After half a minute, the scene finally calmed. Upon catching sight of Adrian, the crowd’s attitude underwent a complete transformation. The madness and confusion that had gripped them vanished entirely, replaced by gazes of gratitude and reverence as if he were their savior.

Adrian could only shake his head helplessly in response. With the commotion subdued, he finally had the opportunity to approach the window and gaze outside. Twenty boats were drifting out on the sea, steadily moving farther