With his eyes still shut, Jerome responded, "I hear them."

Lewis anxiously said, "Are you really going to remain silent through all this? At this rate, your reputation will be dragged through the mud. The citizens are realistic people. They only hurl insults at you when they feel you can't protect them."

"Has Remy reached his position?" Jerome asked, ignoring Lewis' statement.

"Judging by his coordinates, Sir Remy's five hundred men should arrive at three this afternoon. But will they be able to take Dragon Peak? That place is guarded by approximately forty thousand people, including those from major organizations," Lewis reported.

"Where are the Eight Hollows now?"

"They're loitering at our gates, which is strange. They could come in whenever they want, yet they haven't done so. They seem to be hesitating."

"Those who think too much tend to hesitate. It's only normal." Jerome opened his eyes.

"What do you mean, sir?"

"Their hesitation grants them a few more days to live, a