The Whispers of the Wind

Gale delightfully gathered news from all his spies from all over the country.

The nearby country, Bellicus, that was previously beaten by Olinthus was already armed and ready. The country up in the Northern Mountains, though have a small population, had already offered resources in helping with attacking Olinthus. The country that has control over the ocean trade had already sent its intentions in cutting off a source of income and an output of goods for Olinthus.

As for the rest of the countries that surrounded Olinthus and were "allied" with that wretched country?

Well, they had already agreed in turning a blind eye to any "foreigners" that came to travel to their land.

Who were they to stop people from coming and going?

"Wow!" Gale stretched out the syllable as he read every written report from his subordinates. Marveling at the ability of Olinthus to garner so much hate in the past few years. The delicate status quo managed to be readily broken by both allies and enemies for the sake of taking down that country.

Usually, he would be depressed at the amount of paperwork that was once again delivered to his desk. But at this time, it was a glee to read every page. Seeing everyone scorn Olinthus the moment they heard the rumors, from both credible and random sources. They did not even doubt it for a second, simply disgusted with the behavior of the upper class of Olinthus.

Gale kept chuckling as he read each report until he reached for a particular report.

The top of the paper was a little messy scribble that hardly looked like writing. However, if one were to look at it closely, it spelled out the name "Kallum."

The blond-haired man war a little too familiar with that messy handwriting of that name. His lips twitched at the name. Since the reports that he receives are usually from his subordinates that dutifully receive the messages from the small wind magic and write them out.

And looking from the crinkled piece of paper with the almost unreadable handwriting, it was clear that Kallum had once again personally sent out a report himself. There was a reason why Gale used wind magic to send discreet messages. It was simply safer! Secret! Sending anything by bird or magic could be intercepted!

At least, for other mages or messengers. Kallum has extraordinary talents in stealth and wind magic, both of which he takes advantage of to send multiple personal letters and handwritten reports to one person... Gale.

A strange, weird, odd person, that one is.

Gale glanced over the report, already used to reading that indescribable handwriting, and finished it within minutes. At the end of the paper was a little heart, though calling it a heart would be praising it. The shape looked like two crooked ovals that happened to be conjoined, clearly, his artistic skills matched up with his ability to neatly write. He leaned back onto his chair and used the report to cover his face, unleashing a deep sigh.

That man was lucky that he found it charming these past few years. Or Kallum would have been fired ages ago.

"...I'll reply to him once he comes back."

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From all the way to Olinthus, a sudden sneeze rang out through an inn room.

Kallum pitifully rubbed his nose, 'Was someone talking behind my back?' Or perhaps a certain someone was thinking of him.

He nearly never gets sick due to his strong physique! So that man must be thinking of him! Gale must be finally cracking after years of pursuing him!

The man took off his black hood, revealing a head full of short, light brown hair and a youthful face. He jumped up and took out a piece of paper and a pen to write with. Kallum arduously spelled out each letter with care, flourishing the message with his name on the top and a little heart on the bottom. After a bit of observing, he approved of his own letter and folded it into a bird, then he charged it with mana and let it "fly" out of the window.

After a few flaps, the "bird" seemingly disappeared into the sky as Kallum watched with joyful eyes.

Albeit, it might have been abrupt to send a letter and he may be ignored or reprimanded for slacking off, he has been wanting to send out another letter to his beloved.

In addition to that, something simply told him that it was a good time to send it. A sneeze from a spy should not be taken lightly! It was his body's instinct that told him to (maybe) shoot his shot with Gale for the nth time!

So far, he has never been rejected, just ignored or nagged at!

The chaotic train of thought that ran through his mind was interrupted by the loud yelling that was occurring near the hallways of his room.

Ah right, his job.

He put his ear against the door and listened carefully. For the past few days, instead of following "his" employer's command of "finding that mirror" in Nelumbo, he was following a couple of nobles that were closely associated with the king. Nobles were never that secretive of their horrendous actions, thus the citizens of Olinthus easily believed the rumors, especially the past year, when anyone not part of the upper class was horribly affected by the noble's actions.

The inn was remote and usually reserved for the wealthy in Olinthus, but it was easily sneaking in.

He could not hear the entire conversation, but enough to gather the information he was looking for. With a mocking smile, he mouthed a silent thanks and slipped out of the inn and towards his real home.

With his speed boosted by wind magic, he would be able to get to Nelumbo within a week or so, but just in case...

Kallum summoned up a small wind sphere, similar to the one that was sent out by Gale, and whispered a few words into it before letting it fly out towards its destination.

"Olinthus is planning to attack." A message that would help give Nelumbo and the other suppressed countries a chance to retaliate.