Aeka, Freya, and Elen followed Crown Princess Kanami through the palace halls, continuing their tour. The towering columns and majestic murals of Montivelle's royal residence hinted at the kingdom's grandeur, but for Aeka, this was more than just a stroll. Every step, every turn, every guarded corridor was a puzzle piece she meticulously stored in her mind.
As they reached a balcony overlooking the vast palace gardens, Aeka took the opportunity to ask, her tone light yet inquisitive, "Your Highness, if I may ask, what plans have you made for the kingdom once the civil war concludes?"
Kanami paused for a moment, resting her hands on the marble railing. The golden sunlight illuminated her golden gown, giving her an almost ethereal glow as she turned to face Aeka. "I have a vision," she began, her voice calm but resolute. "Once the rebellion is dealt with, I intend to implement what I call the Montivelle Resurrection Program."
Freya's ears perked up at the term, and even Elen, who had been quietly observing, looked intrigued. Aeka nodded, urging Kanami to elaborate.
"The Montivelle Resurrection Program will be a complete overhaul of the kingdom's economy and societal structure," Kanami continued, her tone becoming more animated. "I'll personally oversee every detail—allocating resources, reorganizing territories, and redistributing wealth. Those who are wealthy will live closer to the palace, near me, while the poor... well, they'll serve as entertainment and labor."
The statement was as blunt as it was unsettling, but Aeka's expression remained neutral. Her voice was calm, almost nonchalant, as she asked, "And what of merchants like me? Should we decide to establish businesses here?"
Kanami's eyes lit up with delight. "Ah, Lady Aeka, merchants like you are invaluable to my vision. Aeka Touch would be placed right here, near the palace itself! Your reputation for quality products aligns perfectly with what I envision for the capital's image."
Aeka inclined her head slightly, her calm demeanor masking the calculations running through her mind. "Your plan is certainly... unique, Your Highness. I can see the potential in it."
Kanami's smile widened at the perceived compliment, and she leaned in conspiratorially. "You see, Lady Aeka, I don't trust the nobles. They're snakes, every last one of them, full of deceit and ambition. My plan is to keep a tight leash on them while giving the common people a chance to breathe. I'll focus my gaze entirely on the nobility, ensuring they're drained of their wealth and influence without harming the citizens they think they can exploit."
Freya, standing slightly behind Aeka, glanced at her companion, her sharp eyes noting the slight twitch at the corner of Aeka's lips—a rare hint of amusement.
"And how would you accomplish this, Your Highness?" Aeka asked, her voice laced with curiosity.
Kanami's tone turned conspiratorial. "I plan to establish a secret security force, answerable only to me. Their sole purpose will be to monitor the nobility's activities, rooting out corruption and disobedience. If they step out of line—if they even think of oppressing the common people—I'll strip them of their wealth, seize their assets, and sell them off. The proceeds will go directly to the treasury and the people."
Freya's tail twitched slightly, her instincts catching the cold ruthlessness hidden beneath Kanami's polished words. Aeka, however, chuckled softly, the sound carrying an air of subtle amusement.
"Your Highness," Aeka said, "you have quite the unconventional approach. Creating a system where the nobles are effectively drained without disrupting the common people—it's bold, to say the least."
Kanami nodded, clearly pleased by the perceived approval. "Bold times call for bold measures, Lady Aeka. Montivelle has suffered under complacent rulers for too long. I will make this kingdom thrive again, no matter the cost."
Aeka's smile lingered as she subtly shifted the conversation. "And these secret forces you mentioned—how do you plan to ensure their loyalty and effectiveness? Surely, spies are prone to corruption as well."
Kanami's eyes narrowed, and a faint smirk played on her lips. "Oh, they'll be loyal. They'll know that betrayal will mean not only their own demise but also the destruction of everything they hold dear. Fear, Lady Aeka, is the most reliable tool for ensuring loyalty."
The room fell into a brief silence, broken only by the faint rustling of the curtains in the breeze. Freya's ears twitched, picking up on the subtle tension in the air, but she remained silent, trusting Aeka to navigate the conversation.
"I see," Aeka said finally, her tone even. "It's a fascinating strategy, Your Highness. One that only someone with your determination could envision."
Kanami's smile grew, clearly taking Aeka's words as a compliment. "Exactly. And perhaps, once this war is over, we can discuss expanding Aeka Touch's influence throughout Montivelle. With your expertise and my vision, I believe we could create something truly extraordinary."
Aeka inclined her head, her expression one of polite agreement. "It would be an honor, Your Highness. I look forward to seeing your vision unfold."
As they continued their tour, Aeka made mental notes of every detail—the layout of the palace, the locations of the guards, the dynamics between Kanami and those around her. Every piece of information was a potential tool, one she would undoubtedly put to use when the time came.
As the tour of the palace drew to a close, Aeka, flanked by Freya and Elen, politely excused herself from the company of Crown Princess Kanami. The grand halls and glittering chandeliers of the Montivelle palace faded into the background as Aeka addressed the princess with her signature composed elegance.
"Your Highness," Aeka began, clasping her hands in front of her, "it has been an honor to explore the palace under your guidance. However, we must take our leave for now. There are other pressing matters that require my attention, particularly the management of my products."
Crown Princess Kanami's cheerful expression faltered for a brief moment before she replaced it with an indulgent smile. "Lady Aeka, I understand the responsibilities of a successful merchant such as yourself. However, I must insist that you, Freya, and Elen return to the palace tonight."
"Tonight?" Aeka inquired, tilting her head slightly.
"Yes," Kanami said with a bright smile. "You will be my VIP guests for an exclusive gathering. Not only will it be an opportunity for you to introduce more of your products, but it will also give you the chance to mingle with the most esteemed members of the Montivelle court. You wouldn't deprive us of such an opportunity, would you?"
Aeka chuckled lightly, her demeanor composed as ever. "Of course not, Your Highness. It would be my pleasure to attend. However," she added, her voice softening, "I may not be coming alone."
Kanami's brow lifted in interest. "Oh? And who would accompany you, Lady Aeka?"
Aeka's eyes glinted with subtle amusement as she answered, "My elder brother, Lord Vergil Ragnaros, is currently in a city east of the capital. If it pleases Your Highness, I would like to extend the invitation to him as well."
The mention of Vergil's name caused Kanami's expression to shift. Her curiosity piqued, and her smile turned even brighter. "Lord Vergil Ragnaros? The renowned doctor from the Britalienne Empire?"
Aeka nodded gracefully. "The very same. He is visiting the region on business and has always been supportive of my endeavors. I am certain he would not decline an invitation from the Crown Princess herself."
Kanami's laughter rang through the grand hallway, a sound that was both charming and commanding. "This is splendid news! I would be delighted to meet your brother, Lady Aeka. He must be as remarkable as you, given your shared family ties. Please, ensure that he accompanies you to the palace tonight."
"Your wish is my command, Your Highness," Aeka replied, bowing slightly.
Freya and Elen exchanged brief glances, their expressions unreadable but silently acknowledging the shift in the situation. The Crown Princess's interest in Lord Vergil Ragnaros was clear, and the implications of such an invitation were not lost on them.
"Then it's settled," Kanami declared, her hands clasped in satisfaction. "Tonight will be a night to remember, Lady Aeka. I look forward to welcoming you, your companions, and, of course, Lord Vergil Ragnaros."
Aeka curtsied elegantly. "We will not disappoint, Your Highness."
As Aeka, Freya, and Elen left the palace grounds, the weight of the conversation lingered between them. The cobblestone streets leading to their temporary lodging were bustling with activity, but the trio remained focused, their pace brisk yet composed.
Freya was the first to speak, her wolf-like ears twitching as she cast a side glance at Aeka. "That was... unexpected. The Crown Princess seems quite eager to meet Lord Vergil."
Aeka smirked, her calm exterior betraying a hint of mischief. "Indeed. She seems to have taken a keen interest in our family. Perhaps she sees value in aligning herself with us—or perhaps she is merely curious."
Elen, who had been silent for most of the exchange, finally chimed in. "Do you think father will agree to attend?."
Aeka chuckled softly, the sound carrying a note of amusement. "He will attend. But knowing my brother, he will see the value in this opportunity to scout the palace and learn any potential entry or infiltration trick he might pull under his sleeve. He once said to me: if you not have opportunity available, made one."
Freya's tail swished thoughtfully behind her. "And what of the Crown Princess? She seems... unpredictable. Her plans for the kingdom are bold, but her methods are questionable."
Aeka's expression grew thoughtful. "Unpredictability can be both a strength and a weakness. For now, we'll play along with her game. The more we learn, the better prepared we'll be."
The sun dipped lower on the horizon as Aeka, Freya, and Elen returned to the rebel headquarters. Their determined strides caught the attention of the sentries, who quickly ushered them into the central war tent. Inside, a mix of anticipation and unease hung in the air as Lady Arisa and the rebellion's key leaders assembled, their conversations quieting as Aeka entered.
Without wasting a moment, Aeka moved to the strategy table, spreading out a meticulously drawn map of the Montivelle Palace. Freya and Elen flanked her, their expressions mirroring her focus.
"I've called you all here to share what we've learned," Aeka began, her voice steady and confident. "During our visit to the palace, we observed key points of interest and vulnerabilities. This map outlines the palace's layout, guard rotations, and areas of potential strategic importance."
The leaders leaned in, their eyes scanning the map as Aeka continued.
"The eastern wing houses the Crown Princess's chambers. It's well-guarded but not impenetrable. The western wing contains the royal family's private quarters, where the guard rotations are less consistent—likely due to the internal conflicts within the kingdom. The northern courtyards, while heavily fortified, are the primary stockpile for supplies. A sabotage effort there could disrupt their operations significantly."
A murmur of approval rippled through the group. Lady Arisa's sharp gaze studied the map. "This is impressive, Aeka. You've provided us with a wealth of information in a single visit."
Aeka nodded, her tone serious. "This is only the beginning. Tonight, I will be attending a banquet at the palace as a VIP guest. My brother, Lord Vergil Ragnaros, will accompany me."
The mention of Vergil drew a mix of reactions—curiosity, surprise, and even a hint of apprehension. Lady Lina raised an eyebrow. "Lord Vergil will attend? Why?"
Vergil stepped forward from the shadows, his presence commanding immediate attention. His sky-blue eyes swept over the room as he spoke, his voice calm and deliberate.
"Every situation has its opportunities, Lady Lina," he said. "Tonight's banquet is no exception. I intend to observe, assess, and... uncover the cracks in their defenses. Additionally, I'd like to meet Prince Rudy and Prince Ocelot in person. Aeka's descriptions of their weapons piqued my interest."
Lady Arisa crossed her arms, her expression thoughtful. "Weapons of that caliber could pose a serious threat. What do you know of them?"
Lady Lina chimed in, her tone cautious but informative. "Prince Ocelot wields a black sword forged from a rare steel refined using secret techniques from the Northarn Kingdom, located in the northern reaches of the Britalienne Empire. It's said that rune stones were integrated into the blade during its forging, imbuing it with devastating magical properties."
Vergil tilted his head slightly, a flicker of intrigue in his eyes. "Rune stones... that explains its reputation. And Prince Rudy?"
Lady Lina continued, "Prince Rudy is a master archer. His bow are crafted from the wood of an extremely rare magical tree. They're believed to be blessed by Elven priests, granting them unparalleled precision and adaptability to any target."
One of the commanders, Joran, rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "Blessed arrows that never miss... If true, those alone could tip the balance of power."
Freya, her wolf-like ears twitching, added, "It's not just their weapons we need to worry about. If they're as skilled as their reputations suggest, they'll be formidable opponents in any battle."
Vergil's lips curled into a faint smile. "Which is precisely why tonight is critical. Observing them in their element will provide insights no secondhand account ever could."
Freya looked at Vergil with a mix of curiosity and concern. "You're planning to exploit any opportunity or weakness, aren't you?"
Vergil chuckled softly, his voice tinged with amusement. "Of course. That's the art of strategy."
Aeka smirked, her gaze flicking to her brother. "You're enjoying this more than you're letting on, aren't you?"
Vergil's expression remained unreadable, though a faint glint in his eyes betrayed his excitement. "Let's just say I appreciate a challenge."
Lady Arisa stepped forward, her voice cutting through the room. "Then we'll prepare accordingly. Aeka, your reconnaissance has been invaluable, but tonight, be cautious. If they suspect your intentions, it could jeopardize everything."
Aeka bowed her head slightly. "Understood. We'll proceed with the utmost care."
Vergil placed a hand on the hilt of his sword, his demeanor calm but resolute. "Let's see what this banquet reveals. And more importantly... who."
Inside the dimly lit command tent, the tension was palpable. Vergil stood at the head of the table, his calm demeanor masking the weight of the operation they were about to undertake. Aeka, Freya, Lady Arisa, Lady Lina, and the rest of the rebellion's key figures surrounded him, their faces a mix of anticipation and determination.
Vergil's voice broke the silence, smooth yet commanding. "We'll proceed as planned. Strike after the banquet concludes. Aeka, Freya, and I will handle the Crown Princess and the twin princes. Our objective is simple: to capture them alive and neutralize their influence."
Lady Lina exchanged a glance with Lady Arisa, her lips curling into a sly smile. "That aligns perfectly with what we've been preparing."
Lady Arisa gestured toward the tent's entrance. "You may come in now."
The flap of the tent opened, and several women stepped inside. They wore elegant yet simple servant attire, the kind befitting palace staff. Their practiced movements and serene expressions made it clear they were well-trained for this infiltration.
Lady Arisa turned to the group. "These women are our hidden aces. They've been posing as palace servants for weeks, and tonight, they'll play a critical role in ensuring the success of this mission. Lina and I will join them as undercover staff."
Aeka's eyes gleamed with understanding. "A perfect way to blend in."
Lady Arisa's gaze flicked to Aeka. "Speaking of which, I heard you've already contributed something special to this plan?"
Aeka smirked, exchanging a quick glance with Elen. "Indeed. Before this meeting, Elen and I prepared a powerful sedative—strong enough to put even the most resilient Holy Knight into a deep sleep. It's already been infused into the wine that will be served at tonight's banquet."
Freya's ears twitched as she raised an eyebrow. "And if they don't drink the wine?"
Elen stepped forward, holding up a set of slender syringes filled with a faintly glowing liquid. "We've accounted for that as well. These syringes contain the same sedative. If any of the knights resist or refuse to drink, our infiltrators will ensure they're subdued discreetly."
Vergil chuckled softly, the corner of his mouth lifting into a faint smile. "Efficient. I expected nothing less."
As the discussion continued, the sound of soft footsteps entered the tent. A woman with a regal presence and sharp eyes, dressed in an elaborate yet practical gown, stepped forward. Princess Wu Mei, an ally of Lady Arisa, joined the circle with a respectful nod.
"Crown Princess Kanami has extended invitations to all nobles in the surrounding regions," Wu Mei said, her voice steady. "That includes Lady Arisa, who will be attending as my guest. With her proximity to the other nobles, she'll have ample opportunity to monitor and assist in the operation."
Lady Lina leaned back, arms crossed. "A risky move, but one with great potential. And what of the Holy Knights?"
Lady Arisa's smirk widened. "That's where things get interesting. With the sedative in the wine and the syringes as backup, we'll neutralize the Holy Knights without taking a single life. Once they're incapacitated, we'll ensure they're kept out of the battle entirely."
Aeka nodded approvingly. "A clean operation. No bloodshed, no loose ends."
Vergil, who had been quietly listening, stepped forward, his sharp eyes sweeping across the group. "Good. Then we proceed as planned. Tonight, we move with precision. Aeka, Freya, and I will attend the banquet as VIP guests, while the rest of you execute your roles behind the scenes. Remember—no unnecessary risks. We cannot afford mistakes."
The group murmured their agreement.
Freya turned to Vergil, her tone curious but cautious. "Are you certain about meeting the princes directly? They're dangerous, especially with their enchanted weapons."
Vergil's lips curled into a faint, enigmatic smile. "Danger is an opportunity in disguise, Freya. Observing them up close may reveal weaknesses we can exploit. Besides, I'm curious about that black sword of Prince Ocelot's."
Lady Lina interjected, her tone matter-of-fact. "It's no ordinary weapon. Forged in the Northarn Kingdom with rune stones imbued into the steel. Rumor has it that its strikes can break through magical defenses."
Lady Arisa added, "And Prince Rudy's enchanted arrows are no less formidable. Each one is blessed by Elven priests and crafted from a rare magical tree. They're said to find their mark no matter the target."
Vergil's expression remained unreadable, though a flicker of interest danced in his eyes. "Good. Then tonight, we'll see these weapons for ourselves."
Lady Lina's expression softened, her tone almost playful. "Just try not to provoke them too much, Vergil. We need them alive, remember?"
Vergil smirked. "I'll behave... mostly."
As the meeting concluded, Vergil turned to Aeka. "Let's prepare. If we're to blend in at the banquet, we'll need to dress the part."
The sound of horses' hooves echoed softly against the cobblestone road as the moon cast its silvery glow over the capital. Vergil adjusted the collar of his formal black suit, the fabric tailored to perfection. A long black cloak flowed behind him, lined with subtle silver embroidery. His usual combat-ready demeanor was concealed beneath an aura of composed nobility.
Beside him, Aeka sat with a mischievous smile on her lips, her dark gown accentuating her commanding presence. The subtle shine of her jewelry hinted at the craftsmanship of her Aeka Touch brand, blending elegance with practicality. Freya, seated across from them, adjusted her light formal attire—a simpler design that emphasized her Beastman heritage with wolf motifs subtly embroidered into the fabric.
"Do you always look this stiff in formal wear, Brother?" Aeka teased, breaking the silence.
Vergil's sky-blue eyes flicked toward her with a faint smirk. "I prefer my armor. But tonight, appearances matter."
Freya chuckled, her wolf-like ears twitching slightly. "I'd say you clean up well, Lord Ragnaros."
Vergil leaned back against the cushioned seat of the carriage, his gaze distant. "Don't let the formalities distract you. This isn't just a banquet—it's a battlefield of words and subtlety. Stay sharp."
As the carriage approached the eastern gate of the palace, the trio could see the faint glow of lanterns and hear the faint hum of activity from within the palace walls. The eastern gate, known for its lighter security, was manned by only a handful of guards.
Aeka reached into a satchel and pulled out a beautifully designed bottle of wine, the crimson liquid within glinting under the moonlight. Handing it to Vergil, she smirked. "This should ease their suspicions."
Vergil arched an eyebrow. "A gift?"
"Think of it as... hospitality," Aeka replied, her tone laced with mischief.
The carriage rolled to a stop in front of the gate. The guards approached, their expressions cautious but polite. One of them, a burly man with a neatly trimmed beard, stepped forward and peered into the carriage.
"State your business," he said firmly.
Aeka leaned forward, her smile radiant. "We're here as VIP guests for the banquet, invited personally by Crown Princess Kanami. And as a gesture of goodwill..." She held out the wine bottle. "A little something for you and your comrades to enjoy. Consider it a token of gratitude for your service."
The guard's eyes flicked to the bottle, his stance relaxing slightly. He glanced at his companions, then nodded. "Much appreciated, Lady...?"
"Aeka Ragnaros," she said smoothly, her tone exuding confidence.
Vergil watched silently as the guard accepted the bottle, bowing slightly. "Welcome, Lord and Lady Ragnaros. Please proceed."
As the gate creaked open, Vergil's sharp gaze swept over the guards. Their relaxed demeanor was a sign that Aeka's gesture had worked, but his instincts remained alert.
Once inside, Aeka leaned closer to Vergil and whispered, "They won't even realize what hit them. That wine will have them dreaming of paradise within the hour."
Freya smirked, her tail swishing slightly. "And that's one less obstacle to worry about."
While Vergil, Aeka, and Freya made their way toward the palace, the rest of the rebellion's forces were executing their roles in perfect synchronization, each moving like a cog in a well-oiled machine.
Lady Arisa, adorned in a simple maid's uniform, adjusted her bonnet as she led a small group of disguised operatives through the palace's service entrance. Among them was Mina, the eldest of Vergil's five adopted daughters, her usual sharp demeanor carefully masked behind the modest guise of a palace maid. Her long, blue hair was tied back in a neat braid, and her posture radiated the quiet confidence of someone used to high-stakes operations.
"Keep your heads low and speak only when spoken to," Lady Arisa whispered, her voice barely audible above the clatter of dishes and chatter of the palace's bustling kitchen. "We're invisible here—act like it."
Mina nodded slightly, her sharp blue eyes scanning the room as she carried a tray laden with wine glasses. "Understood. What's the next step?" she murmured.
Lady Arisa smirked. "The wine's already been laced with the sleeping draught. Once it's served, most of the Holy Knights and high-ranking nobles will be out cold within the hour. Our job is to make sure the right people drink it and to use the syringes for anyone suspicious who avoids the wine."
Mina's grip on the tray tightened slightly. "And if someone resists?"
"That's where your instincts come in," Arisa said, casting Mina a sidelong glance. "You've trained under Vergil—you'll know what to do. Just keep it quiet."
The group moved seamlessly through the bustling kitchen and into the banquet hall, blending in with the actual palace staff. The grand room was already filling with guests, their laughter and chatter echoing off the high ceilings adorned with golden chandeliers.
Mina's heart pounded as she moved among the crowd, her trained eyes noting every detail. She spotted the Holy Knights standing near the entrance, their imposing figures adorned in gleaming armor. They were relaxed for now, but their sharp eyes constantly scanned the room.
"Focus on the wine," Lady Arisa's voice came through a discreet communication device hidden in her ear. "Don't engage unless absolutely necessary. Our goal is to incapacitate them, not to start a fight."
Outside, Lira remained perched on her vantage point, her Cloaking Device active and her crossbow at the ready. Her sharp eyes scanned the palace grounds, watching for any signs of reinforcements or unexpected threats.
"Lira to base," she murmured into her communicator. "No movement from the outer perimeter. The palace is secure—for now."
"Keep it that way," Aria's voice replied from the forest.
Aria, standing amidst the dense trees, had completed her summoning ritual. The Lamias she had called forth slithered silently through the shadows, their serpentine forms coiled and ready to strike. Beside her, Elen and Sylvy watched the perimeter, their weapons gleaming under the faint moonlight.
"Remember," Aria said, her voice calm yet commanding, "we don't engage unless they call for help from outside. Our job is containment. If reinforcements arrive, we neutralize them."
Elen gripped her blade tightly. "Understood. But I doubt we'll get through this without a fight."
As Vergil, Aeka, and Freya disembarked from the carriage, the palace loomed before them in all its grandeur. Golden lights illuminated the marble façade, and the sound of music and laughter spilled out into the night.
Vergil adjusted his gloves, his expression unreadable. "Let's see what this banquet reveals."
Freya tilted her head slightly. "Do you think the Crown Princess suspects anything?"
Aeka chuckled softly. "Not in the slightest. She's too preoccupied with impressing the nobles. By the time she realizes what's happening, it'll be too late."
Vergil's eyes narrowed as he glanced toward the grand entrance. "Stay focused. The game begins now."
The grand hall of Montivelle Palace glittered with extravagance as nobles from all corners of the kingdom mingled under the glow of golden chandeliers. They brought their spouses, flaunting wealth and power as though war and rebellion were distant rumors. The hum of laughter and clinking glasses filled the air, but an undercurrent of tension ran beneath the polished façade.
As the grand doors opened, Crown Princess Kanami descended the staircase with regal grace, her sharp voice cutting through the chatter. "Ladies and gentlemen, let us celebrate tonight with the knowledge that the Montivelle Rebellion will soon be nothing more than a shadow of history. The Crown stands firm, and victory is within our grasp."
Polite applause echoed through the room as Kanami continued, a proud smile gracing her lips. "But tonight, we also honor our esteemed guest—Aeka Ragnaros, the brilliant merchant and owner of Aeka Touch. Her contributions to the kingdom's commerce are nothing short of extraordinary."
All eyes turned to Aeka, who stood poised beside her brother, Lord Vergil Ragnaros, and her companion, Freya. Aeka inclined her head politely, her calm demeanor concealing the sharp intellect at work behind her eyes.
Almost instantly, nobles flocked toward Aeka, bombarding her with questions about her products and trade routes. They were eager to curry favor with her, impressed by her growing reputation. Meanwhile, Vergil and Freya used the commotion to slip away, engaging other nobles in seemingly idle conversation while their trained eyes scanned the room for details and weak points.
The atmosphere shifted as a soldier entered the hall and struck a ceremonial gong, silencing the crowd. "His Majesty, King Montivelle, and Her Majesty, Queen Montivelle, have arrived."
Every guest, including Vergil, Aeka, and Freya, lowered their heads in respect as the King and Queen entered the room. The royal couple exuded an air of authority, their presence commanding instant attention.
The King, a tall man with graying hair and a stern gaze, raised his hand for silence. "Welcome, all of you, to this celebration. We are grateful for your loyalty and resilience during these turbulent times. Enjoy the evening, for brighter days are ahead."
The Queen added a few gracious words before signaling for the festivities to resume.
As the guests began to relax again, trays of wine were brought out by palace servants. Aeka subtly observed the servers and noticed a familiar face beneath one of the maid's bonnets—it was Lady Arisa, leading the team of undercover operatives. Beside her, Mina, Vergil's eldest adopted daughter, moved with quiet confidence, carrying a tray of wine glasses laced with a potent sleeping draught.
Vergil and Freya exchanged a brief glance and declined the offered wine, citing "health concerns," while Aeka refused on the pretense that she never drank alcohol. The three of them remained poised, ensuring they did not draw suspicion.
Vergil's sharp eyes flicked toward the disguised servants, confirming their identities. With a subtle shift in posture, he signaled to Lira, who was stationed outside the palace with her Cloaking Device engaged. "The wine is in play," the signal meant.
High above the palace, Lira received the signal. She relayed it instantly to the waiting rebel forces through her communicator. "The operation begins. The wine has been served. Proceed to the eastern gate."
At the eastern gate, Elen, positioned as overwatch, saw the guards slumped against the walls, fast asleep thanks to the earlier drugged wine. She raised her hand in a silent signal, allowing the rebellion's forces to advance.
The rebels moved quickly and quietly, their steps muffled by the cobblestone streets. They slipped through the open eastern gate, their path cleared by the precision of Aeka's planning and the efficiency of the sleeper agents.
Back in the hall, Vergil and Freya kept watch as the first signs of the drugged wine began to take effect. Nobles and Holy Knights alike began to sway on their feet, their conversations slurring as the potent sleeping draught worked its way through their systems.
"Stay alert," Vergil murmured to Freya. "The wine is strong, but not everyone will partake. Keep an eye on anyone who remains unaffected."
Freya nodded, her sharp gaze scanning the room for potential threats. Aeka, meanwhile, continued engaging the nobles with her usual charm, her calm exterior hiding the satisfaction of seeing the plan unfold flawlessly.
In the shadows, Lady Arisa and Mina moved with practiced precision, ensuring that every critical target received their "special" glass of wine include King and Queen Montivelle, Crown Princess Kanami and Twin Prince also get the wine. The rebellion's success depended on rendering the strongest opposition helpless without spilling a single drop of blood.
As the guests in the grand hall succumbed to the effects of the drugged wine, their once boisterous conversations dwindled into silence, interrupted only by the occasional thud of someone collapsing into a chair or onto the polished floor. Vergil stepped forward, his dark aura commanding attention even in the eerie quiet.
He reached into his cloak and pulled out three ornate masks, each bearing a haunting skull motif. Handing them to Freya, Aeka, and Mina, he said with a smirk, "It's time to play our final act. Wear these."
The three women slid the masks over their faces, their identities obscured as they stepped into their roles as shadows of rebellion. Around them, Lady Arisa and her operatives moved with practiced efficiency, binding the unconscious nobles and their guards with enchanted ropes to ensure they would remain incapacitated.
Vergil raised his hand, summoning Sylvy and Aria, who had been lying in wait in the forest behind the palace. The minimal palace guard presence—courtesy of the drugged wine—allowed the two women to waltz into the palace unhindered. They joined Lady Arisa's team, assisting in restraining the remaining nobles and securing the hall for the rebel forces.
Meanwhile, the rebel forces, led by Lady Lina and Commander Alaric, entered the palace with precision and speed. The lack of resistance allowed them to overrun the structure effortlessly, capturing every remaining guard and noble who hadn't been in the grand hall.
Lady Lina and Commander Alaric approached Vergil, who stood at the center of the hall, overseeing the operation. "The carriages are ready," Lina reported. "We've prepared one specifically for the Crown Princess and the twin princes."
Vergil nodded, his piercing gaze scanning the now-silent hall. "Good. The task here is complete."
Commander Alaric stepped forward and saluted Vergil. "The Britalienne Empire's forces will withdraw immediately. The rest is up to Lady Arisa and her rebels."
Vergil's voice was calm but final. "Wise. This is Montivelle's internal matter now. Ensure that the empire maintains its position as an ally, not an invader."
As the rebellion secured its hold on the palace, Vergil and his group prepared to leave. The unconscious Crown Princess Kanami, Prince Ocelot, and Prince Rudy were carefully loaded into the waiting carriages. Vergil, flanked by his five adopted daughters, Aeka, and Freya, climbed into his carriage, ensuring their prizes were safely stowed.
The group moved swiftly through the night, leaving Montivelle behind under the cover of darkness. The stars above bore silent witness to their retreat, the rebellion's victory cemented in the silence of the conquered palace.
By dawn, the carriages reached Bristol, a small, quiet village nestled within the borders of the Britalienne Empire. The morning light revealed a weary but victorious group. Vergil stepped out of the carriage, his composure unshaken despite the night's events.
Turning to Aeka and Freya, he said, "Our work here is done. The shadows have fulfilled their purpose."