Published: July 3, 2025
It took Hugh McGrath two minutes to regain his composure.
First, he needed to communicate with the adventurers' guild in Acre, the largest city in the Southern region.
Guild Master Landenvia of Acre was still unaware of the fall of the royal capital.
As expected, Finley was the first, and the only one, to contact Hugh.
The royal capital was indeed being ravaged.
It was uncertain when the Imperial Army would arrive at the adventurers' guild headquarters.
In such a situation, it was not feasible to leisurely contact various places.
Outside the royal capital, Hugh might be the only one with information about the "fall of the royal capital."
Then, they needed to act based on that premise.
The initial contact was with Landenvia in Acre.
Acre was the largest city in the Southern region and, excluding the Grand Master, the most capable guild master Hugh knew—someone he could trust completely.
Furthermore, Acre was also the capital of the Marquisate of Heinlein.
Perhaps the Marquis Heinlein, with his incredible network of information, might know about the fall of the royal capital. If that were the case, it would be fine.
For now, he would have Landenvia inform the Marquis.
Then, they could discuss contingency plans.
Hugh would do what only he could do at this moment.
After contacting Acre, Hugh's next destination was the Golden Wave Pavilion.
He entered through the entrance and looked towards the dining hall.
As expected, there was a swordsman reading a book.
Cursing his own bad luck for having to deliver such news to Abel, who had only just begun to recover from the death of his beloved brother, Hugh took a seat directly across from Abel.
"Hm? Guild Master, what's wrong?"
"Abel, listen carefully. We just received word from the Grand Master that the royal capital has fallen."
At those words, Abel's eyes widened greatly.
Slowly, he brought his clenched left hand to his mouth as if trying to prevent any words from escaping.
He then closed his eyes and took several deep breaths.
Finally, he was able to ask, "What about my father?"
"Unknown. However, it seems the Royal Castle has already fallen."
The safety of his father, King Stafford IV of the Naitorei Kingdom, was extremely important information for Abel.
But Hugh admitted honestly that he did not have that information.
"How far has that information spread?"
"Still, I’m the only one in the City of Run. I informed Landenvia in Acre. From there, he will relay it to Marquis Heinlein. I will head to the Lord's Manor now and inform the Baron of the Borderlands."
What will you do?
Hugh's gaze and expression seemed to pose that question.
"I understand. I will go with you."
The two were led to the lord's bedroom.
Hugh was accustomed to it, but it had been several years since Abel had entered this place.
An elderly man sat on the bed, looking just as he remembered.
With long white hair, a white beard, and thin hands peeking from his sleeves, the rumors that he could hardly stand were likely true.
However, his expression conveyed a firm will, sufficient to make anyone believe he could make any decision and overcome any hardship.
What was particularly noteworthy were his eyes.
This is what "strength" looks like... just by the intensity of his gaze, one felt that way.
Anyone could understand why he was said to be one of the kingdom's leading lords.
And occasionally, there was a sharp glint in his eyes.
No one could lie before this man... that was the common sentiment.
"Hugh, you’ve brought a rare guest. Abel, it has been a while."
"Lord Carmelo, it has been too long."
"Hoh hoh hoh, it’s been a while since anyone has called me that. It brings back memories."
Abel referred to the Baron of Run as "Lord Carmelo," which pleased the Baron.
"So, what does this unusual pairing signify?"
"Yes. I have an announcement. Just now, I received a communication from the Grand Master in the royal capital stating that it is about to fall."
At that report, the Baron of the Borderlands frowned slightly.
But that was all.
"I understand. There will be more information."