The Tomb of the Dark Lord

The Aster Empire

"The Emperor's intention was pretty clear. It was…" Martin Lux shook his head. "Beyond our expectations."

"That man is simply too predictable." Federico Lux was staring at the cluttered space in front of him. He picked up one map and studied it. The map was old and worn with creases and tears in the corners.

Looking at the messy table, Martin sighed. There were books stacked haphazardly and some of them opened and turned upside down. A few of the books appeared to be in texts that he did not recognize.

"You still cannot find it?" he asked.

"I am trying to."

"Perhaps, if you talk to Ena and—"

"That woman does not deserve to know anything," Federico said. He wanted to find out if that person inside Dorothy was a sorcerer or perhaps the Dark Lord himself. He needed to know this before the delegates from other Empires arrived.

He ignored the mess and disarray on the table as he pulled out another map and opened it.