Later that day, as Lucas walked through the estate's grounds to clear his mind, he found himself unexpectedly face-to-face with the nameless boy—the child who had come into their lives so many years ago. The boy, once distant and cold, had changed. His eyes were no longer as dark and foreboding, but softer, almost... humane.
Lucas had always been wary of the boy, ever since the moment they had taken him in. There was something about him that felt out of place, something unsettling in his gaze. Yet, as the boy stood before him, Lucas could sense a shift—his movements, though still guarded, no longer held that same dangerous edge.
"You've changed," Lucas said, his voice tinged with both caution and curiosity. The boy, now standing taller and more self-assured, met his gaze.
"I've learned," the boy replied simply, his voice devoid of the hostility it once carried. "You've tried to teach me... what it means to be human."
Lucas, though cautious, could not help but feel a sense of relief. For the first time, he saw the child not as a threat, but as someone who had, in some strange way, been shaped by the love and care the Caussades had shown him. But even as Lucas allowed himself to soften, a realization began to dawn on him—he had been blind to the true nature of the boy for some time.
"I knew, for some time now," Lucas admitted, his voice low. "I knew what you were. But I never took action. I was afraid of what you represented... the power behind you. Your master."
The boy's eyes darkened for a moment, but then he nodded slowly.
"I never wanted to be a weapon," he said quietly. "But you tried to rekindle something within me—something I thought was lost."
Lucas looked at the boy, his expression softening. "I've only ever wanted to teach you what it means to be human... to feel, to care, to have purpose beyond destruction."
The boy nodded again, but there was a flicker of something more dangerous in his eyes—something Lucas would not be able to ignore for long.
Upon hearing that Lucas Caussade had decided to remain as Grand Master, Magdahlia felt a surge of frustration—though not entirely unexpected. She had anticipated this response from him, knowing how deeply he was bound to his sense of duty and his daughter, Aurelie.
However, Magdahlia couldn't allow Lucas to continue as Grand Master. His mental instability and emotional fragility were liabilities, and she couldn't afford to have him standing in her way. After all, her plans had been set in motion, and she had already invested too much in her rise to power. Lucas's presence, though weakened, still held a certain authority, and Magdahlia knew she had to remove him completely to consolidate her control over Starsbough and the Stars Knights.
But, rather than confronting him directly, Magdahlia knew she would need to play a careful hand. It wasn't just about eliminating Lucas—it was about securing her position and making sure no one could challenge her.
In the heart of the Stars Knights' headquarters, deep within a secret chamber, Magdahlia stood before her most trusted allies. The air was thick with anticipation, as tonight would mark the culmination of months of careful planning. The loyal captains, along with Merida, the Vice Grand Master, gathered in the room. Maps of Starsbough were spread out across a large table, and the faces of the knights were serious, reflecting the gravity of the task ahead.
Magdahlia, with her customary poise and authority, began the meeting. Her voice was calm but carried the weight of finality. Each knight knew what was at stake—this was not just about a power grab. It was about securing Starsbough's future and ensuring that Magdahlia would reign without challenge.
Magdahlia began with a simple but powerful statement, her gaze sweeping over the room.
"We've waited long enough. Tonight, the Stars Knights will strike, and the Atopia family will fall. Our time is now."
The knights exchanged looks, each one prepared for the operation ahead. They had been chosen because of their loyalty and skill. Every captain, each a leader in their division, had been briefed extensively on their role in the coup.
Magdahlia motioned for Kapten Noah, the captain responsible for logistics and national trade, to begin.
Kapten Noah stood, his uniform impeccable as he addressed the room.
"I have arranged all necessary resources. The movement of supplies will go undetected, and key locations in the city will be cleared for our knights to move through without resistance. The Atopia family members who are attending the festival will be in designated positions, and my team will ensure they're taken care of quickly and quietly."
Magdahlia nodded in approval, her gaze shifting to Kapten Gabin, the captain of religious affairs.
Kapten Gabin stood with a calm, composed air. He had been tasked with ensuring that religious leaders and their followers were kept in check, ensuring no disruptions arose from the religious factions in the city.
"The festival will draw a large crowd, and the religious divisions will be distracted. My men have already infiltrated key temples and chapels to ensure that no group gathers in opposition to our actions. The distractions will provide us cover."
Next, Kapten Celice, the captain responsible for military equipment and defense supplies, stepped forward. His role was to ensure that the Knights' weapons and armor were ready for the assault, and that the soldiers had everything they needed for a smooth operation.
Kapten Celice spoke with authority.
"I have ensured that every knight's equipment is in top condition. My division will also handle any heavy artillery required for securing the area. We won't need much—our aim is precision, not force. Our equipment will be prepared and available at a moment's notice."
Magdahlia's eyes glinted with satisfaction. The plan was coming together perfectly. She turned to Kapten ExulezaR, the captain overseeing national intelligence, to discuss the security measures.
Kapten ExulezaR stood, his presence calm yet commanding.
"I've already ensured that the Atopia family's movements are monitored. We know exactly where each member will be at all times during the festival. I have operatives positioned throughout the city, and they are prepared to inform us of any unexpected changes in plans. The Atopia family will be contained in one fell swoop, with no chance to retaliate."
With the preparations well underway, Kapten Jules Arthur, responsible for domestic defense, gave his report next.
Kapten Jules Arthur addressed the group, his expression one of determination.
"I've ensured that our troops are stationed at key points to control the public. Any civilians that may become unruly will be quickly dispersed. Our forces will be placed along the festival route to ensure no one can intervene during the operation."
Magdahlia glanced at Kapten Noé, who was tasked with overseeing security, law, and justice.
Kapten Noé spoke with a firm voice.
"The security personnel who might pose a threat to our efforts have already been neutralized. I've personally ensured that the city's law enforcement will be distracted or placed under our influence. Our loyalists have been positioned in key administrative posts, making sure no one stands in the way of our success."
Merida, standing near Magdahlia, finally spoke. Though not technically a captain, she held as much authority as any of them. She was Magdahlia's most trusted ally, and her presence carried weight.
"I've ensured that our most elite forces are ready. The special combat forces will be deployed where necessary to ensure swift execution. We've also prepared contingency plans in case things go awry. The key is coordination—everyone must move as one unit, without hesitation."
Magdahlia nodded, her confidence unshaken. Merida's input was invaluable. The execution of this coup would depend on precision and unity, and Merida's forces would be vital in ensuring that.
Magdahlia stood at the head of the table, her posture perfect, as she addressed the knights one last time.
"We all know our roles. There is no room for failure. We strike tonight, when the Cultural Exchange Festival reaches its peak. The Atopia family will be eliminated. Lucas will be removed from the Grand Master position, and no one will stand in our way."
She paused, her eyes scanning the room, locking eyes with each knight.
"We will take what is rightfully ours. Starsbough will be ours. Our future is now."
With that, Magdahlia gave the signal. The knights rose, ready for the final phase of their mission. Each captain knew their assignment, and every knight under their command was prepared to execute the plan with precision.
The coup had begun.