Clear Plan, Hiding At The Corner

"But it's because they aren't allowed to show any resistance that would lead to such behavior, right?"

"How would you react? Being held at the throat, would you still be this calm?"

"Your opinion has yet to win me over, Shadow."

"Suit yourself. But let's say that the Viceroy's men have truly taken over. How will we proceed? Surely a few of them are manageable but if a battalion is going to greet us, you are on your own," replied Mavislin as she took another bite of the dango.

"Not to mention that because of the nice little performance you did for him, Zenos is going to show his face by the end of the initial swarm."

"I could take out some of the guards, enough for you to sneak into the inner walls for you to quell the soldiers there. Then after I'm done with the ones outside, I can join you."

"By the same time, I would've been done with the guards inside. But what happens if there's backup called when we intercept the Prince of Darkness?" asked the dragon girl.

"He would probably slice his own men to pieces and turn them into a red paste for interrupting his fight with us. Trust me, I have seen it happen and would very much appreciate it if I didn't see it a second time."

"I wasn't joking about this guy not giving a shred of mercy to anyone. I won't be surprised if he would randomly kill someone just because he felt like it. Drunk on power because his father is the leader of the Northern Cartel, this man knows nothing about mercy."

The duo fell silent as they finished their discussion, not wanting to change the simple plan. The calm ambiance of the café provided them a moment of peace before the duties that awaited them beyond the gates of the village.

Eventually, after nearly flinging dango at each other because Matt had spilled Mavislin's tea, they rose from their seats, thanked the café owner, and made their way back to the main path.

With renewed energy and a clear plan of attack, they continued towards the palace, the lanterns lighting their way as they ascended toward the ancient walls. But one thing they had failed to do was to check the corner.

In the corner of their eyes, where one would always miss, sat a very patient Viceroy with his casual outfit. The same tea lady poured a cup of piping hot green tea for the man, not knowing that she was pouring tea for a tyrant.

With a hand nicely resting underneath his chin, Zenos watched with curiosity and anticipation as the duo calmly continued their walk toward the palace.

"It would seem I would have some new guests to play with. Wouldn't you agree, Ayame?" asked the happy Viceroy, swirling his tea.

"It would appear so and they are definitely not from around here. And it seems that they hail from the renowned Syndicate," replied the tea lady.