Two Days Later
The travel was quite uneventful as the road toward the capital was silent, but the tense silence didn't let them drop their guards. Passersby saw them with a mix of fear and awe as the car horn blared, forcing them to step aside.
Thanatos Empire Capital - Southwestern Gate
"Halt! State your business," a city guard shouted as he pointed his spear at the lead Humvee.
One of the soldiers got off and slowly approached, carrying a letter in one hand while his other hand rested on his holster.
"We're here to attend the founding celebration," he said with an intimidating tone. The guard felt a bad omen.
"You may enter, but hide your weapons," another guard appeared, speaking in a nonchalant tone.
The soldier gave a thumbs-up to the convoy, signaling them to proceed.
Manuel's POV
"So, our quarters are at a mansion not far from the palace. Since I know I'll either not sleep well or they'll storm my room to arrest me," I said with a smirk.
"I've already confirmed with the empress. She gave the nod, and we rented a mansion. We made sure it's not filled with tunnels or traps, so we can safely assume it's not a setup," I continued.
Wilfred smiled. "Yeah, I can expect that. The emperor's attitude is quite rotten, and currently, under the hand of that woman… she even tried to seduce me once but failed when my guards forced her to turn away."
"What was her purpose?"
"She wanted to acquire contacts within the federation. Lastly, she focused on the Draconian Empire, but when she tried to push for a meeting with the Draconian ambassador, she was stopped by the guards at the embassy. She even tried to sneak in but failed," Wilfred said with a joyful smile, reminiscing.
"She tried to break into the embassy using her personal guards as shields, but it failed spectacularly. Though she managed to evade capture, the aftermath was this: the Draconian Empire will not allow her entry into any Imperial-controlled base or building. In short, she's blacklisted by the Draconian Empire."
"Well, let's head to the mansion first before heading to the palace," Manuel said.
After a few more minutes of travel, they arrived at the mansion that would serve as their residence for a few days. It was a two-story Victorian-style building with a wine cellar.
At the Mansion's Entrance
"Sir, we've fully cleaned the area, and there's nothing that will hamper your privacy. Your room is on the third floor; take a right. It's not far, sir. We've also ensured no one can enter easily. The Trade Federation's president is in a room not far from yours, so we can easily exfil you both if needed," his adjutant said.
Manuel nodded in response.
"Oh, and sir, the 'Red Eye' is waiting for you in the cellar," the adjutant added cryptically.
Manuel nodded again and was guided by a soldier. Heading down into the deep wine cellar, he noted the cold stone walls, carved just enough to place explosives. He could tell they were preparing to turn the mansion into ash and fire if necessary.
"Oh, great, you're here," a familiar voice greeted him.
"Long time no see, 'Twilight.' Never expected you to be assigned here," Manuel said with a slight smile as he spotted the dark-haired, brown-eyed man wearing civilian clothing of the Thanatos Empire. A hidden pistol was strapped to his back.
"Yeah, never expected to be deployed here right after being sent to the Tiamat Empire to establish resistance contacts," Twilight replied.
"Well, enough chit-chat. Let's focus on the main thing right now," he continued, pointing to a map of the entire capital.
Twilight's Explanation
"Explosives are planted, and one team will confirm the detonations and destroy any remnants. Lastly, we'll handle the destruction of trade documents. The empress has been meticulous in hiding them, along with trade deals of the federation. It took nearly a month of tracking, but we've concluded they're in the Foreign Affairs Building. A cell unit has gathered much information and is surrounding the compound.
"During your party, my men and I will conduct the raid. At the same time, another unit will raid the empress's artifact. Current intelligence places it in the possession of a young trainee knight staying at an inn outside the capital. A team is already en route. The heads-up for the operation, codenamed 'Red Spider,' will be the phrase: 'The spider has fallen.'"
Manuel's Response
"Okay, but make sure the empress has a chance to escape. Use your informants to pass this order: she must live," Manuel said firmly. He needed someone trustworthy and capable to govern; the empress fit that role, even if begrudgingly.
"Fine. I'll give them a heads-up," Twilight said with a sigh.
Before Manuel turned to leave, Twilight offered advice.
"The emperor told me to convey this: 'It's better to start an offensive early before the enemy can attack your defenses. As for your plans with the soon-to-be-deposed empress, make sure you're not doing something stupid that jeopardizes your title and position as Marshal. Make sure your actions are swift and brutal.' That's all he said before leaving. Be careful—the empress has connections even I'll have a hard time tracking."
"It's okay. I'll take full responsibility if things go south," Manuel said, turning around. His subtle display of power sent an unspoken message to Twilight.
Manuel's POV
Entering the dining room, now a command post, men set up equipment while guards inspected their weapons.
"Everyone, the party will be held tomorrow. I want everything finalized and the place prepped for evacuation. Don't treat this as a long-term post. Be ready to leave within hours if necessary. For now, focus on the front lines and monitor Thanatian movements," I said.
Everyone nodded and returned to work. Heading to the study, I saw a letter from the empress and opened it.
'I wish to speak with you,' it read.
I ignored it. Right now, I needed to focus on the bloodbath that was about to unfold. Tossing the letter aside, I left the study.
A Day Later
Manuel stood in his room, fixing his military uniform. He debated bringing armed soldiers—it was a good idea but would likely create tension. Shaking his head, he decided to tread carefully.
"Sir, Mathias wishes to speak with you," his adjutant said.
Mathias entered, wearing a formal tuxedo with a golden chain draped across his chest, bearing the insignia of the Federation president.
"Looking bold, my friend. If I were a woman, I'd kidnap you and have you marry me!" Mathias chuckled loudly.
Manuel frowned. "Yeah, right. Like hell I would," he replied, bellowing a laugh.
"Alright, enough jokes. I'm not gay, and I'm never going to marry a female version of you. Even if you kidnap me... You know what? If you were pretty, I might consider it—but let's focus on the security units instead," Manuel said, shaking his head.
"How many guards are you bringing?"
"I plan to bring a squad of Blackwatch guards from my personal unit. How about you?"
"Just five men. With your more modern and capable soldiers, we can escape if necessary," Mathias replied.
"Alright. Enough talk. Let's get going. We're heading into a war zone," Manuel said as they left the mansion.
Twilight's POV
Watching the convoy leave, Twilight turned his attention to enemy agents nearby. They were out in the open, clearly observing Manuel.
Whistling, he signaled his team.
"Hello there, boys. Nice weather today," Twilight said jovially.
The agents turned with hostile eyes. One collapsed with a small hole in his head before the others could react. Twilight was already in front of them, pulling a bayonet knife. With a swift kick to the chest, he plunged the blade into another man's chest while covering his mouth.
"You two, clean up the bodies," he ordered.
Two men, disguised as city guards, loaded the bodies into a carriage for disposal.
"Don't bury them—leave them in her mansion as a sign," Twilight instructed.
The men nodded and left. Twilight disappeared into an alleyway.
To Be Continued.