The Siege of Montivelle Castle(part 1)

The soft light of dawn filtered through the canopy of trees as the rebel camp stirred to life. After a night of rest, Vergil and his companions—Freya, Aeka, and his five adopted daughters—prepared to move out. The decision had been made: the rebel forces would relocate their headquarters closer to the entrance of Montivelle Kingdom's capital, a strategic position to increase their influence and strike at the heart of the oppressive regime.

Vergil and Aeka worked in silence, dismantling their tent with practiced efficiency. Every movement was purposeful. As they packed, Vergil ensured that the most important documents—detailed maps, intelligence on enemy movements, and operational plans—were safely stored in a concealed compartment of their wagon.

Nearby, Freya directed Vergil's five daughters as they loaded their belongings into the covered wagon. The girls, though still untrained in the deadly arts Vergil had mastered, moved with quiet determination. Freya's commanding yet gentle voice kept them focused amidst the morning bustle.

Behind them, the larger rebel force was also preparing to march. The sheer size of the army was impressive, and their spirits were high. One wagon, however, stood apart from the rest. It carried Lord Lucas, the once-powerful noble who had been captured as a crucial bargaining chip. Guards flanked the prisoner's wagon, their hands never far from their weapons, wary of any escape attempts.

As the convoy moved through the winding roads toward the capital, their progress did not go unnoticed. Villagers and farmers lined the roadsides, cheering the rebel forces. Many offered supplies—sacks of grain, barrels of water, and even livestock—as a gesture of support.

Even more surprising were the volunteers who joined along the way. Most were seasoned veterans, soldiers who had once served Montivelle Kingdom but had been cast aside by Crown Princess Kanami. These warriors bore the scars of countless battles, yet their eyes shone with defiance. They had refused the princess's cruel and unreasonable orders and now saw the rebellion as their chance for redemption.

Vergil watched these new recruits from his seat in the wagon, his sharp blue eyes scanning each face. He recognized the hunger for justice and revenge in their expressions.

"These men will be an asset," Aeka said, sitting beside him. Her tone was calm, but there was an edge of caution.

"They will, if they survive," Vergil replied, his voice low. "Desperation makes men brave, but it doesn't make them invincible."

By nightfall, the rebels had reached the outskirts of the capital. They set up camp under the cover of dense woods, their fires kept low to avoid detection. The air was tense with anticipation, yet the morale was bolstered by unexpected developments.

Throughout the evening, royal soldiers began slipping into the rebel camp, abandoning their posts in the capital. These defectors, weary of Crown Princess Kanami's tyrannical rule, came seeking refuge and purpose.

One soldier, his armor dented and tarnished, approached Freya as she stood watch near the main tent.

"I can't serve her any longer," he confessed, his voice trembling with suppressed anger. "She's turned us into tools for her whims. But you… you fight for something real."

Freya studied the man for a moment before nodding. "If you're here to fight, then fight with honor. Prove that you're more than what she made you."

The camp grew restless as news spread of the growing ranks. Among the rebels, hope swelled. But Vergil, ever the pragmatist, remained vigilant. Sitting by the dim glow of a lantern, he poured over his notes, his mind already planning the next step.

"This is only the beginning," he muttered, glancing at Aeka, who sat sharpening her blade nearby. "The closer we get to the capital, the more dangerous this will become."

Aeka's sharp gaze met his, and a faint smirk crossed her lips. "Danger is what we're best at."

As the rebel camp settled into its temporary site near the capital, Vergil wasted no time setting up his command tent. The interior was modest but efficient, with maps, documents, and tools of strategy meticulously arranged. At the center stood the Progress Board, a large wooden panel displaying photographs and notes—Vergil's method of tracking the rebellion's objectives.

This time, Vergil extended an invitation to Lady Arisa and Lady Lina, along with the key leaders of the rebellion. The air inside the tent was tense but purposeful, the flickering lantern light casting long shadows on the faces of those gathered.

On the board, one photograph immediately drew attention: a picture of Lady Lina, previously marked with a red cross. Beneath it, the word "Rescued" was scrawled in neat handwriting, signaling her liberation. Another photograph, this one of Lord Lucas 'Lucky' Escalbrook, had recently been marked with a red cross and labeled "Captured"—a testament to the rebels' latest success.

Lady Lina's eyes lingered on her own photograph, the memory of her harrowing capture and subsequent rescue still fresh in her mind. She turned to Vergil, her brows furrowed slightly in curiosity.

"What is this board, and why is my photograph displayed here?" she asked, her voice steady but tinged with unease.

Before Vergil could respond, Mina, his eldest adopted daughter, stepped forward. Despite her youth, Mina carried herself with an air of maturity, a reflection of her role among Vergil's daughters.

"This is our Progress Board," Mina explained, her voice clear and confident. "It's how we track our objectives and measure our success in aiding the rebellion. A photograph marked with a cross means the mission related to that person has been completed."

Mina gestured toward Lady Lina's photograph. "In your case, it means you've been rescued and are now safe." She then pointed to Lord Lucas's photograph. "And here, it shows that he's been captured alive, just as planned."

Lady Lina nodded slowly, her expression softening as she absorbed the explanation. She glanced at her photograph once more, then turned her gaze to Vergil.

"I see. It's… efficient. And accurate, given my own experience," she said, a small smile gracing her lips. "Thank you, truly, for what you've done."

With a solemn air, Vergil returned to the Progress Board, pinning three new photographs in place. Each represented a figure critical to the rebellion's plans.

Lord Ramune Velmontiere, the head of the Holy Knights of Montivelle Kingdom. Beneath his photograph, Vergil wrote three question marks , indicating uncertainty about his status or how to deal with him. Prince Ocelot Lusignham, whose reputation as a skilled tactician preceded him. His status was likewise marked with question marks. Prince Rudy Lusignham, a renowned hunter. His photograph bore the same enigmatic markings.

As the leaders gathered around the board, Lady Lina was the first to break the silence. "Why the question marks?" she asked, her curiosity piqued.

Freya, standing nearby, stepped forward to explain. "It means we haven't determined how to approach them yet, nor do we have reliable confirmation of their current movements or intentions."

Vergil remained quiet, his sharp eyes scanning the photographs as the discussion continued.

Lady Lina studied the photograph of Prince Rudy for a moment before speaking. "He's not just a prince," she began. "Rudy is a master hunter. Almost every species of animal in Montivelle has been his prey at some point. He's not someone to underestimate."

At this, Lady Arisa chimed in. "That's true. Prince Rudy knows the forests of Montivelle like the back of his hand. And now that it's autumn, food supplies in the region will start to dwindle. He'll know how to use that to his advantage."

Vergil crossed his arms, deep in thought, but before he could respond, Aeka spoke up, her voice calm and calculated. "What if we create subtle changes to the environment? Something small enough to throw Prince Rudy off, to make him doubt his instincts."

Freya frowned slightly at the suggestion. "When I hunting in the forests near Draconoa village, even the slightest change could be felt by experienced adventurers. If Prince Rudy is as skilled as they say, it might not be enough to confuse him."

From the back of the group, Lira, the middle of Vergil's five adopted daughters, hesitantly raised her hand. "What if… we think like hunters ourselves? How does a hunter decide on a target? How do they learn the land?"

Freya nodded at the question. "A hunter always knows their prey and studies their surroundings carefully. They understand patterns, terrain, and even the smallest traces left behind."

Before Freya could continue, Sylvy, the youngest daughters, suddenly interjected with a mischievous grin. "Then why don't we become the hunters? Sometimes, in the wild, the hunter becomes the hunted."

The group fell silent for a moment, processing her words. Then, unexpectedly, Vergil chuckled—a rare sound that drew everyone's attention. "Sylvy," he said, still smiling faintly, "you're a genius."

Freya blinked in confusion. "What's so brilliant about that?" she asked, looking to Vergil for clarification.

Aeka, who had been observing quietly, leaned forward and explained. "Sylvy's right. In nature, hunters often fall victim to their own confidence. By understanding Prince Rudy's movements and turning his own tactics against him, we can force him into a position where he's vulnerable—where he becomes the prey."

Lady Lina and Lady Arisa exchanged impressed glances, clearly taken with the idea. "It's bold," Lady Lina admitted. "But it's also incredibly fitting, given his skills and reputation."

Lady Arisa nodded in agreement. "If we can track his movements and set up an ambush, we might not just catch him—we could also gain valuable insight into the royal forces' plans."

Vergil tapped his fingers against the edge of the board, a thoughtful expression on his face. "We'll need to study his patterns carefully and use the environment to our advantage," he said, his voice firm. "Freya, Aeka, you'll take the lead on this. Start by gathering information from the villages near the forests Rudy frequents."

Seated at the center of his tent, Vergil leaned over a map of Montivelle, his sharp gaze scanning every marked point. His mind raced with possibilities, weighing the risks and benefits of each potential approach to infiltrating the royal palace. However, even with his vast knowledge and experience, the lack of insider information on the palace's layout left a significant gap in his plans.

As Vergil was lost in thought, Aeka approached with a confident smirk. In her hands, she carried a small leather pouch adorned with intricate embroidery.

"No need to overthink it, Brother," she said, setting the pouch down on the table. "I've already prepared for situations like this."

Vergil raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "And what exactly have you prepared?"

Aeka gestured toward the pouch. "These are samples from Aeka Touch, my personal line of luxury goods. You see, Crown Princess Kanami happens to be one of my most loyal customers."

The revelation drew surprised glances from Lady Arisa and Lady Lina.

"Wait," Lady Lina said, her tone incredulous. "You mean to tell me that the head of Aeka Touch—a brand known for high-quality perfumes, cosmetics, and skincare products—is also a highly skilled assassin?"

Aeka gave a small, proud laugh. "That's exactly what I mean. Aeka Touch is something I built as a personal project, separate from my role as an assassin. It's a way to blend into high society and gather intelligence where blades and shadows cannot reach."

Lady Arisa shook her head in disbelief. "I had no idea. The products are so widely admired, even among nobles. It's brilliant, really."

"Brilliant indeed," Vergil murmured, his piercing blue eyes fixed on Aeka. "But how does you will entering palace?"

Aeka crossed her arms, her smirk widening. "Simple. By posing as myself—Aeka Touch owner delivering exclusive products to the Crown Princess—I can gain access to the palace. With the help of Elen and Freya, I can map out the layout and observe the movements of the guards and staff. It's the perfect cover."

Lady Lina and Lady Arisa exchanged impressed glances, their initial surprise giving way to admiration.

"You're saying you'll walk right into the palace, under the Crown Princess's nose, and gather intelligence?" Lady Lina asked, her voice tinged with awe.

"That's exactly what I'm saying," Aeka replied. "The Crown Princess is arrogant and self-absorbed. As long as I offer her something she desires, she won't suspect a thing. And with Elen and Freya by my side, we'll have eyes and ears in every corner of the palace."

Freya, who had been quietly listening, nodded in agreement. "With Aeka's products as a distraction, we'll have the perfect opportunity to learn everything we need about the palace's defenses and layout. It's risky, but the payoff could be invaluable."

Vergil leaned back in his chair, a faint smile playing at the corners of his lips. "bold celver like usual," he admitted, "Aeka Touch has already established a reputation among the nobility, so your presence won't raise suspicion."

Aeka inclined her head, her expression confident. "Exactly. And if anything unexpected happens, I'm more than capable of handling myself."

Vergil nodded, his expression turning serious. "Then it's settled. Aeka, Freya, and Elen will handle the infiltration. Gather as much information as you can, but don't take unnecessary risks. The Crown Princess may be arrogant, but she's no fool."

Lady Arisa and Lady Lina watched the exchange with newfound respect for Aeka's ingenuity.

"You truly are remarkable," Lady Arisa said softly. "To think that something as simple as a line of luxury goods could be the key to infiltrating the palace… It's both elegant and ruthless."

Aeka's smirk returned. "Thank you, Lady Arisa. But remember, in our line of work, the simplest tools are often the most effective."

The next morning, Aeka carefully prepared her products for the journey into the capital city of the Montivelle Kingdom. She selected her finest goods, including her famous lotion creams and a few exclusive, experimental items designed to capture the attention of the nobility.

Meanwhile, the rebellion's forces set up a temporary base in the southern outskirts of the capital, keeping a safe distance while monitoring the city's movements. Aeka, along with Freya and Elen, chose a less conspicuous route through the eastern entrance, which was known to have minimal guard presence. Their entry into the city was smooth and unremarkable.

Word of Aeka's arrival spread quickly through the city's elite circles. When Crown Princess Kanami—a loyal customer of Aeka Touch—heard that the famed merchant herself was in the capital, she wasted no time. She dispatched her personal guards with an invitation for Aeka to visit the palace immediately.

As the sun rose over the bustling capital of the Montivelle Kingdom, news of Aeka's arrival spread quickly among the city's aristocracy. The name Aeka Touch was synonymous with luxury and sophistication, and her products had become coveted treasures among the elite.

The whispers eventually reached the ears of Crown Princess Kanami, who sat in the grand dining hall of the palace, surrounded by her advisors. Known for her vanity and desire to outshine others, Kanami's interest was piqued the moment she heard Aeka was in the capital. Without hesitation, she ordered her personal guards to find Aeka and bring her to the palace.

"She's here?" Kanami asked one of her attendants, her golden eyes gleaming with excitement.

"Yes, Your Highness," the attendant replied with a bow. "Reports suggest she entered the city from the east earlier this morning."

Kanami rose from her chair, her flowing golden-yellow gown shimmering with every step. "Good. Make sure she arrives at the palace immediately. I don't want anyone else to claim her time before I do."

Aeka, Freya, and Elen were traveling discreetly through the capital when they were intercepted by the royal guards. Though their presence initially raised some suspicion among the locals, the guards' formal invitation swiftly cleared any doubts.

"Lady Aeka," the captain of the guard began, bowing respectfully. "Her Highness, Crown Princess Kanami, has personally requested your presence at the royal palace. We are here to escort you."

Aeka smiled warmly, her professional demeanor masking the sharp mind calculating the opportunity before her. "Of course. It would be an honor to meet Her Highness."

Freya glanced at Aeka, her wolf-like ears twitching slightly. "This is sooner than we expected," she murmured under her breath.

"Stay calm," Aeka whispered back. "This is the best-case scenario. Let's make the most of it."

The trio followed the guards through the wide cobblestone streets, lined with towering buildings adorned with Montivelle's royal banners. The palace gates loomed ahead, an imposing structure of marble and gold, guarded by armored knights with stern expressions.

Upon entering, Aeka couldn't help but admire the lavishness of the palace. The grand hall was a masterpiece of architectural design, with high vaulted ceilings, intricate stained-glass windows depicting scenes of Montivelle's history, and golden chandeliers that cast a warm glow across the polished floors.

Elen nudged Aeka gently. "You'd think they'd tone down the extravagance during a rebellion," she whispered with a smirk.

"Focus, Elen," Aeka replied softly, though she shared the sentiment.

Moments later, the chamber doors opened with a flourish, and Crown Princess Kanami entered, her regal presence immediately commanding attention. Her gown was a work of art, its golden-yellow fabric embroidered with silver thread that glinted like sunlight on water. Her perfectly styled auburn hair framed her delicate features, and a subtle scent of jasmine perfume lingered in the air as she approached.

Kanami's gaze immediately landed on the group, but her attention quickly shifted to Freya, her expression hardening. "A Wulfern?" she said, her voice laced with suspicion. "What business does a beastman have here, and why is she in your company, Aeka?"

Freya's wolf-like ears twitched, but she remained silent, her expression neutral.

Aeka stepped forward with a polite smile, her tone measured and calm. "Your Highness, allow me to introduce Freya, my future sister-in-law. She is here to assist me in showcasing my newest products and ensuring their quality."

Kanami raised an eyebrow, her sharp gaze studying Freya for a moment longer before finally turning back to Aeka. "Very well," she said, though a hint of doubt lingered in her tone. "I trust you wouldn't bring anyone unworthy into my palace."

Aeka bowed slightly. "I assure you, Your Highness, Freya's presence is only to enhance today's presentation."

Kanami's expression softened, her interest shifting once again to the products Aeka carried. "And what have you brought for me this time? Your lotion cream has already become indispensable to me. I hope you've brought something equally exquisite."

Aeka gestured gracefully to the elegant case she carried, opening it to reveal a collection of beautifully packaged products. Each item was meticulously crafted, from the glass bottles of scented oils to the delicate jars of moisturizing cream, their labels bearing the distinctive Aeka Touch emblem.

"Your Highness," Aeka began, her tone smooth and confident, "in addition to my signature lotion cream, I have prepared a selection of exclusive prototypes designed specifically for royalty. These products are crafted with the rarest ingredients, ensuring unparalleled quality and efficacy."

Kanami's eyes lit up as she examined the display, her earlier skepticism melting away. "You've outdone yourself, Aeka," she said, a pleased smile gracing her lips. "These are exactly the kind of luxuries I need during these trying times."

As Kanami continued to inspect the products, she began speaking more candidly, as if lulled into a sense of comfort by Aeka's presence.

"This rebellion," Kanami began with a sigh, "has made everything so tedious. My fiancé, Prince Ocelot Lusignham, assures me we'll be able to leave the capital if the situation becomes dire. He and his twin brother, Prince Rudy, have made arrangements for our escape."

Aeka maintained her polite smile, though her mind quickly processed the information. "It is reassuring to hear that Your Highness has a plan. Prince Ocelot is quite resourceful, I've heard."

Kanami nodded, her gaze distant. "He is. But even he cannot change the fact that the kingdom is crumbling. Even Lord Ramune Velmontiere, the head of the Holy Knights, has decided to retire after this conflict, no matter the outcome."

This revelation caught Aeka's attention, but she remained composed. "It must be difficult, Your Highness, to bear such burdens."

Kanami's expression darkened, and she hesitated before replying. "If the rebellion succeeds… my parents, the King and Queen, may face execution. At best, they might be exiled. It's a bitter reality, but one I must prepare for."

Freya, who had been silent, noted the sadness in Kanami's voice. Her sharp ears picked up the faint tremble in the princess's tone, betraying her true feelings.

Aeka decided to steer the conversation in a lighter direction. "Your Highness, should peace be restored to Montivelle, I hope to discuss the possibility of opening a branch of Aeka Touch here in the capital. I believe it would be a wonderful addition to the city."

Kanami's lips curved into a faint smile. "You never miss an opportunity, do you, Aeka? Very well. Let's discuss it when this war is over… assuming we still have a kingdom to rebuild."

As the conversation continued in the grand chamber, Aeka gracefully closed her product case and addressed Crown Princess Kanami with a calm and confident smile.

"Your Highness," Aeka began, "a merchant's greatest strength lies in understanding the balance of opportunities. There's always something to be gained in times of conflict—a principle I call 'Interest in Conflict,' rather than the usual 'Conflict of Interest.'"

Kanami tilted her head slightly, curiosity flickering in her golden eyes. "Interest in Conflict? What exactly do you mean by that?"

Aeka chuckled softly, her laughter warm yet mysterious. "Ah, Your Highness, that is the secret of every successful merchant. Let's just say that where others see chaos, we see possibilities."

Kanami leaned back slightly, her lips curving into an intrigued smile. "You're an enigmatic one, Aeka. Perhaps that's why you're so successful."

Deciding she had spent enough time in the chamber, Kanami rose gracefully from her seat and motioned for Aeka, Freya, and Elen to follow her. "Come," she said. "Let me show you the palace. It's rare to have someone of your talents here, and I think you'll find the architecture inspiring."

The trio followed her through the ornate hallways of the palace, each corridor a testament to Montivelle's wealth and history. The walls were adorned with intricate tapestries depicting famous battles and the kingdom's most celebrated rulers. Stained-glass windows cast colorful patterns on the marble floors, creating an almost ethereal atmosphere.

As they turned a corner, Aeka's sharp eyes caught sight of a figure standing near one of the larger balconies. It was a man clad in heavy, ornate armor, its silver sheen polished to perfection. His silver hair, streaked with a touch of gray, framed a stern yet noble face. His piercing blue eyes radiated a calm intensity, and the sheer presence he exuded was enough to make even Freya's ears twitch in instinctive caution.

"Lord Ramune Velmontiere," Kanami said, her voice carrying a tone of respect. "The head of the Holy Knights of Montivelle."

The man turned to face them, his movements deliberate and steady, as though each step was calculated to exude authority.

Aeka's gaze lingered on him, her instincts as an assassin kicking in. Though outwardly calm, she could sense the immense power radiating from him—a presence that could not be mistaken. Lord Ramune Velmontiere was a force to be reckoned with, and Aeka made a mental note to tread carefully around him.

He gave a polite nod to Kanami and the group, his voice deep and steady. "Your Highness. Guests," he said, his eyes briefly meeting Aeka's.

"Lord Ramune is one of the most trusted allies of the royal family," Kanami explained to Aeka. "Even in these troubled times, he remains a pillar of strength for Montivelle."

Aeka bowed slightly, maintaining her composed demeanor. "It's an honor to meet you, Lord Ramune. Your reputation precedes you."

Lord Ramune's eyes lingered on Aeka for a moment before he nodded again, his expression unreadable. "Enjoy your tour," he said simply, before turning and walking away with the measured steps of a man who bore the weight of the kingdom on his shoulders.

The group continued their tour, eventually arriving at the royal gardens. Here, amidst the carefully trimmed hedges and vibrant flowers, they encountered a striking figure. Prince Ocelot Lusignham stood near a fountain, his presence magnetic and commanding.

His short blond hair caught the sunlight, framing a face that seemed sculpted by the gods themselves. He wore a knight's cloak embroidered with silver thread, and at his side hung a black sword adorned with intricate rune engravings that seemed to faintly glow.

Kanami's face lit up as she approached him. "Ocelot!" she called warmly.

The prince turned, his movements fluid and elegant, and a charming smile spread across his face. "Your Highness," he greeted Kanami, his voice low and smooth, yet filled with an undeniable charisma.

Kanami gestured to her companions. "Allow me to introduce Lady Aeka, the renowned merchant, and her associates, Freya and Elen. Lady Aeka is the genius behind the famous Aeka Touch products."

Ocelot's sharp blue eyes shifted to Aeka, his smile unwavering. "A pleasure to meet you, Lady Aeka. I've heard much about your work. Your reputation for excellence is well-deserved."

Aeka inclined her head gracefully. "You honor me, Your Highness."

Freya, standing slightly behind Aeka, felt the prince's gaze briefly sweep over her. Though his charm was undeniable, she remained unaffected, her sharp instincts keeping her grounded.

Elen, however, wasn't as composed. She shifted uncomfortably, her cheeks reddening slightly as she struggled to maintain her composure under Ocelot's captivating presence.

Kanami noticed this and chuckled softly. "Ocelot has that effect on people," she said teasingly.

"Only on those unprepared," Aeka replied lightly, casting a subtle glance at Elen. Freya smirked, impressed by Aeka's unshakable poise.

As the group continued through the gardens, they spotted another figure in the distance. Prince Rudy Lusignham, Ocelot's twin brother, was preparing for a hunt. Unlike his brother, Rudy's demeanor was more rugged and practical. His blond hair was slightly tousled, and his attire was suited for the wilderness—a leather hunting vest and sturdy boots, with a quiver of arrows slung over his shoulder and a longbow in hand.

"Rudy," Kanami called out, her voice carrying across the garden.

Rudy glanced up, his sharp green eyes scanning the group before he offered a casual wave. "Sister," he said, his voice less polished than Ocelot's but no less confident. "Out for a stroll?"

"I'm showing our guests around," Kanami replied, gesturing to Aeka and her companions. "Lady Aeka, these are my brothers, Prince Ocelot and Prince Rudy Lusignham."

Rudy approached, his stride purposeful and confident. He gave a polite nod to Aeka, though his focus quickly shifted to Freya. "A Wulfern," he said, his tone curious rather than judgmental. "You don't see many of your kind in the capital."

Freya met his gaze evenly. "I go where I am needed," she replied simply.

Rudy grinned, clearly intrigued by her composed response. "Fair enough."

Kanami clapped her hands lightly, breaking the moment. "Well, let's not keep Rudy from his hunt. He's at his best when he's in the wild."

Rudy chuckled. "True enough. I'll leave you to your tour, then."

As he departed, Aeka watched him closely, her mind already analyzing the information she had gathered about the royal family.