By the time they returned to Amnath City, it was already the morning seven days later.
The moment Ang stepped through the city gates, Quintina hurried over to greet him.
"What does the Military Department plan to do next?" she asked, tilting her head as they walked.
Ang removed his cloak and casually draped it over his arm. "They didn't say anything. I suspect they just called me over to go through the motions."
Quintina raised a brow with a faintly amused smile. "But I heard the calls for you to lead a team to open up the route to Amnath from Fortress of Will are growing louder."
"They wish." Ang shook his head lightly, his tone edged with sarcasm. "There are too many interests tied up in that route. I have no background, no patron—why would it ever be my turn? Those people who already divided up the cake won't let an 'outsider' interfere."
"What if the Military Department forces the arrangement?" Quintina had always been straightforward, and she asked bluntly.
"It's no longer under my responsibility. If they really intervene, I can't refuse. But..." Ang curled his lips slightly. "Those people who have long held real power are the ones most afraid of changes. They won't want someone as 'disobedient' as me entering the core."
Quintina considered his words, then finally nodded. "All right, I understand."
Ang rolled his shoulders. "Once the centaurs return to the ranks, we'll set off for Valagajudi."
"That place is full of swamps and wetlands. Cavalry would only be a burden there, wouldn't they?" Quintina frowned.
"There will always be a way." Ang's tone was firm, his gaze steady. "First secure a foothold, then talk about pushing deeper."
Just then, Aisha hurried over. "Brother, the railway inscription operation has officially begun. Hundreds of