After Mary left Blue Moon Territory, she retreated to Yusofa, which was now completely occupied by the Rose Army.
After a series of operations that included steamrolling defenses and massacring the populace, Yusofa had become a garrison for the Rose Army. Aside from the Rose Army, all that remained were a few surviving nobles, merchants, pastry shops, and a great number of orphans.
Mary had spared these people for one reason: a large army had massive needs, and she required local supplies. As for the pastry shops, they were one of the Guards' few pleasures.
These pitiful artisans were more valuable alive than dead.
But being alive did not mean they were fortunate.
All of Yusofa was shrouded in a high-pressure gloom, as if war could break out at any moment.
The nobles were forced to obey Mary and provide financial support. The merchants fared no better; whenever the Rose Army needed food, water, or daily necessities, they had to provide them without compensation.
