The Night Visits -- Part 2

LOUISE'S POV

After meeting Evania, the dangerousness of her job sank in – meeting Sinclair had been almost fun as she had the upper-hand in the situation and it was more like a game, however, with Evania it had become real, if Louise had acted out and had not had a hidden card, she would likely be dead instead of visiting another person. She decided to visit Scarlett next since Scarlett's position would allow her to spread rumors and improve the duchess's public opinion. Scarlett also seemed to be someone who would be easily motivated and quite loyal if convinced in the right way. However, Louise still wasn't sure how to convince her because it didn't seem like money coming from an uncertain place was going Shortly before leaving, she had come up with an idea, since Scarlett's organization was full of orphans, then maybe, The White Rose could help find them.

So, after visiting Evania, she climbed to the side of the window where another window was – this one wide-open as moonlight streamed into the room and Louise could hear gently playing music. She knocked on the wall this time, since it would be impossible to knock on the window. Thankfully, the walls were quite sturdy so the shock from her knock did not travel far.

Scarlett's head stuck out of the window, "Is anyone there?"

Louise came out of the shadows and said kindly, "Good evening, I have to come to recruit for The White Rose."

"The White Rose? For what intention does it seek me?" She smiled dangerously. "Well, you must be the one making all the noise knocking on people's windows and recruiting them. An information organization? Considering the circumstances, the duchess is a member of The White Rose?"

Louise was quiet in shocked silence, this was the end, perhaps. She fingered the firearm hidden in the folds of her cloak. Could she really do this?

Scarlett pulled out her own firearm out of one of the pockets in her pants and held it lightly in her hands, gently with a hint of threat, "I'm armed as well and far more prepared, luckily, for The White Rose and yourself, I accept."

"What?" Louise said in confusion.

"I accept your offer – to join The White Rose and be a member. I have been looking to rejoin the community and get my hands dirty with a little revenge. I wonder how much you know, Louise? Have you ever heard of the Masked Sculptor?"

Despite the fact that Louise knew little of the underworld, she had still heard of The Masked Sculptor who was someone who was like a ghost appearing and then vanishing just as quickly. They had been the head of a large mercenary organization but a few years ago, there had been rumors that The Masked Sculptor had been murdered the organization fell apart.

"I have."

"Well, I am The Masked Sculptor, I didn't die and I am ready to get back some power, however, this time I do not wish to be the leader of an organization, for that would hasten my death to a degree which I do not wish to happen. Besides, this way I will be able to what they did with themselves after my disappearance. Of course, as a subordinate of your leader, I will do my duty and follow loyally, you must know that my identity will bring fortunate but it will also bring unwanted trouble however, I will do my best to aid in any troubles brought."

It was quiet for a moment as Louise tried to process what was being said – Scarlett had been extremely frank and now Louise, despite the risk which she likely didn't understand the full extent of, judged this as more of an asset than a risk.

"Alright, well The White Rose will be in touch," Louise said quietly as she handed Scarlett the coin that would show the dates and a white rose.

After leaving the room, she climbed up the building where the window was slightly open in James' room. Unlike the other rooms where the people inside had been getting ready for bed, there was a candle burning and James sat working over papers sprawled over his desk a dark black pen in his hands busily working away. For a moment, Louise simply observed, then she worked up the courage to approach the windowsill. Then she pulled herself up onto the windowsill, dangling her legs outside the window. She knocked on the wall but James was still immersed in working. After some time, James finally looked up from his work to see Louise, who to him appeared very much like a shadow or ghost with a strong aura around them.

He dropped his pen in surprise and scrambling out of his chair, he edged his way across the room further away from Louise.

Louise simply smiled and waved her hand casually. "Hello, I mean no harm."

"Would someone who randomly sneaked to your window be someone who doesn't have ill intentions?"

"I did knock but you didn't notice. However, I did not come here to argue but rather with an offer."

"An offer? Before you say anything, drop your gun."

Louise compiled a little nervously as she was losing one of her few defenses against James and dropped the firearm on the floor, remaining calm as it clanged on the floor. "I have done what you have requested and now I will make my offer. The White Rose, an information organization, wishes to offer you a position. Of course, I will not force you to join and you will be given something for your employment."

"Something, is it anything I wish for?"

"Of course," Louise said with a slight smile as she could already see what he wished for.

"Would- would you able to find my missing brother?"

"As I said we are not merely an organization we are an information one so I am sure if we started looking, we would eventually find his fate and current ware bouts."

"If you are willing to do that and ensure his safety, I would be willing to do anything for The White Rose and join it as well and be its' hidden sword for forever as well as always be loyal."

Louise sighed. "Like I said, I don't know his fate so I will not make deals I cannot keep, however, if you join, I will promise that The White Rose will look for him and return him to the best of our abilities back to you, assuming he complies with everything. Do you also wish for your family to be protected?"

"Of course, my sister and my brother are the most important to me and I wouldn't wish for them to get any harm."

"Alright, well, since you have agreed, then, you are a member of The White Rose," she said as she handed a coin that would show the dates and a white rose to James.

"Farewell."

With this farewell, Louise climbed out of the room and on to the side of the building where she climbed the side of the building so she was out of sight and dropped to the ground landing in a rough bush. As leaves and branches were now generally scattered all over her, it was not very comfortable. Despite this Louise did not move or make a fuss since Scarlett's words had deeply imprinted themselves on her, her actions had already been traced back to the duchess, what if someone tried to kill the duchess? With this warning in mind, she crouched in the bush for a couple of hours until she felt it was safe to leave the bush. Climbing back onto the wall, she reached the duchess's room where the window was still open letting the gentle breeze come into the room.

The duchess was slumped on the windowsill, asleep, and as Louise slipped in, carefully going around the duchess, she closed the window. After washing her hands and washing the cloak, she lifted the duchess from the windowsill to her bed and put the blankets over her. After washing up, she got a couple of spare towels from the bathroom and one of the blankets she had brought and lay on the hard wooden floor, complementing the events of the day. They had left the palace and gone to this rather nice inn which had been full of odd people. Then after going around to spread information about the duchess and hear news as well as get groceries, she had come back for one of the best dinners Louise had ever had. James, especially, had been friendly and warm in the few moments she had spoken to him and Louise could hardly wait to work more with him and all the other people. Louise could not wait to see the positive impact The White Rose, she, the duchess, and its' other members would have on the world. Altogether, it had been a frightening day, it had also been delightful.