Hayes returned to No. 6-66 in the lower district swiftly and discreetly.
His grave expression caught Manta and Annie's attention.
"What's wrong?"
Manta asked him directly.
"Something unexpected happened."
Hayes made no attempt to act casual. He told them everything he had just learned-in the young nobleman's view, shouldering a burden alone was a virtue, but working together was the surest way to solve a problem.
He did not believe he could bear everything himself.
War!
It could very well become a world war!
As Hayes spoke, both women's expressions grew grave as well.
They watched Hayes take a communication crystal out of a hidden compartment.
This communication crystal could contact Jimte and Carral.
After the communication crystal flashed several times-
"Jimte, Carral, there's something I need to tell you."
Hayes spoke earnestly and solemnly.
But just as Hayes was about to continue, Jimte and Carral laughed.
"You lost."
That was Carral's voice.
"All right, I lost.
I didn't expect him to lose his composure so quickly either."
Jimte's resigned voice rang out.
Their exchange left Hayes stunned.
The young nobleman blinked, his mind racing.
Far from foolish, Hayes instantly thought of a possibility.
At once, the young nobleman's breathing quickened.
That possibility was simply too incredible.
"Hahaha, I won this time."
Faced with Hayes's silence, Jimte laughed.
"Couldn't you at least ask a question?
You're clearly that surprised."
This time, it was Carral's turn to sound resigned.
"A tie."
Jimte announced the result.
Carral shrugged and accepted it.
Hayes finally began asking questions.
"You already know about that?
Did our lord tell you?"
"Of course!
No one but our lord can foresee the future-he just told us about it and made suitable arrangements.
Don't worry.
The war will be confined to a very small area."
Jimte answered.
"So that's