The Trap

I didn't know the exact depth of the relationship between the Dark Mages and the Order, nor the specifics of any contracts they might have made. However, I was already aware that they both had much to lose and much they didn't want to lose.

In other words.

If a single mistake could cost them so much, then regardless of whether they had built trust over a long period or forged an unbreakable contract, it would be difficult for them to trust each other completely.

That's why I planted Seeds of Doubt in each of the two factions.

The first target was the Dark Mages. Using Liana's abilities, I seized the opportunity when Archbishop Mikhail visited Elysia. I deliberately intruded on Elysia at an opportune moment, creating evidence that we “were together.”

All that happened was my saying, “Do you want to live? If you want to live, say you want to live!” But from the perspective of the Dark Mages, who were third parties, it would look like nothing less than a mix of:

The Artificial Sun, the one who stole the Artificial Sun, and the Order.

It would appear as if these three elements were intertwined.

No, would they even know that Elysia has the Artificial Sun?

It was hard to ascertain that precisely. Even assuming they didn't know, the fact that the Order and I had exchanged secret conversations remained. From the Dark Mages' perspective, this would inevitably breed immense suspicion...