"So, how should we deal with these powerful knights who are impossible to bribe?" asked Bai Ans with concern.

Rutledge drew a horizontal line with his fingertip and said with a smile, "It's simple. Before we carry out the plan, we'll lure these knights away."

Count Nar questioned, "Lure those aliens away? How?"

Rutledge said confidently, "I have arranged everything, and I believe news will come soon."

"That's good," said Bai Ans with relief. "As long as we can deal with the most powerful enemy force in Muxi City, the success rate of the plan will greatly increase. By the way, how is the situation in the city now, and how are the helpers we found beforehand doing?"

Count Nar spoke first: "I have made a pact with the Mountain of the Laughing Skull Pirates, and they will attack Twilight Harbor."

"The Blood Curse Mercenary Group of Ik Highlands has pledged to assist in the attack on the city gates."

"Governor-General Mainan has agreed to send ships and troops!"

"The Tisnolik tribe will travel across the Falling Star Mountains to join the battle!"

Rutledge added calmly, "Among the Knights of Twilight and the Knights of the North Island, there are some pawns planted by the Dawson family beforehand. They can be responsible for opening the city gates, sniping the enemy, and attacking the royal city. In addition, the city security team, the student organizations of Twilight University, anti-church radicals, kingdom separatists, and other forces are all targets that we can use."

A smile appeared on Bai Ans's wrinkled face: "I still have a restoration army loyal to the Silver Ring royal family under my command. They are lurking in the commoners' district of Muxi City, ready to become soldiers at any time and join the great cause of the Silver Ring Kingdom! But you must be careful, there are not only former Silver Ring officials like us in the city, but also many merchant groups and families. Our plan must not be leaked..."

The boy, nestled in Bai Ans's arms, grew bolder seeing the lively atmosphere in the room and shouted to the old man, "Hungry! Cake! I want cake!"

Bai Ans said to the boy affectionately, "My lord, please wait a moment. After the meeting, I will take you to have a meal."

"No! I want cake now!" The boy slid to the ground in a tantrum, pounding the floor with his hands and yelling, "No more meetings! I want cake!"

Rutledge looked at the disfigured "Silver Ring King" on the ground and said expressionlessly, "It's getting late, and I need to get back to the manor before midnight."

With an embarrassed expression, Bai Ans picked up the boy, his legs trembling with age and weakness.

Rutledge pulled his hood back up, glanced back at the boy whose makeup was ruined by snot and tears, and muttered to himself, "The Silver Ring Kingdom's... resurgence..."

A serious meeting ended with the boy's cries.

The crowd slowly dispersed, and the room fell silent once more.

In the darkness, a pebble fell from the ceiling to the ground. A woman instantly appeared next to the pebble. She looked at the empty room, slowly retreated, and finally disappeared into the darkness.