A week passed in tense anticipation.
Security throughout Springdale tightened more and more as foreign dignitaries gradually arrived for the Sovereign Conclave.
During that ti, Lebu carried out his daily duties as an operative for the Brotherhood as usual.
But beyond that, he worked in secret.
Whenever opportunity allowed, he quietly tailed Nilrem, watching his movents, his habits, and his etings.
Although he kept his distance, Lebu already knew that he had been noticed by the elderly Magus. Lebu knew that the man had exceptionally sharp senses.
And that was precisely the point.
Lebu wasn't trying to remain hidden. He wanted Nilrem to know clearly and without a doubt that he was being followed. And the fact that the old man showed no concern, never once calling him out or attempting to shake him, told Lebu enough.
Whatever was coming next, Nilrem was at least willing to be cooperative.
Or at least that's what Lebu hoped…
Over the course of the week, he began to piece together a clear pattern to Nilrem's days.
The old Magus usually started his mornings with wine, regardless of the hour. After that, he wandered through different districts of the city, striking up conversations with anyone who caught his interest.
He spoke with rchants, guards, laborers, and travelers alike, often pausing to write notes about their daily lives in a small notebook he carried with him.
At irregular intervals, he drank more wine…
Nilrem spent long stretches sketching as well, carefully drawing the city's major landmarks, streets, and notable buildings. He spoke just as easily with city officials as he did with the poor, moving between social strata without any hesitation or preference. Occasionally, he visited the Ignisra embassy, stayed for a ti, and then left. After that, the pattern repeated.
Conversation, observation, writing, sketching, wine, and so more wine.
There were no secret etings, no suspicious exchanges. But that didn't an he was clean. In fact, that was all the more reason to have doubts about him.
A good spy was smooth enough to leave nothing behind. The absence of red flags was not proof of innocence. It was often the mark of soone skilled enough to never raise them in the first place.
After a week of observation, Lebu decided it was finally ti to et the man.
***
Nilrem sat in a crowded tavern in Trade Ward, laughing and chatting easily with the other patrons around him.
His voice carried warmth, his gestures were relaxed, as if he were just another traveler enjoying good company and cheap drink.
When the server arrived and set his glass down, Nilrem noticed a small note tucked beneath it.
So you've finally made a move, he thought with a knowing smile.
Without drawing attention, he lifted the glass, glanced at the ssage, and read it in one smooth motion.
Not long after, Nilrem excused himself and exited the tavern, though not before smoothly convincing soone else to pay for his drinks.
Night had fallen outside, yet the roads were still bustling with lantern lights and late-hour crowds. He moved through the streets at an unhurried pace, eventually turning into a narrow, dark alley tucked away from the noise.
There, in the shadows, a cloaked figure was already waiting for him.
We et again, my dear Magus Potts, Nilrem thought with a smile as he gazed at the person in the near distance.
"You've been following around for a while now," he said with a light chuckle. "So you've finally gathered the courage to et face to face?"
Nilrem paused, curling his mustache. He then asked, "I wonder what's changed?"
Lebu inhaled deeply. He began walking toward the elderly Magus as he slowly lowered his hood, revealing his face.
"Magus Nilrem," he said. "Who are you really?"
Nilrem blinked. "Eh?"
"Who are you?" Lebu pressed. "What is your true identity? I don't believe you're just a wandering Magus."
"Ah, yes." The old man curled his mustache, his lips curling into a smug smile. "I also happen to be a splendid author."
"No." Lebu slowly shook his head. "That's not it either."
Unbeknownst to him, his palms had turned sweaty. He felt his knees go weak and his arms grow heavy.
He was confronting a Mana Vortex Magus, after all, about things that might not even be true. So, of course, he was anxious.
And yet, he had to do it.
"Kenny," he said. "What does that na an to you?"
For the first ti, the wandering Magus, Nilrem, showed an expression that didn't contain a smile.
He frowned and said, "How do you know that na?"
Lebu's pupils constricted. "So you do know him!"
He took a step forward and continued, "I know you t him in the Sea of Green. I also know his parents healed you after you got injured in the jungles."
The more Nilrem listened, the more he frowned. He couldn't help but ask, "Who are you, young man? And how do you know Kenny?"
Now, it was Lebu's turn to feel puzzled. Judging by Nilrem's words and expression, it ant that Kenny hadn't told anything about him to the old man.
Nilrem clearly didn't know the relationship between Kenny and Lebu. And if that was the case…
So Kenny really wasn't part of that mysterious group? He couldn't help but wonder.
No, he could be lying! I first need to confirm if this man is part of that faction!
"Kenny is an acquaintance of mine," Lebu said. "Can you please answer a few of my questions?"
Nilrem's eyes narrowed. "An acquaintance of yours? Are we talking about the sa person?"
"Yes!" Lebu nodded. "Dark-skinned, naive kid, likes to play the flute. Now, can you please answer my questions?"
Nilrem intently studied the man, his expression solemn. "Very well." He nodded. "Shoot."
Lebu took a deep breath and then said in a grave voice:
"There is a mysterious faction that was responsible for certain… incidents that happened in the Ignisra Kingdom almost seven years ago. The sa faction is responsible for the death of two very powerful Magi in the city earlier this year."
He paused, clutching his fists tightly. At last, he said, his tone carrying a level of certainty:
"You, Magus Nilrem, are part of this mysterious faction, aren't you?"
Listening to those words, Nilrem's jaws went slightly agape.
He wore a slightly dumbfounded look on his face. His lips opened and closed a few tis before he finally managed to say:
"You… are you all right?"
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