Upon their arrival at Avalorne, news spread quickly about the severe punishment inflicted upon the Drakemont family. Their involvement in a long-running human trafficking ring had finally come to light. The Empress herself had acquired undeniable evidence, including testimonies from victims and a confession from the Drakemonts' butler. The butler admitted to acting as a liaison between the Drakemonts and the bandits who were later eliminated after killing Ulrich Drakemont.
Vergil overheard whispers from the servants about rumors that had circulated during his absence. It was said that Vergil had disappeared and would never return. However, his return had decisively put those rumors to rest.
The servants also shared troubling news of a civil war breaking out in the Montivelle Kingdom. Curious, Freya inquired, "What's happening in Montivelle Kingdom?"
One of the servants explained, "The current royal family is incompetent, and the kingdom has been plagued by worsening poverty. A rebellion has risen, led by a poor noble whose proposals to improve the citizens' welfare were repeatedly rejected by the Crown Princess. Many nobles who refuse to side with either the monarchy or the rebels have fled Montivelle altogether."
Freya sighed and remarked, "It seems nobles often act foolishly when they prioritize their pride over their people."
Aeka turned to the servant and asked, "What action is the Empress taking in this matter?"
"There's a rumor," the servant replied, "that the Empress is preparing to aid the rebels. She despises the Crown Princess, who is known to be selfish and spoiled."
Vergil crossed his arms thoughtfully. "If Montivelle's military remains loyal to the Crown and its supply lines remain intact, the rebels are likely to lose," he said.
Freya chimed in, "But if the soldiers decide that a new monarchy would serve the people better, they might defect. A new monarchy focused on the welfare of its citizens would likely gain their support."
The servants nodded, agreeing with Vergil and Freya's analysis. Aeka then asked, "What about the neutral nobles? What's their fate in this conflict?"
Vergil raised three fingers. "Neutral nobles have three paths ahead of them. First, they could be forced into siding with the rebels under the guise of aiding the people. In this case, true altruists among them would likely join willingly, providing resources and support. Those who join reluctantly might be freed later or punished for their previous neglect of their people."
The servants exchanged uneasy glances, processing his words in silence.
Freya then posed another question. "What about those who remain loyal to the monarchy?"
Vergil responded without hesitation. "They face two possible outcomes. If the rebels win, the loyalists will lose their heads. But if the monarchy prevails, they'll be rewarded for their allegiance."
Freya frowned and asked, "And the neutrals who refuse to pick a side?"
"They have a third option," Vergil said. "Flight. They might flee due to fear of being coerced into loyalty or because they genuinely support the monarchy but lack the resources to contribute to the conflict. Either way, they'll try to escape the storm."
Freya nodded in understanding, her mind working through the various scenarios. The servants remained quiet, absorbing the depth of Vergil's analysis, their expressions a mixture of awe and unease at the complexity of the looming conflict.
Shortly after their discussion, a servant entered the room and announced, "Your Grace, Empress Eliza II has arrived and wishes to speak with you."
Vergil raised an eyebrow at the unexpected visit. "Let her in," he instructed calmly.
Moments later, Empress Eliza II entered, accompanied by her aide, her presence regal and commanding. She nodded at Vergil and Freya as a greeting, her expression both polite and determined. Aeka stood off to the side, her eyes narrowing slightly, silently analyzing the situation.
"Your Majesty," Vergil greeted with a slight bow, gesturing toward the seating area. "To what do we owe the honor of this visit?"
Eliza waved a hand dismissively, signaling her desire for privacy. "I would prefer we speak candidly. Can we have the room to ourselves?"
Vergil nodded in understanding. "You heard Her Majesty. Please leave us." He addressed the servants, who immediately bowed and exited the room.
Once the doors closed, Empress Eliza sat down gracefully, folding her hands in her lap. Her gaze shifted from Vergil to Freya, then back to Vergil. "I've made a decision regarding the Montivelle Kingdom," she began.
Vergil tilted his head slightly. "And what decision would that be, Your Majesty?"
"I intend to fully support the rebels in their struggle," she stated firmly. "Not only that—I am prepared to provide military aid to ensure their success."
Freya's eyes widened in surprise. "Military aid? That's quite a bold move, Your Majesty. May I ask why?"
Eliza's expression hardened, her tone sharp. "Because the current Crown Princess of Montivelle is a disgrace to her title. She is selfish, incompetent, and utterly unfit to lead. The people suffer under her rule, yet she shows no inclination to improve their lives. I want to teach her a lesson—a harsh one."
"A lesson?" Freya echoed, puzzled. "What kind of lesson?"
"To live as a commoner," Eliza replied, her voice cold. "She must understand the hardships her people endure daily. Being stripped of her royal status and privileges will force her to confront the realities she has ignored for so long."
Vergil leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. "An interesting approach, Your Majesty. But I assume you've considered the risks? A rebellion is not without its dangers, especially if the Crown Princess has loyal military forces to back her."
Eliza's lips curled into a faint smile. "Indeed, I have. That's precisely why I came to you, Vergil. Your expertise in such matters is unparalleled. I want you to ensure the rebels' success—whether by strategy, infiltration, or force."
Vergil's gaze sharpened. "Are you asking me to intervene directly?"
"Yes," Eliza affirmed without hesitation. "You have full authority to act as you see fit. Use whatever means necessary to eliminate the Crown Princess as a threat and secure victory for the rebellion."
Freya, still processing the conversation, spoke up. "Your Majesty, if I may—what guarantees do you have that the rebels will govern more effectively than the current regime? Isn't there a risk of replacing one tyranny with another?"
Eliza's tone softened slightly as she addressed Freya. "A valid concern, my dear. That is why I have carefully chosen which faction to support. The rebel leader is a former noble who genuinely cares for the people. Their ideas for reform were dismissed by the Crown Princess, but they have widespread support among the common folk. I believe this leader has the potential to rebuild Montivelle into a prosperous kingdom."
Vergil nodded thoughtfully. "A compelling argument, Your Majesty. If I may suggest a strategy: we could destabilize the current regime by abducting the Crown Princess. Her absence would create a power vacuum, allowing the rebels to gain momentum."
Eliza's eyes gleamed with approval. "Precisely the kind of cunning I expect from you, Vergil. Do it. Take whatever resources you need."
Aeka, who had been silently observing until now, stepped forward. "If we're planning an operation of this scale, we'll need a reliable communication and intelligence network. My enterprise, Aeka Touch, has already received offers to expand into other kingdoms and empires. This could be the perfect opportunity to establish secure channels and gather critical information."
Eliza turned to Aeka, her expression approving. "An excellent plan, Aeka. Your reputation precedes you. Expanding Aeka Touch will not only enhance our strategic capabilities but also strengthen diplomatic and trade relations."
Vergil glanced at Aeka, a faint smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. "It seems we're all in agreement. Your Majesty, you can count on me to see this mission through."
Eliza stood, her posture regal and imposing. "I trust you will, Vergil. The Crown Princess's downfall will mark the beginning of a new era for Montivelle. Once the rebellion succeeds, we will establish diplomatic ties with the new government and ensure stability in the region."
Vergil bowed slightly. "As you command, Your Majesty."
With her objectives clearly outlined, Empress Eliza II left the mansion, her aide following close behind. As the doors closed, Vergil turned to Freya and Aeka, his expression serious.
"It seems our next mission will be far more intricate than anticipated," he remarked.
Freya nodded, determination in her eyes. "But one worth undertaking."
Aeka smirked. "Let's show them why the Ragnaros name is legendary."
Vergil's lips curled into a faint smile. "Then let's get to work."