Days turned into weeks, and the capital remained in a state of heightened tension. The chaos orchestrated by the Obsidian Serpent had intensified, and the city's denizens were growing weary of the unrelenting turmoil. The royal forces, bolstered by the information fed to them by Lyle, were on the brink of launching a decisive strike against the Serpent.
Meanwhile, Lyle maintained his dual roles with finesse. As Arthur Lonar, he continued to garner support and trust from the commoners and nobles alike. His genuine concern for the well-being of the citizens resonated with many, and his actions spoke louder than words. In the shadows, however, as Shade, he continued to manipulate the Obsidian Serpent, ensuring their unwitting cooperation.
Often, he would meet with other nobles and important characters of the city, forming a connection, a network of sorts with them.