Chapter 220. Blood is Thicker Than Water (2)
Sabina, Caron, and Leo arrived at the Oceanwolf Knight Order's North Sea outpost.
"I was just expecting a couple of huts," Caron said, letting out a quiet murmur of surprise as he looked around the outpost.
"Did you really think it'd be that simple?" Sabina replied with a faint smile. "This is still a place where people live. And with the Oceanwolf Knight Order stationed here, it was only natural for others to gather around."
"Does this place have a name?" Caron asked.
"Raelnia," Sabina answered. "It means 'Land of Rael' in the ancient tongue. It was named in honor of our ancestor."
The scale of Raelnia rivaled that of any capital city in a decent-sized territory. Though most of its population consisted of armed forces, Caron could still see plenty of civilians—merchants and others—mingling through the streets.
Sabina rested a hand on Caron's shoulder as she continued, "Of course, where I actually stay is deeper in. This place, Raelnia, is merely the command center for the coastal defenses along the North Sea. I thought you'd be more surprised."
At that, Caron chuckled softly and nodded, then replied, "I came across some reports in Father's office once. The military spending listed was enormous. Enough that the garrison at Azureocean Castle alone couldn't account for it."
"Exactly," Sabina said. "A significant portion of the Ducal Family of Leston's funds has always gone into supporting this place."
"And the royal family doesn't provide any kind of subsidy...?" Caron asked.
"Of course not," Sabina answered bluntly. "Protecting this land is a sacred duty of ours. We have no need to rely on the empire."