Sunlight streamed through Bahoya City's high walls and spilled into the spacious council hall. Ang sat across from Humphrey Yaglu, the deputy of Marquis Yaglu, with a steaming cup of tea at hand. He lowered his head for a sip, studying the young nobleman across from him from the corner of his eye.
Humphrey looked under thirty, with well-defined features and impeccably tailored noble attire. His manner carried a measure of confidence, even a hint of pride, yet he remained approachable. He chatted with Ang, moving from Bahoya City's defenses to the recent relief efforts, apparently in no hurry to bring up the real matter.
"Ang, we spoke before. You must have heard that the Yaglu family possesses two Enchanted Warbands, right?" Humphrey suddenly changed the subject, his voice carrying a hint of pride.
Ang set down his teacup and nodded. "Yes, I heard about it. Some time ago, it seemed your family had recalled one of those Enchanted Warbands. But... there has been no sign of them so far. Did something happen?"
Humphrey's smile stiffened slightly, but he quickly recovered. He sighed and answered frankly without concealing anything. "Our family's two Enchanted Warbands are commanded by my elder sister and my second brother. The one recalled this time belonged to my second brother, but on their way back from Central City, they were forcibly conscripted by the Northern Council and the Military Department."
"The Northern Council and the Military Department?" Ang raised a brow. "They acted decisively enough. Then again, Bahoya City is not facing any urgent crisis right now. They can indeed be of greater use there."
Humphrey's gaze flickered as he watched Ang, seemingly weighing his stance. Still, he agreed aloud, "That is true. Central City is under greater pressure. It is just... they are the family's