The grand halls of the Drakemont estate were alive with music and laughter as guests mingled, their faces illuminated by the flicker of chandeliers overhead. Members of the Drakemont family, adorned in their finest attire, relished the splendor of the evening. The centerpiece of the event, however, was not the lavish feast or the music—it was Aeka Touch, the renowned brand that had captivated noble society.
Vergil, ever watchful, stood near one of the hall's ornate pillars, his icy blue eyes scanning the room. Freya was nearby, blending effortlessly into the crowd, her wolf-like ears hidden beneath a stylish hooded cloak. They were there not just to accompany Aeka but to ensure the evening played out exactly as planned.
Aeka, radiant in her elegant black and silver gown, gracefully addressed the gathered nobility. In her hand was the much-anticipated Youth Revival Essence, its shimmering bottle catching the light.
"Tonight, I present to you the pinnacle of Aeka Touch's innovation—a product that not only restores youth but enhances the natural beauty of every woman."
At her signal, a servant brought forward a middle-aged noblewoman. Aeka carefully applied the product to the woman's face and neck. The effect was immediate. Fine lines vanished, and her skin took on a youthful glow, drawing gasps and murmurs of admiration from the audience.
Lady Eleanor Drakemont, seated at the head of the table with her husband Ulrich, clapped enthusiastically. "Aeka, your products truly live up to their reputation. This is remarkable!"
Ulrich, grinning broadly, leaned toward Vergil. "Your sister is a marvel, Lord Avalorne. We're honored she chose to introduce such a masterpiece at our gathering."
Vergil maintained his composed smile, his voice measured. "Aeka is always looking for opportunities to collaborate with those who value quality and refinement, Lord Drakemont. I'm certain this will be the beginning of a fruitful relationship."
Freya, feigning interest in the festivities, used her heightened senses to monitor the movements of the servants and guards. At one point, she noticed a subtle signal exchanged between a guard and Cedric. Freya's sharp instincts told her it was no ordinary interaction.
She discreetly approached Vergil and whispered, "Cedric's up to something. He's giving orders to the guards—probably related to their... extracurricular activities."
Vergil nodded slightly, his gaze never leaving Ulrich. "Noted. Stay close to Aeka. We need to keep appearances perfect for now."
As the grand Drakemont feast came to a close, the estate was left echoing with the remnants of music and laughter. Aeka, Vergil, and Freya made their way to the carriage, escorted by Lord Ulrich and Lady Eleanor Drakemont.
Before bidding them farewell, Eleanor made one last attempt to secure Aeka Touch's presence in Drakemont territory.
"Lady Aeka," Eleanor said with a practiced smile, "I trust tonight's reception has shown how highly we regard your craft. The Drakemont name would be honored to have you establish your presence here. Our terms remain generous and unmatched in the region."
Aeka, ever poised, returned the smile. "Your hospitality has been exceptional, Lady Eleanor, and your offer is indeed compelling. However, I must weigh all my options carefully. The Ravencourts have also presented a very enticing proposal. Their terms are... quite competitive."
Ulrich's confident demeanor faltered for a brief moment, and Eleanor sighed softly. "We understand, Lady Aeka. We hope you will choose wisely. Drakemont has always been a land of prosperity and opportunity."
With that, farewells were exchanged, and the carriage began its journey back to Silvermere.
The cool night air was crisp and carried the distant chirps of crickets as the carriage moved steadily along the forested road toward Silvermere. Inside, Vergil sat across from Aeka and Freya, his eyes sharp and alert as he scanned the darkness beyond the window.
Freya, leaning slightly to peer outside, kept her wolf-like senses attuned to any unusual sounds. "This road's too quiet," she murmured, her voice low. "I don't like it."
Aeka, unbothered, adjusted her cloak. "If they were planning anything, they wouldn't risk it so soon after the feast. It would draw too much attention."
Vergil nodded but kept his hand near the hilt of his dagger. "Perhaps. But complacency isn't in our nature. Stay vigilant."
The tension in the carriage was palpable, though unspoken. Every rustle of leaves and distant howl of a wolf made Freya's ears twitch, and Vergil's piercing gaze remained focused on the shadows outside.
Fortunately, the journey proved uneventful. The carriage rolled into Silvermere without incident, the lights of the town welcoming them like a sanctuary after a long day.
Back at the inn, the three gathered in Vergil's room to debrief. Aeka sipped tea while Vergil laid out the information they had gathered during the feast.
"The Drakemonts are desperate to secure Aeka Touch," Vergil began, his tone measured. "Their attempt to outmaneuver the Ravencourts reveals just how much they need this partnership to stabilize their image."
Freya leaned back in her chair, arms crossed. "And the Ravencourts? Do we trust them? Seraphine seems genuine, but there's still a lot we don't know."
Aeka set her teacup down gently. "Lady Seraphine's offer is strategic, no doubt. But we've seen the ugliness within the Drakemonts firsthand. Their desperation will make them dangerous."
Vergil nodded, his expression dark. "Ulrich and Eleanor won't let this go easily. They'll scheme to eliminate competition—or anyone they perceive as a threat. Our next steps need to be decisive."
Freya smirked, her predatory instincts surfacing. "Then let's make sure they don't get the chance."
The next gala is Ravencourt Annual gala. The Ravencourt estate was alive with splendor as their annual feast brought nobles from near and far. The grand halls, adorned with deep crimson and gold banners, reflected the prestige of the family. The evening's highlight was none other than Aeka Touch, and Lady Seraphine Ravencourt had ensured that Aeka's latest creation, Youth Revival Essence, would be the centerpiece of the event.
In a beautifully arranged sitting room reserved for the ladies of the Ravencourt family, Aeka personally demonstrated her product. Under the watchful eyes of intrigued noblewomen, she applied the serum to a volunteer's hands.
As the serum took effect, gasps of astonishment filled the room. "It's miraculous!" one of the ladies exclaimed, running her fingers over her now smooth and youthful skin. Even Lady Seraphine Ravencourt leaned in, visibly impressed by the results.
"Lady Aeka," Seraphine said, her tone gracious, "you have brought a touch of magic into our lives. Your work is truly unparalleled."
Aeka bowed slightly, her tone humble yet professional. "It is an honor to share my creations with such esteemed company."
Meanwhile, Vergil stood alongside Lady Seraphine's husband, keeping an eye on the crowd while maintaining their discreet conversation. The man, an intelligent and observant individual, seemed wary of the Drakemonts.
"Lord Vergil," he began, his voice low, "the Drakemonts have always played their games in the shadows. There's a rumor that the bandits plaguing the borderlands are not merely opportunists—they're being sheltered within Drakemont territory."
Vergil arched an eyebrow, his curiosity piqued. "Sheltered, you say? That implies they're more than a nuisance. What's the purpose of such an arrangement?"
The man exhaled heavily, shaking his head. "I cannot confirm it. The story comes from frightened peasants and traders. But if it's true, Ulrich Drakemont might be using them for more than just raids—perhaps intimidation or even worse."
Vergil's eyes narrowed as he considered the implications. "If this rumor holds any weight, it may expose the Drakemonts' corruption. Still, I will need something tangible."
The man nodded. "Tread carefully, Lord Vergil. Ulrich doesn't leave loose ends."
As the feast concluded, Aeka was praised not only for her product but also for her poised demeanor. Many noblewomen lingered to speak with her, hoping to secure exclusive rights to her creations. Lady Seraphine herself walked Aeka to the carriage, expressing gratitude for her presence.
The journey back to Silvermere was quiet but tense. The moonlight bathed the road in silver, and the horses' hooves echoed in the still night. Inside the carriage, Aeka leaned back, exhausted but satisfied with the evening's success.
Freya, however, remained alert, her keen eyes scanning the shadows. "Two safe trips in a row," she muttered. "Feels like the calm before the storm."
Vergil agreed, his expression grim. "If what Seraphine's husband said is true, we might not have much time before the Drakemonts retaliate. We need to confirm this rumor—and use it to our advantage."
Aeka, unfazed, smirked. "Let them scheme. We'll stay ahead."
As the carriage approached the warm glow of Silvermere's lights, the trio prepared themselves for the next phase of their plan, knowing the coming days would demand both cunning and resolve.\
Before the first light of dawn touched the skies, Vergil and Freya set out from Silvermere, their forms melting into the dense canopy of the forest surrounding the Drakemont estate. Moving swiftly and silently among the trees, they kept themselves hidden from any prying eyes. The forest, still veiled in darkness, held an ominous stillness that seemed to echo the secrets buried within.
As they navigated the forest, Vergil gestured for Freya to halt. Not far ahead, the faint murmurs of voices broke the silence. Using the natural cover of the trees, they crept closer and observed Ulrich Drakemont and his guards speaking with a ragged, hooded man.
Ulrich's voice was sharp and filled with anger. "This is unacceptable!" he barked. "The 'souvenirs' from the last raid were subpar. You promised me quality! If you can't deliver, I'll find someone who can."
The hooded man stammered, clearly intimidated. "My lord, the villagers resist more than expected. Many of the young ones fled before we could… retrieve them."
Vergil's and Freya's gazes met. Without exchanging words, they understood the weight of what they were witnessing. Vergil's expression darkened, but he gestured for Freya to stay calm. They watched as Ulrich dismissed the man with a wave of his hand before heading deeper into the forest with his guards.
Vergil and Freya silently pursued their target, staying out of sight as they tracked Ulrich's movements. Using his keen senses, Vergil found an ideal spot for an ambush. He gestured to Freya, who nodded and began magically crafting bow and arrows tipped with materials capable of negating magical protections—just in case Ulrich or his guards had any enchantments.
When the moment was right, Vergil released the first arrow, striking Ulrich through the throat with surgical precision. The man barely had time to gasp before collapsing to the forest floor. Freya followed swiftly, loosing an arrow that felled one of Ulrich's guards. Before the others could react, they too fell in quick succession, their lives snuffed out by the silent assassins.
The aftermath was eerily quiet.
Vergil quickly stripped Ulrich and his guards of their clothing, money, and identifiable possessions. "We'll make it look like the bandits turned on him," Vergil murmured to Freya, who nodded in agreement.
Following the trail left by the hooded man, the duo moved swiftly through the forest. The path led them to a hidden bandit encampment, nestled in a secluded glade. Vergil and Freya stayed low, observing the camp for activity. The bandits were too engrossed in their revelry to notice the two figures slipping into their midst like shadows.
Vergil found a strategic spot near the campfire and carefully placed Ulrich's bloodied clothing and valuables. He added subtle traces of blood to the area, crafting the scene to suggest a violent betrayal. With their task complete, they retreated silently, leaving the camp to wake to chaos.
By the time the first rays of sunlight began piercing through the forest canopy, Vergil and Freya had made their way back to Silvermere. Their expressions were unreadable, their steps light but purposeful. As they entered the inn, Aeka was waiting for them with a cup of tea in hand.
"All went as planned?" she asked, her tone calm but curious.
Vergil smirked faintly. "Ulrich has met his end, and the blame will fall squarely on the bandits. Soon, their entire operation will unravel."
Freya added, "The forest is quiet again, but we're not done. The Drakemonts still have one head left to cut."
Aeka nodded, her gaze steady. "One step at a time. We'll move when the opportunity arises."
By midday, Lady Eleanor Drakemont's unease had grown into a storm of anxiety. Her husband, Ulrich, was expected to return by now, as he always did after his dealings with the bandits. When no word came, and no sign of him appeared, her instincts warned her that something had gone terribly wrong.
Without hesitation, she assembled a full contingent of Drakemont soldiers and set out for the forest. The tension in the air was palpable as the heavily armed group marched toward the suspected location of Ulrich's last meeting with the bandits.
Upon arriving at the site, Lady Eleanor dismounted her horse, her heart sinking at the sight before her. Lying lifeless on the forest floor were Ulrich and his guards, stripped of their clothing and belongings. Blood had dried into the dirt around them, and the once-commanding Lord of Drakemont now lay cold and unrecognizable as the powerful figure he had been.
"No! Ulrich!" Lady Eleanor's voice cracked as she fell to her knees beside his body, her hands trembling as she touched his bloodied face. Grief turned quickly to fury as the realization of betrayal took root.
"This... this was the work of those vile bandits!" she hissed through clenched teeth, her eyes blazing with rage. "They dare betray us after all we've done for them? They will pay for this treachery with their lives!"
She rose to her feet, her commanding presence imposing even in her grief. "Prepare the men. We march to their camp now!"
The Drakemont forces stormed the bandit encampment with precision and force. The bandits, caught off guard, scrambled to defend themselves as Lady Eleanor and her troops descended upon them.
The leader of the bandits stepped forward, hands raised, attempting to plead his case. "My lady, this is a misunderstanding! We had no hand in Lord Ulrich's death—"
"Lies!" Lady Eleanor snapped, her voice cutting through the chaos like a blade. "You dare deny it when my husband's belongings were found in your camp?"
Her soldiers searched the camp thoroughly, and soon enough, the damning evidence was uncovered—Ulrich's clothing, money, and personal effects, all hidden among the bandits' hoarded spoils. The sight of the items confirmed Lady Eleanor's suspicions, her grief giving way to cold, calculated wrath.
"You killed my husband," she said, her voice low but dripping with venom. "And now, you'll join him."
With a wave of her hand, Lady Eleanor gave the order.
"Kill them all. Leave none alive."
Her soldiers surged forward, blades and arrows tearing through the bandits. Cries of panic and pain filled the air as the Drakemont forces unleashed their fury. The leader of the bandits fell first, his pleas for mercy silenced by a sword through his chest. One by one, the remaining bandits were cut down, their camp turning into a slaughterhouse.
When the carnage ended, not a single bandit remained breathing. Lady Eleanor stood amidst the blood-soaked ground, her expression cold and unyielding.
"Burn this place to the ground," she ordered. "Let it serve as a warning to anyone who dares to cross House Drakemont."
As the flames consumed the bandit camp, far from the scene, Vergil and Freya observed the smoke rising in the distance from the safety of their vantage point. Freya glanced at Vergil, her voice a mix of awe and caution.
"You planned this perfectly. They'll never suspect a thing."
Vergil smirked, his eyes fixed on the horizon. "Let them drown in their own chaos. The more they unravel, the easier it will be to finish what we started."
Freya nodded, her respect for her mentor growing with each calculated move he made. Together, they turned and began their journey back to Silvermere, leaving the Drakemont family to contend with their self-inflicted downfall.
Back in Silvermere, Vergil sat at a dimly lit desk in their inn room, the map of the Drakemont estate and surrounding areas spread out before him. With a calm but calculated gesture, he marked Ulrich's photo with a bold X, signifying the completion of their first target. Beside it, the image of Lord Cedric Drakemont awaited the same fate.
Lord Cedric, known as the commander of the Drakemont guards, was a far more elusive target. His movements were secretive, and the estate's guards—his own men—made gathering intelligence about him particularly challenging.
"Cedric is a thorn," Vergil muttered, his gaze dark. "If we don't locate him soon, he might strengthen Drakemont's hold and retaliate for Ulrich's death."
Freya, standing nearby, tapped the map thoughtfully. "We might not have to search for him. While scouting the Drakemont estate earlier, I found a secret route leading directly to Ravencourt territory. It bypasses Silvermere entirely."
Vergil raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "And why would Cedric use it?"
"Think about it," Freya replied, pointing to the route on the map. "With Ulrich gone, Cedric might assume leadership of the house. If the Drakemont family wants to weaken Ravencourt or strike at Lady Seraphine, this path would be their best option for a surprise attack. It's guarded, so it's important to them."
Vergil leaned back, his fingers steepled as he considered the implications.
"If Cedric takes command, he'll focus on consolidating their forces before making a move. But Ravencourt's annual gathering has left them vulnerable, and Lady Seraphine is still our priority. If we anticipate Cedric's attack, we can be ready to counter."
Freya nodded in agreement. "Exactly. If Cedric makes his move, he'll likely commit most of the Drakemont forces. Ravencourt will be focused on defending Lady Seraphine and her husband."
Vergil smirked, his eyes gleaming with purpose. "Then we let them bleed each other dry. Meanwhile, we carry on with our plan for Ravencourt. Timing will be everything."
Freya, always methodical, laid out her observations. "We need to maintain our cover. While Ravencourt's defenses are occupied with Drakemont, we'll set the stage for Lady Seraphine and her husband's 'disappearance.' I've already scouted safehouses in the capital where they can resettle."
Vergil gave a satisfied nod. "Good. Meanwhile, I'll ensure our tools are ready for Cedric. If he shows himself, we strike swiftly and decisively. But until then, we wait and let them make their move."
Freya smirked, the excitement of the hunt evident in her eyes. "Patience is a virtue, but striking at the right moment is an art."
Vergil chuckled softly. "And we are masters of both."
With their plan solidified, the pair prepared for the coming days, knowing that the tides of chaos they'd unleashed would soon bring their next target within reach.
Vergil watched the falcon soar into the sky, carrying his report to Empress Eliza II. The weight of the message was significant; the success of their first target and the elimination of the bandits were crucial milestones. Vergil knew that Empress Eliza's response would dictate their next moves and solidify the plan for Lady Seraphine Ravencourt's safe extraction.
The falcon returned with a sealed message from Empress Eliza II. Vergil removed the letter, broke the seal, and read its contents aloud for Aeka and Freya:
To Vergil Ragnaros,
As per your report, I am pleased to hear of your success in eliminating Ulrich Drakemont and his bandit collaborators. Your progress is commendable.
I will ensure the necessary documents for Lady Seraphine Ravencourt and her husband's new identities are prepared. Their new positions at Châteauclair have been secured, where they will serve under the guise of a noble family from a distant region. Proceed with caution, and prepare the groundwork for their departure from Ravencourt.
Additionally, I have authorized the establishment of a garrison for Avalorne's security, stationed at the royal outpost near your estate. Lucia will command this garrison and report directly to you.
Regarding any captives you acquire during your operations, their fate is entirely at your discretion.
-Empress Eliza II
Vergil folded the letter carefully and set it on the table. Aeka tapped her chin thoughtfully.
"It seems Empress Eliza is fully invested in our success," she said, glancing at the falcon. "With Lucia overseeing the garrison, Avalorne will be secure. That's one less worry for us."
Freya, leaning against the window, smirked. "And for the captives? I doubt there will be many left once we're done."
Vergil nodded, his tone measured. "Our priority remains ensuring Lady Seraphine's safe extraction. Once we deal with Lord Cedric and secure Ravencourt, we'll deliver her to Châteauclair. After that, we can focus on finalizing Avalorne's defenses and dealing with the remaining Drakemonts."
"What about the garrison's arrival?" Aeka asked.
"Lucia knows her role," Vergil replied confidently. "She'll handle things without disrupting the operations here. For now, we continue as planned."
Few day passing by, Vergil with Aeka and Freya extremely causation on secret way and notice Lord Cedric and all his soldier movement. The tension was palpable as Vergil, Freya, and Aeka observed Lord Cedric Drakemont's forces encircle the Ravencourt estate. The sight of his formidable army, bolstered by mercenaries, left no doubt that he intended to crush the Ravencourts entirely. However, Vergil had anticipated this move, and their preparations were already in place.
The night was eerily quiet as Vergil and Freya moved like specters through the dense forest surrounding the Ravencourt mansion. The flames of nearby torches flickered in the distance, marking the encampment of Lord Cedric Drakemont's forces. The enemy's siege had cut off all conventional escape routes, but Vergil had no intention of leaving any evidence that Lady Seraphine Ravencourt and her husband had survived.
Vergil scanned the perimeter of the mansion, his sharp eyes catching every movement. The Drakemont soldiers were stationed around the estate in predictable patterns—wide gaps in their patrol routes allowed for precise infiltration. He gestured silently to Freya, who nodded, her wolf-like agility coming into play as they scaled the mansion's outer wall.
Inside, the Ravencourt estate was dark and ominously silent. The air was thick with tension, as if the house itself held its breath. Vergil's black cloak blended perfectly with the shadows, while Freya's wolf-like ears twitched, alert to every sound. They moved with practiced precision, their steps muffled against the cold stone floors.
Vergil led the way to a concealed door hidden behind a tapestry in the main hall—a secret passage he had memorized from intel gathered earlier. He placed his hand on a subtle indentation, and the hidden door creaked open to reveal a narrow, spiraling staircase.
Descending into the hidden chamber, they found Lady Seraphine Ravencourt and her husband waiting in anxious silence. Lady Seraphine's face was pale, her red-gold hair disheveled, but her eyes burned with resolve. Her husband, though clearly unnerved, stood protectively beside her.
Vergil bowed slightly, his voice low but firm. "Lady Seraphine, is me Vergil Ragnaros, sent by Empress Eliza II. We are here to ensure your survival and to eliminate Cedric Drakemont. Follow our plan, and you'll escape this siege unharmed."
Lady Seraphine's expression softened with relief. "Thank the heavens. We feared the Empress had abandoned us."
Vergil's gaze was steely. "The crown does not forget its loyal subjects. Now, we must act quickly."
He knelt beside a bundle Freya had been carrying and revealed two lifelike decoy bodies. They bore striking resemblances to Lady Seraphine and her husband, crafted from enchanted wax and enhanced with subtle illusions. The decoys were complete with scorched clothing to simulate the effects of a fire.
"When the enemy believes you've perished," Vergil explained, "they'll lose interest in pursuing your family. You must play your part convincingly."
Lady Seraphine nodded, determination replacing her fear. "What must I do?"
Vergil guided Lady Seraphine to a window overlooking the encamped Drakemont forces. He gestured for her to speak loudly and with emotion.
With a deep breath, Lady Seraphine shouted into the night, her voice trembling with carefully feigned desperation:
"You monsters! You will never have us! We would rather burn together in this mansion than bow to the likes of Cedric Drakemont! May the heavens curse you for eternity!"
Her words echoed through the night, drawing the attention of the Drakemont soldiers below. As soon as she finished, she slammed the window shut with a dramatic flourish.
Freya moved swiftly, placing the decoy bodies in the center of the hidden chamber and igniting the room with a carefully controlled fire spell. Flames licked at the edges of the wax figures, blackening their surfaces and creating the illusion of charred remains.
Vergil took one last glance to ensure the scene was perfect. The fire's glow flickered ominously through the mansion's windows, casting dancing shadows outside.
Aeka crouched behind the dense foliage atop the secret hill overlooking the battlefield, her magical cannon humming with latent energy. The Ravencourt mansion's fiery glow illuminated the night, signaling that Vergil and Freya had successfully executed their part of the plan. Now, it was Aeka's turn.
She created and adjusted the magical cannon's targeting mechanism with precision, her blue eyes locked on the chaos below. Lord Cedric Drakemont, clad in ornate silvr armor, was at the forefront of the Drakemont forces. His commanding presence rallied his soldiers, but his overconfidence would be his undoing.
The magical cannon, a masterpiece of Aeka's arcane skill, was designed for devastating precision. Aeka whispered an incantation under her breath, her hands steady despite the adrenaline coursing through her veins.
"Time to end this."
As Cedric barked orders, rallying his men for an all-out assault on the burning mansion, a distant, otherworldly rumble echoed across the battlefield. He paused, his hand tightening on the reins of his warhorse. The sound grew louder, unnatural and foreboding, drawing the attention of the soldiers around him.
Before anyone could react, a blinding flash illuminated the sky. A deafening explosion followed, shaking the ground beneath their feet. The magical projectile struck with unerring accuracy, detonating at Cedric's position.
The impact was cataclysmic. A surge of raw magical energy engulfed Cedric and his mount, obliterating them in an instant. The once-formidable leader was reduced to nothing but scattered remains, his ornate armor blown apart like fragile glass.
The surrounding soldiers froze in terror, their morale shattered by the horrifying spectacle. Murmurs of disbelief rippled through their ranks as they stared at the smoldering crater where their leader once stood.
"What... what kind of sorcery is this?!" one soldier stammered, his voice trembling.
Without Cedric's leadership, the Drakemont forces faltered. Panic spread like wildfire, and within moments, the entire army began retreating, fleeing the battlefield in disarray.
Aeka smirked, satisfaction flickering across her face as she dismantled the magical cannon with practiced efficiency. In mere moments, the weapon was reduced to an unassuming pile of metal scraps, indistinguishable from ordinary junk. She packed the remnants into her carriage and mounted her horse, blending seamlessly into the shadows as she retreated to the designated rendezvous point.
Meanwhile, Vergil and Freya escorted Lady Seraphine Ravencourt and her husband through the hidden path leading away from the battlefield. The retreating Ravencourt forces provided cover, their disciplined withdrawal ensuring no pursuit from the scattered Drakemont soldiers.
The journey to Châteauclair was tense but uneventful. Lady Seraphine, though shaken, maintained her composure, her husband offering quiet reassurances. Freya kept a vigilant watch, her wolf-like senses alert to any threats. Vergil led the way, his mind already strategizing their next moves.
Before dawn, the group reached the gates of Châteauclair. Empress Eliza II's personal guards awaited them, having been alerted by the falcon Vergil had sent earlier. The Empress herself had ensured that the city was prepared to receive the Ravencourt family as honored guests.
Lady Seraphine and her husband were whisked away to safety within the palace, where new identities awaited them. As the first rays of sunlight bathed the capital in golden light, Vergil, Freya, and Aeka regrouped in the shadows, their mission a resounding success.
The Drakemont family start crumbling, their powerbase eroding with every calculated strike. The Brotherhood of Shadows had made their mark, and the enemies of the crown would not stand for long.
Vergil and Freya stood before Empress Eliza II in the grand council chamber, the room dimly lit by the morning sun streaming through stained glass windows. The regal presence of the Empress was unwavering as she listened intently to their debrief. Vergil reported the successful elimination of Ulrich and Cedric Drakemont, describing Cedric's demise in vivid detail, while Freya provided additional insights into the aftermath.
Aeka, standing slightly to the side, presented her own report. She confirmed Cedric's complete destruction on the battlefield, adding, "His forces have been thoroughly demoralized. They scattered, and their chain of command is broken beyond repair."
Empress Eliza nodded, her expression one of measured satisfaction. "With Cedric and Ulrich gone, the Drakemont family is hanging by a thread. All that remains is Lady Eleanor Drakemont. However, her isolation makes her all the more dangerous. We must ensure her end is decisive."
Vergil stepped forward, his eyes glinting with cold determination. "Your Majesty, I propose a final strike against the Drakemont estate. We attack from within, taking advantage of Lady Eleanor's desperation. The plan involves eliminating not just Lady Eleanor but also the network of her 'clients'—those who have supported and enabled the family's atrocities."
Freya interjected, her voice thoughtful. "With Lady Eleanor isolated and the Drakemont family's influence waning, their allies will likely gather at the mansion to secure their interests. This presents a rare opportunity to cut off all loose ends in one strike."
Aeka nodded in agreement. "I can ensure the infiltration is seamless. With surprise attack on right moment and timing, we'll disable their guards before they even realize what's happening."
Freya tilted her head, a hint of curiosity in her voice. "And what of the former Ravencourt lands? Will Romero and Julietta be installed as rulers as planned?"
Empress Eliza retrieved a sealed scroll from her desk and handed it to Vergil. "Here is the decree. Romero and Julietta will assume control over the Ravencourt lands under a new family name of their choosing. They will govern independently but remain loyal to the crown."
The Empress's gaze hardened as she continued. "Lady Eleanor's death must send a clear message: no one is untouchable, no matter their lineage or status. I leave the details to you, Vergil. You have one month to prepare and execute this mission."
Vergil bowed deeply, a faint smirk playing on his lips. "It will be done, Your Majesty. The Drakemont legacy will be erased."