บท 540: 540: Undercurrents

The next morning, Caleb stepped out of the inn, unaware that behind the closed doors of the office, the innkeeper was engaged in a secretive and urgent video call. Using a magical device that projected shimmering images into the air, the innkeeper spoke with a man whose presence seemed to exude authority and impatience.

"Is the room available yet? Have you managed to evict the current occupant?" the man on the other side of the call demanded, his tone sharp and commanding.

The innkeeper, visibly sweating under pressure, responded hesitantly, "I... I tried, sir. But the old man, George, he... he refused to leave. He's quite persuasive and has some pull around here. I couldn't just force him out without causing a scene."

The man's expression darkened, displeasure clear on his face. "You were supposed to handle this quietly. Why is this proving so difficult?"

"I understand, sir, but—" the innkeeper tried to explain, his voice tinged with fear.