The Hacker fell silent.
"Tong Zizhu, go with the Hacker into the Imperial Palace to find the White King's Staff. If necessary, disguise yourself as the Third Prince to approach the King," Urushibara Osamu said expressionlessly, "I'll stay here and entertain these two princes."
"Alright."
Tong Zizhu put one hand on his hip, then raised a hand to cover his fox mask, his figure instantly twisting like a frame-skipped character on TV, then disappeared in a blur.
"They're after the staff!" Cosimo shouted.
"Dear brother, we must look after ourselves now and protect Mother," Lorenzo said in a low voice.
Lorenzo and Cosimo stood up simultaneously, shielding the Empress, as countless flocks of crows surrounded the pavilion like a storm. From within the pavilion, all they could see was endless darkness. They were isolated and completely surrounded.
...
...
At the same time, within the floating Royal Court Hall.
