One-Eyed Monster

Igor and Perkins fell into silence inside the carriage. They knew their anxiety was futile, as this wasn’t a matter they could resolve. Instead of worrying, it was better to calm down and rest for a while; they were exhausted from their earlier discussion.

Igor felt Stan Sol was the calmest among them. Throughout the journey, he conserved his energy. His attitude was admirable; he couldn’t change anything, so why bother? It was better to rejuvenate and face another day unknown.

Igor pinned his hopes on Hustace. He believed it was impossible for them to obtain Governor Rostov’s decree, but Hustace was different — he was the Governor’s son, so acquiring the decree should be a problem.

But how could they quickly get Lord Governor’s decree?

Igor thought they should use the Mail Bird to send a message to Lord Governor, who would then be aware of the situation...

However, Igor watched Nakasha remain motionless, clueless about what that guy was doing. At this point, releasing a Mail Bird seemed harmless.

But Igor was unaware that using Mail Birds for long-distance communication was normal, yet for short distances, it was a waste of resources. Short distances require another way — one that conserves Spirit Power.

Igor didn’t understand this, which left him puzzled as to why Nakasha wasn’t releasing a Mail Bird.

Nakasha was greatly shocked. He never expected the Thunder Army to be so rigid, unable to adapt.

Nakasha thought if the League Guard were responsible for checking the Access Permit, they wouldn’t be so inflexible.

After all, standing at this city gate was the Imperial Capital Governor’s son, deserving special treatment, at least a chair for the Young Master to sit.

But this Thunder Army was wooden, completely ignoring Hustace — utterly unbelievable!

Probably the entire Luona would dare to treat Governor Rostov’s family like this, only this wooden Thunder Army.

Nakasha couldn’t comprehend where the Thunder Army got its audacity. Weren’t they created by Governor Rostov? Not Luona’s personal guard? How could they treat their master this way, so outrageous!

The Thunder Army kept shaking their hands, seemingly indicating to Hustace that this scheme was unworkable.

”They are my friends, and one is my brother; lacking Access Permit doesn’t mean they’re a threat. You must trust me.” Hustace continued repeating his previous words, sticking to those two lines to convince the Thunder Army.

However, repeating those words couldn’t make the Thunder Army give in; they firmly refused, showing no signs of human touch.

”Can’t you be flexible? This is Young Master Hustace!” Nakasha repeated countless times, feeling repetitive and tiresome.

Yet the Thunder Army just repeated one line — ”We are Luona’s guardians; everything must follow procedures.”

Following procedure requires an Access Permit or Lord Governor’s decree...

Nakasha pulled Hustace aside, thinking now was the time to explore other options with the Young Master.

”Young Master, I think we should enter the city first, then bring Lord Governor’s decree to bring everyone else in. How about it?”

Hustace pondered if entering the city alone would seem uncharitable of him. After all, returning might mean he couldn’t be sure if his dad would allow him out again. This was crucial because if his dad didn’t let him out, he couldn’t assist his brother Perkins or Stan Sol. Realizing this, Hustace refused to enter the city first.

”No, I’ll return with Brother Perkins; you return first, then get Father’s decree to bring us all into the city.” Hustace replied.

Nakasha gasped; returning alone wasn’t right. Without Young Master Hustace accompanying him, his mission would be for naught.

He could let his men return first, but whether they could report to Lord Governor was uncertain!

He thought Lord Governor wouldn’t meet his men, and those two youngsters as Hustace’s companions were impossible!

And then there’s Stableman Qi Liu — for Governor Rostov to meet a stableman individually, unthinkable...

Moreover, Nakasha worried about Hustace’s wellbeing alone in this place; if anything happened, he’d take the blame.

Clearly, this route was unworkable; another solution was necessary.

The Mail Bird System was useless for such proximity; alternative methods were needed to communicate messages.

Typically, Luona wouldn’t utilize this method, only in emergencies.

Nakasha hesitated as using the method could cause chaos within the city — civilians wouldn’t be significantly affected, but the Politicians’ officials and League Guard brothers might become anxious...

Nakasha sighed, helpless, unable to decide; urgency forced special measures. After all, Lord Governor was impervious, Nakasha considered sending Crows or Spiders, but it was futile — unable to approach the doors of the Twin Star Grand Hall, let alone deliver messages...

No alternative remained; he’d endure reprimands — at least hoping Lord Governor wouldn’t trouble him covertly since he did it for the Young Master. Nakasha walked and contemplated, resolving to take the risk.

Nakasha strode to the Thunder Army, said little, directly drew his Access Permit; his identity as Twin Star Grand Hall League Guard proved effective — the Thunder Army allowed passage.

Yet Nakasha didn’t enter the city — remained stationary, seemed to discuss additional matters.

Shortly thereafter, the Thunder Army led Nakasha up the city wall, where a clock tower stood.

Nakasha arrived beneath the clock tower, sighed with resolve, decisively rang the bell atop the tower.

Dong—Dong—Dong—

Melodious chimes echoed across the city wall, filtered into the city, soon followed by the city bells resonating in turn...