Murphy remained noncommittal, instead changing the subject. "I had you gather the master artisans from across the Continent, as well as collect the various ores and sands I specified. How is that progressing?"
Elizabeth immediately composed herself and answered formally, "The artisans have begun arriving in the Holy City. Per your instructions, they are being housed in the Church Court's workshop district with excellent pay and the highest level of secrecy. The first batch of ore samples from the western mining districts of Phlanis and the Jade Coast has arrived. Subsequent bulk shipments are being secretly transported through the Church Court's channels, escorted by reliable personnel. As for the special Crystal Sand from deep within the desert, an expedition team has been dispatched. They've reported finding a small amount of a similar substance in desert ruins in the southeastern Imperial territory, and it is currently being verified."
