Bleist closed the office door behind him and turned towards the vestibule. During his meeting with the Grand Master and the Marshal, more people had arrived in the waiting room. First and foremost, General Leigher was standing at the clerk's desk, dictating something to an official. Behind the commander of Darius's formation stood two officers of the Azure Guard, laden with papers. They seemed to have been working continuously for a very long time, as both had dark circles under their eyes and pale complexions.
As soon as the door closed, the marquis glanced over his shoulder and fixed his gaze on Darius for a few seconds. Then, with a subtle movement of his head, he pointed to the alcove nearest the office entrance. There was no choice, it was an order.
Earl nodded and moved to the place indicated by his superior. For a moment, he watched the general dictate and sign some documents. When he was finished, Leigher approached the office entrance with the clerk, but stopped him from announcing his arrival. He left the clerk and his subordinates at the door and approached Bleist.
His hazel eyes scanned the colonel, and a shadow of a grimace appeared on the general's tired face. It was difficult to tell what it was. It seemed that the marquis, like his companions, had not had the most peaceful night. Fatigue weighed heavily on him.
‘You've been given a rotten job,’ Leigher said quietly enough that only Darius could hear him. ‘The whole of Bushtabhar is a veritable breeding ground for problems. And I'm not talking about the murder.’ He glanced over his shoulder. ‘Quel-naza has been very active there for some time now. I didn't have time to report it, but their movements changed about a month ago. Several high-ranking members vanished, which caused quite a panic among the rest.’ The marquis paused for a moment.
‘Do we know whose doing this is, General?’ Darius was somewhat surprised by his superior's attitude. Until now, Bleist had had the impression that since he became Military Advisor, Leigher had treated him as a
