A little later, Annan told Little Smo the outcome of his negotiations with Governor Borgant, and Little Smo passed it on to Knight Tarkinson.
"I see... Understood."
"The fates of commoners are toyed with by nobles, while the fates of nobles are toyed with by the powerful..."
Binn watched Little Smo walk away, murmuring like a forlorn woman in a stage play.
"Then whose hands are our fates in?"
Two knights appeared at the theater entrance, wearing the armor of the Governor's Guards.
The men who would weave their fates had arrived.
Knight Tarkinson was summoned to the City Lord's Mansion. The moment he entered the study, he saw a Magic Projection standing before the window with its hands behind its back.
"Governor!"
Knight Tarkinson quickly lowered his head, not daring to look any longer.
"Knight Haley Tarkinson, you've done well."
Knight Tarkinson had no time to feel pleased before the next words sent a chill through him.
"You used the competition to rise in rank, worked with Annan Reeves to eliminate your rivals, then feigned madness to frighten those cowards."
Governor Borgant turned, his lips spreading into a cold smile.
"You nearly fooled me too."
It was only a Magic Projection, yet its presence left Knight Tarkinson's mind blank. He could barely form a coherent thought. "Governor, I never meant to betray..."
"That's rather disappointing." Governor Borgant's voice was low. "Never rush to admit fault, no matter who you're facing. If someone wants to kill you, would you hand him the knife?"
Knight Tarkinson opened his mouth but could not manage a complete sentence.
Governor Borgant was pleased with his reaction. It made him wonder all the more why that boy from Free City had shown no sign of being affected...
"I'm not here to interrogate you. Quite the