Victor began to panic internally. Someone or some people were trying to take Veronica's life. Realising the severity of the situation Victor began to plan possible ways to stop the assassination. He couldn't outright warn his sister because it would be extremely suspicious and her reaction could alert the enemy.
'I need to get her to someone secure and where I can reach my escort soldiers.' Victor thought while surveying his surroundings. Veronica gave him a confused look, "Is something the matter brother?" She asked in an unsure tone.
"I don't think I am feeling well sister do you mind escorting me to the main entrance?" Victor politely asked, hoping to drag her away from the crowd. With a faint smile and a nod, Veronica led Victor out of the ballroom to the main entrance. Unaware, the siblings didn't notice a servant and two party guests discreetly followed them.
Noticing the return of their master Florence and Sebastian who were conversing approached the two siblings. Sparing no subtly Victor looked Florence dead in the eyes and said, "Find our escort soldiers immediately tell them to arm themselves. I think we are in danger."
The servants and Veronica were shocked but nevertheless, Florence complied with the order and went into the courtyard searching for Victor's soldiers. Turning to Sebastian Victor said, "Notify our grandparents that a few suspicious people are following us, I saw at least one with a concealed dagger." Although Victor was lying the threat was real.
Veronica was visibly distraught beginning to freak out. Victor gave her a big embrace and whispered, "Do not panic, we must let them believe we are unaware of their presence. My soldiers will deal with them soon." Veronica tried to compose herself after his words.
The 3 individuals who had been following them now began to approach covered in. The guards who were stationed nearby had their throats slit. All 3 of them were armed with daggers and were quickly closing the distance between themselves and the siblings,
Aware of their presence Victor shielded Veronica and stood his ground. Facing off against 3 middle-aged men with brown hair Victor calmly asked them, "What is the meaning of this? Do you know who we are?" He planned to buy time for his soldiers or the Dukedom's guards to arrive.
The men smirked evilly at them. Their eyes fixated more on Veronica than Victor. The one in the middle dressed as a servant stepped forward and said in a raspy tone, "If you know what's good for you step aside, someone wants the little lady dead." The other two dressed as guests began to encroach even further.
The one on Victor's left attempted to slash Victor's face. With little room for error, he managed to dodge the crimson blade that had already been stained with the blood of Duke Cassell's guards. The other two began to pounce on Victor but with cat-like reflexes, he evaded both of them.
"Veronica run outside and find help!" Victor urged trying to fend off the three assailants. Heeding the words of her brother Veronica ran outside into the courtyard looking for people who could help. Victor who was trying to fend off the three was now being overwhelmed. While delaying the assailants he had managed to get cut multiple times on his arms, legs and chest.
Struggling to find the energy to stand Victor dug deep and steeled his resolve. The three attackers worked well in unison to push back Victor and deal decent damage to him. Launching a joint offensive they rushed Victor before he could properly ground himself. With their blade inches away from striking him, the assassins were confident in finishing him off.
That was until the attacker dressed as a guest on the left dropped to the floor after the sound of a bang. Confused at the sudden death of their comrade the other two pulled back. Staring at Victor, 4 figures with their flintlock carbine raised appeared behind him. It was his Royal Scots Grey soldiers.
Realising that their chance to pull off the assassination failed the other two began to flee. But they soon found themselves surrounded. Sebastian had succeeded in alerting the Duke. Many soldiers dressed in white uniforms bearing the purple rose crest of the Duchy now had their rifles pointed at the 2 men with daggers.
Coming to terms that they had well and truly failed, the men surrendered and were escorted away by the soldiers. Victor who had sustained multiple deep cuts collapsed due to sheer exhaustion and blood loss. Physicians urgently rushed Victor to a bed and began to treat Victor's injuries.
Veronica and the Cassell family could only watch in horror at the amount of cuts Victor sustained while defending Veronica. The fight may have been only 5 minutes but he managed to hold out against 3 men with daggers while injured to this extent.
For 2 days Victor lay in a comatose state for two days. He managed to survive his injuries and was stitched up by multiple physicians. The Duke spared no expense in the efforts to help Victor recover. During that time Veronica did not leave his bedside, wishing for her brother to wake from his slumber.
On the third day, Victor sluggishly arose from his coma. His body was heavy and sore, he could not move comfortably. Veronica who had not taken a break was fast asleep on the edge of the bed. Flattered by his sister's devotion Victor laid there with her allowing her to her rest.
When Veronica woke up she was greeted by the soft smile of her injured brother. Tears began to flow as she cried while gently hugging her brother, trying not to aggravate his wounds. Soon after the news of Victor's awakening, all his family found time to visit him. Even Sebastian, Florence and a few of his soldiers called in to check up on him.
When Victor was finally alone he was able to relax. Fatigued from his injuries and constant socialising he stared blankly at the ceiling recalling the events of the party. While recollecting his thoughts a blue screen appeared in front of Victor.
'Congratulations on completing the Dangerous Quest! Tap the screen to collect your rewards.'
For the wounds he received and the mental stress inflicted upon his sister Victor hoped for extremely good rewards for completing such a taxing and horrible quest.
'Rewards: 2x 100-Man Infantry Unit Summons, 1x 30-Man Cavalry Unit Summon and a 1x Military Outpost Upgrade Kit.'
Victor's sullen face lit up. Getting more soldiers was one thing but a kit to upgrade his outpost was another. If he could expand the barracks and get more supplies housing 500 or more people wasn't a far-fetched idea. Happy with his rewards Victor would wait until he returned to the outpost before using them.
While in bed Sebastian knocked on the door and politely said "My Lord, are you awake? May I come in?" Victor yelled out in reply, "Come in Sebastian." With his lord's permission, Sebastian opened the door and entered the room. Sebastian seemed more serious than usual. His brow was furrowed and his usual expression was replaced with one of uncertainty.
"My Lord, I have come to inform you that the identity of who hired the assassins has been revealed," Sebastian said in a worrisome tone.
"Really? Who wanted Veronica dead?" Victor quickly replied.
Sebastian's face darkened which made Victor anxious. With a deep breath, Sebastian looked Victor dead in the eyes and said only 3 words.
"Duke Harold Cruyff."