point?"
"Do you know where I can find a mailman? Not a messenger pigeon, but a mailman. Messenger pigeons are too expensive. I want to send a letter home to my mom; she’d be so proud of me."
"So many kids, I think I could open a school here. Yes, that’s right, I’ll fund it. Money isn’t important; what’s important is using it where it’s needed. We will grow old and die, but the Holy Knight will endure. We should educate more children, so they continue to support the Holy Knight after we’ve passed."
"Whenever someone tells me the Holy Knight is a liar, I reply, ’Yes, this liar deceived me into living a good life. I hope he deceives me a few more times.’"
"It was the Holy Knight who made me realize this world could be pure and perfect. Now they want to drag me back to that dirty world and accept all that damn helplessness. Sorry, I refuse. I don’t understand why everything else can be tolerated, but being a Lich cannot. So, I choose to stand by the Holy Knight and fight for him. Let the ignorant die!"
The streets of Salted Fish Port bustled again, filled with people from other places ready to settle down. They carried hopes, urgently needing a job and a foothold.
Residents who had once shut their doors finally stepped outside, one by one.
"Aren’t you afraid of him? I mean the Holy Knight, and those Undead Knights?"
"Why should you fear your own lord?"
"Because they are undead."
"So what? Has he ever done anything bad to you?"
"No. All I know is he set very low taxes for us and sometimes even forgot to collect them. He rarely stays at Salted Fish Port."
The passerby shrugged and left, leaving the inquisitive resident standing there. As he looked at the distant Silver Moon Knight surrounded by children, he suddenly felt foolish.
*p>"Yeah, why should I fear the undead? Because of death? But I too will die eventually. Shouldn’t someone’s goodness be determined by their actions? Why should I believe all the random rumors instead of trusting my own eyes?"*
*p>Some things are peculiar ; people always fear but never think about why they fear. It’s as if the thing itself is fear. When most people around you accept it, that stubborn fear can then vanish instantly, completely, as if it never existed.*
"Can you believe it? This flourishing city is on the brink of war." Abod smiled.
"You seem happy?" Catherine asked softly.
"Yes," Catherine nodded, "You’re much happier than a few days ago."
"Am I? I just saw something wonderful; it’s somewhat comforting. Just like when you became Gray’s Guardian Angel, my duties don’t allow me to do the same as you, but at least I can applaud, at least I can show my stance."
Compared to other species, humans are always fragile yet incredibly resilient. They can be so cunning it makes you sick, but they can also sacrifice themselves for faith. Amidst the turbulent history, there will always be those who awaken, always some who do the right thing and become the shining stars in the long, rolling river.