"Our food is running low, too."
Wilson returned from the Storage covered in snow.
The situation was grim.
Being driven into the mountains by the heavy snowfall, with little food left, was bad enough. What weighed on them most was the devastating blow the Freemen's movement had suffered.
It meant their ideals had stood no chance against the Lords' brutal suppression.
"It's not that bad yet. Many people scattered and went into hiding. We've just lost contact with them."
Unlike the pessimistic Wilson, Little Smo had been through a great deal. He was more mature and more resolute.
The Lords had reacted too quickly, nothing like the sluggish rulers of the Rikaner Kingdom. When the loyal Knights charged, the Freemen had too little information to respond in time.
"On our own, we're no match for those Knights."
Wilson crouched before the crackling fire and held out his hands to warm them.
So they needed not only to train the Freemen, but also to bring Professionals into their ranks.
Little Smo had plenty of experience with the latter; the Lords had simply caught them off guard. But the former... giving people knowledge or strength would take relentless work, day and night.
At that thought, understanding suddenly dawned on Little Smo.
Lord Annan, was this why you insisted that the Free City People learn to read, founded the Academy, and made the Breathing Method public? Had you seen all this coming?
As if his call had been heard, a figure suddenly entered the cave from outside.
"Whew, I almost couldn't find you... But if you're hidden this well, I doubt those hounds out there can find you either."
Wilson sprang up nervously. When he saw who had entered, he grew even more tense rather than relaxing.
"Lord Annan, what are you doing