Steel, Explosives, and Spellcasters

[Location Unknown]

[Time Unknown]

"Drop."

"Drop."

"Drop."

Water dripped rhythmically onto a hard surface, shattering to pieces.

Alonso de Paiva's world was pitch black, his eyes covered by three layers of thick cloth, his limbs restrained by iron chains.

Since his capture, he had received no food or drink. He could no longer truly feel hunger, nor was he clear about how much time had passed, estimating by his thirst that it likely had not exceeded forty-eight hours.

Coupling this with the water leakage, the room temperature, and the smell, he deduced that he was being held in a dungeon.

As a regional intelligence chief who reported directly to the Empire's Security Council, Alonso de Paiva had never used his real name in South Monta—because he had another identity: Kapufen the leather merchant.

Hailing from Saint Calon State, Kapufen was a pure Helvetian, his speech carrying a faint northern mountain accent.

As a child, his parents had tragically succumbed to illness, so Kapufen was raised by his uncle. Four years ago, his widowed uncle also passed away, leaving all his inheritance to Kapufen. Kapufen invested this inheritance into Lexi Brothers Trading Company, gaining the status of a partner.

Kapufen then came to Solingen State, taking over as the head of Lexi Brothers Trading Company in Steel Fort. On a daily basis, he managed the company's leather business, occasionally dabbling as a broker in small speculative deals.

Because of his dark complexion, acquaintances often referred to him as "Blackface Kapufen."

Such was the life story of Kapufen the leather merchant—plain, unremarkable, but robust enough to withstand scrutiny from even the most curious investigator.

The irregular necessity to leave the city to purchase raw hides granted Kapufen the freedom of movement, while the image of a profit-hungry small-time merchant provided the motivation to collect information.

As a cover identity, Kapufen the leather merchant was flawless.

However, Alonso de Paiva, the "Hand of the Emperor," understood well that once imprisoned in this dungeon, no matter how convincing his false identity was, it held no significance anymore.

All he could do now was pray that others would quickly locate this dungeon and either rescue him—or kill him.

After all, no one understood the capabilities of the "envoy" better than the Hand of the Emperor.

...

...

[Location: Safehouse in Steel Fort's North District]

[Time: The Day After the Old City Fire]

The homeowner, who had gone out to gather information, returned safely, allowing the tense fugitives a small breath of relief.

Steel Fort was still under martial law, and actively seeking out intelligence was a perilous move, but it was also a necessity.

This was because the enforcers, the Eagle Guards, acted solely on the envoy's orders, remaining isolated from the Empire's Security Council's spy network with no direct connection between the two.

In the dimly lit chamber, someone whispered, "The fires in the city have been largely extinguished. The rebels are withdrawing separately from the urban area."

"Leaving the city?"

"To deal with the mountain fires. Also, there's a rumor spreading in the city... that the firestorm that night was the work of the advisors."

"How credible is this?"

"Subordinate believes it's a typical tactic of the rebel faction for planting false charges," the person hesitated for a moment. "But… subordinate cannot think of anyone else who possesses such... such power except for His Majesty's advisors."

"Then why hasn't the envoy contacted us yet?" another person questioned.

"Perhaps... perhaps intentionally remaining silent. After the unexpected events of that night, the envoy might suspect that we've been infiltrated internally. It could also be that they were injured and unable to appear. It's also possible..."

The speaker dared not continue further.

The leader remained silent for a moment. "What about the other matter the homeowner was tasked to investigate? Any results?"

"Part of those captured by the rebels were immediately executed; those not executed are temporarily detained in the debtors' prison in the northern part of the city. Reportedly, all the cells there are already packed full." The speaker uneasily adjusted his collar before cautiously proceeding:

"Mr. Minduofu also gathered another piece of intelligence—the night of the operation, several 'prisoners' were secretly transported back to the military camp by the rebel colonel Berny, assigned to be guarded specifically by gendarmes. It is said that Berny strictly prohibits anyone from privately contacting these prisoners and is desperately trying to keep the information under wraps."

"Something's not right!" another person exclaimed urgently. "How could Minduofu, a mere lodger, possibly uncover information that the rebels are so dedicated to keeping secret?"

"Although the fire has been extinguished, the rebels still haven't found a scapegoat or released any investigation results about the fire," the speaker cast a cautious glance at his superior and explained with great patience:

"There are all kinds of wild rumors circulating in the city. Some claim the Venetians orchestrated it behind the scenes; others say it was the United Provincials pulling the strings. There's even talk that the Paratu people, enraged by the embargo order, sent spies to set the fires and took the opportunity to loot Steel Fort's stockpiles of munitions.

There are countless other odd and sensational rumors in circulation—the most bizarre being that 'a monster escaped into Rose Lake, climbing ashore at night to devour the scrap iron and gold left in the fire's wake.' Subordinate merely selected potentially useful intel from the mix."

When the speaker finished, the chamber was again engulfed in silence. Only the weak flicker of the dim lamplight cast elongated shadows of the few individuals across the confined room.

After a long pause, the leader spoke slowly, "Since the envoy has not reported according to the original plan, we must presume they are either dead or captured."

The rest listened without a word. Once the Eagle Officer had made a judgment, the Eagle Guards would not question it further.

"From this moment on, our primary mission is no longer to carry out the plan but to locate the envoy! Activate the contingency strategy. Send personnel to the other safehouses and gather every individual still able to wield a sword. Safety is no longer a concern—ensure every Steel Fort servant loyal to His Majesty investigates the location of the rebels' secret detention of key prisoners." Ignoring the pain from the newly stitched wound in his abdomen, the leader propped himself up against the table and stood: "The envoy and the advisors must not fall into the hands of the rebels. Whether alive or dead—we must find them!"