Moonlight shone through the clouds, the cold breeze wafting all throughout as the leaves and petals joined hands, rustling and dancing in the wind, a beautiful and fragrant symphony spreading all throughout the night.
The owls hooted, the lizards slithered across the walls, the nocturnal insects moved all over the garden, and the fishes jumped out of the water, ripples forming all across the pond as the gentle starlight scattered all throughout its surface.
What a beautiful and endearing night it was, a sweet melody ringing from the city as the final bells rang and the orchestra of lights started popping off left and right, homes lighting up and blacking out as people headed towards dreamland.
"Sorry for the sudden summon, Your Highnesses. His Majesty does not mean any ill will about this. I hope you understand." ［Douglas］
"No you don't need to apologize. We weren't sleeping anyways. Rather, we were actually waiting for your answer." ［Grey］
"Hahaha. So you already knew how it would turn out from the very beginning, huh... We really are not a match for you." ［Douglas］
"Well, for matters like these it's better to handle it as quickly as we can. The sooner we clean this mess up, the better. Don't you think so too, Sir Douglas?" ［Grey］
"... Absolutely, Your Highness. You are absolutely right." ［Douglas］
Their words were calm like the passing winds, and so were the coldness of their eyes. Deep inside, there were swirls of negative emotions ready to explode, deep resentment rooting in towards the trash who still call themselves humans.
They continued to walk down the cold corridors, their steps resonating throughout the halls and their hearts burning with determination, raging stronger and stronger by the second, powerful enough to swallow up the waxing moon.
It didn't take long before they arrived at the meeting room, not a single noise to be heard. They soon took their steps inside, however, unlike before, there were no formal announcements, everyone simply greeting them with curious gazes.
"So they were the ones who brought the evidence..."
"They look younger than I imagined... How absurd..."
"To think Alfrione has these two... What a frightening combination..."
Whispers and murmurs spread throughout the meeting room like wildfire, everyone talking about Grey and Yuna, observing them closely and giving their initial remarks, some eyes filled with doubt, some with intrigue, and some with confusion.
It was no wonder that not a single sound could be heard outside. It seems like there is also a barrier erected throughout the meeting room to allow sounds from entering, but prevent them from escaping. It was fascinating.
But perhaps what's even more fascinating was the line-up of people inside the room. There weren't just Humans, but Elves, Therianthropes, and even a Saureid present. It was completely different from the cabinet of nobility Grey and Yuna had seen before.
And amongst the people present, three figures stood out the most. One of them was a woman whose red hair and red eyes glimmered like flames. The other was another woman who had small, fluffy ears and a similarly long and fluffy ear. Lastly, there was a gentleman wearing a silver monocle. They all seemed to be in their early twenties...
⟨⟨Appraisal⟩⟩ ［Grey］
-----------------------------------
[Salferine]
[Name]Cynthia til Shaleburg
[Race]Human
[Sex]Female
[Age]54
[Status]Healthy
[Mana Capacity]3,229 [Mana Quality]A
[Combat Power]6,281 [Threat Level]S
[Attribute]Fire [Magic Proficiency]Advanced (83%)
[Class]Lancer [Weapon Proficiency]Advanced (77%)
[Physical Enhancement]79%
[Ability]『Split Fire (4☆)』
-----------------------------------
[Salferine]
[Name]Johann til Larsmede
[Race]Human
[Sex]Male
[Age]38
[Status]Healthy
[Mana Capacity]1,402 [Mana Quality]C
[Combat Power]1,891 [Threat Level]B
[Attribute]Lightning [Magic Proficiency]High (57%)
[Class]Ravager [Weapon Proficiency]High (58%)
[Physical Enhancement]61%
[Ability]『Flash Step (3☆)』
-----------------------------------
[Salferine]
[Name]Callisto til Ladellade
[Race]Therianthrope (Mink Tribe)
[Sex]Female
[Age]35
[Status]Healthy
[Mana Capacity]1,415 [Mana Quality]C
[Combat Power]1,944 [Threat Level]B
[Attribute]Earth [Magic Proficiency]High (64%)
[Class]Python [Weapon Proficiency]High (54%)
[Physical Enhancement]60%
[Ability]『Black Rock (3☆)』
-----------------------------------
... However, such couldn't be further from the truth. Forget about being in their early twenties, one of them was even in her fifties already, still looking young without a single lock of white in her crimson red hair.
They were all High-Rankers, of which, the red-haired lady was the General, and the other two were the Lt. Generals. They were powerhouses who were the core of the Civil War before, Callisto serving as an adventurer before becoming a Countess.
"Everyone, these are Lord Grey and Lady Yuna. Please welcome them." ［Philip］
"Greetings, Your Highnesses. We've heard from you from His Majesty,"
"Your Highnesses, let me express my gratitude for everything you've done. This will be a great help for the Kingdom of Aldengard."
Following the King's words, everybody greeted Grey and Yuna in their ways. Some welcomed them with a warm greeting, some expressed their gratitude, and some of them only bowing in silence. Each one was polite and respectful.
"Yes, it's also our pleasure to meet such distinguished figures. We'll be in your care moving forwards for this operation." ［Grey］
"We hope to work well with you, everyone. We may be a bit lacking in delicacy, but I hope we can make up for it with our ability." ［Yuna］
"Hahaha. If it's ability we're talking about, then there's no need to worry about it. With Lord Grey and Lady Yuna by our side, we couldn't be any more relieved." ［Philip］
There was no need to say more. As soon as the King gave his words, Grey and Yuna were then to their seats, seated central to the meeting table, next to the King, to show just how important they are to the operation. However...
"Umm... Your Majesty... The table..." ［Yuna］
"Ah, I apologize for that..." ［Philip］
... The table it was was completely broken, split in half and now lying on the floor. It was all because of the King's recent outburst, everyone feeling awkward as soon as Yuna pointed it out, the King feeling especially so.
"Haah... We use these as dining tables, so I hope you don't get too offended. But can I clean up the table here, Your Majesty?" ［Grey］
"Ah, yes... Please do, Lord Grey." ［Philip］
"Then... If you would excuse me..." ［Grey］
However, there was no need to fret. With the King's permission, Grey then took away the broken table and replaced it with a dining tableー no, dining tables, two of them. The meeting table was quite long, after all, so there was a need to improvise.
Thankfully, Grey and Yuna's dining tables aren't too shabby, rather, they were quite fancy. After all, they also use it to serve Nobility and Royalty alike whenever they are having some snacks together. It looked rather fitting for the meeting room, actually.
With the table situation now over, everyone then proceeded to place the documents and important materials atop of it, handing each other some documents to look at and use as reference. It finally looked like a real meeting.
"Ahem! I apologize for the delay, but let us resume our meeting." ［Philip］
"Excuse me, Your Majesty. We arrived later than the others, shouldn't we have a short briefing first to catch up?" ［Yuna］
"Don't worry, Lady Yuna. Other than reviewing the reports, we have yet to discuss the specifics of the plan. We have pretty much just started." ［Douglas］
"I see... Then I apologize for intervening. Please proceed, Your Majesty," ［Yuna］
"Yes... As I was saying..." ［Philip］
The King started his discussion and everyone listened to his words. He soon gave a quick briefing of Grey and Yuna's reports, the scattered results of the investigations of the kingdoms, and their main goals for the upcoming days ahead of them.
The meeting was then divided into 4 main pillars. The first one was the trial of the Duke. The second one was dealing with the organizations and families connected to the Duke. The third was about the enemies' firepower. And lastly, the most important one, was about how to minimize the damage.
They have already decided to go in an all-out war against the Duke and his forces, however, that doesn't mean they are willing to sacrifice the innocent citizens. The whole point of the operation was to save them. It would be useless if the operation itself were the one to bring them harm.
"About the first agenda... We already have evidence and a cause, and I do think that it is more than enough, however... I think having a good witness would make quite a big difference. It would be even more convincing." ［Cynthia］
"The General is right, Your Majesty. I think someone close to the Duke would be even better. Perhaps we can make the Duchess testify?" ［Callisto］
"That's useless, Callisto. We know how much the Duchess loves her family. Even if it means her death, she wouldn't bend her knees." ［Cynthia］
"That's true... This is really troubling indeed..." ［Callisto］
At the General and Lt. General's words everyone was quickly put into deep thought about who they could put in as a witness. They already have a couple figures in mind, but none of which couldn't exactly be considered close to the Duke.
Only four people had different expressions from the others. Two of them were Grey and Yuna who doesn't have an inkling who is who. And the other two were the King and the Captain of the Royal Guards, smiles across their faces.
"If it's a witness. There is no need to worry about them. We have already secured ourselves a secret weapon which will ensure the Duke's downfall." ［Philip］
"What do you mean, Your Majesty?" ［Callisto］
"That... You'll have to wait until the trial..." ［Philip］
The King didn't say any more than that, soon keeping his mouth closed and moving on to another topic. However, seeing the confidence he exudes, not a single person in the room doubted him, blindly trusting his judgement.
After that, they discussed for a couple more minutes about the specifics of the trials and how it should be conducted. It was the easiest amongst the 4 main topics, then moving on to the second one soon after, the most troublesome one.
"Here is the list of the houses and organizations which are working and could be working for the Duke. Please review them carefully." ［Philip］
This time, they are discussing how to deal with the nobles and organizations related to the Duke, and how exactly they could clean them up as soon as possible without alarming the Duke of what is happening right under his nose.
"We don't know exactly how many of them are truly related to the Duke's schemes, however, I have already decided on how to deal with them." ［Philip］
"And that is...." ［Cynthia］
"Well, since we don't know which one of them is our enemy, then let's raid them all and see for ourselves which side they stand on. We will destroy them if needed be," ［Philip］
Announced the King with a cold tinge of confidence in his voice, shocking all his loyal retainers and making them open their eyes wide in shock. Who wouldn't be? After all, there are well over a hundred of them listed in the page.
"Your Majesty, that is far too reckless! Even if we successfully accomplish that, we would surely lose a large portion of our military power! That's absurd!" ［Cynthia］
"I understand where you're coming from, Cynthia, and I know no sane person would consider such a thought. I was also hesitant at first." ［Philip］
"Then why are we proceeding with this plan?!" ［Cynthia］
"That's because Lord Grey and Lady Yuna are here." ［Philip］
The King only had to say such words and everyone became quiet soon after. They all looked at the silent pair with nervous eyes, and thought they were hesitant to admit it, the King was absolutely right in making their decision.
Usually, it would take at least a couple hundred people to perform a raid, however, High-Rankers are a completely different beast, able to handle all sorts of difficulties all by themselves. Just their presence alone changed the whole course of the plan.
"Of course, that is only if Lord Grey and Lady Yuna agree to do so." ［Philip］
"No... Worry not, Your Majesty. We already came here with the resolve to give it our all. Please don't hold yourselves back when it comes to our help," ［Grey］
"That's a great relief.... We will be relying on you then, Lord Grey, Lady Yuna." ［Philip］
After everything was settled, they then discussed what to do with the spies lurking in the Royal Castle. Grey already confirmed it, and thankfully, none of the ones present are on the Duke's side. However, the problem still stands.
For which, they have decided to deploy a blindfold tactic and distract the Duke of what is happening. By now, it should have already reached his ears that they are having a long meeting, so he should already be suspicious.
They will then use it to their advantage and meet up even more often, start training the knights and soldiers, buying new weapons and equipment, making it seem that they are preparing for a war. They were actions which would surely alert the enemies.
And while the enemies are focused on the surface, they will then start cleaning up the mess below, as swiftly as possible, making sure to finish everything before the Duke's eyes could even notice that something was off.
"This is an important operation. Can your men handle it, Johann?" ［Philip］
"Leave it to us, Your Majesty." ［Johann］
Of course, it would certainly be suspicious if the reports suddenly stopped coming in. For that, the King had prepared a group of knights specializing in imitating someone to continuously send reports to the Duke whilst they undergo their operations,
For the leaders of the organizations and nobles which would be caught later, some of them will be executed immediately whilst the useful ones will be used as witnesses to testify against the Duke during his trial.
With that, they then moved on to the third topic, how to deal with the Duke's military power. While it is clearly inferior to theirs, it was still better to create a few plans to make sure nothing goes wrong in the off chance something unexpected happens.
"The Duke's best fighters are the A-rank mercenary and those two traitors, right? Since it's just an A-ranker and 2 B-rankers, it shouldn't be too difficult." ［Johann］
"That's true... And with Lord Grey and Lady Yuna here, it shouldn't be a problem even if they have something up their sleeves." ［Callisto］
"I agree... I think there's no need to fret for now." ［Douglas］
As one would expect, the whole decision was greatly affected by Grey and Yuna's presence. Just because of them, everyone felt more confident about the operation. Be it indirect or direct conflict, it was obvious who would come out on top.
However, there were still some who had doubts in their hearts whether they could truly rely on Grey and Yuna. Whilst some are curious about how powerful the two of them really were. They were emotions which could very well affect the whole plan.
"Lord Grey, Lady Yuna, if you would please." ［Philip］
And to combat such doubts, the King had already prepared a power gauge to prove to everyone whether Grey and Yuna really were who they thought they were. It wasn't just a normal power gauge but one of the few treasures of the Royal Family.
"I know this behavior is inexcusable for us, however, it is also to reassure everyone present here. If you want, we can use contract magic to keep everything inside this room a secret. I will offer up my life if need be." ［Philip］
"Your Majesty...! Please think about this thoroughly!"
"That's right, Your Majesty! There's no need to go this far!"
An uproar quickly erupted as soon as the King gave their words to Grey and Yuna, high stakes on both sides. On the King's side was his life, and for the other two was the risk of making their lives even more difficult than it already is.
Of course, the whole meeting room would be in an uproar, everyone trying to change the King's mind, all to no avail. The King had already steeled his heart and his eyes were stern and adamant. There was no changing his mind, stubborn as can be.
"Haah... You shouldn't take your life so lightly, Your Majesty. We already told you we'll do whatever it takes to destroy the enemy. This much is no problem." ［Grey］
"Grey's right. It will all be revealed sooner or later anyway. Though our life may become troublesome sooner or later, I don't think it's much of a price to pay for the lives of the Kingdom's citizens." ［Yuna］
"Your Majesty's words are already enough for us." ［Grey］
Though, in reality, all such ruckus and excessiveness were unnecessary. Grey and Yuna had already resolved themselves at least that much. Plus, they had already ascertained that everyone in the room was trustworthy.
Well, even if some of them were blabbermouths, with their status, there was no way they would reveal it when they know they might risk becoming enemies of them. No one wants their house wiped out just because they couldn't keep their mouths shut.
To demonstrate, the General placed her hand on the orb and as soon as she did, it immediately started growing brightly. a couple of numbers soon showing up on the orb. It was 6,281... Just like Grey's appraisal. It didn't even take a minute.
"Then, I'll go first." ［Yuna］
The first one to place her hands on the Power Gauge was none other than Yuna, the orb growing brighter than the moon and too blinding. It was even brighter than the General's light, only stopping after a while. As for the results...
"17,243... That is Calamity-Class... Does this even make any sense...?" ［Johann］
"So Douglas was right... Hahaha... What a surprise..." ［Callisto］
Everyone was astonished at the result, some even so speechless, they couldn't even say a single word. Even the King and the Captain of the Royal Guards, who already knew beforehand, were surprised, hearts shaken quite a bit.
However, there was no time for such things. As soon as Yuna was over, it was now Grey's turn. He quickly placed his hands over the Power Gauge, and like Yuna before him, it also started to glow. The brightness swallowed up the whole room, numbers climbing quickly as if there was no tomorrow.
As for the result... It was 29,392... A measurement so huge, they couldn't even utter a single sound after seeing it. They had already braced themselves for the results, but it was futile. For Grey was not Calamity-Class... He was a Disaster-Class Ranker...
"L... Lord Grey... No, Emperor Grey... How old are you again?" ［Philip］
"I'll be turning 20 in a couple months. As for Yuna, she just turned 18ー Oh right, and I almost forgot to mention. We also have 10 familiars who'll be participating with us during the operation. So please don't be too surprised." ［Grey］
"Familiars... 10 of them... No, Your Imperial Majesty, I don't mean any disrespect, but wouldn't it be a problem with their large figures?" ［Philip］
"Don't worry, we have a way to go about that. And while I'm at it, I'll also mention that one of them is Disaster-Class, and the other 9 are Calamity-Class. Don't worry, they are very tame, so there's no need to be scared of them." ［Grey］
"Un! They're actually really cute! I'm sure everything will be fine!" ［Yuna］
"I.. I see... Hahaha... That is reassuring... Yes, truly reassuring..." ［Philip］
The King could only mumble under his breath as he said such words, truly surprised about the words the two just uttered ever so casually. It wasn't just him, everyone inside the room was utterly flabbergasted about them.
They weren't even 20 years of age, yet they already achieved such great feats. Now, Grey is already part of the top 3 most powerful people in the world, and Yuna ranking amongst the top 10. With their familiars, they are no doubt, the strongest party,
They didn't dwell on the shock any further, and some even tried thinking it was all just an absurd dream. They soon moved on to the final and most important topic, making sure everything was perfectー or at least, they were going to.
"Ah, for the safety of the citizens, just leave it to us. We might need some assistance from the Kingdom, so we hope you can respond when the time comes." ［Grey］
"Un! We'll make sure no one is hurt! You can all rest assured!" ［Yuna］
"Ah, yes... We'll leave it to you..." ［Philip］
But Grey and Yuna suddenly came in with such a proposal with a burst of confidence blooming on their face. They seemed to already have a plan in mind, not one of the people present objecting against them.
There were some curious minds who dared to ask what their plan was, however, they were quickly silenced as soon as the two started explaining. All their methods were nothing short of absurd, yet strangely enough, they were effective.
No one questioned the two after which, and the meeting continued on smoothly like such. After a couple of polishing and improvements here and there, the meeting was soon over, everyone soon exiting the meeting room, only a few figures remaining.
"I truly apologize for the inconvenience we've brought you, Emperor Grey, Queen Yuna. I hope we aren't burdening you terribly." ［Philip］
"Don't worry about it. We volunteered on our volition, anyway. There's really no need to feel bad about it, Your Majesty." ［Grey］
"Un! Whatever happens will be all on us." ［Yuna］
"I see... I'm happy that you understand. Once again, I give you my utmost and sincerest gratitude. Please don't hesitate if you ever need something." ［Philip］
"Hahaha. We'll count on you when the time comes. Then, we'll be taking our leave now, Your Majesty. We'll be resigning to our room." ［Grey］
With everything over, there was no need to stay any longer. They have been through all sorts of things throughout the whole day, and they are now quite tired. They soon took their exit, heading out of the room.
"Oh, right. And please just address us 'Grey' and 'Yuna', Your Majesty. We aren't really fond of formalities. It's a little tiring." ［Grey］
But before they did, their steps suddenly halted by the doorsteps, taking their time to remind the King of something a little silly. It doesn't really matter much, but it has been bothering them ever since. They just had to say it.
"Hahaha. I see... Grey and Yuna it is then." ［Philip］
"Fufufu! Then, we'll really take our leave now, Your Majesty. Good night～!" ［Yuna］
"Yes. I bid you a wonderful night." ［Philip］
The night drags on....
CHAPTER 422 END