Vergil gathered his five adopted daughters, along with Aeka and Freya, in the mansion's grand hall. The air was heavy with purpose as he scanned their faces, each one showing a mix of determination and nervous anticipation. He had determined that his daughters were finally ready for their first major mission.
Before their departure, Empress Elisa made her support clear. "These," she said, gesturing to several crates filled with weapons and supplies, "will be invaluable for the rebels. I've also assigned Commander Alaric and a detachment of the royal army to assist you. Use them wisely."
Aeka was the first to step forward, her confident voice breaking the silence. "With the new laboratory equipment we just bring from Kainaldia Empire, I can prepare a sedative potent enough to keep the Crown Princess of Montivelle Kingdom unconscious for an entire day. It'll be odorless and fast-acting, so even if they suspect foul play, they won't have time to react."
Vergil raised an eyebrow. "Good. That should simplify matters if we can get close enough. But a sedative alone won't guarantee success." He looked to his daughters. "Does anyone else have something to add?"
Elen raised her hand, her expression calm and measured. "Father, while assisting Aunt Aeka at Aeka's Touch, I overheard some troubling rumors. Nobles have already caught wind of the civil unrest in Montivelle. Those with ties to the kingdom have begun fleeing. Many have reached the border and are seeking refuge."
"Are they a threat to our plan?" Vergil asked, his tone sharp.
Elen shook her head. "Not directly. Most of the refugees are ambassadors from the Britalienne Empire. The rebels are deliberately letting them escape, knowing they're not involved in Montivelle's internal affairs. They're also afraid that harming citizens of the Britalienne Empire might provoke retaliation. From what I've heard, Empress Elisa's forces are working to ensure their safe passage."
"That's... unusually thoughtful for rebels," Freya muttered, her wolf-like ears twitching in curiosity. "They must be aiming to maintain a favorable image with foreign powers."
Vergil nodded. "A calculated move. It means they're not acting on impulse but with strategy. We'll need to match their precision. The bigger question now is how we make contact with them."
Freya and Aeka exchanged a quick glance. Aeka was the first to speak. "You're thinking of something risky again, aren't you?"
Vergil smirked faintly. "You know me too well." He folded his arms and addressed the group. "I'll disguise myself as a merchant to deliver the weapons personally. But I won't go alone." His gaze shifted to Freya. "You'll accompany me. Your senses and combat instincts are invaluable in unfamiliar territory."
Freya's tail swished behind her as she straightened. "Understood. I'll watch your back."
"What about the rest of us?" Aeka asked, her voice tinged with concern.
"You and the girls will stay hidden inside the carriage," Vergil instructed firmly. "We can't risk exposing all of our forces if things go south. The rebels may be strategic, but trust is earned, not given. If negotiations fail or the situation turns hostile, I'll need you all to be ready to act as a contingency."
Elen frowned slightly. "Do you think the rebels might betray us?"
"It's not betrayal if there's no trust to begin with," Vergil replied. "Right now, we're just potential allies, and alliances in war are fragile." He glanced at the crates of weapons. "Our first impression will be these supplies. If they see value in what we bring, it'll set the tone for everything that follows."
Freya's ears perked up. "What's the plan if we're stopped at a checkpoint?"
Vergil's eyes narrowed slightly, his expression turning calculating. "If we're stopped, I'll handle it. I'll pose as a weapons trader delivering goods to a private buyer. Freya, you'll stay close and act as my assistant. Aeka and the girls will remain out of sight at all costs."
Aeka crossed her arms, her brow furrowed. "This plan hinges on a lot of 'ifs.' What if the rebels don't believe us? What if the Crown Princess has tighter security than we expect?"
"That's why we prepare for every possibility," Vergil replied calmly. "Your sedative, Aeka, is our trump card. If we can neutralize the princess without drawing attention, we'll gain the upper hand. As for the rebels..." He let the sentence hang for a moment, his blue eyes sharp as ice. "We show them that we're not enemies—but we're also not to be underestimated."
The group fell silent, each member lost in their own thoughts. Finally, Aeka broke the silence. "Understood. I'll start preparing the sedative immediately. Let's hope the rebels are as reasonable as they seem."
Vergil nodded. "Hope for the best, but prepare for the worst." He glanced at his daughters, their young faces set with determination. "This is your first major mission. Remember: no matter what happens, we adapt, we survive, and we succeed. Failure never an option."
Vergil prepared himself meticulously, donning the attire of a modest merchant. His usual dark and foreboding appearance was replaced by simple, unassuming garments that made him blend seamlessly into the role. Meanwhile, Aeka instructed the mansion's servants to load all the weapon crates onto the carriage. The process was efficient but carried an air of urgency.
In the adjacent study, Freya spread a map across the table, her sharp eyes scanning the routes. She and Vergil's five adopted daughters worked together to craft a plausible cover story. Elen pointed to a trade route connecting the Britalienne Empire and the Albion Kingdom. "If anyone questions us, we'll say this shipment of weapons is a direct delivery for Albion's royal forces," she suggested.
Freya nodded approvingly. "Good. It's simple, believable, and aligns with current political alliances. We'll stick with that story unless something changes."
While Vergil and Freya dressed in plain clothes to maintain their cover, Aeka and the daughters opted for a more imposing look. Each wore black armor and hooded cloaks, their attire exuding an air of authority and mystery. Though they would remain hidden during the journey, their readiness for battle was unquestionable.
By midday, everything was set. Vergil climbed onto the driver's bench of the carriage, reins in hand, with Freya seated beside him. The two exchanged a brief glance before Vergil snapped the reins, setting the horses into motion.
The journey to the designated village, where the royal commander awaited them, was uneventful but tense. The rhythmic clatter of hooves and the creak of the wooden carriage filled the air as they traveled through winding roads and sparse forests.
Upon reaching the village, a small force of royal soldiers stood at attention, their commander waiting at the forefront. He was a broad-shouldered man with a neatly trimmed beard, his sharp gaze appraising the carriage as it rolled to a stop.
Vergil dismounted, his movements deliberate but unthreatening. "Commander Alaric, I presume?" he greeted, his voice steady.
The commander nodded. "And you must be the merchant sent by Her Majesty." His eyes flicked briefly to Freya, who remained seated but alert.
Vergil gestured to the carriage. "These crates contain the weapons promised by Empress Elisa. They're intended for the rebels in Montivelle Kingdom."
Alaric frowned slightly but nodded. "The Crown Princess of Montivelle has grown... difficult to support. She prioritizes her own luxury over the welfare of her people. Many of us in the royal army believe the rebels have a legitimate cause."
Vergil's lips curved into a faint smile. "It's good to know we're aligned on that front. However, Empress Elisa has another idea in mind. She believes that the Crown Princess shouldn't simply be deposed. Instead, she intends to strip her of her royal title and reduce her to the status of an ordinary citizen."
The commander raised an eyebrow at this, a mix of intrigue and approval crossing his face. "An unorthodox punishment, but fitting for someone her age. She's only sixteen, after all. Perhaps experiencing the life of a commoner will teach her humility."
Vergil inclined his head. "That's the hope. But for now, our focus is ensuring the rebels have the resources they need to act decisively."
Alaric extended a gloved hand, his grip firm as he shook Vergil's. "You have our support. My men are ready to assist the rebels with military aid as soon as we receive the signal."
Vergil nodded in agreement, his piercing blue eyes briefly scanning the soldiers behind Alaric. "Good. Then let's proceed. Timing is everything in an operation like this."
Freya, who had been silent until now, finally spoke, her voice low but commanding. "We'll move at dawn tomorrow. That gives everyone enough time to prepare and coordinate."
The commander nodded. "Understood. My men will be ready."
As the conversation concluded, Vergil and Freya returned to the carriage. The weight of the mission was palpable, but Vergil's composure remained unshaken. "This is just the beginning," he murmured to Freya as they set off.
Freya glanced at him, her wolf-like ears twitching. "We'll see it through. No matter what."
Vergil, Freya, Aeka, and his five adopted daughters continued their journey toward the Montivelle Kingdom. The forest air grew noticeably colder as they traveled, and the once vibrant green canopy of leaves began to turn hues of amber and crimson. The changing atmosphere didn't go unnoticed by Vergil, who tightened his cloak against the chill.
Inside the carriage, Aeka rummaged through a small chest, carefully retrieving five bracelets and handing one to each of Vergil's daughters. The bracelets were sleek, with faint etchings of runes glowing softly when worn.
"These are cloaking devices," Aeka explained, her tone calm but authoritative. "They're designed to help assassins conceal themselves from sight. When active, you'll blend seamlessly with your surroundings, making it nearly impossible for ordinary eyes to detect you."
Elen tilted her head, inspecting the bracelet curiously. "But what if there's detection magic? Wouldn't that render these useless?"
Aeka nodded slightly, her expression serious. "Detection magic is indeed a risk. However, the first line of defense we're likely to encounter will consist of ordinary soldiers without access to advanced magical tools. Against them, these bracelets will suffice. You'll need to deactivate them immediately if we suspect detection magic is in play."
The daughters nodded in understanding as Aeka continued to explain the device's functionality, ensuring they grasped every detail.
The group reached the border between Montivelle Kingdom and Britalienne Empire without incident. The checkpoint was quiet, almost eerily so, as if the soldiers patrolling the area had been deliberately pulled back. From there, they headed deeper into Montivelle territory, toward the rebel-controlled zone.
Upon arriving in the area under rebel command, Vergil and Freya became immediately alert. The village was fortified with barricades, and rebels patrolled the streets with weapons drawn. Their arrival drew stares from every direction.
A group of rebels quickly approached their carriage, weapons at the ready. One of them, a tall, burly man with a scar running across his face, stepped forward. "Who are you, and what's your business here?" he barked, his eyes narrowing suspiciously.
Vergil raised his hands slowly in a gesture of peace. "I'm a merchant," he said calmly. "I've brought supplies—specifically weapons—for the rebellion. I need to speak with your leader."
The man's suspicion deepened, and he gestured for his comrades to surround Vergil and Freya. "We don't take kindly to strangers here, especially ones claiming to bring gifts. Hand over your weapons and explain yourself before we decide what to do with you."
Freya's wolf-like ears twitched, and her hand hovered near her dagger. She glanced at Vergil, waiting for his signal.
Before things could escalate further, shadows flickered behind the rebel leaders. Aeka and Vergil's five daughters emerged silently from the darkness, their weapons poised at the rebels' throats. The rebels froze, their expressions shifting from aggression to fear as they realized how close they had come to death.
"Enough," Vergil said, his voice low but commanding. "We're not here to fight you. Stand down."
A tense silence fell over the group before a young girl stepped forward from the crowd. She was no older than sixteen, dressed in a simple but elegant gown befitting a noble. A gleaming sword hung at her side, and she carried herself with a mixture of grace and determination. Beside her stood a young man, tall and regal, his posture marking him as royalty.
"I am Lady Arisa Aldecourt," the girl announced, her voice clear and steady. "Leader of the rebellion. And this is Crown Prince Alex de Montreval of Albion Kingdom, my ally in this cause. Who are you, and why have you come here?"
Vergil motioned for Aeka and his daughters to lower their weapons. "My name is Vergil. This is Freya, my companion, and those are my associates. We come bearing gifts from Empress Elisa II of the Britalienne Empire."
Arisa's eyes narrowed slightly. "Gifts? What kind of gifts?"
"Crates of weapons," Vergil replied evenly. "A token of support from the Empress. She believes in your cause and is prepared to offer military assistance if necessary. However, there is one condition: the Crown Princess of Montivelle Kingdom must be kept alive."
This statement provoked immediate protests from the gathered rebel leaders.
"Alive?" one of them shouted. "That spoiled brat cares for nothing but her own comfort! She's the reason we're fighting in the first place!"
"She deserves to pay for what she's done to this kingdom!" another added angrily.
Vergil held up a hand, silencing the room with a single commanding gesture. "I understand your anger," he said, his voice calm but firm. "But Empress Elisa II has a plan. Stripping the Crown Princess of her title and reducing her to the status of a commoner is a punishment far worse than death. It will serve as a symbol of what happens to those who neglect their duties. And once the Montivelle Kingdom—or whatever new name you choose—is stable, the Empress will reopen diplomatic relations."
Freya stepped forward, her voice steady. "The Empress also wishes to thank you for sparing the Britalienne ambassadors who sought refuge here. That act of mercy has not gone unnoticed. She hopes this kingdom can one day offer its people the same dignity and prosperity found in Britalienne Empire."
Arisa exchanged a glance with Prince Alex, her expression contemplative. After a long pause, she spoke. "Very well. We'll hear you out. But know this: our trust must be earned. Words alone won't suffice."
Vergil nodded, a faint smile playing on his lips. "I wouldn't expect anything less."
Vergil stepped forward, adjusting his cloak as he addressed the gathered rebels. "Allow me to introduce myself properly. I am Vergil Ragnaros."
At the mention of his name, Lady Arisa's eyes widened slightly. "Ragnaros?" she repeated. "In the Britalienne Empire, there's a noble family by that name. They're renowned for their closeness to the common people—praised and even adored by the citizens."
Vergil nodded, his expression calm but firm. "That is correct. My family has always prioritized the well-being of the people, which is why I am here. The Empress has entrusted me with ensuring that this rebellion succeeds in freeing Montivelle from tyranny. If needed, the Britalienne Empire's forces will join your cause and assist your rebellion directly. However, the fate of Montivelle's king and queen is yours to decide."
The gathered rebel leaders exchanged glances, their skepticism slowly giving way to cautious hope. Before they could respond, a rebel officer entered the room, saluting Lady Arisa. "Lady Arisa, I've confirmed it. The crates they brought contain weapons—high-quality ones at that. Their story checks out."
Lady Arisa nodded and turned back to Vergil. "Very well. Your support is appreciated, but I must be honest: most of Montivelle, save for a handful of nobles, has grown weary of Crown Princess Kanami's selfish rule."
Vergil's brow furrowed slightly. "What is it about these few nobles that keeps them loyal to the Crown Princess?" he asked.
Arisa crossed her arms, her voice tinged with disdain. "They're clinging to the promise of power. Crown Princess Kanami has promised them positions as ministers or key figures in the new government she plans to create. Out of dozens, only five remain steadfast in their allegiance."
Freya, who had been quietly observing, stepped forward. "Do these five nobles still command any military forces?"
Arisa raised an eyebrow at the question. "Why do you ask?"
Freya's wolf-like ears twitched slightly as she explained, "It's just that, from what I've seen, the royal army itself might be on the verge of rebellion. The forces loyal to the Crown Princess seem to be dwindling. It's possible that even her own soldiers have turned against her."
Vergil had been about to voice a similar observation but let Freya take the lead, folding his arms and listening attentively.
Arisa's expression darkened, and she hesitated for a moment before replying. "You're not wrong. Crown Princess Kanami issued an order that pushed the royal army to the brink of mutiny. She commanded them to exterminate an entire tribe living along the southern border—a peaceful people who had done nothing to provoke her wrath."
Freya's eyes narrowed. "And did they carry out the order?"
Arisa shook her head. "The commander of the royal army followed her orders only in appearance. They burned the village to satisfy the Crown Princess's demands but secretly evacuated the entire tribe to safety beforehand. The soldiers couldn't bring themselves to carry out such a barbaric act."
A heavy silence settled over the room. Vergil finally spoke, his voice calm but laced with a hint of disapproval. "It seems that even her own army recognizes the cruelty of her rule. This rebellion is not just a political uprising—it's a moral imperative."
Lady Arisa nodded slowly. "You understand, then, why we cannot allow her to remain in power. Her actions have alienated everyone, even those who once stood by her. But while the army's loyalty wavers, those five nobles and their remaining forces could still pose a challenge."
Vergil turned to Freya and Aeka. "We'll need to identify and neutralize those five nobles. If their forces are truly loyal to them alone, cutting them off from the Crown Princess could render her completely powerless."
Freya nodded. "Agreed. But we'll need to tread carefully. If the army has already begun to question her, we might find allies among their ranks."
Arisa's expression softened slightly, a glimmer of hope in her eyes. "If you can do that—if you can sway the army to our side—we might be able to avoid unnecessary bloodshed. This rebellion has already cost us so much."
Vergil met her gaze, his tone resolute. "Then that is what we will aim for. Victory without needless loss is always preferable."
Vergil leaned back slightly, his piercing blue eyes scanning the room. "If these nobles are the linchpins holding Crown Princess Kanami's fragile power together, then eliminating their influence is a task well within my crew's capabilities. Let's start with their identities."
Lady Arisa straightened, a faint smile of determination playing on her lips. "Of course. The first is Lord Lucas 'Lucky' Escalbrook. He's the general of Montivelle's royal army, a man infamous for his uncanny luck. No matter how dire the situation, he always seems to walk away unscathed."
Freya crossed her arms, her voice laced with cold disdain. "Luck doesn't last forever. Sooner or later, he'll run out of it."
Vergil's lips curved into a faint, calculating smirk. "Indeed. We'll make sure Lord Lucas's luck runs dry when the time comes."
Encouraged by their reactions, Arisa continued. "The second noble is Lady Lina Castellanor, a renowned inventor and scholar. However, she's not loyal to the Crown Princess by choice—she's being coerced. Kanami threatened her and her family, forcing her to lend her skills to the royalist cause."
Prince Alex interjected, his expression one of frustration. "The truth is, Lady Lina wanted to join the rebellion from the start. But when she reached out, we were too slow to respond. The Crown Princess's forces got to her first."
Lady Arisa clenched her fists, her tone bitter. "It's a failure I regret deeply. If we had acted faster, she could have been one of our greatest assets. That said, Lady Lina hasn't been idle. She despises the Crown Princess and has secretly funneled us detailed reports on royalist tactics and weapon designs. She may still prove invaluable to our cause."
Vergil nodded thoughtfully. "So not everyone serving the Crown Princess does so for personal gain. Some are simply victims of her tyranny."
Freya added, her wolf-like ears twitching slightly, "Perhaps this Lady Lina could be an ally to Empress Elisa II. With her skills in invention, she might thrive in Britalienne's technological sector."
Arisa gave a small nod of agreement before continuing. "The third noble is Lord Ramune Velmontiere. He's a formidable knight who leads the Holy Knight detachment—a group of elite warriors devoted to protecting the royal family. They are among the most powerful forces loyal to Kanami."
"Holy Knights," Freya muttered, her voice dripping with disdain. "They're all the same—blind loyalty masquerading as righteousness."
Vergil exhaled slowly, the weight of the task evident in his demeanor. "If Lord Ramune is their commander, I assume he's stationed at the royal palace?"
Arisa confirmed with a slight nod. "Yes. He's the palace's primary defender. The lands he oversees have been left in the hands of his subordinates while he focuses entirely on protecting Kanami."
Before Vergil could respond, the door opened, and Aeka entered the room. Her black cloak fluttered slightly as she approached. "I've settled the girls in their quarters. They won't be disturbed."
Vergil turned his attention to her. "Good. You're just in time. Lady Arisa was briefing us on the nobles still loyal to the Crown Princess."
Aeka pulled out a small notebook and pen, ready to take notes. "How many are left?"
"Two," Arisa replied. "And they're no less troublesome than the first three. Shall I continue?"
Vergil gestured for her to proceed. "Please do."
Lady Arisa clasped her hands in front of her, her tone shifting to one of caution. "The final two nobles are... unique. They're twin brothers—Prince Ocelot Lusignham and Prince Rudy Lusignham. Their skills are unparalleled in Montivelle Kingdom."
Vergil raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Twins, you say? What makes them stand out?"
Arisa nodded. "The elder brother, Prince Ocelot, is considered the finest swordsman in the kingdom. It's said he once single-handedly defeated an entire garrison of knights without sustaining a single injury. His combat prowess is unmatched."
Aeka's eyes gleamed with interest. "Impressive. And the younger brother?"
Arisa continued, her admiration evident. "Prince Rudy is an extraordinary archer. His marksmanship is so precise he can strike targets from incredible distances, even in poor visibility. Many say he's the best archer Montivelle has ever produced."
Vergil and Aeka exchanged a look of mutual respect for the brothers' abilities. "It seems the Crown Princess has surrounded herself with some truly formidable individuals," Vergil remarked, his tone calm but calculated.
However, Freya's wolf-like ears twitched, sensing an undercurrent in Arisa's words. "You're holding something back," she said, narrowing her eyes. "There's a complication, isn't there? Something about their relationship?"
Arisa hesitated before sighing. "You're perceptive. Yes, there's tension between the brothers. Prince Ocelot fully supports the Crown Princess and her ambitions. He's fiercely loyal to her, to the point of obsession. Prince Rudy, on the other hand, has always been more concerned with the welfare of the people. He disapproves of the Crown Princess's tyranny and the suffering she's caused but hasn't openly opposed her due to his brother."
Vergil leaned forward, his interest piqued. "Ah, a conflict of Interest. That can be... useful."
Freya nodded thoughtfully. "If we can exploit that rift, it might be possible to convince Prince Rudy to abandon his brother's side. Divide and conquer."
Aeka smiled faintly, a hint of mischief in her expression. "This just got a lot more interesting. A schism within the Crown Princess's inner circle could prove invaluable."
Vergil smirked, sensing where Aeka's thoughts were headed. "Indeed. And with twins, their bond will be both their greatest strength and their greatest weakness. The key will be finding the right leverage."
Freya chuckled, her tone lighter than before. "Aeka, I know that look. You're already plotting something."
Aeka gave a soft laugh in return, leaning slightly against the edge of the table. "I'm just saying... there's always something fascinating on the battlefield. Whether it's a personal vendetta, a secret alliance, or even a hidden treasure, conflicts like this tend to reveal the unexpected."
Freya grinned and turned back to Lady Arisa. "Aeka's right. There's bound to be something we can use—either to win Prince Rudy's favor or to destabilize Prince Ocelot."
Arisa seemed uncertain but also intrigued by their confidence. "Do you think it's really possible to turn Prince Rudy against his brother?"
Vergil's icy blue eyes locked onto hers, filled with quiet determination. "Anything is possible with the right strategy. We'll find what motivates him, what he values most. Once we understand that, we'll make our move."
Freya added with a smirk, "And when we do, the Crown Princess won't know what hit her."
The room seemed to hum with anticipation as the group exchanged glances, each mind already working through the possibilities.