Chapter 1371

The Astrology Department's predictions proved accurate; this year saw significantly more rainfall than usual. On July 18th, a torrential downpour began over the capital. Outside the city, Nicholas' scouts, posing as peasants from nearby villages, observed a group approaching. Recognizing their leader as Clifford, a scout discreetly entered the city with a basket of fruit, blending seamlessly with the daily influx of peasants.

He reached Willowbrook Estate's back door and slipped inside. In his study, Nicholas listened intently to the scout's report.

"Are you certain you saw Mr. Murphy?" Nicholas asked calmly, maintaining his composure.

"Yes, Your Highness. I'm certain it was Mr. Murphy."

"Even in this downpour?" Nicholas asked, the rain's drumming against the roof almost drowning out their words.

"Yes, Your Highness. The soldiers with him wore armor and clothing like ours; I wouldn't mistake them."

Nicholas idly twisted the red silk ribbon on his wrist, then looked directly at the scout. "Did you notice if Mr. Murphy wore a red silk ribbon like this?"

The scout was startled. "No, Your Highness. Could it be someone else in disguise?" He realized their communication might rely on secret signals. Perhaps the ribbon was a prearranged signal. Anxious, he said, "Your Highness, if it's a deception, we must prepare immediately."

Nicholas smiled. "If you saw him clearly, there's no need to worry. Perhaps Mr. Murphy simply forgot the ribbon after such a long journey."

The scout, though puzzled by Clifford potentially forgetting a signal, accepted Nicholas' confidence.

Nicholas' expression turned serious. "Order the men at the city's outskirts to prepare. We attack at dawn."

"Understood!" the scout replied, his voice sharp. "I'll take my leave, Your Highness."

Nicholas watched him go, then sipped his coffee. In reality, there was no secret signal. However, his outlying men had been isolated for too long, and recent Mystic Army investigations might have compromised them. The red ribbon was a test; a deceptive scout would have claimed to see it.

Clifford had truly arrived. Nicholas summoned the Shadow Guards, instructing them to inform Hans Stone at the Waterworks Department of the impending action. Hans would lead the riverworks project workers.

Hans, a former fifth-ranked general under Dominic, had received thirty lashes with a heavy rod for violating military code, nearly costing him his life. Nicholas' people had helped him recover, allowing him to remain undercover for eight years, training soldiers and working with Cameron to replace riverworks personnel. Nicholas himself had orchestrated Hans' downfall, exploiting his weakness for women. A woman, after an intimate encounter, accused Hans of assault. Although Hans denied it, other accusations followed, even from his own guards. Dominic, enraged, ordered the brutal punishment.

From then on, Hans served Nicholas.