Rumors spread fast in the capital, faster than fire in dry grass, faster than gossip in a noble banquet, faster even than Kaela’s ego. So it took less than a day for the entire city to start whispering:

“Gaius Stonefist is in the capital.”

“The Stonefist? Here? Now?”

“Did the Imperial Guard summon him?”

“Is something about to explode again?”

By the next morning, the rumors had grown legs, wings, and a full parade behind them. So of course Varik showed up.

The Silver Talon guild master arrived at the manor armored and armed, but with a polite expression that didn’t fool Ludger for a second. The guards let him through, and he stepped into the estate like a man walking into a hornet’s nest he needed to investigate personally.

Viola greeted him first, out of courtesy. But Varik’s eyes immediately scanned the room behind her until they landed on the old geomancer sitting comfortably at a table, drinking tea like he lived there.

“…So it’s true,” Varik muttered. “You really came.”

Gaius raised his cup in lazy acknowledgment.

“Varik. Still alive, I see. Good. I would’ve been disappointed if a little labor in the capital killed you.”

Varik allowed himself a small, strained smile. They had worked together during the southern construction project, fought together too, so they stood on decent terms. But seeing Gaius here, now, was strange enough to make even Varik wary.

“Forgive me for being direct,” Varik said as he approached. “But… Why are you here? This is not exactly a peaceful time for unexpected visits.”

Ludger leaned against a wall, arms crossed, watching the exchange unfold. Even he had to admit, Varik jumping straight to the point was a good sign. It meant he understood how serious things were. Gaius, however, simply shrugged, entirely unbothered.

“I wasn’t called,” the old geomancer said, setting his cup down. “But when half the empire starts whispering about explosions in Coria, missing nobles, and a certain masked idiot almost getting blown to pieces… “Well. I became curious.”

Varik blinked once. “So you came here because of rumors?”

Gaius nodded. “Yes. Rumors on one side of the border tend to connect to truths on the other. I like seeing which parts match.”

The way he said it, calm, casual, but with weight beneath, sent a ripple of unease through the room. Maurien shifted slightly. Kaela tilted her head. Even Viola’s fingers tightened faintly on her notebook.

Varik exhaled through his nose. “I see. If that’s the case, then the Imperial Guard will want a word with you soon. You have a reputation, Stonefist.”

“Good,” Gaius replied. “Reputations open doors.”

Varik didn’t deny that. He looked from Gaius to Ludger, then back again, his expression tightening as he pieced together implications.

The capital was gathering too many dangerous people in one place. Too many catalysts. Too many variables. And Gaius showing up of his own accord? It made everyone aware of the oddness of the situation.

Varik didn’t linger.

He exchanged a few more obligatory words with Viola, nodded politely to Gaius, then excused himself. It was obvious why, his presence alone raised questions. The Silver Talon Order worked under the Senate’s authority, and everyone in the capital was already whispering about where Varik’s loyalties truly fell.

Staying too long in Torvares territory, especially with Gaius Stonefist inside, would only feed the rumor mill.

So he bowed, offered a tight smile, and slipped out before the situation could become any more politically radioactive.

Later That Night, The living room fell quiet once the household settled down. Lamps burned low, casting long shadows across the wooden floors. Gaius sat with Ludger at a corner table, teacup in hand, posture relaxed but eyes sharp. The rest of the group, Maurien, Kaela, Viola, and the recruits gathered around at the edges, sensing this wasn’t a casual chat.

Ludger explained the fight in Coria, the explosion, the chase, Verk’s escape, and the mess that came after. He held nothing back. Gaius listened without interrupting, the lines on his weathered face growing tighter with each sentence. By the time Ludger finished, Gaius let out a long breath.

“…You really have a talent for stumbling into disasters.”

Ludger gave a humorless shrug. “I have my moments.”

Gaius grunted, then set down his empty cup. “I trust Varik,” he said. “He’s young, but reliable. Still, he’s being cautious around the Lionsguard, and your allies.”

Kaela scoffed. “Of course he is. We’re dangerous.”

Maurien nodded. “And unpredictable.”

Viola frowned slightly. “But Varik doesn’t seem hostile.”

“Not hostile,” Gaius agreed. “Just… wary.”

His gaze shifted toward Ludger. “And I think you’ve noticed why.”

Ludger leaned back, arms crossed. “You felt it too.”

Gaius nodded once.

Viola blinked. “Felt what?”

Maurien’s eyes narrowed. He already knew.

Ludger sighed. “The monitors. People watching the Torvares manor.”

Viola straightened sharply. “What?”

Rhea brows knit together. “How many?”

“Hard to say,” Ludger replied. “They keep distance. Don’t stick around long. But their mana signatures pop up every few hours.” He jerked his chin toward the window. “Silver Talon scouts. Probably a rotating group.”

The room froze. Even Maurien paused mid-sip.

“You’re telling me,” Vioma said slowly, “that the Senate’s pet knights have been watching this place for days, and none of us noticed?”

Maurien cleared his throat. “I noticed, Kaela did it too.”

Viola pointed at him, outraged. “Then why didn’t you say something!?”

Maurien shrugged. “It wouldn’t have changed anything.”

Ludger scratched his cheek. “I assumed everyone knew.”

“We didn’t!” Viola snapped, half-frustrated, half-worried.

Gaius stifled a laugh behind his cup. “A surprising number of dangerous people here are also surprisingly bad at communication.”

Viola jabbed a finger at the others. “Next time there are imperial scouts snooping around, tell me! I could’ve… I don’t know—thrown rocks at them, or something.”

“No,” Ludger said flatly.

“Yes,” Viola insisted.

Ludger ignored her entirely as he looked back to Gaius.

“They’re not preparing an attack. They’re keeping an eye on us. On how we react.”

“And how we move,” Gaius added, tone darkening. “The Senate… or someone inside it… wants to see if the Lionsguard is going to break the peace.”

A heavy silence settled over the group. Ludger didn’t blink. He simply said the truth out loud:

“Which means the next move isn’t ours.”

Gaius nodded slowly. “But it’s coming soon.”

Two days later, just as the estate settled into its uneasy rhythm of training and political waiting, the guards at the gate signaled another important visitor. This time, it was Rufas Dalmoren.

Ludger blinked once when he sensed the presence. Rufas had never stepped foot in the Torvares manor before, frankly, most nobles didn’t. Torvares wasn’t in the top ten most prestigious noble houses; their strength was logistical and military, not political grandeur.

Which made Rufas showing up now… notable. He entered the living room with polite composure, armor polished, cloak adjusted neatly. His expression was calm, but his eyes scanned the room with keen interest, especially the corner where Gaius sat sipping tea as if he owned the place.

Rufas masked the excitement fairly well, but Ludger could tell. Everyone could. He absolutely came to look at Gaius Stonefist. Still, Rufas maintained professionalism and bowed politely toward Viola and the others.

“Thank you for receiving me.” He cleared his throat. “I bring an update on the investigation.”

Ludger crossed his arms. “Why tell us directly? You’re not obligated.”

Rufas met his gaze with a measured seriousness. “Because part of the investigating party from the Velis League is arriving soon. And two individuals you know will be among them.”

Ludger’s brows drew together. “Who?”

“Dalan and Linne,” Rufas replied.

The room immediately stirred. Mira’s eyes widened. Taron sat up straighter. Kaela blinked twice. “The engineers?”

Maurien’s expression sharpened. “They’re coming with the imperial investigators?”

Rufas nodded. “The League is sending witnesses and experts to support the imperial inquiry. Dalan and Linne were asked to accompany them primarily because of their knowledge of runic engineering and connection with the lionsguard. Their testimonies may help clarify certain… inconsistencies.”

Ludger’s jaw tightened slightly.

“And you’re telling us this because…?”

Rufas clasped his hands behind his back. “Because those two have close ties to your guild. If they vouch for you, or for Taron specifically, it will influence the investigation. And since the situation has become politically sensitive, I wanted to warn you before their arrival.”

He paused, glanced discreetly at Gaius again, and added:

“…And because the presence of Gaius Stonefist here has increased scrutiny on all parties involved. Transparency would benefit everyone.”

Gaius raised a brow. “Ah. So I’m a complicating factor.”

Rufas coughed politely. “A… respected one.”

Kaela snorted. “He means ‘terrifying.’”

Rufas did not deny it. Ludger let out a slow exhale, absorbing the information. Dalan and Linne coming meant several things:

• Their intel could expose Verk’s involvement.

  • They could confirm the schematics were planted on the recruits.

Some of it helpful. Some of it dangerous. But overall, their arrival meant the investigation was moving toward a conclusion.

Ludger nodded once. “Good. Let me know when they get here.”

Rufas inclined his head. “You will be notified.”

He gave one more respectful look toward Gaius, who pretended not to notice, and then took his leave. As the door closed behind him, Kaela stretched out on the couch.

“Well,” she said, “this is getting fun again.”

Maurien sighed. Viola rubbed her temples. Gaius chuckled into his tea. And Ludger? He was already preparing for whatever storm Dalan and Linne’s arrival would bring.

Ludger waited until the door closed behind Rufas before turning toward Viola, arms crossing tightly over his chest.

“Luna’s still watching the Roderick estate?”

Viola nodded. “Yes. She checks in every few hours. Why?”

He didn’t answer right away. His jaw flexed, his eyes narrowing as he stared toward the window as if he could feel the distance to the noble district.

“…I don’t like this,” he said finally. “Everything is going too smoothly. Too clean. Too cooperative.”

Kaela groaned from the couch. “Can’t you just enjoy a moment of good luck?”

“No,” Ludger said flatly. “Not when the Rodericks are involved. We’re backed by Torvares, one of the few houses that stays neutral. Every other major family would side with whoever controls the Senate the moment things start collapsing.” His gaze sharpened. “And the Senate is Roderick territory.”

Maurien hummed in quiet agreement.

Ludger continued, voice low. “Something’s coming. A counterattack. They wouldn’t sit still while witnesses arrive from the League, or while the Imperial Guard digs through their mess. They’re waiting for a moment we’re not prepared for.”

Viola’s expression tightened, but only for a moment. Then she exhaled slowly, looking almost amused.

“You’re underestimating the influence of the Lionsguard.”

Ludger blinked. “Influence?”

She stepped closer, hands on her hips. “Do you really think you’re just a border guild anymore? Ludger… the Lionsguard is the reason the southern bridge exists. The reason the Empire now has a direct route to the archipelago labyrinth. That alone elevated your guild to national relevance.”

She lifted a finger toward Gaius, who raised an eyebrow but didn’t deny it.

“And let’s not forget who convinced Stonefist to leave his home and lend his strength to that project. You did.” Viola folded her arms. “And half the Empire knows it.”

Kaela whistled. “Heh. When you put it like that, we sound important. Even though I joined after.”

Viola continued, ignoring her. “That bridge changed trade routes, troop logistics, and the Empire’s presence in the south. Every noble house felt the impact, including Roderick. And politically? The Senate cannot afford to provoke Torvares while also provoking the Lionsguard and offending someone like Gaius Stonefist.”

Maurien nodded. “They’d be creating too many enemies at once.”

Viola looked directly at Ludger, voice firm. “So don’t assume we’re the cornered ones here. The Rodericks aren’t acting calmly, they’re being careful. That’s different.”

Ludger held her gaze for several moments, expression unreadable. Then he nodded once. Slowly. Grudgingly.

“…Fine. Maybe you’re right.”

Viola smirked. “I usually am.”

But Ludger didn’t fully relax. Not yet. Because even if the Lionsguard’s influence was stronger than he realized… Bad feelings didn’t come out of nowhere.And Ludger had learned long ago to trust them.

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