A thunderstorm raged outside, with lightning flashing and thunder booming. Dark clouds allowed only a few rays of sunlight through. Ki yawned as he stepped out of his room, spotting Septh approaching down the hallway. Her face was dark and brooding. As she passed by without responding to his greeting, Ki, scratching his head and yawning, watched her with tired eyes before heading to Zephyr's room.
Septh went straight to the library, immediately grabbing "The Lore of Summons" and "Cycle of Devil." Buried in the books, she whispered to herself, "I have to find the answer," while lightning filled the room with bright flashes.
Meanwhile, a stranger ran through the windy, rain-soaked streets, stopping in front of the same bar where Ki and the others had met. The atmosphere inside was tense. The bartender, an imposing bald man, served him beer. The stranger reported, "They've already crossed the border of Spade and Club. We just need the King's order." The bartender asked about "those three," and a female voice from the shadows—Hannah—answered, "I already planted a seed in one of them. It's only a matter of time before she realizes it."
Hannah emerged from the shadows, and the stranger took a sip of his beer as she sat beside him. The bartender, with a low and deep voice, asked about the other two. The stranger assured him, "I'll handle both. The princess is willing to help."
"Sophie?" the bartender asked, concerned. Lightning struck outside, illuminating the room. "What does Sophie have to do with this?" he demanded.
"She has a weakness," Hannah interjected. "I've noticed how she looks at Zephyr. She'll help. I'm sure of it."
"But what if she reports this to the higher-ups, like her father or Clayman?" the bartender shouted. Hannah replied calmly, "Zephyr's fate is in her hands. Her choice is to either remain a puppet or break free from her father's control."
"But it's too risky," the bartender insisted.
"Don't worry, she doesn't know who's pulling the strings. If she reports anything, it will be nothing," the stranger said, standing up to leave, ending the conversation.
Hannah, glancing at him sideways, closed her eyes. "Let's stick with the plan," she informed. Lightning struck again, illuminating the dark plots unfolding.