Chapter 256: Useful Misunderstanding

Over a span of a month, or a little longer, Alma was a thorn in their side. She was the only one capable enough to facilitate intel within the branch and send it to Enzo.

She was also the one filming Moon’s skirmish rounds for Enzo to watch.

Zera wasn’t the man for the job, and Enzo was lucky to strike a deal with her at that time.

If anything, she was the one behind the spark of interest and enmity Enzo and Moon held for one another.

Without her, not a single person on Enzo’s side was qualified to spy and gather intel.

Thus, she was more problematic to Talia than she was to Moon.

Moon was surfing through life, not heavily invested in the trial that was yet to come. He was more concerned about his own life and future.

His chances of survival in the new world he was far from familiar with.

Talia, on the other hand, was constantly digging into the nature of the trial, the factions that were being built in the background and those who could be allies.

To Talia, a descendant of the great Knights’ Realm, Enzo stood on the opposite side. This was a major checkpoint.

Her future was being held on a scale.

For Moon, he wasn’t concerned much about the trial or the politics behind the major powers within the Tower.

Furthermore, Alma wasn’t simply an assassin or a spy working for the opposing faction at this point.

She was someone far more important.

Looking at Talia’s stiff face, Moon knew where this was going. He had also expected it and also prepared for it.

"Would you please explain how she got here and how she’s on our side?" Talia asked in a displeased tone.

This wasn’t something he could ditch like that time with Joshua.

’Here it comes!’ Moon smiled, leaning back in his seat.

"I can tell you, but I’m not sure if I should tell you this," he said confidently.

In the process, he earned a glare at the back of his head. A glare he could feel perfectly.

"We started working together and building trust; this isn’t a minor issue any longer." Talia retorted. "First, she’s a hired assassin and active spy for Enzo; being on our side doesn’t mean her contract is null." She added, crossing her arms.

Listening, Moon nodded. "True, you aren’t wrong," he agreed.

"But—" he said, pointing his thumb behind him. "What if I tell you that this isn’t the case?"

Talia’s gaze didn’t waver. "Then again, care to explain?" she asked a second time.

Moon sighed heavily. "Can you believe it?" he began, leaning closer to the table.

"That blue son of a bitch promised her intel he didn’t have to get her to work for him," he spat angrily.

Talia blinked; Gustav’s eyes darted at the rising tension, and Alma’s gaze almost tore a hole in Moon’s nape.

Moon scratched his neck. "I can’t tell you what the intel she needed was, but—"

He pointed his thumb at himself. "I had the intel, and I paid it in advance," he said with obvious pride on his face, a confident smile and nose aimed at the ceiling.

The glare at the back of his head disappeared.

Gustav’s eyes darted again. He was so heavily concerned about the situation that he was starting to sweat.

A falling-out between those in command was a disaster in war. Not to mention, he wasn’t qualified to mediate whatever problem that could spark between them.

"How exactly did you get this intel, and how did she come here?" Talia wasn’t done.

It wasn’t a matter of distrust, but how long they would be able to work together. The flow of the war and the final result of this trial.

"Ah, about that." Moon leaned back in his chair. He pointed at Gustav. "The blue bastard sent her to kill him!"

He announced flatly without a hint of hesitation.

"Me?" Gustav pointed at himself in disbelief.

Moon ignored him; he wasn’t done either.

"Of everyone here, only I could sense her." His face turned heavy. "So, instead... I spoke with her, avoiding violence, and struck the deal."

He opened his hands. "As for the intel, did you forget about my background?" He asked with a hint of cynicism.

A few days ago, in the forest, for the first time he was starting to doubt there were some changes ongoing in his perception.

He was busy butchering the gate creature; at that time, Gustav had asked Talia about his background.

Moon happened to hear it, as well as Gustav’s reaction. He knew a misunderstanding was there, and he wasn’t going to correct it.

’That might be better.’ Or so he thought of the incident.

Fortunately, it worked out for the best.

"That... That certainly is possible!" Gustav nodded in understanding and relief. It was a moment to speak and try to defuse the meeting room.

Talia, on the other hand, relaxed in her seat, exhaling. "Fine, just don’t leave us in the dark next time."

"Sure, don’t worry," Moon replied readily.

His sneak schedule flashed before his eyes; he smiled. ’I’ll figure something out later,’ he thought. ’For now, I need everything to go according to the plan.’

"I’m sorry if that came off as offensive," Talia said apologetically. "There are some things that need to be discussed as we work together and are part of the same group."

There were some things she couldn’t know or understand; her Master didn’t let her know much, but it was undeniable that Moon did have a background that allowed him some special kind of intel.

As for Gustav, his misunderstanding was taking a new stage.

"Thank you, Sir Moon. I owe you my life," Gustav said gratefully.

Moon waved his hands dismissively. "Forget it; let’s get down to business."

The meeting went on with more differences than expected, thanks to Alma’s presence by Moon’s side.

For she had some intel shared with Moon on their way to the meeting, and accordingly, Moon had to share it with others.

The war was finally at their doors.

"Within the next two days, the mountain will be lit for their troops to descend; the first battle will take place within the next 3 to 5 days," Moon announced casually.

Gustav got tense, while Talia was expecting it.

Moon stood and pointed at the mountain they were using as a base. He drew in the sand with his finger. "The path they’re using is behind the mountain; they will be marching from this side," he added.

There wasn’t a path where they could see or have the watchmen keep an eye on. They would only be visible once they were actively marching at the mountain pass Strand had abandoned.

"Your orders," Gustav spoke readily.

"No more drills or any form of training," Moon started. "Let the soldiers recover for whatever we’re left with."

Next, Moon started to explain the formation he had in mind for the first battle.

By the end of the meeting, Moon added, "I’ll leave the equipment and everything that needs arranging to you."

He stood ready to leave.

"Wait—" Talia called. "Here’s what you asked for," she said as she threw a small glass tube to him.

Moon caught it and started inspecting it.

[Basic Firestarter]