Scheme

"Ah!" Melody snapped back from her anger.

"I can guess what has happened, but for now, let's move away for a bit," Clovis whispered. 

"Yes… and sorry."

"You don't have to apologize." Clovis then grabbed her wrist and pulled her out of the crowd. Kanaria and Jay followed with a smug smile as if looking down on them.

Ivan gritted his teeth. Even Elina had a sour face as if her plan had failed.

'How in the world… No, that's not important. They are much stronger than our prediction. We have to find a way to eliminate them.' Elina's expression turned serious. 'We have prepared a few arrangements for the exploration, so I guess we can wait for the time being.'

As soon as Clovis got away, he couldn't help but say, "It seems that they have changed their approach." 

"Yeah." Kanaria nodded in agreement. "After that failure, he must be pressured to do it or their reputation will become much worse."