Lady Karol, representing the Silvermane Principality, and Prince Elrado, representing the Snow Elves, signed the contract.

Once the alliance took effect and Prince Elrado returned to the Elf-controlled area, he immediately organized Elven troops to launch a surprise attack on the Orc's Highland City. With the main force of the Orc army currently near Storm City, they would never anticipate an Elven attack from behind at this time.

If they could take Highland City, the Snow Elves would be able to spend the winter in comfort.

However, at this moment, a violent explosion shook the entire Nuta City. The ground trembled, a fierce wind swept over the city, and plumes of dust rose into the sky.

While everyone was still unclear about what had happened, explosions continued to erupt one after another.

A squad of Griffons, patrolling the skies, was suddenly attacked by magic from below.

Unidentified figures appeared at several high points in the city, raining down chaos on the surrounding facilities with magic and crossbows.

The alarm bell of the Lord's Mansion rang out.

This signified that all city gates were closing, the City Defense Force was taking control of the walls, and Nuta City was entering its highest state of military readiness.

Without orders from Count Theodore, no one could enter or leave Nuta City.

Scouts sent to gather information returned and reported to Karol.

The Jufeng Mercenary Group had launched a comprehensive attack on the Farsight Mercenary Corps, which had responded with a full-scale counterattack. Furthermore, many private soldiers of nobles and various gang members were also stirring up trouble.

Nuta City was now in utter chaos...

The informant had not yet finished speaking when several stray arrows landed in the courtyard.

Karol knew the Jufeng Mercenary Group and the Farsight Mercenary Corps were preparing for war, but she hadn't expected them to act so soon.

The rapidly spreading unrest throughout Nuta City severely disrupted Karol's plans. Prince Elrado had to return to the Elf-controlled area with the peace agreement; only then could he mobilize the Elven forces for a surprise attack on Highland City.

With Nuta City under martial law, getting out would not be easy.

Lady Karol immediately ordered her entourage to escort Prince Elrado back to his residence. She then went to the Assassin's Guild to see if there was a way to quickly and safely get the Elven delegation out of the city.

「...」

When the explosion occurred, Yan Xing was still sharing a romantic moment with Li Jiya.

Their feelings for each other had been rapidly intensifying.

But with chaos rapidly engulfing the city, their hot pot meal was out of the question.

A subordinate rushed in to report the disturbances unfolding within the city.

Yan Xing asked, "Are you sure it was the Jufeng Mercenary Group that attacked first?"

The subordinate replied, "My Lord, it was the Jufeng Mercenary Group that initiated the attack. They first used magic to blast a warehouse of the Farsight Mercenary Corps and then struck several of their strongholds. The Farsight Mercenary Corps counterattacked very swiftly. However, the Farsight Mercenary Corps didn't only attack the Jufeng Mercenary Group; they also struck the City Defense Force barracks and various security outposts. Some private soldiers of nobles and gang members also participated in the riot."

The Jufeng Mercenary Group attacked first? That shouldn't be right! Yan Xing knew the Jufeng Mercenary Group was in dire financial straits. After I looted their Orc Treasury, shouldn't they have been more inclined to play defensively and let the Farsight Mercenary Corps fire the first shot? That way, they could claim the moral high ground and request aid from the City Defense Force. Striking first now doesn't necessarily grant an advantage. It also pits them against the City Defense Force. If both the City Defense Force and the Farsight Mercenary Corps turn on them, under that combined pressure, even if they were made of iron, how many nails could be forged from them?

Yan Xing couldn't fathom the motives of the Jufeng Mercenary Group, or rather, Shortgun.

But since the city is in turmoil, this is the perfect opportunity to wipe out all those troublemakers!

Just then, Chui Chui reported, "Master, unidentified armed forces are approaching the embassy. Suspicious individuals have also begun to gather outside your various business holdings in the city."

"Inform all our non-combat personnel to take cover and secure all doors and windows. What's the situation at the grain bank?"

Chui Chui answered, "The Eternal Grain Bank sealed its warehouses as soon as the first explosion sounded, following your prior instructions. Currently, its shareholders are guarding it with their private soldiers alongside our own security forces."

Yan Xing then asked, "Where are the Merchant Guild's Mercenaries positioned?"

"As soon as Nuta City sounded the alarm and sealed its gates, Eddie began leading the Merchant Guild's Mercenaries toward the city. Their vanguard is expected to arrive within the hour. Steeltooth is assembling troops at the border; his vanguard has already started boarding their transports. Upon your command, they are ready to cross the border and support Nuta City at any moment."

Since this riot had been anticipated, the various strategically deployed units were methodically preparing for battle.

After a moment's consideration, Yan Xing commanded Chui Chui, "Order Eddie to take control of the North Gate's defenses as the Merchant Guild's Mercenaries enter Nuta City. If the garrison troops object, tell them to take it up with the City Lord. After securing the North Gate, deploy patrols along the northern wall and thoroughly investigate any suspicious individuals. Pay special attention to Elves—do not let a single Elf leave Nuta City from the north!"

"Yes, Master."

"Inform Steeltooth to remain on battle alert. Without my explicit order, no forces from the Eternal Domain are to cross the border by so much as a single step."

"Yes, Master."

"The embassy is to go on highest alert. Any unidentified individuals attempting to approach will be warned. If they do not heed the warning, they are to be shot on sight."

"Yes, Master."

「...」

While Yan Xing issued these commands to Chui Chui within his mind-space, the chaos outside the embassy intensified.

"Yan Xing... Knight Yan Xing," Li Jiya called his name softly. When he turned to her, she asked apprehensively, "What's happening? Have the Orcs attacked?"

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