Ethan laid out his plan for them. First, they would gather intelligence. They needed to know who they could trust as allies. The people who would be affected by the purge would be ideal candidates. He warns them to be careful in their choices as some would do anything to save their lives. He explains that they should create a network of informants within the village if they hear anything about the noble's movements or visits to the town.
"Alas, Lara, use your status as a professor to gain the trust of nobles that you suspect is against the festival of purging. They should hear rumours and be deep into speculations about the other nobles' plans."
Lara shifts uncomfortably in her chair. She complains in a whisper.
"What if they get the wrong idea and think I want them to court me."
"Alas, if that should happen, show them the ring. Tell them it is a ring from your future husband. If they need to see evidence, we supply it if needed."
Lara blushes, her thoughts clear as day on the evidence's possible meaning. Ethan explained that they needed the trust of nobles to ascertain their strategy.
"Alas, we are not nobles and do not know how they think or operate. Classes have their way of doing things and way of thinking. It is crucial to gain some insight into their world."
Ethan places their mugs on the table, representing the areas where they can enter.
"Alas, we need to formulate a plan to cover the critical locations they can enter. We need to prepare ambush points to thin them down and divide them. The farmers around the village should contact Shaw when they spot any movement out of the ordinary."
"Hail, what about the village guards? The village has many surveillance cameras. They would be able to help."
Grace placed her mug on the side of the table.
"We should not rely on the guards. They did not save our parents back then. None of them were born here. They work for money, and their families stay in the city. They arrive by train every day. The king has given them free transport to any village they desire."
Ethan sat back, his hand falling on Wendy's thigh. Wendy jumped in surprise. He had not worked that into his plan. He despised the train and would prefer never to use it. He recognised that it was the life's blood of the villages. The roads were used for trucks to deliver goods. The train stopped at their town. To go to the coast, you needed a vehicle or horse.
"Squee, how did they know who to kill and to leave alone the previous time."
"We do not know the question has never been asked. We were children back then. Thompson was on a case near the South Sea. That was the story he had circulated. The king was busy crushing a rebellion. Shaw had rescued Penny, but nobody went near the inn, fearing his magic power. We were the lucky ones. Our parents had brought us here and fought the nobles and perished. We later learned that Thompson had been lying in wait for the nobles. Thompson killed many that day, becoming a legend feared by many nobles."
"Hail, they left this place alone, which is odd."
"Alas, they had informants that gathered information beforehand, and it was a well-planned attack. We should assume that they would do so again. Be diligent and only speak to people that you trust."
Maple seemed to be deep in thought, and her frown was cute. Ethan wanted to hug her and kiss her pretty cheeks. Ethan touched her arm, speaking in a reassuring voice.
"Alas, we will be ready when the time comes. Let me know if you hear anything that might help us. See if you can find out anything from your patients."
Maple stared at Ethan for a second, then she replied softly.
"I-I-I I will do just that, Ethan. I appreciate your concern."
Wendy winked at Ethan as they appreciated Maple's red face as she spoke. Grace smiled faintly, and Lara grinned at Ethan when the others looked away. It was time for them to leave for the city. Ethan walked Wendy, Lucy, and Lara behind him as they discussed the training and the path forward. He waved at the farmers and stopped to talk to them. The two men greeted the woman. Lara is well known to them. She had worked part-time on both of their farms. He asked them to watch for strangers or things out of the ordinary. They would appreciate their watchful eyes on this side of the village. He wanted to know if they had other friends around the town with farms. Soon, they had enough people to watch the roads to the city. He was surprised to see that they all had telephones in their houses. Lara laughed as she spoke.
"Dummy, the inn has a phone as well. Penny keeps it at the back of the kitchen. The device is as big as a small child."
Ethan guessed it, worked with manna, and the gadget could contact anyone in this realm. The academy was bustling with activity as the students prepared for their day of classes. Lara walked up to Kuno, and they talked as she waved goodbye. Ethan and Wendy stared at her ass as she walked away.
"Squee, what will I do with the two of you."
"Hail, she has a nice ass just like you, Lucy. We can stare at your backside all day long."
"Alas, you can say that again. Wendy has a nice ass, too, as you know."
They left through the portal to the city and headed towards the Royal Police Headquarters. As they walked, they discussed the threat to the village. Ethan stopped at a stall selling pancakes with cinnamon and sugar. Lucy bought them each milk and four pancakes. They ate happily as they neared the headquarters.
Officers greeted them as they entered the headquarters. Thompson sat at his desk as Smith shoved past Ethan with a sour expression. The two officers from the crime scene approached them and introduced themselves.
"Good morning, steel plate adventurers. I am Lieutenant Bridget, and she is Lieutenant Astrid. Thompson and Smith had words, as usual, that they only act like friends when we go fishing or on outings. How they manage to stay friends is beyond me."
"Hail, you were on a fishing trip with them."
"Yes, Sargeant Melody, Astrid, and I live with Thompson. We are his wives. You have seen Melody at the crime scene. She was against the tree with Thompson doing, you know what. She brought you tea and biscuits when you first came here."
"Alas, the big-breasted blond girl with no panties on."
"Why yes, you remember her."
"Squee, you must have a contract with Thompson."
"Yes, Lucy, you are correct. He saved all of us here. We would have been outcasts, as you know. For people with our condition, finding employment or a mate is nearly impossible. Sit with me, and let me tell you about Thompson. Melody, tea, please. We will be in my office."
Melody saluted, walking to what looked like a kitchen corner. They were led to an office next to Thompson's, which had two desks. The officers made themselves comfortable as they sat down.