The power fragmentation was not based on territorial division but on class division. The real power was not held by the city lord of Obscura but by those major aristocratic families like the Chocrans and Jacksons. They were both well-known major families within the city, and the warriors under their command were their family's private troops.

As for the royal family of Obscura, the Kesters, were just the largest aristocratic family in the city. They wielded the greatest power and could rule over the entire city. However, the privileges of the aristocracy were not something Sid could simply strip off. The nobles even had the right to disobey his orders.

This way of life contributed to the current situation in Leafall. The fragmentation among the aristocratic families had left Sid unaware of what was happening with the troops in front. Not only did he not know what Adrian had been doing in Leafall these days, but he was also unaware that Jed was dead, and even Illya and Rufus had decid