Midnight, Belmod's bedchamber
Belmod had lost count of how many times he had waited quietly like this for the information he needed. He used to grow anxious, but now he had begun to enjoy these rare moments of peace.
Pfft.
The lights suddenly went out, and a faintly chilling breeze swept in from behind him. Belmod knew the person he had been waiting for had finally arrived. He just did not know how far the task he had arranged last time had progressed, nor how well they would carry out the task he had assigned this time. His Majesty the King felt that he had been far too lenient with them in the past. Perhaps it was time to replace them with a pack of more diligent hounds. The hound he had seen that afternoon seemed like a fine choice—provided he was loyal enough and his background was clean enough. Until that had been confirmed, he could only make do with these useless fools.
"How is it?"
"No. 13 has already infiltrated them, but obtaining intelligence from their upper ranks will take some time."
Neither spoke much. After briefly asking about the operation's progress, Belmod began issuing new orders.
"Tell No. 13 to speed things up. Also, have someone investigate this man's background."
Belmod spoke calmly as he traced a portrait woven from magical power above his right hand. The face in the image was Sordil's. The air fell silent for a moment. Just as Belmod's patience was about to run out, the familiar hoarse voice sounded behind him once more.
"A day ago, this man went to the western branch to purchase information on Black House and General Langu. After leaving the western stronghold, he followed a group of thugs out of the city and wiped them out. Then