"The rest... the assassin, they really know how to fabricate stories."

Lord Jialai's residence was rather unusual compared to other lords. Unlike most lords who built a particularly conspicuous castle on a high point in the city or in a particularly prominent location, his residence was a simple two-story building behind the night market.

At this very moment, Sind Pass, the younger brother of the lord of the Pass family and the supreme ruler of Garai City, sat in his familiar and trusted chair, staring at the three feathered arrows before him. Around him stood several of his most trusted confidants, as well as a strange man shrouded in black robes.

"Are you sure that's an elven bow and arrow? No, or rather, did you see an elf shoot an arrow?"

The strange man in black nodded. "That group of elven merchants, they rescued the count's last heir."

Sind gasped; the news was too shocking.

"What could possibly move the elves to betray their own race's beliefs and help humans?" Sind couldn't understand. Elves were not an easily swayed race. Although their stubbornness was far less than that of the dwarves, they did not love gold, killing, or intrigue. They lived like saints on this continent, enjoying the long life bestowed upon them by the Creator.

"Also, we found someone, a very interesting person, and he's an Aruru..."

Sind gasped again, thinking to himself, "Even the Aruru people, that race that can't even figure out how to build a nation, have gotten involved?"

"What's wrong with him?" Sind thought to himself, "Fine, if you say dwarves and orcs are involved, I won't be surprised, even though those two races are thousands of miles away."

"Well, nothing has been found yet, but he seems to have been involved in last night's rescue operation."

Sind breathed a sigh of relief; this was much better than he had imagined.

Sind pressed his fingers together and glanced around at the people around him.

"So, gentlemen, what should we do next?"

“If Donic’s daughter falls into your brother’s hands, then our attempt to use her to gain legal rights will be completely thwarted,” said one of Sind’s confidants slowly. He was of medium build, with resolute eyes and a full beard. The most noticeable feature was a prominent scar on his forehead.

“My brother is a loyal man, and I don’t think he would agree with my idea,” Sind said sullenly.

“Perhaps we can use your brother,” the man in black said slowly. “Power can sometimes be a very good poison.”