Lucilla stood next to Anastasia in the old throne room, with their most trusted companions and other important individuals lined up on either side of the long hall. On Lucilla's side there was Yuki, Judieth, Sara, Cristina and Aliaa. Azalea as also there acting as the voice for the Fey. Maisy was of course wrapped around the silver haired womans torso just underneath her clothes out of sight.
On Anastasia's side stood her niece Eleanore, the Oni Lidia, and Savant the Human. With them was the wolf woman that Lucilla had rescued a while back, Shafira Qureshi. The other nine members that lived in the Citadel stood against the wall hidden by shadow as they sat in to listen to the discussion taking place. They didn't plan to say anything, but it was better for everyone that lived in the Citadel to know the circumstances than not.
"This is both of our problems; you're obligated to help us." Eleanore spat.
"We aren't obligated to help you princess." An annoyed Christina said. "I do agree that this is a problem for the both of us however."
"This situation stems from your actions; you should take more responsibility." Responded the brown Arachne. "Because of you we now have to face the Hero!"
"We didn't kill anyone! That Shafira woman and her compatriots can confirm this with you. Which they already have if I may add." Cristina paused taking a deep breath to calm herself. She didn't bother reinstating her particular way of speaking that's been absent this entire time, instead adopting a low voice. "This is clearly a set up; an excuse to start a fight."
"I must agree." The wolf woman spoke up, her light green eyes looking at the brown Arachne. "Me, and my two companions checked the bodies on the way out. They were all breathing when we left."
"This problem still stems from their interference." Lidia said.
"How can you possibly blame us?" Judieth asked. "You friends here would still be captured if it weren't for us."
Both monster woman watched the argument from their two sides, choosing not to join in. This listened carefully as they discuss between themselves about the problem at hand. The problem being that both the Desert Kingdom and the Theocracy were arming themselves to invade the Lost Country. Cristina had just gotten the news from her people this morning.
"What do you think Anna? There's a chance the Hero won't be there if I stay out of it, but if I were to get involved, then the Hero will be there for sure." said Lucilla as she continued to watch the argument unfold before her.
"Yes, that's true, but from what Miss Grim has told us they're gearing up for potential war." Anastasia answered. "I doubt they would leave their strongest piece sit on the sidelines."
"Thats a good point."
"They may also be wary of the Demons to the North. The Hero is a great deterrent and an easy way to keep the rest of the people in this country from fighting back."
"So, we're going have to rely on just Christina's people and your spiders then?"
"Perhaps but the people of this land won't sit still as an armed force takes their homes."
"I suppose, but are you sure they'll fight back? I don't like the Church, but I doubt they're going to target the towns, they're after you."
"Ah, but you forget half the population are Demons. The people in this land have intermingled for centuries now. There are plenty of mixed families and even Halfbreed's." Anastasia reminded Lucilla. "While they can't get rid of them completely their very lives will turn for the worse by the occupation."
"That's true."
"We also have you to help get them in the fighting spirit."
"... Because of the prophecy?" Lucilla asked.
"Yes, but it's also because you've faced the Hero multiple times now and survived." Confirmed the white Arachne Queen. "While I did learn the details from you, the rest of them don't. All we have to do is twist the truth a little."
"Are you suggesting propaganda campaign?"
A mischievous smile, that showed of her fangs graced Anastasia face. "But of course Honey, all we have to do is make them believe and they'll follow easily. It's not like they get that much news from the south anyway."
Returning the smile with her own nasty looking smirk Lucilla turned her attention back to the arguing group in front. "Christina calm down, we're in this together, there's no reason to antagonize them right now."
"Same with you Eleanore, you can't just demand help with something so important and expect people to listen." Anastasia said.
"For now, we're going to work together, that does mean revising our plan for the Hero a little bit, but it shouldn't be too hard." Lucilla spoke with authority, her eyes sweeping across the room.
"We have decided on our current course of action as well." The spider woman then gestured towards Lucilla. "We need to get our own people ready and informed as soon as possible, so we will be using Lucilla's reputation in our favor."
"Christina, I need you to work with Anastasia's people to help spread word."
"Once that's underway we'll convene later to start planning, for now we need to start letting everyone in the country know what's happening and convince them to join the fight."
The two of them spoke in perfect sync, making it clear to everyone in the room there was no room for argument. The two leaders have already decided on a course of action. While looking slightly impressed, Christina gave the silver haired woman a small nod. When she decided to help Lucilla before, it was a hopeful gamble that she would live up to her potential. the moment she had returned from the underworld Christina has felt more certain than ever that her gamble was paying off.
With that everyone in the room had disperse. Anastasia grabbed the appropriate people to implement their plan, including the wolf woman Shafira. Christina said she had to grab a few people left on the ship for help and had left, leaving Aliaa. She would show Christina where to go when she returned with the others.
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A few days later Lucilla found herself at the norther border leading into the Demon territories. She was stopped at the border outpost and was promptly guided to an empty room. the only reason she wasn't put into a holding cell was thanks to Shafira. Her role apparently was that of a representative or ambassador for Anastasia. She was usually the one sent out to negotiate with those outside the Lost Country.
As a result, she was easily recognized once she revealed her identity. Along with Yuki and Judieth, they quickly made themselves comfortable inside the waiting room. There was a plate of cookies on the low table in front of them, which Lucilla quickly indulged herself with. After waiting for a while, a male Oni walked into the room.
His bluish grey muscular body was on full display as he walked into the room shirtless, his dark blue pupils scanning. He towered over everyone in the room at his impressive height of 183cm. silver and gold strands were interwoven into his hair, which was twisted into a singular thick braid. The demon general of Provence One Yushkov Luka Ivanovich.
"Hello to you all." He said greeting them. "My name is Luka; I control the first Provence. I must know your business in our territory."
Lucilla, Yuki, and Judieth raised an eyebrow upon hearing who he was and his position, but the wolf woman's eye's opened wide in shock. Unlike Obara Taro in the fourth Provence near the Empire, Luka wasn't spotted near the border often. He was usually deeper in the territory managing it in his home city. Shafira has met him a few times, but those were always planned in advance, never has she accidentally found herself in a meeting with the Demon.
"My name is Lucilla Crimson," Lucilla said standing introducing herself, "Me and my companions here wish for access through your lands."
Luka looked the Crimsoned eyed woman up and down with a thoughtful expression. "Why do you wish to enter... Miss Crimson."
"You see we need access to the Corrupt Lands, and the only way there is through your Provence."
"Are you crazy?" Luka asked incredulous. "Why would you be seeking out your own demise like that?"
"Do you need a reason?" Lucilla asked with narrowed eyes.
"That place is cursed and sits right next to us, yes I need to know what you plan to do there." He said crossing his arms.
"You won't have to worry too much, I plan to conduct my business deep within, preferably inside the Vesh Canyon."
"That still doesn't answer my question."
"I need that location to kill the Hero."