The three adventurers who had been at the market earlier, observing Eccar and Adrius with suspicious eyes, were now walking toward the city center of the kingdom. Their movements were casual, as if they were simply strolling without any hidden agenda.
They were used to passing through this busy area during both day and night. People who saw them only recognized them as adventurers going about their business somewhere in the central district—not as some shady group plotting something.
Their leader had planned this carefully. He had said there was no point in creating a base far out on the city's outskirts, because such a building would easily raise suspicion—especially with all the unusual activity that would surround it.
But if the base was located in the middle of the city, close to the market district and the adventurers' guild, then no one would question why so many people—whether adventurers or not—were going in and out of the building.
The three adventurers entered a tavern full of patrons absorbed in their own affairs. The leader looked at the barman, and the barman nodded—a signal they all understood. It meant the leader was already inside.
The three of them then descended a staircase leading underground, making their way through a tunnel lit by lamps. They walked for about half an hour through winding corridors until they finally arrived at another door.
A bored-looking guard stood at the door. From his outfit, he also appeared to be an adventurer. They exchanged brief greetings before the trio entered.
They finally arrived in a large underground chamber. People were walking about, carrying boxes filled with various goods. In a far corner, a few were fighting, but it didn't disrupt the others. No one seemed to care, as if it was all just part of the daily routine.
This underground space was expansive, with several tunnels branching off to hidden entrances located in various buildings. This setup allowed for easy access in and out in case of emergencies—since there was no way the knights could cover all the routes.
The three then entered a large room where their leader was waiting. Inside, he was in the middle of a discussion with one of his lieutenants about the income from one of his illegal businesses in the kingdom.
"We bring news, Master Sting," said the leader of the trio, getting straight to the point.
A middle-aged man—Master Sting, the leader of this organization—furrowed his brow and looked at them with a curious gaze.
"What is it? Is it important?" he asked.
"We believe it is. Archmage Adrius has a new guest. He seems to have come from the Elven Kingdom, judging by his attire. But he looks like a human," the man replied.
"Did the Archmage receive him in private?" Master Sting asked.
A breath escaped from Master Sting. The others in the room turned to look at him. Some of them looked visibly uneasy.
Master Sting leaned back in his chair and spoke in a low, thoughtful voice. "This could be a wildcard for our operation. I don't like unpredictable variables—especially when we're preparing for something big."
Silence filled the room for a few seconds. Everyone waited for Master Sting to continue. No one dared interrupt.
"For now, just keep a close eye on them. Report everything they do, and find out why that person is here," Master Sting said after a pause.
"Understood, Master," replied the leader of the three.
"And be careful. Don't let yourselves get caught."
After nodding in understanding, the three exited the room, leaving Master Sting deep in thought. His lieutenant waited quietly beside him.
Then Master Sting shook his head. "It's not important right now. Let's continue with this."
And so, they went back to counting money.
The night had fallen, wrapping the palace in a cool, quiet calm broken only by the muffled echoes of footsteps along stone halls. Moonlight filtered in through the high arched windows, casting pale silver beams across the polished floor.
Eccar sat waiting in one of the antechambers beside the throne room, his arms rested casually as he leaned back in an ornate chair far too lavish for someone like him. A half-empty plate of cake sat in front of him, next to a tall crystal goblet filled with deep red wine.
Two guards stood at the entrance, unmoving and stone-faced. Unlike the usual city patrol, these were elite palace guards—men chosen not just for their strength but for their loyalty and discipline.
The King had assigned them personally, making it clear that Eccar was to be watched with the utmost vigilance.
The two men hadn't spoken a word, but their narrowed eyes told Eccar everything. One false move, one flicker of suspicious Magic, and they would be on him like blades through cloth.
Eccar met their gaze with an amused smirk, casually popping a forkful of cake into his mouth and savoring the sweet, airy texture.
"This is pretty good," he said lazily. "You guys want some?"
The guards didn't respond, not even with a glance toward the food. Their glares remained steady and unflinching.
"Fine then," Eccar muttered, shrugging before taking another sip of wine. "Your loss."
The silence returned, heavy and stretching long, until finally the double doors to the throne room creaked open.
Adrius stepped in, his expression twisted with clear annoyance, brow furrowed and mouth in a thin line.
"The King wants to hear the explanation from you directly," Adrius said, crossing his arms. "He won't give permission until he does."
Eccar raised an eyebrow but made no move to stand. "Of course he does. Everyone wants a little story these days."
"I tried telling him you're a good guy. He doesn't care. He says if you're going to step out of our borders with my support, he wants to hear why."
"Alright, alright," Eccar said, finally rising to his feet. He adjusted the collar of his coat, dusted crumbs off his lap, and downed the last sip of his wine. "Let's not keep the King waiting."
He walked toward the door, the guards tensing slightly as he passed, but Eccar didn't even glance their way. As he followed Adrius into the throne room, his steps echoed softly, steady and unhurried.
"I hope he likes what I'm about to say," Eccar murmured under his breath, a smirk tugging at his lips.