Returning to the Ruthless Army's quarters in high spirits after receiving ten precious gifts from Larseis, Randy found his mood in stark contrast to the somber faces that awaited him. He curiously asked, "What's wrong with all of you? I was only gone for a moment, why does everyone look so upset?"
"Damn that Prime Minister Larseis! He's truly ruined everything!" one of them grumbled immediately.
"Larseis? What about him?" Randy, having just returned from Larseis's place without noticing anything amiss, asked curiously.
"It's about luring the Grand Marshal into action! Didn't we already set things up? Those people we tricked into thinking they'd joined the Rebel Army have already carried out several operations within the Empire. The Grand Marshal was supposed to be able to wrap things up quickly. But who would have thought that damned Larseis would get wind of it a step ahead of us, capture them, and have them all killed!"
