The room was decorated in a Western style, mostly in creamy-white stone, with two oval double windows, an octagonal stone table, and four wooden stools. Aside from the various ornaments scattered about, the most striking feature was the long, rectangular bed against the stone wall beside the windows.
The candle on the wall near the head of the bed had burned down to its base. Apparently, Lin Yanmu had forgotten to blow it out before leaving. Judging by the half-hardened, half-soft wax, that had been two hours ago.
Zeng Mu was not surprised. He was merely curious about where those fellows were hiding now to discuss their plans. Had he only himself to consider, he would have liked to find them and take a look. Unfortunately, that would expose the purpose of this visit, leaving him feeling rather bored and disappointed.
He left as quietly as he had come, leaving not a speck of dust behind. Even the faintest footprints had been completely erased. Only the secret letter lay silently beneath the dark bed, briefly catching a glimmer of light through the gap in the iron door before sinking back into darkness.
After Zeng Mu slipped silently out of the building, Lin Yanmu returned from the secret meeting with a rather light step.
Once inside, he could not even be bothered to light a candle. He lay straight down on the bed, closed his eyes, and relaxed with a faint, satisfied smile.
Having scouted the enemy during the night, Qi Qing had sensed something amiss. The Knights' Order did not seem to have any additional troops, at least none that he had seen during his reconnaissance. Recalling the events of the day, his cautious stance had begun to waver. At the secret meeting held after his return, the others' urging