Murphy? What kind of nobody is that? Does the great Golden Psion think he can meet whoever he wants?

"Operation failed, my lord."

Several hours later, the Grand Duchess of Borne, Shani, had just arrived in Borne City when she received the troubling news. She turned to the Lord Payin, who had followed her there through the heavy snow in a flying vehicle, and said softly:

"But we've confirmed that the target was indeed 'Dragonflame' Lina, the one Murphy specifically asked for. Her signature dragon breath set half a street ablaze in seconds. She's still as formidable as ever."

"How many casualties?"

The Lord asked, and Shani immediately replied:

"It was the market district, where large quantities of grain are stored year-round. Other things may be lacking, but their fire prevention measures are top-notch. The blaze was put out quickly, and mercenary psions stationed at the market helped with the rescue. Quite a few were injured, but there were no deaths."

"Mm. It seems the cities under your rule are orderly and well run."

The Lord praised her, then asked:

"But since you didn't catch her, what do you plan to do?"

"If Lady Lina thinks she can evade the Thorn Clan's search by hiding aboard a slave ship, then she clearly mistakes us for some third-rate faction."

Shani gave a knowing smile and explained:

"She and that strange apprentice of hers have been in our sights from the very beginning. The main reason my subordinates didn't harass them further was that the slave ship they boarded was headed for Transia.

Since they've gone to Transia, Triss and Murphy can handle what comes next."

"No!"

The Lord shook his head gravely.

"Murphy and Triss have more important duties. Whether it's the Black Calamity or other matters, those are far more important than persuading a fugitive psionic overlord to join our little group. I don't want them wasting time on