7

"I see myself in an observational role, generally," Min offers, still focused on their notes.

"There'll be a militia, same as in Pasema," Alvis mutters. "I'm sure the mayor has been making plans."

Evander leans forward and begins expounding on a variety of magical strategies he urges you to employ. You suspect you're the only one listening to him.

Silence falls again very quickly afterward. Despite the urgency of tomorrow's omen, no one seems especially interested in talking. It's difficult to plan out anything particularly complex when demons are involved, you suppose. You learned that much in Pasema.

"We should speak to the mayor in the morning," Alvis says darkly once he's finished eating, or at least finished sliding food around on his plate. "She seems to have everything well in hand."

With that, he stands and departs the back room where you've been eating. Evander and Min cast vaguely puzzled looks in his direction, and it occurs to you that neither of them are yet aware of the mayor's identity. Not that you're likely to enlighten Evander any time soon.

"We probably ought to get some rest," Min agrees, standing from the table with a stretch. "You can still make things right here, you know, if you tell these people the truth," they offer in an undertone, still respecting your desire to keep Evander in the dark. You wonder how much longer that will last.

Evander remains seated, staring at nothing in particular. "Fighting demons," he murmurs, mostly to himself. "I've tried hard to be prepared for this."

It seems it's time to call it a night.