The mysterious painting

"How much of them are fake?"

Deputy team leader Bray asked, taking a deep breath.

"Probably everything. Even the five people that were captured four months ago were probably mere baits. I'm not even sure if they really planned to attack the capital. Apparently, that too was fake."

The other woman in the hall, that was a support mage according to Rai's words, said something for the first time.

"Are you sure? Have you... checked them carefully? The intelligence network might have had some mistakes? There might be some mistakes but... but the whole thing..."

Deputy team leader Bray closed her eyes as she pressed her forehead.

"You mean... everything that we have been doing for the past few months were for nothing..."

Silence filled the hall. The mood became heavy. Everyone looked really disappointed.

It was understandable. Everyone had worked hard, hoping that they could finally find out Philomns' plans, but they now knew that they have been fooled.