The weather had been lovely that morning, but by afternoon, clouds had rolled in. Gray masses gathered in the once-cloudless sky, and within moments, a torrential downpour began.
The rain crashed down, every drop striking their hearts like a summons from death.
Xie De braced himself. At the butler's reminder to be polite to their guest, he tried to force a courteous smile, but he simply couldn't manage it. He could only stare expressionlessly at the man sitting opposite him.
Without thinking, Xie De settled into the position he found most comfortable, sinking into the sofa with his legs crossed. A few strands of hair fell loose, and even his simple aristocratic clothes conveyed an air of effortless refinement.
It only made the man to his left look more agitated and anxious on his behalf.
Xilai wiped the sweat from his forehead and spoke hoarsely. "My lord Viscount, the rebels are still demanding that you go out and speak with them. We've prepared for the worst. If you don't mind, you could leave aboard one of the wagons transporting provisions."
Huh?
Although Xie De had looked distracted, he had actually been nervously studying the people and objects around him. So far, he hadn't seen a single ghost. Everyone who appeared seemed vividly alive, as though he had truly traveled back to the eighteenth century.
What exactly was this Instance up to?
Now Xilai's words left him equally bewildered.
"What?"
Growing more anxious, Xilai raised his voice.
"My lord Viscount! Those rebels are up to no good. They want to kidnap you and use you to bargain with the empire. They have no intention of negotiating in good faith."
"But the empire can barely fend for itself right now. How could it spare any concern for you? You must leave! The