Diana led the way while the orc guard followed at the rear, with Ian and Lucia walking side by side down the central corridor.0

The interior, illuminated without a single lamp like the outside, felt more like a temple or church than a fortress. Because every surface was so smooth—from pillars and stone slabs to ceilings and walls—it was hard to believe they were carved from rock.0

Perhaps the space had originally been intended for religious purposes. Though now, there was no trace of any goddess's symbols to be found.0

"I've given a basic report. He'll probably have questions about you two. Just answer those properly, and there shouldn't be any issues—Are you listening?" Diana, speaking in a low voice, frowned and turned back to look at them.0

"Yeah, I'm listening," Ian replied without so much as a glance in her direction. He was busy glancing down the side hallways.0

Several people were walking back and forth through the corridors, clutching books or parchments. They all shared one thing in common aside from being human: tired expressions.0

It seems like the administrators here aren't exactly idle.0

If anything, that might be why they managed the city so meticulously, keeping everything running smoothly. After all, in a place like this, proper management was a matter of survival.0

"Fine. I've relayed your stance, so it might come up in conversation....0