Chapter 421
Chapter 422 A Cottage Prepared in Advance
Finished
Even though Lyra had previously agreed to cooperate with Kael, she had never fully committed to the plan right up until the moment she was pulled out of Oversight Council custody.
She had seen far too many instances where plans fell apart when reality shifted.
Rather than locking herself into fixed choices ahead of time, she preferred to take things one step at a
time.
Yet this wooden cottage… it looked freshly built. The sharp scent of newly–cut lumber still hung thick in
the air.
Reid let out an easy chuckle.
“This is only temporary lodging for our group. Others may move in at any time.
“If this place fails to satisfy you, we can show you other options. All personal supplies inside are brand- new, so every guest can settle in without extra hassle p>
Lyra studied him with faint amusement.
“Are you absolutely certain you never held a civilian administrative post within the Federation p>
Reid fell briefly silent.
He kept his tone polite. “No. My answer remains unchanged p>
Lyra nodded. “Just teasing. You take every word far too seriously, Mr. Montgomery p>
She smiled and stepped back outside.
They led her to tour several more small cottages one after another. In the end, Lyra decided to stay in the very first one.
“I will take this one. Thank you for taking the time to show me through each of them p>
Reid replied, “No thanks needed. This is only right p>
August’s eyes crinkled. “Let us know if anything is missing, and we’ll send supplies over p>
Lyra glanced around the room. “I believe everything is sufficient p>
“Very well. We should take our leave now,” Reid said. “Speak to local residents or reach out to us whenever you need anything p>
Lyra nodded. ‘Understood. Thank you p>
Reid gave a short nod and turned to depart.
August waved at her casually.
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Chapter 422 A Cottage Prepared in Advance
“Until next time, Guide p>
Lyra smiled and nodded back.
“Specter, let’s go,” Jasper called
Lyra looked over. Specter stood rooted where he was, caught in hesitation.
He longed to stay, yet dared not open another line of conversation with her.
Even the small octopus perched atop his head had lost its previous cheer and hung listlessly.
At Jasper’s call, he nodded.
Finishid
He threw one last reluctant glance toward Lyra, then trailed after his companions with obvious dejection.
Lyra remained in the doorway, watching his retreating figure.
Back aboard their ship, Jasper laughed and gave Specter a light tap on the side of his head.
“Did your heart get left behind with the Guide p>
Specter brushed his hand away irritably and retreated to a quiet corner, sinking into gloom.
As the ship powered up, he propped his chin in one hand and stared blankly back toward the planet they were leaving.
The others exchanged glances.
Come to think of it, his mood had seemed off ever since he followed the Guide there.
“What is troubling you?” Reid asked.
Specter shot him a quick look but said nothing.
August stroked his chin, grinning. “Did you mess something up and upset her? No wonder she seemed so furious when we arrived p>
Specter’s head dropped lower at those words.
August kept goading him.
“Ha! You insisted on guarding her alone earlier and barred the rest of us from stepping inside. Look where that got you. All of her frustration lands squarely on you now p>
Specter lifted his head and glared.
“Stop making it worse.” Reid cut off their bickering.
He turned toward Specter: “Have any updates come in from Core Prime p>
Specter’s eyelids drooped. He hunched over the table and tapped at his Star Brain.
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“Casualties across city districts keep climbing. Nael has been released to provide medical aid to the wounded.
Finished
“Rainer learned the Guide was taken away and has announced he will travel to Core Prime in person to demand answers.
“Word has spread among the public, and pressure is mounting against Core Prime’s authorities.
“The other Guides are traumatized by the explosion. All purification assignments have been suspended.
“Yoren has lost his campaign eligibility for the time being, yet the Silk family refuses to give up. They are pulling strings behind closed doors. We suspect they leaked parts of this story to the public p>
He read each report in a flat, emotionless tone.
Reid’s fingertips tapped rhythmically against the tabletop.
Perfect. Everything unfolded exactly as they had planned.
“Fan the flames. Release the truth about Lyra’s Tier–3S Guide status. As for the source p>
He paused, weighing possible candidates.
Jasper spoke up. “Use Rainer. As supreme commander, the public will trust statements coming from him p>
August had a more mischievous idea.
“Why not leak those audio recordings and throw the Federation into total chaos?
“Rainer might fly into a rage and give us an unexpected bonus.
“If the leak traces back to him, it’ll deepen the rift between him and Core Prime’s inner circle.
“Once paranoia tears through their ranks, we can sit back and reap all the benefits…
“What do you think p>
Reid stared down at the table, lost in thought.
Another figure wearing a weeping–style mask spoke up. “Would that feel too obviously manufactured? They might easily trace the unrest back to us.
“What if Rainer suppresses the whole story for the sake of overall stability p>
August faced him. “You are far too cautious, Avery. Even if they guess we are behind it, so what?
Not everyone will connect those dots.
“This is a Tier–35 Guide. The Legislative Council’s selfish schemes got her abducted. Once the Sentinels hear that, they will burn with rage toward those politicians p>
Avery Stockwell countered, “What if they unite their efforts and prioritize hunting down the missing
Guide p>
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Finished
August’s excitement flared. “Let them try. When their own home system goes up in flames, they will not know which crisis to handle first p>
Listening to their exchange, Reid recalled another critical detail.
“Don’t forget the Silk family. Yoren cannot be allowed to seize that position of power p>
“Are you Ms. Kaelin?
“I have seen you all over public feeds. You are even more beautiful in person!
“You have only just arrived. Please forgive any shortcomings herer Our facilities cannot compare to Core Prime, yet at least you will know true peace.
“Have you eaten yet? Come over to my home and try some of our local home–cooked meals. It’s only simple cooking, so I hope you won’t mind. Think of it as trying something different p>
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Ruby Walker
Ruby Walker is a rising voice in the world of romance and spicy fiction. With a gift for weaving deep emotions, sizzling chemistry, and unexpected twists, her stories are a blend of passion and drama that captivate readers from start to finish. Ruby’s writing style is bold and irresistible—perfect for those who crave intense, addictive love stories.