Every city in Gallant Province had an Investigation Department directly under the Governor's Office, and the Art Capital was no exception.
They stayed out of ordinary affairs. Their only job was to relay important intelligence from across the province to the Governor.
They held no real power, but no one dared cross them.
They were Knight Tarkinson's target. He found an official, explained the whole affair, and said gravely, "This concerns the reputation of the Art Capital and the Empire!"
The official acted quickly, but so did those who carried word of his visit.
Knight Tarkinson had barely left the City Lord's Mansion when several guards blocked his path.
"The lords want to see you."
The Hall of Arts' white tower was the tallest building in the Art Capital. Its whiteness represented purity, and its height represented refinement.
It certainly had none of the former now. As for the latter... probably not that, either.
Knight Tarkinson entered the meeting room on the top floor. The old men sat in their seats just as they had days ago, as though they had never moved.
"Haley Tarkinson, you told the Governor's people!?" an old man demanded, calling Knight Tarkinson by his full name.
"Yes. My people told me the Governor already knows. We can't keep a lid on this. If we keep covering it up, we'll all suffer."
Knight Tarkinson delivered the explanation he had prepared.
Another old man snorted. "Even so, you had no business going to inform him."
"You've overstepped, Haley Tarkinson."
"Don't forget you're only an alternate member."
The other elderly nobles joined in, accusing him from all sides.
Everything was happening just as he, Binn, and Little Smo had expected. So next...
Knight Tarkinson drew a deep breath. His thick brows drew so low they nearly touched