Just as Kaguya had anticipated, the northern tribal army began mobilizing, amassing over a hundred thousand troops at the border. Their banners filled the sky in a massive display of power. Among them, revolutionary forces secretly assisted the northern tribes.
To the east of Kaguya's territory stood a fortress strategically positioned in an easily defensible natural chokepoint. It complemented Kaguya's territory, providing mutual support, making it very difficult to breach this fortress-like defense line.
However, bad news arrived, drastically changing the situation. Intelligence indicated that, a few days ago, the fortress had unexpectedly withdrawn a large number of troops, retreating inland, leaving the city defenseless. They had also abandoned significant military supplies and provisions.
The northern tribes and revolutionary forces seized the opportunity to occupy the fortress, capturing weapons and supplies.
The northern tribes were essentially barbarians from the northern wastelands. They lived harsh lives in barren borderlands, often facing hunger. Despite their fierce and brutal nature, they lacked weapons and forging technology due to scarce iron resources, often resorting to hand-to-hand combat.
This time, obtaining such a large cache of weapons and equipment significantly boosted their morale.
Even worse, the fortress in Kaguya's territory became isolated, surrounded on three sides by enemies, with no natural defenses, and faced the risk of being attacked from both the front and the rear.
"Minister Honest is relentless in trying to eliminate me," Kaguya tossed the intelligence report aside, cradling her teacup as she took a sip and sighed. "How are the preparations?"
"They are complete, Your Highness," Ieyasu said, standing straight with a hint of admiration in his eyes as he looked at Kaguya.
"Good, keep an eye on their movements, and report any changes immediately," Kaguya said, a playful smile on her lips. "It's time to close the net."
"Yes, but Your Highness," Ieyasu said softly, "two people have secretly infiltrated the territory, likely members of Night Raid. Should we capture them?"
"No need," Kaguya waved dismissively. "They're just little mice, no need for a big fuss. Just monitor them closely."
Kaguya would have found it strange if Night Raid hadn't sent anyone.
"Understood."
"Your Highness!"
At that moment, a lively blonde girl came running over, the third of the three sisters—Fal.
"Yes?" Kaguya asked curiously.
"Air made your favorite dumplings," Fal said happily. "They're delicious; I hope you'll like them."
"Really?" Kaguya's eyes lit up, almost drooling.
Initially, Kaguya took them in out of pity for their tragic circumstances, trying to make up for a regret she had from the original story. She didn't expect the three sisters to have such remarkable talents.
Air excelled at cooking, especially desserts, surpassing even Kaguya's skills.
Fal was skilled in singing and dancing, with a clear, pleasant voice that lingered like birdsong.
As for the introverted Luna, she was an expert in clothing design and making, her craftsmanship surpassing even the veteran tailors Kaguya had brought from the palace, impressing Kaguya greatly.
"But you didn't mess up this time, right?"
"Oh, come on, last time was just a mistake."
"A mistake like mixing up sugar and salt?"
"Don't worry, Your Highness, it's delicious. I've refined the recipe."
"Why do I have a bad feeling about this?"
Night had fallen, and lights were just starting to twinkle. The colors of the sunset faded as darkness settled over the sky. The round moon rose, scattering its soft light like a calm autumn lake, spreading over the waters below as a cool breeze ruffled the surface.
The Princess's palace was splendid, built grandly with exquisite architecture, pavilions, carved railings, and flowing water, an elegant contrast to the palace's opulence.
In the dark, the palace was ablaze with lights, vibrant and bright, never dimming. Strange sounds emanated from the Princess's chamber at this moment.
"Your Highness, please don't."
"It's okay; it won't hurt. I'll be gentle."
"But I'm scared."
"Don't be afraid; I'm here."
"Ouch!"
"It's alright. It always hurts the first time; it won't after that."
"It's bleeding."
"Let me see."
On a large tree outside the palace, two beautiful girls listened to the murmurs from the chamber, their faces flushed—Mine and Hilde.
"Who would've thought the legendary Princess is a pervert?" Mine said indignantly. "Playing with girls like that—I'm going to kill her."
"But," Hilde said, blushing as she adjusted her glasses, "didn't you say you were abandoning the mission?"
"I've changed my mind," Mine said, chambering a round in her sniper rifle with a snap.
As Mine fumed, the room's door opened, and two girls emerged. Mine and Hilde quickly hid.
"Thank you, Your Highness," said a black-haired girl, embarrassed.
"It's nothing, just piercing your ears—an easy task," the silver-haired girl smiled, her beauty mesmerizing. She was the Princess.
The girls in the tree exchanged looks, speechless for a moment.
"It seems we misunderstood her," Hilde said, adjusting her glasses, turning to Mine.
"I know!" Mine's face was slightly red. "It was the weird things they were saying. Let's let her off."
"What about our mission?" Hilde asked, curious.
"Cancel it, obviously," Mine grumbled, lowering her rifle.
I hope this Princess is truly kind, or else…
Mine glanced at the silver-haired girl, a glint of coldness in her eyes.