Murphy was taken aback and turned to Arwin, "Your Grace's granddaughter, she's out of the capital now?!"

"She must've left the city by now." Although Arwin's face was expressionless, Murphy could sense a hint of embarrassment.

"Aren't you worried...?" Murphy hesitated before asking.

"She should be fine," Arwin reassured him. "I've sent my most capable men for her protection."

"Then why the need to involve me...?" There was a conflicting air about Arwin, seemingly both indifferent and overly fond of his granddaughter.

That's when Walling chimed in, "Because the Southern Territory has made its move."

"The Southern Territory?" Murphy mentally kicked himself for not having better intel. He had been too complacent, relying on Alaric's ragtag bunch. It was high time he set up his own information network.

"Yes, that's right—Southern." Raventa contributed with a frown. "Nobody's fond of them. They've always been spineless, latching onto the Heracles family without a thought of their own."

Murphy looked up at Raventa, trying to decipher his intentions.

"Don't look at me like that, kid," Raventa scolded, his brows knotted in irritation. "It's not about loyalty. This kingdom was forged in battle by five great families. The Heracles family became kings because they were the strongest after the war. Use your noggin, how could the family that fought tooth and nail against the demons still have so much power by the end?"

"Exactly," Arwin nodded. "It wouldn't be unfair to say the Heracles stole the spoils of war. The four great dukes' high autonomy over their lands? That's the legacy of our forebears' sacrifice."

Walling continued, "To use Uncle Raventa's words, even if we're a bit wishy-washy in the East, we still have our own will. The South, on the other hand, has lost theirs since the signing of the Sacred Peace Accord, three generations back. The current Southern Territory is less a ducal land, more the king's pet."

"So, the South would back the king unconditionally—the moment they got wind of the king's plans, they deployed their forces," Murphy surmised.

"Smart lad," Arwin praised. "Though my man is capable, he's not omnipotent. I thought it would take time for news to reach the South, but they were quicker, prepped around the capital already."

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"I see," Murphy nodded, then looked at the Eastern Duke, "So do you stand with us, Your Grace, because you believe the combined might of the East, West, and North could win the war?"

Walling looked up with a furrowed brow. "Who said I'm on your side?"

Before Murphy could inquire further, Walling added, "My brother and son are studying in the suburbs of the capital. If I make a wrong move, they won't see tomorrow. So I can help you, but only this once, and it's got to be on the down-low."

Seeing Murphy's skeptical look, Walling added, "You don't think I pasted on a fake face just for a laugh, do you?"

Speechless, Murphy turned to Arwin, "How do I find your granddaughter, Your Grace?"

Arwin pulled out a metal orb etched with a magical circuit from his pocket. "Another orb just like this one is with my man. Power it with magic, and you'll feel the direction of its twin. Just follow the signal."

Murphy took the orb, ready to ask for more details, but Arwin cut him off, "Succeed, and you name your reward."

The Devil himself smiled inwardly, thinking that the only thing better would be to pin a 'Best Vanguard' medal on old Arwin from the devil's own army.

"Understood, Your Grace. I shall not fail in my duty," Murphy responded earnestly.

The three dukes shared a look of satisfaction. Perhaps they saw him as a confident young man, but Murphy's confidence stemmed from being one of the strongest in all the world.

Upon returning to his tent, Murphy glanced at Pepe, who was winding down for the night. "How about a trip on the kingdom's dime, up for it?"

Pepe rubbed her eyes, "Again? Where to this time?"

"That eager, huh?" Murphy chuckled as he scooped up Pepe by the scruff of her neck and headed to the tent entrance. Noticing no onlookers, he took off into the sky.

"Master~~~!" Each word Pepe managed was accompanied by a gulp of wind, "Where are we off to?"

Murphy felt the pull from the orb in his hand and responded with a smile, "Let's head towards the capital for starters."

---

Fifty leagues south of the capital lay Ente Town, and within it, Old Geezer's Inn.

"For your generosity, two ladies, two meals, plus the double room for the night—that'll be three silver and fifty copper coins," the innkeeper said with a smile, awaiting payment.

Undeniably, both girls would be considered beauties in their own right, each likely no stranger to admirers. A shame that... The innkeeper let out an unwarranted sigh. Poor things, both so young and yet neither could hear nor speak.

The tall woman counted coins from a worn coin purse, her body's curves barely hidden by the rough burlap. The innkeeper didn't care for pretty faces; shiny coins were more reliable.

As she handed over the coins, her companion made unintelligible noises, but the woman quickly led her away by the hand.

Watching the pair exit, a group of men at a circular table exchanged glances, paid their check, and discreetly followed the tall and petite women out.

"Anne! This is too much. Next time you're playing mute," a voice rang out some distance from the inn. Eschell's disguise was gone as she yanked Anne's arm, airing her grievances.

"Miss, you know this is the most suitable role for you," Anne replied helplessly.

"Hardly! My acting is impeccable! And why am I the niece, not the sister?" Eschell deflatedly shifted the topic yet again.

Anne exhaled, "In this world, sisters with different hair colors are rare, my lady."