Meanwhile, the City Lord was discussing something with the Mansion Lords of the island's major factions in a room at the City Lord's Residence that had not yet collapsed.
A subordinate stumbled inside and dropped to both knees, panting as he said, "B-bad news!"
The City Lord broke off his conversation and fixed him with an intimidating stare. "What is it?"
His tone was deeply displeased. The kneeling subordinate raised his voice. "My lord, our soldiers... they've rebelled!"
Several Mansion Lords turned deathly pale. No one knew better than they did why they had gathered here today, but before things had even finished unfolding, something this serious had happened. Who could still blithely convince themselves that it would all be resolved soon?
The City Lord slammed his hand on the table. It already had quite a few cracks, and that blow finished it off instantly. It split in two and toppled to either side, startling two nearby Mansion Lords into hastily shuffling backward. They had no desire to be caught in the crossfire.
The subordinate caught his breath and continued, "My lord, what should we do?"
Feeling that his authority had been gravely threatened, the City Lord clasped his hands behind his back and spoke with murder written across his face:
"Find out which idle bastard is leading this trouble. The moment you identify him, bring him to me!"
After saying this, the City Lord saw that his subordinate was still kneeling there without moving. He nearly raised his foot to kick him and send him scurrying off to investigate, but the man hurriedly said:
"My lord, things outside... things outside are about to boil over. Could the investigation wait until later?"
"What?!"
The City Lord abruptly stopped pacing. He lifted his head in disbelief and stared hard at his