Marley Special Operations Bureau.
Rundstedt looked at the four people standing before him, his gaze slowly sweeping across their faces. They were Dusk, Angel, Tailor, and Zoe.
Tailor looked about twenty-five and was also one of Marley's seven elite code-named agents. With flowing, medium-length pale blond hair, Tailor appeared refined and gentle.
"You've all grown up. You are the foundations of the Empire, and I'm proud of you," Rundstedt said slowly.
"You honor us!" the four answered in unison.
"You've suffered all these years. Of the seven children back then, only the four of you remain. I know you all hate me, but in this vast Empire, I have no one else I can turn to."
"I can only rely on you," Rundstedt said, his voice weary with age.
At his words, Angel's expression shifted several times, and Zoe's eyes widened slightly. Dusk and Tailor remained impassive.
Zoe now understood Rundstedt's predicament somewhat, and much of her resentment toward him faded.
All four remained silent, listening patiently.
"Dusk, Tailor, Angel, head to Liberio and secretly keep a close watch on suspicious members of Hizuru's delegation. Anyone you deem suspicious is to be killed immediately! Leave no traces. Depart at once!" Rundstedt ordered.
"Yes, sir!" the three answered in unison.
Dusk and Tailor immediately turned and walked out.
Moriarty, however, kept glancing back with every step. Then he scratched his head with an embarrassed smile. "Teacher, what about Zo... Poet?"
"I have a separate assignment for her. Get moving!" Rundstedt snapped.
"Yes, yes, sir!"
Moriarty gave Zoe a meaningful look, then left.
Zoe glanced at the departing Moriarty, then asked in confusion, "Teacher, what about me? Aren't I going with them?"
"Go to Doran. Continue investigating the truth behind the mayor of Doran City's death, and track down the killer of