Targeted, on Edge

The moment he arrived in Revival City with the envoy's delegation, Kevin declined the welcome banquet John had arranged and took his people straight to Faoken's newly built Steel Bone Armor assembly line, which was still only partially complete. John had placed it in a new factory east of Revival City. When John and the others arrived, the workers were busy. Steel Bone Armor components entered at one end and passed through forging, rune engraving, assembly, and testing.

By the time they emerged from the other end, they were complete suits of armor.

Tap, tap!

Kevin led the group along the viewing walkway, a gilt-covered notebook in his hand.

John noticed, however, that the ill-tempered envoy stopped every few steps to jot something down.

"When was this production line built?"

After a brief inspection, Kevin turned to John beside him with the question.

"A month ago. It isn't entirely finished yet. We expect construction to be complete in fifteen days," John answered with a smile.

"Has it been reported?"

"The paperwork is in progress."

Kevin's pen stopped abruptly. He turned to John, the corners of his perpetually downturned mouth lifting slightly. "The paperwork is in progress."

Kevin repeated the words meaningfully, then snapped his notebook shut. His mild gaze turned sharp, and his voice went cold. "John Maslow, Viscount Maslow, do I need to remind you what Article Thirty-Seven of the Imperial Military Equipment Management Regulations says?"

"You must mean the provision stating that 'detailed plans for all facilities producing heavy magitech equipment must be submitted to the military before the project is approved, and construction may begin only after authorization,' correct?" John's voice remained calm in the face of Kevin's sudden challenge, as though they were discussing some trivial matter rather than an offense that could send him to