Lava Fortress.
A flying car screeched to a halt outside the Governor's Mansion. Before it had even stopped, Silad jumped out and hurried inside.
He made his way to the governor's office. Horne, the mansion's steward, was waiting outside, his white hair combed without a single strand out of place. At the sight of Silad, he hurried forward.
"General, the master is waiting for you!"
Silad asked in a low voice,
"Steward Horne, what happened? Why has the governor summoned me so urgently?"
Horne bowed slightly. "General, matters of such importance are not for the likes of us to know. But... the master seems very angry..." He lowered his voice until only the two of them could hear.
Silad's eyes narrowed slightly. He nodded and strode to the door, then steadied himself before pushing it open.
He immediately saw the shards of a cup lying on the fine marble floor of the spacious, luxurious office. His gaze flickered, then lifted to Mu Lei, who sat with his back to him. Only his profile was visible, but even that was enough to reveal his livid expression.
Mu Lei pressed one hand against his brow, as though wrestling with some thorny problem.
"Governor, Silad reporting!"
Silad composed himself, stepped forward, and spoke respectfully.
Mu Lei slowly turned his chair and looked up at him. Without lowering the left hand pressed to his brow, he raised his right hand and pushed some documents across the desk. "Take a look at this!"
Puzzled, Silad stepped forward and picked up the documents. His eyes swiftly scanned them, and his expression changed drastically. He snapped his gaze toward Mu Lei. "Governor, when did this happen? Why weren't we informed?"
Only then did Mu Lei lower his left hand. Looking exhausted, he said,
"It's been several days