Midnight. The moonlight glinted on the carriage windows.

Adrian was sitting at the centre while opposite him- sat Eustace, the youth with brown hairs and blue eyes from his own syndicate.

“It’s time.” Eustace said, his eyes not daring to meet those of Adrian’s. “He should be there by now.”

“He better be.” Adrian’s eyes were on the window. The streets were lit with magic lamp posts. The night was lively as people walked through the pavements to their work. They were wearing warm clothes since the signs of frigid year started to show.

Soon, the carriage came to a halt. The door opened. Adrian wore his hood and stepped out. Eustace followed.

There was a huge establishment before them. The architecture was grand. And there were magic circles outside that were glowing lights of different alternating colours.

‘Dreamscapes Castle’ was written broadly on the entrance. Just the calligraphy gave off an aura of joy, capable of dragging the onlookers into a dream.

Adrian gave it a cursory glance before walking towards the gigantic door.

A squadron of beautiful girls, wearing alluring clothes welcomed them with a bow.

The interior of the building was even better than the outside. There were tens of chandeliers above. And at the centre of the hall lied a vibrant fountain, driven by an intricate water magic circle.

But contrary to the massive size of the ‘castle’, the visitors inside- were lacking. But that was to be expected, since this establishment was expensive- and exceedingly so. Hence, only the richest of the richest can afford to come here.

A charming young lady wearing a colourful dress came forward and greeted Adrian with a bow. She did not even bother to give Eustace a glance since he stood one step behind Adrian.

“Mister Eugene Denok.” Adrian said.

The receptionist curtsied. “Mister Denok is currently at room 104. Please follow me.”

She turned back and led the duo to the first floor, her ample butt waggling all the way.

Once before the desired room, the young lady bowed one last time. “If you require any sort of service, please let us know. We provide ‘anything’ as long as the right price is paid.” She gave him a seductive wink before departing.

Eustace pushed open the door and gave him way. Adrian entered the room.

The door closed behind.

The room was small, yet lucrative. Soothing music played from the sound magic circles, and their light magic counterparts did their job.

There was a circular table at the centre and there were two concave benches sandwiching it. One could feel the fluffiness of the cushions just from their looks.

And on one of them, sat a middle aged handsome man. His fit body and broad arms belied the fact that he was one of the richest merchants in the entire city.

Their eyes met.

Adrian silently sat opposite to the man, occupying the other bench.

“My time is valuable. I have no idea how you made so many lower nobles vouch for you. But it better be worthwhile.” The man said with a blank face.

“Well, I have some competent subordinates.” Adrian momentarily glanced at the door before turning back to the man. “And I prefer straight talks myself- I want you to refer me to the main base of the Rebellion.”

The man’s eyelids twitched, but he quickly returned back to normal. “What are you saying? Don’t tell me you called me all the way here to utter nonsense.”

“You know exactly what I am saying. You are the coordinator of the Rebellion here in Edenshield after all.”

“This conversation is over.” The man stood up and began to walk towards the door.

“Your wife- she was not killed by the nobles, was she?” Adrian’s eyes were still fixed on the empty couch ahead, just where the man had been sitting.

The man, Eugene Denok, abruptly stopped- his gaze still fixed at the door.

“Eugene Denok- one of the few commoners in the entire nation who can still shoulder to shoulder with the higher nobles. You were even anointed by the Emperor. When the Rebellion scouted you, you rejected. But soon, your beloved wife was raped and killed in your own home, and all of the evidences pointed to higher nobility.”

The man returned back to his seat, his fists all clenched and eyes all serious.

“In a state of rage, you decided to join the Rebellion- the only force that directly opposed the nobility. But you are a smart man. You thought something was not right. And you secretly investigated. You got some winds of what actually transpired, but you failed to find any solid evidence.”

“How do you know all these?” The man asked. The seriousness added to his handsomeness.

“Does it matter?” Adrian smirked.

“Yes. It doesn’t matter. So, what’s your proposal? You will find the culprit?”

“Nope. That’s too boring. I have something better in mind. You just have to send a message to the main base, verifying that I- no… Lady Irene is highly competent and it would be a great addition to the organisation.”

“I can do that.” The man said. “I rank among the highest echelons in the organisation. I can directly take you or whoever she is to the top.” He looked at his covered face, his gaze piercing through the leather hood. “But why should I? Do you think you can just throw a stone, accidentally hit your target, and ask for whatever you want?”

“You want a guarantee? You could have just spilled it out. What do you need?”

“For now, your identity.”

“Very well.” Adrian took off his head covering, revealing his face which was a few degrees above that of the man’s in looks.

“Adrian Darkheart?” The man frowned.

“I believe the most talented man in the Confederation is competent enough to keep his end of the deal.” Adrian said in his narcissistic tone.

The man sighed. “Very well.” He looked into Adrian’s eyes. “But I have yet to hear what’s this better idea you spoke of. And what do you want in return.”

“As for what I want- your loyalty.”

“Very well. If you can avenge my wife- my skills are at your disposal.”

“And as for what I am giving in return…”

An evil grin formed on his face.

“The downfall of the Rebellion.”