As expected

"As expected, it's quieter than I thought," Zachary muttered, gazing at the empty area around the castle gate.

Justin chuckled, sensing the slight disappointment in his voice.

"Why? Feeling lonely?"

"It's not loneliness, just... I thought there would be more interest. Maybe we should've held a departure ceremony or something."

"Forget it. Who would want to bother with something that tedious? Neither the commoners nor the pioneers would've liked it."

The commoners were already drained from the waves and the recent territorial unification.

Even if a ceremony were held, all they'd muster would be weak cheers.

As for the pioneers, they wouldn't feel proud or motivated—they'd probably just get more exhausted.

"I know, but still, I thought at least a few people would come out of curiosity. Isn't anyone even the least bit interested in the fact that you're personally leading an expedition?"