The morning of the third day.
Inside the office at the Lord's Manor, a secret meeting on the "Strong Foundations Plan" was underway.
"Separating... no, stripping the frenzy factor out of the bloodline... then using the neutralizing properties of moonlight grass to soothe it... heavens, Veylin! This idea... only a madman could have come up with it!" Valerius frowned slightly, nodding one moment and sinking into thought the next. "But it... it actually seems sound in theory! There's no precedent, but it's worth a try!"
Kale, who had been standing silently in the shadows, interrupted the master's optimism. "Xiao Lan has already become a Ranger. She really is a natural, but she seems to have something on her mind. During balance training last night, she lost control and fell again."
"The materials list for the first phase of experiments already exceeds three hundred Gold Suns." Dressed in a crisp black skirt suit, Caroline tapped lightly on the ledger. "And that doesn't include the extra 'public relations' costs we've incurred to stall Barnaby. Veylin, I need a guarantee-a guaranteed success rate."
Her eyes stayed fixed on Veylin, full of caution.
Veylin was about to speak when the office's heavy oak door burst open with a thunderous bang.
Barnaby's obese figure appeared in the doorway. Eight Marquis's Guards filed in behind him, their hands on their sword hilts, their cold gazes seeming to measure everyone's necks.
"Klein! My patience has run out!" His shrill voice shattered the meeting room's harmony.
Caroline was holding a steaming cup of black tea. The sudden intrusion made her wrist jerk, splashing several drops of scalding tea onto the back of her hand and leaving a red mark.
"Your Excellency, has Marquis Menethil never taught you any manners?"
"Manners?" Barnaby scoffed and waved his hand roughly. "Miss