Months passed by since Catina and her companions visited the vampire's territory. In a spree of time, the hunters, lycans, and vampires were all busy locating the possible hideouts of the enemies. Some successfully gather information that is yet to be studied while others failed to gather any. Those months and continuing had been hectic for them, especially the appearance of the 5th ranked, Catalyst Circle, Moscard.
Although, the higher ups of each clan were all wondering regarding his sudden appearance. Because he hasn't revealed himself again after that day. However, to the vampire's, the fox mask hooded man makes his way to them every now and then. And the royals have yet to perfect their plan in capturing him. Whenever they attempt to execute their plan, he easily escapes from their grasp.
And when the unknown fox masked man had his chance, he would make sure to send his threats to them. He managed to appear in an unexpected time and place which eventually, the empress and the second prince found out. Now, the two other princes are sitting at the side of the second prince, who had been ignoring them for days.
This was actually the first time they experienced his cold gaze whereas giving them a cold shoulder. For prince Alexander, it was nothing compared to what they did to him. Prince Nikolai felt like crying because he was never ignored nor was left out by his big brother. As for Prince William, he's thinking of some drastic measure to make sure not to annoy him further while trying to make peace with him.
Prince Alexander went on with his own training and disregarded the presence that had been trying to get his attention. As the time grew longer, he knew they wouldn't give up until he talked to them and that made him sigh so hard then turned to face them.
The two princes jolted when he met their gaze with a glare. Prince William quickly took this opportunity to apologize to him. And prince Nikolai stared at him with pleading eyes to forgive them for they now learned from their mistakes.
"Look, Alex. We're sorry if we kept it from you. Nikky and I don't want you and mom to feel like we're in danger."
"Please, Big Brother Alex. We learned from our mistakes and we really mean it."
"Enough. I don't want to hear anything from you two. You lied to mom… to me! Why is it because I act so recklessly?"
"…"
"See? You guys couldn't even answer me! I swear–"
"Fine. Yes, we thought of that. But, that's not it at all. Are you sure the moment you found out about it, you won't think of a plan (reckless plan) to seize that dangerous man?"- Prince William
"I-I"
"See? As I thought, you did! Even father and uncle couldn't easily seize him then how much more you?!"
"I really got a good plan! I promise!"
"Then tell me."
Prince Alexander went on explaining his plan whereas the first prince analyzes his strategies in capturing the unknown man. As he listened to him further, he immediately realized that his plan does have a higher chance than the Grand Duke's. He looked at his brother with disbelief since whenever his family is in danger he acts without thinking or whenever he has a plan it would be as reckless as his personality.
"I get your plan. It is a good plan. Where did you get that?"- Prince William
"What do you mean 'where'? I thought of it myself! I asked my mother to train me with knowledge. You guys aren't the only ones who are eager to grow stronger, you know."- Prince Nikolai
"I get it. Let's go meet them."- Prince William
"Them? You mean, Father and Uncle?"- Prince Nikolai
"But, they're still under Mother's chastisement."- he added
"Mother won't chastise them. She doesn't use her ability as long as it's not necessary."- Prince Alexander
"She just did. I saw her strangling them everywhere."- Prince Nikolai
The two older brothers stared at each other then back to the youngest with a serious look in their faces. However, they both still decided to go and see for themselves. Prince William wanted to see how his father, the emperor himself, fell in his knees on their mother. While prince Alexander wanted to see both their father and uncle sent flying in the air with a huge mischievous smile plastered on his face.
Prince Nikolai watched his two brothers with excitement on their faces and thought that they'll definitely regret their decision. And he was right! As soon as they arrived at the scene, their mother's dark aura dominated the whole room. The three princes trembled upon seeing their mom orchestrating the two Adonis in the air with a sadistic smile which was the very first time for them witnessing such a horrifying look of their mother.
They were so used to her kind, gentle, and elegant side that it gave them a huge shock to see her dark and tough side. She could really pass as a mafia that interrogates her victims while torturing whoever refuses her demands. Well, she wouldn't be called as 'The Mistress of Deceiving Terror' if she doesn't have this side of her.
The empress immediately noticed her sons' presence and demanded them to stop hiding. The three quickly heeded to her commands with fear because they didn't want to end up like those two who had been feeling sick for a while now. They both begged the empress to be merciful but she ignored them and asked the three princes intentions.
Prince William took no chance to hinder his opportunity by fear and immediately told her prince Alexander's plan regarding capturing the enemy. Empress Jasmine raised an eyebrow then heavily sighed and faced her children with stern looks.
"How many times do I have to tell you this? This matter should be dealt with by adults ONLY. It's too dangerous for you kids to get yourselves involved."
"However, Mother, please listen to Alex's plan. I am certain that this will work much better than uncle's."- Prince William
Grand Duke Arthur heard his nephew calling him while discussing something to the empress but because of too much dizziness he failed to hear the conversation. Emperor Charles felt like he was about to puke for being played and tossed constantly in the air for an hour now. He had to admit that as being the emperor this is such a huge embarrassment on his part. However, no one can go against the empress, not even he can go against her, especially when she is mad.
When the Empress heard the second prince's plan, it made her drop the two captives (royals) and the two groaned in pain. The empress expression became unreadable which made the three princes quiver in fear. Prince Nikolai glimpsed to see his father and uncle whether they're fine or not. His attention went back to his mother when she spoke.
"As much as I appreciate the efforts in making the plan, I have to decline."
"What?! Ah- Why, Mother? It's the most effective plan out of all!"- Prince Alex
"Yes, it is. And I am proud of you, my child. However, it's too risky for you, children. And if you're planning to send your father and uncle instead… that would also be a big, big, NO."
"Bu-but mother—"- Prince Nikolai
"No buts!"
"Then we won't do it."- Prince William
"Brother!"- two princes
"I mean, 'WE' won't do it. But! We can ask someone to do it for us. Someone who is able to disguise themselves."- Prince William
"Who?"- Prince Nikolai
"Why, Nikky! You know who."- Prince Alexander
"Ohhh~ You mean, Sir. Kalios and Sir. Gilbert?"
The empress was against the idea of risking any of his people's lives, however, prince William reasoned with his mother. Whereas prince Alexander nodded as hard as he could and encouraged their little brother to agree with them.
"Mother, we didn't think of this plan as a mere plan. We are aware that we will be risking their lives, especially Kalios, who just recently reunited with his bond. However, you should also be aware that our people are ready to serve us and even risk their lives for us. As much as we also do for them. This plan is not for them alone. They will only act as baits. Father and uncle will be the one to do the major parts in capturing this unidentified man. You yourself want this to end. This is our only chance, Mother. Please, I beg of you to comply."
"William."- Empress Jasmine
The empress sighed heavily and eventually, agreed to their plan. And with the right timing, Kalios and Gilbert arrived. So, they started sorting out the plan in the emperor's study room. And luckily, the empress forgave the two royals after they nervously talked it out with her.
So, the day had finally appeared. After weeks of waiting, in front of them, is the only man they had been waiting to see. The man in a cloak with a printed mask of a fox.
...