Sailing across the sea would be too roundabout. The waters were unpredictable, filled with dangers unseen.
In the end, Hutson made his decision.
He would travel north through the Kingdom of Doris. Once past its borders, he would turn east—toward Moonlight Woodland.
Unfolding a map, his keen eyes traced the route. Thanks to Doris' well-maintained roads, reaching the northern border would take no more than half a month. But beyond that, the real journey began—four to five months of travel through unknown lands before he could set foot in Moonlight Woodland once more.
With the route planned, it was time to settle unfinished affairs.
Descending the staircase, he called out, "Ed!"
Hurried footsteps echoed from the garden. Moments later, Ed appeared, clutching a pair of pruning shears. He had been tending the flowers in the courtyard, the scent of fresh earth still clinging to his clothes.
