Just as Adrian expected, the nobles were testing each other. It was not until Adrian disclosed the party's theme that they realized they had been invited by the city lord as individuals with aspirations to liberate Sandstone. Although they did not dare to completely let their guard down, they had at least slightly lowered their defenses.

Adrian walked into the banquet hall with Libby and took a seat on one of the chairs. Each of them held a glass of wine as they observed the attendees.

"Mr. Cleo? What's he doing here?" Libby asked. She was very familiar with Cleo because he had frequent dealings with Libby in business. In her view, Cleo seemed like a spineless person, and he had even mentioned several times before that he would surrender if war were to break out and Obscura were to fall. Therefore, she was surprised to see him here.

However, after exchanging greetings with Cleo, Libby frowned. She sensed that something was amiss.

"Why are you..." Sid was a bit panicked when he saw