As time passed, the banquet, rife with surprises and schemes, finally came to an end.
Late that night, in a sixth-floor office of the Governor's Office.
John stood at the window in loose clothes, looking down at Revival City after dark. His gaze flickered.
Lost in thought, he unconsciously tapped his right index finger against the windowsill, making a steady thudding sound. Only when someone knocked did he collect himself. Without turning around, he said:
"Come in."
Creak!
"Captain, Communications just received Colonel Barnabos's latest report!"
Wendy spoke as soon as she entered.
The news was clearly bad. Her voice was more serious than ever, and her expression had darkened.
"What does it say?"
"According to the latest intelligence from Imperial Military Intelligence Section Five, the Allied Forces apparently sent an envoy three days ago to contact the Black Marsh Clan's sworn enemy to the southwest, the Venomfang Clan. They secretly struck some kind of deal."
"After reviewing recent intelligence alongside the troop movement data we submitted on the Saga Kingdom's clans and tribes, Colonel Barnabos suspects the Allied Forces intend to secretly support the Venomfang Clan and cause trouble for Faoken!"
"Major Hawk also thinks the reason they approached the Venomfang Clan might..."
Wendy paused, then spoke gravely to John's back.
"It might have something to do with Samantha's safe arrival in Faoken."
"They're probably planning to exploit the feud between the Venomfang Clan and the Black Marsh Clan to start a tribal war while Samantha is still recovering from her duel with the Sword Saint. That would draw our troops out to help and give them a chance to infiltrate Faoken and assassinate her!"
"So the Allied Forces have made their move too. How unexpected..."
John murmured the words, but he sounded anything but surprised. His voice was