The flickering candlelight cast dancing shadows against the stone walls of Joseph's chamber in the Britannia Palace's guest hall.
"Joseph, I trust your little gathering was fruitful," she said.
Joseph poured himself a glass of deep red wine, the liquid swirling like a tempest. "Indeed, Dizzy. The nobles were quite...
accommodating. They were eager to hear about the Empire's technology. And I took great pleasure in keeping the conversation light." He smirked, a playful glint in his eye.
Dizzy stepped deeper into the room. "Light? You mean while you deftly plucked their secrets from the air like an accomplished bard?"
"Precisely. But I must confess, the prime minister, Lord Thomas, was a tougher nut to crack," Joseph said, settling into a chair with a sigh. "He was skeptical, always probing, trying to discern my true intentions."
Dizzy arched an eyebrow. "Did you succeed in extracting anything of value?"
Joseph leaned forward, lowering his voice. "He mentioned their trade routes are in disarray. They've lost two key shipments to pirates. Their economy is more fragile than they let on."
"That's promising. We need to exploit this vulnerability further. Have you sent your findings to Sir Zero yet?"
"I planned to do so tonight, once I've gathered my thoughts," Joseph replied, swirling the wine in his glass. "But you know how it is with Sir Zero. He expects crisp, actionable intel."
"And you'll give him that," Dizzy said, tapping her fingers on the table. "What about their military capabilities? Any whispers among the generals?"
"Not much. Just that they're concerned about the Indiana Empire's growing influence."
Dizzy said. "Then we must act swiftly."
Joseph nodded. "And what of Elara? She's been quiet lately. Have her discoveries led us anywhere?"
Dizzy shrugged, dismissing the question. "Elara is busy in the library, lost in her tomes. She'll come through when she finds something useful. She always does."
"Let's hope that's soon," Joseph replied, glancing toward the window where the moon hung heavy in the sky. "Time is not on our side."
Just then, Felix burst into the room, his face flushed with excitement. "Sir Joseph! Captain Dizzy! You won't believe what I found out today!"
"Calm down, Felix," Dizzy said, raising a hand to intercept his enthusiasm. "What's the news?"
Felix took a moment to catch his breath, leaning against the door. "I managed to charm my way into a meeting with some of the major trade guilds. They're more worried than what Lord Thomas let on. There's talk of a major shipment being delayed, possibly due to sabotage."
Joseph's brow furrowed. "Sabotage? How reliable is this information?"
"From the lips of one of their guild leaders, I assure you," Felix replied, a grin spreading across his face.
"They suspect it's a rival faction trying to seize control of the trade routes."
Dizzy exchanged a knowing glance with Joseph. "Then we could potentially use this to our advantage. If we make the right moves, we could sow discord among their ranks."
"Precisely," Joseph said, his voice gaining confidence. "If we can fan the flames of their strife, it will distract them long enough for us to make our own moves."
Felix leaned in, eager to contribute. "But we need to be careful. This could backfire if they unite against us instead."
Dizzy waved a hand dismissively. "Let them unite. We'll be three steps ahead. We have intelligence on their vulnerabilities now. It's time we leverage it."
Suddenly, Elara entered the room, her arms laden with books and scrolls. She looked slightly disheveled, as if she had been rummaging through the archives all night. "Are you all talking about vulnerabilities? Because I think I have something that might be of interest."
"Finally!" Felix exclaimed, moving nearer to help her with the load. "What did you find?"
Elara dropped her books on the table, spreading them out to reveal ancient maps and worn manuscripts. "I discovered an old manuscript that speaks of a magical artifact hidden within the Britannia borders. It's said to hold immense power."
Joseph's eyes widened. "This could change everything. Where is it located?"
"Somewhere near the old ruins of Castle Broz," Elara replied, her finger tracing the inked lines on the map. "The locals regard it as sacred ground. It's under Moon scriptures. It is a very big religion. Britannia and its surrounding countries."
Felix nodded, excitement brewing in the room. "It is full of risks. But getting it will benefit our empire a lot."
Dizzy smiled, a cold gleam in her eye. "And the best part? The chaos caused by the artifact's acquisition will keep them busy and distracted, allowing us to further infiltrate their ranks."
Joseph's face turned serious. "But we need a plan. A mission like this requires precision. We can't afford any mistakes."
Felix grinned, wrapping an arm around Elara's shoulder. "And that's what we're here for! Let's gather intel on the guards of Castle Broz and the Moon scriptures, find their weak points, and move in under the cover of darkness."
Elara smirked, her confidence bubbling. "And I'll decipher any magical barriers standing in our way. I've been studying the old texts; I'm sure I can find a way to bypass them."
"Good," Joseph said, his voice steady. "Dizzy, you'll lead the operation. I want you to get close to the castle's perimeter. Use your skills to gather information on guard shifts and routines."
Dizzy nodded, determination hardening in her expression. "I'll start tonight. By morning, we'll have eyes everywhere."
"Felix, you'll accompany her," Joseph added. "You're charming enough to blend in with anyone on the outskirts. And Elara, stay behind and continue your research. We may need your expertise soon."
Elara nodded, but a hint of disappointment crossed her face. "I'd like to go. There's so much more we can discover together."
"Another time, Elara," Joseph assured her. "For now, we need you to keep your head in those books. This artifact might hold the key, but we need to remain focused."
"Fine," Elara replied, crossing her arms. "But I better be included in the next operation."
"Deal," Dizzy chuckled, her smile sly. "You'll get your chance. But first, we all need to gather our intel and prepare for what's to come."
As the team dispersed, Dizzy felt a thrill pulse through her. The night is growing , and the shadows were her allies. She would step into the darkness, putting her skills to the test once more.
Felix caught up to her as they left Joseph's chambers. "You know, Captain, for someone so driven, you should smile more often. It's not all about business."
"Business is what keeps us alive, Felix," she replied, her voice cool. "But I appreciate your concern."
"Just making an observation. I've seen how passionate you get about this work. It's contagious." Felix winked at her, his charm never faltering.
Dizzy rolled her eyes, feeling a flicker of warmth at his jest. "Focus, Felix. We have a mission to accomplish."
As they moved stealthily through the corridors, Felix's voice broke the silence. "What's your plan once we find the artifact, Captain? Are you thinking of merely securing it for the Empire?"
Dizzy stopped, her eyes narrowing. "Once we acquire it, we'll use it to manipulate the Britannians, tipping the scales in our favor. But I also won't hesitate to leverage it as a bargaining chip if necessary. Power is a tool, and I intend to wield it."
Felix's expression turned serious.
"Just remember, power can corrupt. We need to stay true to our mission."
"Of course, but don't mistake my ambition for corrupt intentions," she replied, her voice steady. " It's about ensuring the Empire remains unchallenged."
As they reached the castle's outer walls, Dizzy felt the weight of every decision they were about to make.
"Let's move," she said
Felix nodded