The fighting lasted well into the night. When reinforcements arrived from the fortress, the militia realized they had no hope of winning and finally had to retreat.
Li Wei and the others returned to the Governor's Mansion with the reinforcements and gave Governor Geller a full account of what had happened.
"A leak? How is that possible?"
Governor Geller could hardly believe it either when he heard what had happened.
"I only finalized this plan at the last minute! I never told anyone!"
"But the fact remains that they knew about our operation, so we have to consider an intelligence leak."
Li Wei sat on the sofa, leisurely sipping his tea as he spoke.
"Governor, are you sure you didn't tell anyone?"
"Absolutely!"
"Even if it was just an idea, without any concrete details? Are you really sure? Anyone at all-you didn't tell a single person?"
"...What are you implying, Mr. Li Wei?"
Governor Geller stared at Li Wei, his expression grave.
"Exactly what I said, Governor."
Li Wei toyed with his teacup, his expression calm.
"I've handled plenty of cases. Often, the real culprit turns out to be someone you'd never imagine could commit the crime. As far as I'm concerned, since this has happened, it's no different from a crime having been committed. There must be suspects. So let me ask you one more time, Governor."
Looking Governor Geller straight in the eyes, Li Wei asked, enunciating every word.
"Are you certain you didn't tell anyone any part of this plan?"
This time, Governor Geller fell silent.
"...I did mention some of my ideas on the subject to my wife."
"Oh-ho."
"But she isn't a rebel. She..."
"Is your wife from the Empire?"
"No, she's from Mericia."
"Mm. That's enough, then."
Li Wei set down his teacup.
"As