The night was at its deepest.
Colin strolled alone on the manor grounds. The biting cold wind awakened his dormant thought processes like never before.
A banquet was still underway in the manor to celebrate the reconciliation between the Church and the North Territory, and the impending official dispatch of the Imperial Allied Army to the Westland.
Regrettably, Colin was not in a festive mood.
What was supposed to be an excellent opportunity to weaken the Church ended up in the current stalemate. Despite their tremendous efforts, the North Territory had gained virtually nothing.
Colin reflected inwardly. The failure was not only due to Emperor Reinhardt's foolish betrayal but also his own carelessness.
The secret of Vera's awakening should never have been revealed to Queen Midela.
Although she shared the same surname as St. Hilde, her intentions were inscrutable, and her alliance to the North Territory was tenuous at best.
