The emissary, oblivious to the truth, had confidently reported his “success” in persuading Gillian. Now, clinging to Gillian’s leg, he pleaded desperately.

“Please... spare me. If I don’t bring you back today, I’m as good as dead. Didn’t you say you’d surrender? Haven’t we given you enough time?”

“I said I’d do it once everyone was convinced. Give us another week.”

No matter how much the emissary begged, Gillian remained unmoved. In the end, the emissary returned to report with a pale, trembling face.

“They... They said they still need another week. Just one more week.”

Harold’s eyes filled with …