Chapter 238 This Young Man Has the Eyes of a Saint

The morning sun slanted across the sea, shimmering with a layer of silver light.

Each time the ship cut through a wave, the shimmering light swayed slightly, as if the sea were breathing.

The chill brought by the sea breeze couldn't be dispelled, even under the sunlight.

Inside a rather large merchant ship bound for Lilom City, on the second floor, the wooden furniture and decorations were exquisite and cozy. Viscount Francis sat at the dining table, a brocade tablecloth spread before him, and silver cutlery neatly arranged.

The middle-aged man wore a dark gray suit, with the family crest embroidered in gold thread. Although his eyes showed some fatigue, his meticulous attire still appeared dignified and elegant. His slender fingers also hinted at a past involving swordsmanship.

He gently forked a piece of smoked salmon, putting it in his mouth, his brow furrowing slightly as he chewed.

However, it wasn't because the chef's performance was lacking today.

"Alas, this year, dealing with the Imperial Capital will probably be difficult," he sighed inwardly, but didn't say it aloud.

The Protos Empire had seventeen provinces.

Lilom City, in the already impoverished Southwest Province, was the most remote. If it weren't along the sea, it would almost be a fortress city-state within the forest.

Currently, the Protos Empire and the countries led by the Kingdom of Aestelan in the northwest were in an extremely dangerous state. A full-scale war in the Northern Continent could break out at any moment, lacking only a catalyst to ignite this century's great fire.

Although for cities in the southern hinterland like theirs, the flames of war wouldn't necessarily spread there, once the war started, conscription, taxes, and other issues could become an unbearable burden for their remote little territory.

Not only that, but now the Empire's most absurd decision was to appease the Rebirth Church.

This act of seeking cooperation with a tiger might seem like a clever move to control a beast in the eyes of the powerful figures in the Imperial Capital, and it did indeed pose a great terror to the northern countries. But for the common people, it was undoubtedly a disaster.

Even in their border city, people felt uneasy because of the Rebirth Church followers on the streets.

At this moment, a knock on the door interrupted Viscount Francis's thoughts.

"Do I have any arrangements this morning?"

As Viscount Francis spoke, a young man dressed as a captain slowly walked in. He was Francis's secretary and also his guard.

"Viscount, that guest has awakened," the secretary reported in a steady tone.

Francis slowly swallowed the food in his mouth and nodded. "Good, I understand. Prepare some light tea and fruit to send to his cabin. I'll be there in a while."

For someone who had experienced a shipwreck and might not have eaten for a long time, it would be better to eat some fruits and vegetables and replenish fluids before eating anything heavy.

Recently, magic storms at sea had been erupting continuously, and passenger and merchant ships at the imperial ports had stopped their southward routes.

The closer to the sea area between the North and South continents, the more frequent the accidents became.

According to the Empire's investigation report, most disaster scholars believed that two extremely terrifying beings had engaged in a life-and-death battle in the southern sea area. The unbridled collision of magic further intensified the spread of natural disaster-like magic tides.

"Yes, sir," the secretary bowed slightly and then exited the dining room.

Not long after, Francis finished his breakfast. He put down his cutlery, wiped the corners of his mouth with a napkin, straightened his tie, and stood up, leaning on his cane.

Originally, it was just a routine trip to visit old friends and conduct some business in a large port city in the east, but this time there was a little episode.

The previous night, a storm had just ravaged the sea, and the giant waves seemed to try to engulf their merchant ship again and again. But this wasn't a particularly unusual event for those accustomed to the stormy seas.