A peaceful village, surrounded by wooden palisades to protect against monsters and wild beasts, appeared tranquil and serene.

A villager standing guard at the entrance smiled warmly at Lavier as he approached.

“Are you a traveler?”

“Yes, I’m passing through and need a place to rest.”

“I see. May your journey be a safe one.”

To the untrained eye, the villagers seemed welcoming to travelers.

However, despite the bloodstains on Lavier’s tattered robe, none of the villagers seemed alarmed or even curious about his identity. They didn’t ask questions that might typically be expected.

As Lavier walked through, other villagers …