"So it's a gamble." Marcus noted.

"On one side, on the other we'd be counting on our own capabilities." Rena said.

"No, we're still gambling on the fact that we can survive the hunt for rebels,not something that we can be sure about." Marcus countered.

"I suppose. But is it not better than relying on some unknown force." Rena said. "Not to mention, we're not really elected leaders. Why are we the ones making decisions anyway?"

"Well, who else would you want to be making them? I don't know half the people in the cafeteria. The 'movement' is growing, but we don't know if we can trust the people in it. A good half of them could be spies. Do you want to risk the information getting out?'' Ray noted.

"I doubt it." Rena said, sounding frustrated. "I know I am outnumbered here, but I still think just giving it to them is a bad idea. And yes, we're not an official group, but we're together in the fact that we are not satsfied with how things are. I don't like the fact that we're making decisions here, just like the nobles did, without informing them about it."

Ray sighed, there was no good answer to the problems. "And what do you suggest, that we just make it public that we are in possesion of a potion that the Emperor really doesn't want public?"

Rena took a deep breath in. "I don't know. I suppose we could just ask some people what they think. A few people we know we can trust. Gordon, Anartica...and Norris. The one who just revealed herself to be the Shadow Princess."

Ray raised an eyebrow at that. "So you thought she was trustworthy."

"Well, her anger with the current system seemed geniune. I supose it is, she just protests differently." Rena said, her frustration even more evident. "I am not good at this. The past few weeks have frustrated me to no end. I thought that people would be grateful for what we are doing, but they have complaints. A lot of them. The cubicles are too small. The herbs are not restocked fast enough. The machines are in short supply."

Ray could sympathize. The complaints could get on one's nerves, though it was mostly people that did not understand what they were asking for, just that it inconvenienced them.

"Ok, we're going a bit off track here." Marcus said.

"Not really, these things need to be talked about." Ray said. "I don't really have any solutions, but if we are going to lead a revolution then we need to talk things out. And we also have to decide that. Are we going to lead a revolution? The answer means we have to take certain decisions without consulting everyone we can."

[Leadership] has levelled to 2: 200 mana

The single decision had gotten him a level. Though it was more likely it was a gradual thing, it meant that the System approved of his decision.

"I don't know id we have a choice. The System thinks we are leading a revolution. The people outside think we are leading a revolution. Do we still have a choice to not lead a revolution?" Rena asked.

"I think you overestimate our importance." Marcus noted. "I am sure that no one would notice us dropping out." Rena and Ray just turned to stare at him.

"Marcus, even I am not dumb enough to think that. I know I am famous for killing a noble in direct combat even after he was two Teirs higher than me. Can you tell me that will fade?" Ray asked.

"Not unless you dissapear for a long time...I mean, we're here without telling anyone we were going away. And there hasn't been any chaos yet." Marcus stated. Rena paused. Ray looked quesy. And then the two of them bolted for the door.

Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.

The situation was not chaotic. Just Gordon listening in while Trevor and the Shadow Princess watched.

"So, you heard everything." Ray said to teh people that now on the floor.

"Ugh, remind to not get into a wrestling fight with red-haired twinks. The lot of you are too strong. What the heck is that stregnth? I knew you were Tier 8 but..." Gordon said, looking up at Ray from the from the ground.

"Well, I wasn't here for it all, but we know that you have something that the Emperor does not want public. And you have to decide things but are wondering if you have a right to make a decision without us." Gordon said. "I don't know what it is though.. I don't suppose you want to share?"

"No," Ray answered, shaking his head.

"A pity, though understandable. Just take a decision, it's not like we're an official group, no matter how people view us. The less we know, the better it is for us if we leave." Gordon said, just walking off. Ray was surpried. The matter ended so quickly?

Ray looked at the two people standing guard. Torrin and the Shadow Princess again. The two of them were fast becoming friends, weren't they. And then the Shadow Princess disproved him by brandishing a dagger at Torrin. So maybe not friendly after all.

"What is the problem?" Ray asked. " I hope it's a good one since it stopped you from doing your job.

"I truth tested everyone." Torrin said, looking proud. Ray just looked at him like he were a fool. "And you didn't think to stop them from overhearing? Or at least inform us to stop talking?"

"I was about to barge in...Nora was the one stopping me." Torrin said, making Ray turn to the Shadow Princess.

"I just wanted to make sure we were on the same page." she shrugged.

"And get what information you could from the conversation." Ray noted.

"A fact that will count against you in the coming negotiation, if one happens.'' Rena said, turning to Torrin. "And you should have barged in, but I suppose that is what we can expect from a noble. Tell the Marchioness that my opinion of her has been severely reduced by you."

Ray sighed, shaking his head at Torrin. "I was going to! I just got here a few seconds ago. Gordon was the only one here for long." Torrin protested. So these people were arrested by the Shadow Princess.

"Well, be prompter next time, noble." Rena said, turning to Ray. "Perhaps we should have the conversation somewhere else? I don't feel safe here anymore."

"Yes, we can meet back at my home. I will ask Ma for more information too. And help with the negotiation if it comes to it."

Ray turned to the Shadow Princess, looking at her pointedly as he said, " I am sure she will offer whatever help she can."

"Ok..." Marcus said. "I think we should talk about your Mom too, cause the Shadow Princess looks a bit too worried about a baker involving herself. A lot of secrets tonight. Perhaps we should call it the secret night?" The joke fell on unappreciative ears.

"Why would we call it a secret night? A secret night should be well...secret. And nothing that happens today should be public, thanks to the Shadow Princess' efforts, the only people that heard it were Torrin, her and Gordon. The three of them, at least, can be trusted, they're too deep to step back now. Do you mind if I invite Gordon to the meeting?" Rena asked.

"Not at all. " Ray answered.

The three of them dispersed, Ray heading home. The bakery was still only sparsely occupied. The Xnarthan must have done something. Or just existed. Ray had to admit, they scared people. And they did it very well. The kitchen was still working, and Ma was on her desk, writing something.

"So, how'd things go?" she asked.

"Not well. Gordon started spying, bringing a lot of Xnarthan agents or something. So we had to disperse. The Shadow Princess was quite uncooperative too." Ray said.

"Oh? I did not expect her to be there." Ma said.

"Well at least that means you're not spying on me." Ray said.

Ma sighed, "Ray, you know I wouldn't do that." Ray just stared at her.

"Well ok, if I thought it would help you. " Ma admitted. "On other topics, did you say you wanted to know about things?"

"The rebellion, you mentioned Satyrs." Ray said.

"Yes, some children made a portal and came in here. Satyrs are experts at that, even children apparently. I am sure your new master will be interested in their knowledge." Ma noted.

"I am sure he will, what do they want me to do?" Ray asked.

"I don't want you to do anything. But I do thing that it will be a goood idea for you to help now. I have been good friends with Antasia for years-" Ma began but was inturrepted by Ray.

"Antasia?" he asked.

"Yes, the Rebel Queen." Ma said. "As I was saying-"

"Wait, you've been friends with the Rebele Queen for years?' Ray asked, astonished. What else was Ma hiding?

"Yes, I approached her back when you were a baby." Ma sighed.

"Is this about my singing?" Ray asked, his eyes narrowing.

"Yes, " Ma sighed "I just want to give you the best I can, Ray."

"Well maybe you should start telling me things then!" Ray answered, exasperated.