Empty?

[ Claude doesn't exactly meant to echo that, but as the raise of one eyebrow suggests... that's intriguing. For a variety of reasons, some more obvious and others likely ones they won't find out unless they really are to stay here for some time - though that latter thought isn't one he dwells on often. For now, anyway, since there's plenty to consider for the present; the future can wait. ]

Huh. Can't say that's entirely reassuring for either one, much as I'd like to believe perhaps the monarchy isn't planning on doing something.

[ Like filling the dungeons or being busy with recruiting more soldiers. That's as far as he'll go with it when a server approaches with a couple of mugs and a pitcher of ale to set them down on the table wordlessly. Before Claude can ask about whatever might be on the menu, the server's already heading back to another table farther away. Instead he's left to grin slightly before reaching for a mug to fill with ale before sliding it across to Geralt and then getting his own. ]

I can't imagine the Free Cities aren't looking for some way to take advantage of this either if they've not yet already found one.