Homans looked at Hansen, his eyes holding a trace of surprise and faint amusement. "What's wrong? The moment I said I was leaving, you looked reluctant to let me go? I never thought you'd make that expression."
Hansen did not answer immediately. After pondering for a long time, he finally spoke in a low voice. "This has nothing to do with you. I've approved your leave. You'd better leave Blue Bridge Fortress at once and stay at Indy Mountain Pass for three days. Once the time is up, return directly to the Empire."
Homans froze for a moment, but the smile remained on his face. "There are only three days left. I've been most comfortable at Blue Bridge Fortress. If I really have to leave, it won't be too late to go when the deadline arrives."
"Go now." Hansen suddenly cut him off, his tone much heavier than before, with a faint unease in his eyes.
He placed a hand on Homans's shoulder and gave it a heavy pat. "Listen to me. I'm worried that, before long, Blue Bridge Fortress will cease to exist."
"W-What?" Homans's eyes widened. He instinctively lowered his voice, his face filled with shock.
Hansen seemed to realize that he had been too blunt, and his expression softened slightly. "Don't overthink it. It's only a guess."
Homans hesitated for a long while before finally nodding, though his tone still carried some reluctance. "Fine, I'll listen to you. But you'd better not be lying to me."
That very day, Homans quietly left Blue Bridge Fortress according to Hansen's instructions.
The night was deep. Hansen stood alone atop the empty city wall as the cold wind swept past, making his robes flap loudly.
He stared in the direction Homans had vanished, the unease in his heart still lingering.