—Ding.
The sharp sound shattered the quiet of the room.
My pleasant daydream—and the casual conversation I had been having with Alice—vanished instantly as a familiar blue window appeared before my eyes.
[Emergency Mission Triggered]
[Warning: Hostile forces will soon begin their assault on the location of 'Joe'.]
[Estimated Time Remaining: 02:59:59]
The numbers began counting down the moment the message appeared.
That's much sooner than I expected.
So they really could track locations on their side, just like Velra had done earlier.
That meant this wasn't some random attack.
It was deliberate.
Across from me, Alice calmly poured more tea into my empty cup. The delicate porcelain barely made a sound as she set the pot down.
"Lady Alice," I said casually, as if nothing had happened, "did the Duke personally lead the troops when he left?"
She shook her head.
