Rumors began circulating within the Imperial social circles:

• The Northern Sorcerer and the Lady of Lenslet have had a falling out!
• Lady Mary, the sorcerer’s mistress and loyal aide, has lost favor and has been half-forced out of the company!
• And so, Count Arad Jin of the Northern Sorcerer’s Group is seriously considering defecting to the Empire!

Such rumors, absurd as they sounded, were spreading fast in the Imperial capital’s salons and tea parties.

Behind these whispers stood none other than Entir Bishop.

"I’ll do everything I can to ensure that these rumors reach Lord Arad’s ears as …