The sun blazed fiercely overhead, and the streets were nearly deserted. Most people stayed inside, hiding from the sunlight that seemed intent on scorching everything.
A rare drought has struck the Grant Domain. Not a drop of rain has fallen since spring began, and the crops sown have mostly perished. Everyone in Grant City is anxious. Only the south and east have fared better this year. Many soldiers have been sent to the Grant Family's southern lands, urgently needing a large workforce to survive this crisis.
After days of drought, people can only work in the early morning or late evening. Once the sun rises, the heat is so intense it feels like it could burn people alive, making it unbearable for anyone.
"Hey, what's wrong with you? You've been like this for days."
Lucille Xing shouted in frustration. Joseph Qiao sat blankly in the house, silent and unmoving. In this kind of heat, any fire could quickly get out of control, with unimaginable consequences.
Yesterday, Stanley Tang had already said they would act within the next few days. The northern tribes' children all knew and were prepared. After setting the fire, they planned to leave Grant City.
They chose a spot near where they lived to set the fire. That was where Queen Grant stayed, and most of the women lived there. The houses were packed close together, so once the fire started, it would spread rapidly.
"Hey, hurry up and go check—the female bird's acting strange."
No one knew when Yvonne May had appeared at the door. Lucille Xing glared at Joseph Qiao with resentment.
When they arrived at the aviary, the female bird was lying there, barely alive. It looked seriously unwell, while the male bird stood motionless nearby, keeping watch.
Leonard Lei grinned, holding animals woven from grass—horses, sheep, and cows—all crafted with great care. Joseph Qiao was stunned; he always thought Leonard was a bit slow. Because of the birthmark on his face, other children excluded him, and apparently, he still didn't know about the plan. It seemed Stanley Tang and Lucas Lu hadn't told him.
For some reason, Leonard Lei got along well with the two girls and was often with them. Joseph Qiao had no interest in these things. As the day of action drew closer, he grew more anxious, unable to sleep and plagued by nightmares.
At night, Joseph Qiao called Stanley Tang outside.
It's decided—we'll act the day after tomorrow. That's the Grant Family's third daughter's hundredth day birthday. There'll be a palace ceremony, purification, and outsiders will be allowed in. It will be held in the large central courtyard. The weather is dry, and everything is ready. You'll be responsible for distracting those three—if they're with us, they'll get in the way. Meet at the palace gate, and don't forget to take the two Ninefeather Birds. Got it?
Stanley Tang spoke, and Joseph Qiao was silent for a moment before nodding.
On his way back, Joseph Qiao went to the aviary. Both sides were lit by torches, and he stood beside one, surrounded by people. It was just after nightfall and cooler, so many people came out to cool off. Queen Grant was there, holding Yuna Ji.
Yusheng, I heard from Lucille Xing you've been down lately. Are you homesick?
No, Queen Grant, I'm not homesick. It's just too hot—I've never experienced heat like this before.
Queen Grant smiled and carried Yuna Ji to the aviary. The female bird had recovered a bit—she was weak at noon because of the heat.
With this excuse, Joseph Qiao managed to get by. His biggest worry was Lucille Xing, who had been secretly following him for days. This afternoon too, he only managed to shake her off after taking several detours before meeting Stanley Tang.