Undercurrents in the Royal Capital

Even as the entire Hori Kingdom descended into turmoil, in Havenlight, the nobles once again gathered in a secret chamber in the outer city, discussing the recent situation with tense expressions.

"Have you... heard of the Black Nightmare Society lately?" someone suddenly asked as soon as everyone had assembled.

"You investigated this too?" The nobles immediately responded. A gray-haired old man nodded. "The spies I planted in Koester have been investigating it for a long time. The intelligence they sent back indicates that this incident may have quite a few connections to an organization called the 'Black Nightmare Society.'"

"Does anyone know what it actually is? A local mage organization? Or some newly risen gang?"

Yet the nobles merely looked at one another and shook their heads helplessly.

A strange emotion flickered through Duke Colin's eyes, as though he had thought of something. But he did not speak. Instead, he copied the other nobles' bewildered expressions, staring wide-eyed at them as if he knew nothing at all.

"No matter what, we must find a way to get to the bottom of this." After a stretch of silence, the old noble could only speak again. "The Church has begun mobilizing troops again. Something major is bound to happen soon, and we must make preparations in advance!"

The others nodded, when someone suddenly asked, "Duke Colin... is that mage and His Majesty still in the country?"

Duke Colin immediately shook his head. "I don't know."

"Didn't you have a way to contact them before?"

"That was before." Duke Colin said solemnly, "About a few weeks ago, I stopped receiving any news about them. They may have already left the kingdom."

"So... you believe this matter has nothing to do with them?"

"Not necessarily. They may be the ones behind it, or there