Vergil and Freya exited Lady Arisa's meeting room, their expressions calm but focused. Vergil gestured to Aeka, who had been waiting just outside. "Aeka, gather the girls. It's time we strategize for our targets."
Aeka nodded and hurried off to fetch Vergil's five adopted daughters. In the meantime, Vergil walked to a large chest tucked in the corner of the room and opened it. Inside were his and Freya's assassin gear, meticulously arranged. He handed Freya her equipment—a sleek set of black armor that matched his own—before beginning to don his own.
Freya glanced at Vergil as she secured the armor's clasps. "It feels like it's been a while since we've had to gear up together like this."
Vergil smirked slightly, his sharp blue eyes catching hers for a moment. "We've been playing the roles of noble and medics for too long. It's time to remind the world what we're capable of."
Once they were fully suited, the two made their way to the central hall, where Aeka stood with the five adopted daughters. Each of the girls carried a sense of anticipation, their gazes fixed on Vergil as he approached. Aeka had also donned her full gear, her black armor glinting faintly under the dim light.
Vergil gestured for everyone to gather around a large wooden table. On it, he spread out a map of Montivelle Kingdom with various locations marked. Beside the map, he placed a series of sketches—portraits of their targets.
"Listen carefully," Vergil began, his voice calm but commanding. "We have five key targets, each playing a critical role in Crown Princess Kanami's regime. Remember, our mission isn't just to eliminate threats. In some cases, removing them from the equation doesn't necessarily mean killing them." He paused, letting the weight of his words sink in.
The daughters nodded in unison, their expressions serious.
Vergil pointed to the first portrait. "Our first target: Lord Lucas 'Lucky' Escalbrook. He's the commander of the royal army tasked with quelling this rebellion. So far, he's managed to retreat from multiple skirmishes with minimal losses, earning his reputation for uncanny luck."
Mina, the most tactically inclined of the five daughters, leaned forward. "If his luck is his strength, could we set a trap along his retreat route? Something that ensures his escape route is compromised?"
Vergil nodded thoughtfully. "It's possible. But that decision will ultimately depend on the rebels. Do they want him captured, or do they want him neutralized? Either way, we'll ensure his 'luck' runs out when the time comes."
He pinned the second portrait to the board: a young woman with sharp features and glasses. "Our second target: Lady Lina Castellanor. This case is different."
Aeka frowned, folding her arms. "Why is she a target if she's not directly opposing the rebellion?"
Freya answered before Vergil could. "Because Lady Lina Castellanor isn't an enemy. She originally wanted to join the rebellion but was forced to side with the loyalists after the rebels failed to act quickly enough. However, she's been leaking vital information about troop formations and battle strategies to the rebels ever since."
Aeka's eyes narrowed in understanding. "So this isn't an assassination—it's a rescue mission."
"Exactly," Vergil confirmed, his voice steady. "She's a brilliant inventor and scholar. Crown Princess Kanami keeps her under tight control, likely exploiting her talents to develop weapons and tools. If we can extract her safely, she could become a valuable ally—not just for the rebellion, but possibly even for Empress Elisa."
Aeka began jotting down notes, her mind already racing through potential rescue scenarios. "Do we know her exact location?"
Freya nodded. "Lady Lina is stationed at a fortified outpost just outside the capital. It won't be easy to infiltrate, but with the right strategy, it's doable."
Vergil picked up another photograph and pinned it to the board. It was an image of a knight in resplendent armor, his gaze sharp and unwavering. "Our next target is Lord Ramune Velmontiere, leader of the Holy Knights of Montivelle Kingdom."
He tapped the photograph. "Lord Ramune is stationed within the royal palace and oversees its defense. Penetrating the palace to reach him will be one of the most challenging parts of this mission."
Freya crossed her arms, her eyes narrowing. "Without a blueprint or layout of the palace, planning any kind of infiltration is going to be a nightmare. We'll need to figure that out later."
Elen, one of Vergil's adopted daughters, raised her hand tentatively. "How dangerous are the Holy Knights?"
Vergil leaned on the table, his expression serious. "They're some of the best. They're trained in advanced sword techniques and equipped with the finest armor Montivelle can provide. They're an elite force, and underestimating them would be a fatal mistake."
Aeka nodded in agreement. "Elite knights like them rarely have weaknesses. We'll need to be careful."
Vergil reached for the last two photographs, pinning them side by side. He took a moment before speaking. "And these are our final two targets: Prince Ocelot Lusignham and Prince Rudy Lusignham. They're twins."
The two faces on the photographs were strikingly similar but carried different auras. Prince Ocelot had a confident, almost arrogant expression, his hand resting on the hilt of a sword. Prince Rudy, on the other hand, had a more contemplative look, his bow slung casually over his shoulder.
Vergil continued, "Prince Ocelot is Crown Princess Kanami's fiancé and the kingdom's most skilled swordsman. Meanwhile, Prince Rudy is a master archer, capable of hitting targets from extreme distances. Together, they're a formidable pair."
Freya tapped her chin thoughtfully. "From what I've gathered, their relationship is strained. Prince Rudy prioritizes the welfare of the people, while Prince Ocelot remains loyal to Crown Princess Kanami. There's definitely a conflict of interests there."
Sylvy, another of the adopted daughters, raised her hand. "Couldn't we exploit that? If they're already at odds, maybe we can convince Prince Rudy to abandon his brother."
Vergil shook his head slightly. "It's possible, but without solid evidence to prove Crown Princess Kanami's incompetence or wrongdoing, it'll be difficult. Loyalty runs deep, even when it's misplaced."
He straightened and pointed to Lady Lina Castellanor's photograph. "The next rebel assault will coincide with our mission to extract Lady Lina Castellanor. She's essential to the cause, and her rescue will also help solidify our standing with the rebels."
Freya raised an eyebrow. "You're taking the lead on that, aren't you?"
Vergil nodded. "I'll handle Lady Lina's extraction personally. Meanwhile, Aeka and Freya, you'll select your teams to monitor the battlefield. We need eyes everywhere, especially near Lord Lucas 'Lucky' Escalbrook's camp."
Aeka tilted her head, a sly grin forming on her lips. "I'm curious to see just how lucky Lord Lucas really is. It might be fun to test that."
Freya smirked and crossed her arms. "I'd also like to study the layout of his camp. It might give us some ideas for when we confront him directly."
Vergil's gaze swept across his daughters. "The five of you will assist Aeka and Freya. Use this opportunity to learn; their experience in the field will be invaluable to you."
The daughters nodded in unison, their expressions a mixture of determination and excitement.
Freya and Aeka exchanged a glance, then turned back to Vergil. "Understood," they said in unison.
Vergil took one last look at the map, his eyes sharp and calculating. "Then it's settled. We begin the operation tomorrow. Stay sharp and prepare yourselves. This isn't just about the rebellion—it's about shaping the future of Montivelle."
The room fell silent as everyone absorbed the gravity of his words.
"Dismissed," Vergil said, his voice calm but resolute.
The team dispersed, each member moving with purpose, ready to face the challenges ahead.
The night air was cool, carrying the faint scent of dew and earth into the dimly lit tent. Vergil sat on the edge of his cot, sharpening his blade with slow, deliberate strokes. His eyes were distant, lost in thought, as he reviewed the plan to infiltrate the mansion and rescue Lady Lina Castellanor.
Freya, lying on her cot nearby, watched him silently for a moment before shifting closer. She could see the tension in his posture, the slight furrow of his brow. Gently, she wrapped her arms around him from behind, resting her head against his back.
"Vergil," she murmured, her voice soft, "you've done all you can for now. Take a moment to relax. You need your strength for tomorrow."
Vergil sighed, his hand pausing mid-stroke as he placed the whetstone aside. Turning slightly, he rested his hand on Freya's head, running his fingers through her hair in a calming motion. "You're right," he admitted, his tone low and weary. "But I can't shake the feeling that something might go wrong."
Freya tightened her embrace, offering silent reassurance. Before long, the weight of the day's preparations pulled them both into a deep, dreamless sleep.
By the time the first hint of dawn touched the horizon, Vergil and Freya were already fully armored and prepared. Aeka, standing at the head of the camp, had assembled the rest of the team. The five adopted daughters of Vergil stood in formation, their expressions a mix of determination and nervous excitement for their first field mission.
Vergil mounted his black stallion, its coat gleaming faintly in the pre-dawn light. "Stick to the plan," he instructed firmly, his voice carrying an edge of authority. "We don't take unnecessary risks. Everyone has their role—focus on it."
Aeka nodded. "Understood. Elen and Lira will come with me to observe the battlefield. We'll map out enemy formations and report back."
Freya, adjusting the straps of her light armor, added, "Mina, Aria, Sylvy, you're with me. We'll monitor Lord Lucas's camp and gather intelligence."
Vergil's gaze swept over the group one last time before urging his horse forward. "Good luck, and stay safe. We regroup after the mission."
Vergil arrived at the outskirts of the mansion just as the sun dipped below the horizon. The building loomed ahead, surrounded by a meticulously maintained garden and patrolled by armed guards. From his concealed vantage point, Vergil observed the patterns of their movements, silently noting the intervals and weak points in their patrol routes.
As darkness fell, Vergil moved with the precision of a shadow, slipping past the guards unnoticed. The soft rustle of leaves and distant murmurs were the only sounds accompanying his silent progress.
Inside the mansion, whispers among the guards revealed critical information.
"The rebels are advancing again," one guard muttered. "They're getting bolder by the day."
"Doesn't matter," another replied. "Once Lady Lina finishes that new weapon, we'll crush them for good. Lord Lucas said the tests will be in five days."
Vergil memorized their words as he made his way deeper into the mansion. Finally, he found himself outside a large room, the faint hum of machinery emanating from within. Pushing the door open quietly, he entered.
The room was a laboratory, cluttered with blueprints, tools, and strange devices. At the center stood a woman with striking blue hair and glasses, dressed in a deep indigo gown. She was engrossed in her work, flipping through a notebook.
Sensing his presence, she turned sharply, her eyes narrowing. "Who are you?" she demanded, her voice steady despite the circumstances.
Vergil stepped forward, his expression calm but serious. "Vergil Ragnaros, an assassin of the Britalienne Empire, here under the request of the rebellion. You must be Lady Lina Castellanor."
She relaxed slightly at his words. "I am. Tell me, how is Lady Arisa? Is she safe?"
"She's leading an assault on Lord Lucas Escalbrook as we speak," Vergil replied. "The rebellion is pushing toward the Montivelle capital."
Lady Lina nodded thoughtfully. "And your purpose here?"
"To rescue you," Vergil said plainly. "The rebellion values your knowledge and contributions."
A faint smile tugged at her lips. "So, they finally sent someone. Took them long enough." She began gathering her notes and tools, placing them into a leather satchel.
Before they could leave, Lady Lina moved to a corner of the lab, revealing a lifelike mannequin. "I've prepared for this day," she said grimly. "This decoy will convince them I perished in an accident. The Crown Princess always suspected my inventions might one day kill me."
Vergil smirked faintly. "A laboratory accident is the perfect cover. Burn the place down."
Lady Lina ignited the chemicals she had carefully arranged earlier. Flames quickly consumed the lab, the fire roaring to life as it spread uncontrollably.
Vergil led Lady Lina through the escape route he had mapped out earlier. They slipped out through a hidden back entrance as chaos erupted within the mansion. Guards shouted and scrambled to extinguish the blaze, but the inferno had already taken hold, fueled by volatile chemicals.
By the time they reached the edge of the rebel encampment, Lady Lina's supposed death was already the talk of the loyalist forces.
"Lady Lina Castellanor is no more," Vergil informed the rebel leaders. "Officially, she perished in a tragic accident. The loyalists will believe it for now."
Lady Lina stepped forward, adjusting her glasses. "And now, I'm at your disposal. Let's put an end to this war."
The room erupted in cheers, but Vergil remained composed, already thinking about their next move.
Vergil's black steed thundered through the forest, carrying him and Lady Lina swiftly toward the rebel encampment. The cool night air was tinged with the distant glow of flames from the mansion they had left behind. Lady Lina clung tightly to Vergil, her face calm but her hands trembling slightly—a sign of the harrowing events she had endured.
As they approached the encampment, the sentries raised their torches in recognition. Vergil slowed his horse and dismounted in one smooth motion, helping Lady Lina to the ground. Before she could steady herself, a familiar figure emerged from one of the larger tents.
"Lina!" Lady Arisa's voice rang out, filled with relief. She hurried to Lady Lina, wrapping her in a warm embrace. "You're safe. Thank the stars."
Lina returned the embrace, a faint smile gracing her lips. "It's good to see you, Arisa. I didn't think I'd ever get out of that prison."
Lady Arisa guided her into the command tent, offering her a goblet of spiced wine. "Drink this. It will calm your nerves. You've been through so much."
Vergil watched briefly before turning to the sound of approaching footsteps. Aeka, Freya, and his five adopted daughters had arrived safely, each carrying reports and supplies from their respective missions. The sight of his daughters, unharmed and standing tall, brought a rare flicker of warmth to his otherwise stoic demeanor.
"You did well," Vergil said, pulling them into a brief but firm embrace. "I'm proud of you all."
Inside the tent, the group gathered as Lady Lina recounted her ordeal.
"I only joined the loyalists because they demanded my expertise for developing a new weapon," Lina explained, setting her goblet aside. "But it was a farce. I deliberately wasted their resources and time while feeding small but crucial errors into their schematics."
"That would explain their lack of progress," Lady Arisa mused.
Lina nodded. "Lord Lucas Escalbrook is overly cautious. He always has a route prepared to retreat if the tide of battle turns against him. His reputation for 'luck' is nothing more than careful planning to save his own skin."
Lady Arisa's expression darkened. "That cowardice has cost the loyalists more than they realize. Soldiers are defecting because they see him as an incompetent leader. Some have even joined us, citing the Crown Princess's wasteful habits as the final straw."
Vergil raised an eyebrow. "Wasteful habits?"
Lina smirked faintly. "Crown Princess Kanami insists on feasts and luxuries for herself and the Holy Knights, even as the rest of the army goes hungry. It's a source of great resentment among the troops."
Freya, who had been reviewing her notes, interjected. "Speaking of supplies, the loyalists' food storage and supply depot are poorly guarded. It's in the rear of their camp, likely overlooked because they're focused on the frontlines."
Aeka added, "Their prison isn't much better. Security there is lax, probably because they don't expect an attack in that area."
Freya nodded in agreement but then turned to Aeka. "What about the stables?"
Aeka's eyes gleamed with satisfaction. "I found a hidden path leading to the stables where Lord Lucas keeps his personal mounts and those of his officers. It's clearly an escape route, so I've already set traps to ensure he won't get far if he tries to run."
Vergil's gaze swept over the gathered group. "If we capture or eliminate Lord Lucas, what's the plan?" he asked, his tone sharp and analytical.
Lady Arisa folded her arms. "If he's captured, we'll interrogate him thoroughly. His cowardice is well known, even among the loyalists. Once word spreads, it will demoralize their forces further and encourage more defections. We'll offer food and fair treatment to any loyalist troops who wish to join us."
Vergil's expression remained unreadable. "And how do you ensure their loyalty? You don't want loyalist spies infiltrating your ranks."
Lady Lina interjected, adjusting her glasses. "Vergil has a point. We must vet each recruit carefully. Many will genuinely want to switch sides, but others may be plants sent to gather information or sabotage us."
Lady Arisa nodded thoughtfully. "Then we'll implement a probationary period. New recruits will work under close supervision until their loyalty is proven."
Vergil leaned back in his chair, arms crossed. "A wise move. The Crown Princess's position is weakening, and public support is shifting to your cause. If you play this right, Montivelle could fall into rebel hands sooner than expected."
Lady Lina's expression turned grim. "The Crown Princess won't go down without a fight. She's ruthless and has the Holy Knights at her disposal. If we're to succeed, we need to strike at her most vulnerable points."
Vergil's cold blue eyes locked onto Lady Arisa, his voice sharp and commanding. "Don't forget the plan. Our goal isn't to kill Crown Princess Kanami—it's to strip her of her power, her influence, and her title. She'll live as a commoner, completely removed from the throne. As for the King and Queen, handle them however you see fit. Accusations, trials, executions—it's your rebellion, your choice."
Lady Arisa nodded solemnly. "I understand, Vergil. That's why Prince Alex and I have already prepared the narrative. The King and Queen of Montivelle will be accused of corruption—squandering the kingdom's resources to fund Crown Princess Kanami's indulgences. Public outrage will ensure their downfall. As for Kanami, she'll be exiled to a remote, untraceable location, where she'll be powerless."
As if on cue, Prince Alex entered the tent. The young royal had a composed demeanor, but his eyes burned with determination. "Vergil, Lady Arisa speaks the truth. The story has been crafted carefully. The King and Queen will bear the weight of the kingdom's failings. Their negligence in raising Kanami will be their ultimate disgrace. By the time we're done, the people will see Kanami as an unworthy ruler and cheer for her exile."
Vergil leaned back slightly, arms crossed, as he considered their strategy. "Efficient. Public perception is a powerful weapon. But remember—Kanami must disappear completely. Any trace of her could rally loyalists to her cause."
Alex smiled grimly. "Leave that to us. We'll ensure her exile is absolute."