Suddenly, the sound of Duli’s cheerful footsteps came from outside the door. Her voice brimmed with excitement and anticipation:
“Tii! Phil! I’ve got a surprise! Guess who’s here?”
“What is it? Don’t keep us in suspense,” Phil replied impatiently.
Duli ran inside with a radiant smile on her face. “That grey-hatted caravan has arrived! They reached the capital today, and they brought fruit, spices from the south—and our letters!”
The man known as Grey Hat was actually named Pitley, the leader of the largest merchant caravan in Ansels and a legendary trader known to every household.
His caravan operated along the Holy White River in the central-western region of the kingdom, traveling long distances between the southern and northern ends of the realm in pursuit of profit. They were widely referred to as the Holy White River Caravan.
To maintain good relations with the authorities and curry favor with the king, Ansels’ caravans often gained foreign trade privileges by offering tribute. Due to their constant travels to far-off regions, many servants’ families would ask the merchants to deliver letters on their behalf.
For the servants living in Hairusen Castle, almost completely cut off from the outside world, this was a rare and precious chance to connect with their loved ones.
“Letters? That’s wonderful,” Tii said softly. “It’s been a long time since I last received a letter from home.”
Duli nodded. “Yeah, Grey Hat brought a whole bunch of letters this time.”
As the sun set, the caravan outside Hairusen Castle had just finished their tribute delivery and were busy packing up for the return trip.
Just then, the castle’s wooden gate creaked open, and several eager servants rushed out, their faces glowing with excitement and hope. They ran toward the caravan, calling out:
“Wait, kind sirs! Please wait a moment!”
“Oh! You’re here for the letters? I just gave the guards’ letters to their captain—nearly forgot about you all,” one of the handlers replied. He was dressed in coarse cloth and wore a sunhat. The handlers were busy managing their powerful earth-dragons, stout beasts used to haul heavy goods through sand and stone.
“Hurry up—we’re about to leave!” Grey Hat called out carelessly. He and the other merchants were dressed in fine clothing, looking quite satisfied after completing their tribute mission and ready to set off in leisure.
“Yes! I finally got a letter from home!” one of the servants exclaimed with joy as he took his letter, tearing it open without delay.
“Don’t read it here—get back inside!” a guard scolded.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, the caravan’s wagons slowly began to move. The servants who had received their letters waved and called out their thanks, bidding the merchants farewell.
Night fell.
That evening, the kitchen was brightly lit and bustling with energy.
Servants gathered in small groups, eagerly sharing the contents of their letters.
Phil chimed in, her eyes shining with excitement. “Hey, listen! My old grumpy cat back home actually had something interesting to say this time!”
“Grumpy cat?” Su Ling asked in confusion.
“She means her grandpa!” Duli explained with a giggle. “Phil grew up with her grandfather…”
As the chatter grew louder, Tii happened to notice Bohm, who had been sitting quietly the whole time.
“Bohm, you don’t look well. Is something wrong?” she asked with concern.
Bohm sat alone, a complicated expression on her face. She let out a quiet sigh before slowly speaking:
“My… my letter was mostly about my younger siblings. There’s a new baby this year, but the harvest wasn’t as good as before. My family’s worried about making it through the winter.”