Ariarathes continued, "I will deploy the Seven Sword Unit to confront the Azure King first."
The Black Queen inquired, "Why target the Azure King?"
Ariarathes explained, "Ashfield is still young and inexperienced. We will seize this opportunity to invade the Empire of Azure Star and weaken their defenses." The tension in the room heightened as the strategic discourse unfolded, each ruler contemplating the implications of their potential alliance.
Ariarathes concluded, "That's the extent of my plan." After the discussion, he extended a hand for a handshake, but the Black Queen transformed into a swarm of butterflies, leaving an ethereal and mysterious aura in the room. The unexpected transformation left Ariarathes in awe, realizing the enigmatic nature of the Black Queen.
Cisseus approached Ariarathes with a hint of concern in his eyes. "My lord, forgive me, but should we trust her?"
Ariarathes, with a calculating glint in his eyes, responded, "No, I have another plan, Cisseus." The dimly lit room held an air of secrecy as Ariarathes began to unveil the intricacies of his alternate strategy.
Cisseus questioned, "What's your plan, my lord?"
Ariarathes explained, "I want you to find the location of Azure King and then proceed with another plan. We will manipulate the media and turn everyone against him. After that, I will portray myself as their savior by defeating Azure King." The cunning strategy unfolded, setting the stage for Ariarathes' intricate political maneuvering.
Cisseus replied with a respectful nod, "Yes, my lord."
As Cisseus began to leave, Ariarathes found himself alone with his thoughts. The encounter with the Black Queen lingered in his mind, intertwining with memories of when he first met Joseph. An unsettling feeling gripped him, realizing the enigmatic nature of the Black Queen, and he muttered to himself, "This Black Queen... she must be dangerous. I cannot see her future."
Ariarathes contemplated, "My Will of Ruler, Foresight, it works on the other rulers even other people, but it doesn't work on her. I must take precautions; she might turn against me one day."
As Ariarathes continued managing the affairs of the White Land, Cisseus discreetly approached with a hushed tone, "Forgive me, my lord, but there is someone who wishes to see you."
Ariarathes, intrigued, replied, "I see. Allow them to come."
The door opened, revealing the figure of Colfield de Baron. Ariarathes acknowledged his presence, "Ahhh, it's you. Looks like you arrived at the right moment, Colfield de Baron."
Colfield, with an air of confidence, responded, "Indeed, My Lord. I bring tidings that may pique your interest."
Colfield discreetly presented a picture capturing the serene moment of Joseph, Erina, and Scarlett during their wedding ceremony. Ariarathes, examining the image, remarked, "This man... I used to encounter him at Utopia. I didn't know that he's Scarlett's husband."
Colfield, with a tone of confidentiality, added, "My Lord, this arrangement is being conducted in utmost secrecy."
Ariarathes pondered for a moment before saying, "I see, that's enough, Colfield. With this information, we can manipulate the media to turn public sentiment against Crimson Queen."
Ariarathes continued, "Anyway, Colfield, I want you to find out more about this Princess Scarlett's husband."
Colfield acknowledged, "Yes, my lord."
At Silver Prism Motherbase
Meanwhile, Eliza's phone rang, and she answered with a composed "Yes?"
"Hello, Eliza. This is Emma, the secretary to the President," said Emma.
Eliza inquired, "Nice to meet you, Emma. What brings you here?"
Emma continued, "The President would like to meet you, Eliza." The prospect of a meeting with the President introduced a layer of intrigue to the conversation.
Eliza listened to Emma's words attentively. "Mr. President wants to discuss something with you, Eliza," Emma informed her.
"I see... well then, what time do I have to arrive and meet him?" Eliza inquired.
Emma continued, "I will set the arrangements later, Eliza. Thank you for your cooperation." The mysterious nature of the discussion and the President's involvement added an air of anticipation to the conversation.
After Emma ended the call, Eliza felt a surge of determination. She walked over to the punching bag, its leather surface taunting her with each swing. With each punch, she channeled her focus, a relentless energy that mirrored the intensity of the upcoming meeting. The rhythmic sound of blows against the bag echoed in the training room, a manifestation of Eliza's determination and strength.
In the serene garden, Asher and Felix immersed themselves in the gardening task assigned by Eliza. As they toiled with the soil and plants, a sudden realization struck them.
"Brother, look! The sunflowers we planted have finally flourished and look so healthy," exclaimed Felix, his eyes sparkling with delight.
Asher couldn't contain his excitement, "Yeah! You're absolutely right, Felix! The boss is going to be proud of what we've achieved here. Just wait, I'm going to fetch her and share the good news!"
Their sense of accomplishment and eagerness to show Eliza the thriving sunflowers added a touch of joy to the usual routine of their gardening chores.
As Asher arrived, he observed Eliza intensely punching the bag, a display of strength and focus that sent a chill down his spine. The rhythmic thuds echoed in the air until, unexpectedly, the punching bag burst, releasing a cascade of sand.
Eliza halted, her piercing gaze fixing on Asher. She took a deep breath and calmly asked, "Asher, is something the matter?" The intensity in her eyes hinted at a combination of determination and a touch of curiosity.
Asher excitedly reported, "Boss, the sunflowers we planted before have finally bloomed."
Eliza, although maintaining her stoic demeanor, couldn't hide a glimmer of excitement. "I see... then let's go and see together," she responded, a subtle hint of anticipation in her voice.
As Asher led Eliza to the gardening area, her smile was a rare sight. The sight of blooming sunflowers seemed to bring a momentary warmth. Soon, she composed herself, "Both of you did well... anyway, I have to go."
Curious, Asher asked, "Where are you going, boss?"
Eliza, with her stoic demeanor returning, replied, "I have an arrangement with Mr. President. I'll tell you later. Make sure to inform this to Joseph."
As Eliza started to leave the gardening area, both Asher and Felix saluted, replying in unison, "Yes, Boss!"
While Eliza walked away, Felix called out to Asher, "Brother!" But Asher seemed lost in thought. "Brother!"
Felix persisted, "What's wrong with you, brother? Anyway, did you hear that? The Boss! She praised us!"
Asher, lost in thought, suddenly snapped back to reality, "Ehh, Felix... yeah, you're right, Felix."
Felix continued, "Is something on your mind, brother?"
Asher replied, his eyes reflecting a mix of surprise and admiration, "Listen here, Felix... you see, this is my first time seeing the Boss smile."
Felix, sensing the significance, asked eagerly, "And?"
Asher continued, his voice carrying a hint of wonder, "I don't know about this feeling, Felix. Damn! She's beautiful... perhaps it's quite rare to see her soft side."
Felix suddenly realized and teased his brother, "Brother, don't you tell me... you're in love with her?!"
Asher, blushing, retorted, "Shut up! No!"
Felix added, grinning, "No?! Oh, come on, Brother. I know you. Listen, Brother, remember we're born as mercenaries. We can't afford to fall in love."
Asher, with a contemplative look, added, "Yeah, you're right, Felix. We have our own mission to discover who we truly are, beyond being mercenaries."
Felix continued, "Indeed, brother. We have to unravel the mystery of our past and find the truth about the forces that shaped us into mercenaries during our childhood.
"Yes, Felix, but first, I must tell the boss about my feelings. Don't worry; I always remember the promise we made," said Asher with determination.
As Eliza arrived, Emma greeted her with a handshake. Both of them exchanged pleasantries, and Emma expressed her gratitude, "Thank you for coming, Eliza. Follow me to meet the Mr. President; he's been waiting for you."