Before long, led by the man, the group arrived at a bustling settlement.
Navia stared in awe at the scene before her. Countless tents lined both banks of the Fleuve Cendre, numbering in the hundreds at a rough count.
The tent fabric was clearly inexpensive, yet sturdy and durable, though notoriously difficult to work with. The fact that someone had managed to craft tents from this material spoke volumes about their skill.
Moreover, the tents were made in various colors, adding a touch of visual appeal that demonstrated the maker's meticulous care.
A crowd of people gathered, chatting happily, while children darted between the tents, playing and laughing. An elderly man had placed a small stool on the ground and sat before a tent, watching the scene with a warm, benevolent smile.
Witnessing this scene firsthand was far more impactful than the woman's description to Navia. Even Melus and Silver stood frozen in awe.
If their memories served them correctly, this place had been deathly quiet just three days ago, due to its distance from the Spina di Rosula's stronghold.
Yet now, Navia felt the place was as lively as the Spina di Rosula's own headquarters.
It was almost unbelievable. After the decree to purge Fleuve Cendre had been issued, Navia never imagined she would see so many smiles on the faces of its residents, as if the turmoil beyond their borders had never touched them.
"Everyone, please follow me. Watch your step—if you accidentally step on someone's belongings, you'll have to pay compensation!"
"At most, I can persuade them to give you a 20% discount."
The man spoke with a playful tone, then enthusiastically greeted the people around him, who responded even more warmly.
After a while, Navia was astonished to discover that the man remembered everyone's name, even the children's.
"Uncle Grett, you're finally back! I want an Aranara toy. Can you make one for me?"
A little boy suddenly appeared and hugged the man's leg, pouting and whining.
"I'm sorry, Monsieur Grett. This child is too mischievous!"
"Don't bother Monsieur Grett while he's working!"
The boy's mother hurried over, apologizing to the man.
But the man simply chuckled, bent down slightly, and patted the boy's head. "It's no problem," he said to the mother. "They're just small toys. They won't take much time."
"I'll make extra. The little ones who don't have any yet can come get them first."
The last sentence was directed at the children who had gathered to watch. When they heard his words, they erupted into cheers.
Seeing this scene, the smiles on the faces of those present grew even wider.
"Ah, Monsieur Grett, I truly don't know how to thank you enough... Quick, thank Monsieur Grett!"
"Thank you, Uncle Grett!"
"It's nothing, just a few trivial little things."
"If something as simple as this can bring genuine smiles to children's faces, it's the most worthwhile thing in the world."
The man's words struck a chord in Navia's heart. She suddenly thought of her own father, who had shielded her from his struggles, silently bearing all burdens alone, so she could enjoy carefree days and more smiles.
"If Monsieur Callas were still alive, he and Monsieur Grett would undoubtedly have much in common," Melus said, his face filled with wistful regret.
Callas had drawn many followers with his charismatic personality, but he had never found a true companion to walk alongside him.
Now they realized such a person had existed all along, only to learn that Callas was already... It was truly heartbreaking.
After bidding farewell to the mother and child, the man leaned on his cane and greeted the surrounding people with a smile, occasionally cracking jokes that drew laughter from the crowd.
Many recognized Navia and her companions, greeting them warmly. Navia did her best to reciprocate their enthusiasm, though she knew very few of them personally.
Suddenly, a pang of guilt struck Navia. Strictly speaking, it wasn't her fault; the Spina di Rosula protected so many people that memorizing them all was a daunting task. But as the saying goes, "Comparison is the thief of joy," and the man ahead of her had managed it.
Soon, the group arrived at the man's home. The structure was made of wooden planks, many of which were moldy and blackened, with gaping holes. The interior was sparsely furnished, with most of the space filled with various belongings. Though the floor was clean, metal parts lay scattered across it.
The scene made Navia seriously doubt whether living here was any more comfortable than staying in a tent.
"Here, this is for you."
The man quickly retrieved a tent and handed it to the mother and child behind him. After politely accepting their gratitude, he turned to welcome Navia and her companions.
He produced several wooden planks from an unknown source and casually pieced them together to create a brand-new table, which he placed in the center of the room. He fashioned chairs using the same method, leaving Navia and her group dumbfounded.
"I've heard Miss Navia prefers sweeter drinks, but I only have water here. I hope you won't mind," the man said apologetically as he poured cool water for each of them. He removed his top hat, placed it in a corner with his cane and black formal coat, revealing a slightly faded short-sleeved shirt.
Navia once again noticed his powerful arms, but the wild aura she had initially sensed was now completely absent.
"Water is perfectly fine. Thank you," Navia said, taking a small sip to show she truly didn't mind. She then asked him curiously, "How did you manage to build all this so quickly?"
"Monsieur Grett, your own situation isn't exactly comfortable. Why go to such lengths?"
"Does one need a reason?"
Navia paused, taken aback by the man's smiling response.
Indeed, does one need a reason?
In that moment, she saw a fleeting resemblance to her father in him.
Seeming to sense her confusion, the man continued, "I heard Miss Navia was planning to relocate everyone to Poisson, so I hastily prepared these tents. They should help alleviate the housing shortage there."
"As for the food, I had quite a stockpile. It would have been a hassle to transport it all, so I thought it best to share it with everyone."
"However, Miss Navia, I sense a heavy mood about you. Has something gone wrong in Poisson?"
Navia froze at his words.