Ricardo's start explaining the plan to Perun and Lukman.
The room was dim, the curtains half-drawn even though it was still evening. A faint smell of tobacco and old wood lingered in the air. Ricardo sat calmly, fingers interlocked, his expression gentle—too gentle for what he was about to say.
"The High Chancellor," Ricardo began, voice low and unhurried, "has stayed in his seat for too long."
Perun and Lukman sat opposite him. Both leaned forward slightly, eyes widened just enough to look nervous. They already knew the outline of this plan—but they acted as if they are listening these things first time with a shocked and feard gaze.
"To remove him," Ricardo continued, "we will expose his private dealings, force down the Senate, his and all over the florith continent the biggest organisation, and leave him with no allies. Once the pressure reaches its peak, resignation will be his only option."
Lukman swallowed, deliberately slow. "That's… that's a dangerous move."
Perun nodded, feigning unease, though his mind was racing.
So you still won't mention the Vice-Chancellor, he thought. Interesting.
"And who," Perun asked carefully, "will take the High Chancellor's position once he falls?"
For a brief moment—just a heartbeat—Ricardo hesitated.
"For now," he said at last, smiling faintly, "that is something we can't disclose."
The air turned colder.
Lukman frowned. "We're in the same party. If you hide information from us, how can we trust you?"
Ricardo leaned back, unfazed. "Trust isn't free," he replied softly. "There are… eligibility requirements."
He raised his hand slightly.
"Caeson."
At the signal, Caeson stepped forward. His posture was straight, his eyes sharp—someone used to following orders that came with bloodstains.
"You must help us bring the Three Families' Union members into Florith," Ricardo said. "Once that happens, you'll understand why some things must remain unspoken."
Caeson nodded once. "Understood. When should I tell our people to move?"
Ricardo turned to him. "How long does it take to reach here from Deccan?"
"Three days by ship."
Perun hesitated before speaking. "We'll need time to organize the Indus seaport. It'll take a few days. We'll inform you once it's ready."
Ricardo didn't press. "Very well."
Then, as if mentioning something trivial, he added, "The Senate's people are already searching for all three of you. They were asking questions at kaspus bar today."
Caeson's lips curved slightly. "If we meet then, I'll handle it."
Soon after, Lukman and Perun stood, exchanged brief formal greetings, and left.
On the Way Back
The streetlights flickered as they walked.
Lukman spoke first. "Do you really think we have a choice? If we refuse them, they'll crush us."
Perun's expression was calm, but his thoughts were sharp. "I just bought us time," he said quietly. "Time is a way out—if you know how to use it."
Evening Streets of Florith
Despite the approaching night, the streets were still alive—vendors shouting, carriages passing, footsteps overlapping.
Vaelor walked beside Serin.
"What are you doing these days?" he asked.
"I work at the library with my mom," Serin replied. "High school's basically over. I'm thinking of getting a job… maybe I'll stay at the library."
She looked at him. "And you? You're definitely working somewhere."
Vaelor smiled faintly. "It was a secret before, but… I'm a special investigation officer. I deal with cases that regular cops can't solve."
Serin blinked. "Oh. So that's why you're always busy."
She paused. "What about Perun?"
"He never talks about his job," Vaelor said. "But he's… mixed up in something complicated and he was in some kind of get up."
Serin nodded." It feels like he is doing some kind acting stuff."
Vaelor hesitated, then asked, "Do you have time tomorrow? Perun suggested we hang out."
Serin smiled. "I was actually thinking the same."
Before they could say more, a crowd began gathering nearby.
At the center stood an old homeless man—bent, frail, leaning heavily on a wooden stick. His beard and hair were long and white.
Surrounding him were four large men in jackets.
Vaelor's eyes narrowed.
They're the same ones from the library.
No one in the crowd dared interfere.
"We should leave," Serin whispered. "But that old man—"
Vaelor stepped forward. "Why are you after him?" he demanded. "You were searching for someone else in the library."
One man snarled. "Don't get in our way."
He pointed at the old man. "He'll pay for what he did."
Serin raised her voice. "You can't cause trouble here! We'll oppose you!"
She turned to the crowd—but people were already backing away.
The old man looked at Vaelor, shock flashing across his face. In a trembling voice, he said, "Kids… go. Let them do what they want."
Suddenly—
Bang.
The scarred man punched Vaelor hard in the abdomen.
The impact was brutal. Yet Vaelor stayed on his feet.
"I didn't do anything," Vaelor said, breathing steadily. "Why did you punch me?"
All the four man thinking of that why it's doesn't make any impact on him.
One of them sneered. "Who the hell do you think you are? A cop?"
"I am—" Vaelor began.
Eagle Eye—
He stopped himself.
Before anyone could react, the old man vanished.
No sound. No movement.
"He disappeared!" one of the men shouted.
"We need to find him," another growled. "Boss's orders."
They left in a hurry.
The scarred man glanced back. "We'll deal with you later."
Serin rushed to Vaelor. "Are you okay?"
"I'm fine," he said. "That punch wasn't enough to drop me."
She frowned. "Don't you think it's strange? That old man disappeared… no one noticed."
Vaelor lowered his voice. "It's possible. If he used some kind of magic."
Serin sighed. "You've been watching too much TV since Perun's not around."
Elsewhere on an empty street, the old man walked upright—no stick, no limp.
"Almost caught," he muttered.
He paused, thinking of Vaelor.
"That boy… interesting."
With a calm motion, he stripped away the white hair and beard. Beneath them was curly black hair. He adjusted his glasses.
He smiled faintly.
The so-called homeless man was none other than Alfred,
Executive of the Three Families.
And he had just seen something worth remembering.