The Brawl, The Lover, The Spies and...The Knight????

Morning arrived in Avalorne, the golden hues of dawn casting soft light through the mansion's grand windows. The scent of freshly baked bread and brewed tea filled the dining hall as Vergil, his five adopted daughters, Freya, and Aeka gathered around the long wooden table for breakfast. The usual quiet hum of morning conversation flowed as they enjoyed their meal, but Vergil's sharp blue eyes were fixed on one person in particular—Mina.

He set down his cup of tea, his expression unreadable. "Mina," he said, his deep voice cutting through the morning calm. "Have you made your decision?"

The room fell silent, all eyes shifting toward Mina. She swallowed a bite of her meal before exhaling softly. Her fingers tightened slightly around the silverware, but when she spoke, her voice was steady.

"Yes, Father," Mina said, meeting Vergil's gaze with quiet determination. "I've made up my mind."

Vergil leaned back slightly, waiting.

Mina took a breath before continuing, "Every time I watch you care for the people of Avalorne—how you heal them, how you make medicine affordable for everyone—I feel… proud. You're not just an assassin, Father. You save lives." She paused, her fingers loosening as she continued. "I want to follow that path. I want to deepen my knowledge of medicine."

A small flicker of approval crossed Vergil's face, though he remained as composed as ever. He gave a single nod. "Then you'll take the path of a healer."

Aeka smirked slightly, resting her chin on her hand. "That means you're coming with me," she said. "We'll be heading to Umbrellis City for a few days to establish your false identity."

Mina blinked. "False identity?"

Aeka nodded. "Of course. You won't be going as Mina Ragnaros. You'll need a new name, a new background. Something believable." She leaned back, crossing her arms. "I've had plenty of false identities over the years. But when I take on assassination missions, I always use the same alias—Red Queen."

Vergil let out a quiet chuckle. "That's true. The name Red Queen has followed you for years." He glanced at Mina. "Because Aeka always uses her real name when adventuring, people are often confused about who the Red Queen actually is. Some think she's an assassin, some think she's just a legend. That uncertainty keeps her safe."

Mina furrowed her brows. "Then… how does it feel to live with so many different identities?" she asked curiously.

Aeka shrugged. "It's nothing special," she replied. "For a Ragnaros, this is just how we're raised. The training we go through when we're young is harsh, but it prepares us for any role we need to take."

Mina absorbed that information, her admiration for Aeka growing. If she wanted to succeed in this Rite of Choice, she had to commit to her new identity as if it were her true self.

Vergil finished his tea and set his cup down with finality. "Then it's settled. Mina, prepare to leave with Aeka." He then turned his gaze toward Lira, Aria, Elen, and Sylvy. "As for the four of you… you're coming with me."

Lira raised an eyebrow. "To where?"

"The Imperial Palace," Vergil replied. "Before breakfast, I received a letter from Empress Elisa—she wishes to discuss something with the Black Shield Mercenary Group." His gaze sharpened slightly. "I have a feeling there's more to this meeting than she's letting on. But for you three, it will be a learning experience."

Aria perked up slightly. "A meeting with a powerful mercenary group…?" she mused. "That does sound interesting."

Sylvy, the youngest of the four, merely nodded in understanding.

Vergil stood, signaling the end of the meal. "Finish preparing. We leave soon."

Mina watched as her sisters prepared for their respective journeys. Her own path had been set, and though she didn't know what awaited her in Umbrellis City, she was ready to take her first step.

Vergil donned his black armor, fastening each strap with practiced precision. His long, flowing black cloak settled over his shoulders as he adjusted the hood slightly. Once fully prepared, he strode toward the waiting carriage outside the mansion, where Lira, Aria, Elen, and Sylvy were already waiting.

The horses neighed softly as the driver tipped his hat to Vergil before setting the carriage into motion. Their destination—the grand Châteauclair, the imperial palace of Britalienne Empire. The journey itself would be relatively quick, but to make use of the time, Vergil decided to teach his daughters something more advanced.

Seated across from them, he rested his gloved hands on his knees and met their curious gazes. "There's an assassination technique I haven't taught you yet," he began, his voice calm but firm. "It's called Cloaking."

Aria tilted her head slightly. "Cloaking… like the enchanted bracelets we wear?"

Vergil nodded. "The principle is similar. The bracelets Mina, Sylvy, and the rest of you use provide magical concealment, hiding your presence from detection. But Cloaking is an advanced technique that requires skill, control, and rigorous training." He leaned back against the carriage wall, gazing out at the passing trees. "Unlike magical artifacts, Cloaking is a discipline forged through years of mastery. It's not something that can be learned overnight—it requires training in the world where assassins originated."

Elen, always the analytical one, furrowed her brows. "And where exactly is that?"

Vergil merely smirked. "That is a story for another time."

Before any of them could press further, he continued. "There were elite assassination forces in that world—Assassin Cross, Guiltenoin Cross, and Shadow Cross." His voice dropped slightly, carrying a weight of experience. "Each of them was highly specialized, trained to endure brutal conditioning. I won't go into the details, but just know this—becoming one of them was a trial few survived."

A tense silence followed his words before Lira finally spoke. "So… what's our mission today? I understand why we're meeting Empress Elisa, but why are we working with mercenaries?"

Vergil exhaled through his nose, his gaze sharpening. "Because mercenaries operate differently from soldiers or assassins. They aren't bound by oaths, laws, or loyalties. They can move freely between factions, offering their skills to the highest bidder. Sometimes, they are the best option when discretion is needed."

Lira crossed her arms. "But isn't that risky?"

Vergil nodded. "Of course. But my past experiences taught me the value of such networks. When I trained under The Mentor—a young but charismatic assassin master—he worked with three main underground factions."

He raised a gloved hand, counting them off. "The first was Courtesans. Nobles love to indulge, and courtesans often gain access to the most valuable secrets whispered in the dead of night."

"The second was Mercenaries. Unlike assassins who work in the shadows, mercenaries act in the open, providing muscle where needed. Their freedom from loyalty allows them to operate outside the constraints of political alliances."

"The third…" he paused slightly, letting the moment linger, "…was Thieves."

Aria's interest piqued. "Thieves?"

Vergil nodded. "Thieves have a unique advantage. They can blend in, follow targets unnoticed, and uncover identities, routines, and activities. Their knowledge of city underbellies makes them invaluable for tracking."

Lira frowned slightly. "But there's no Thieves' Guild in Britalienne Empire, is there?"

Elen added, "Even if there were, finding one would be next to impossible."

Vergil's lips curved into a small, knowing smirk. "True. But the most dangerous faction of all isn't Thieves. It's Spies."

A brief silence followed his words.

"Spies?" Sylvy finally asked, her voice quiet but focused.

Vergil nodded. "Unlike Thieves, Spies operate independently. They infiltrate, observe, and gather intelligence without ever being noticed. A well-trained Spy is more valuable than an army because they don't just find information—they manipulate it. They shape wars before they even begin."

The carriage rolled over a cobblestone path as the towering silhouette of Châteauclair Palace appeared on the horizon.

Vergil straightened slightly, his expression unreadable. "Assassins, Courtesans, Mercenaries, and Thieves… they all have their roles. But today, I'm establishing a fourth branch in our network."

Elen narrowed her eyes. "And that is…?"

Vergil looked out toward the palace, his voice calm yet firm.

"Knights."

Aira furrowed her brows in curiosity. "But what exactly can knights do in this kind of operation?"

Vergil leaned back slightly, his fingers tapping rhythmically against the hilt of his sword. "Knights serve a different purpose from mercenaries. While mercenaries act freely, bound only by contracts, knights are sworn to protect the Britalienne Empire from threats both internal and external. If an incident like the Dark Gate Forest ever happens again, knights can work alongside mercenaries to handle the situation."

He shifted his gaze toward Aira, his tone steady yet thoughtful. "A well-coordinated force of knights and mercenaries would be a powerful asset. If they respond effectively to crises, the people will see them as protectors, strengthening the empire's stability. More importantly, it would reflect well on Empress Elisa II. If the people believe the royal knights care for their safety, her rule will gain even greater public trust."

Aria, always the strategist, tilted her head slightly. "Would it really be possible to use both royal knights and mercenaries in war?"

Vergil smirked. "Of course. The two forces can complement each other perfectly. Imagine a battlefield scenario—while the knights launch a direct assault from the front, the mercenaries can strike from behind. This pincer attack would throw enemy forces into complete disarray."

He continued, his voice calm but filled with experience. "In such a situation, the enemy would find themselves caught between two forces. Panic would spread through their ranks, making it impossible for them to maintain formation or focus on a single threat. Even if they tried to rally, they'd struggle against an assault coming from multiple directions."

Elen, who had been listening carefully, spoke next. "And what about rescue operations? Can mercenaries be useful there as well?"

Vergil nodded. "Absolutely. Mercenaries are highly adaptable. They don't just excel in open warfare—they can also serve as anonymous reinforcements in covert missions. If we need to extract someone from enemy territory or assist our forces in a retreat, mercenaries can act as an invisible hand, ensuring a successful withdrawal."

He folded his arms, his gaze distant as if recalling past experiences. "Unlike knights, who are bound by the honor and laws of the empire, mercenaries operate under contracts. As long as they are paid and their agreement with Empress Elisa remains intact, they will complete their mission with precision. Their reputation is everything—how they perform on the battlefield and the testimonials of their clients define whether they are feared or respected."

The four adopted daughters exchanged glances before nodding in unison.

For the first time, they truly understood—Vergil wasn't just an assassin. He had thought everything through, planning far beyond mere survival. He was shaping an empire from the shadows, ensuring every piece of the puzzle fell into place.

As Vergil's carriage approached the grand gates of Châteauclair Palace, his sharp eyes immediately noticed a commotion. A towering Ogre with silver-gray skin, adorned with black tribal tattoos, was locked in a heated argument with the palace guards. His presence alone was imposing, but what caught Vergil's attention even more were the five women standing beside him—his wives.

Among them, two identical twin women with golden-blonde hair stood out, their expressions a mixture of frustration and restrained patience. Vergil recognized them immediately. Without hesitation, he stepped down from the carriage, adjusting his black cloak as he approached the scene.

"Are you the leader of the Black Shield Mercenary Group?" Vergil asked, his voice calm yet firm.

The Ogre turned toward him, his piercing eyes analyzing Vergil with curiosity before answering in remarkably fluent human speech. "I am. What business do you have with me?"

Before Vergil could respond, the palace guards cut in, their expressions tense. "Lord Vergil, we cannot allow this Ogre inside the palace. He and his group have no official permission."

Vergil exhaled through his nose, his patience thinning. "I have a meeting with Empress Elisa regarding this very matter. He is my guest, and we have important discussions to attend." His tone dropped into something more dangerous. "If you let him in now, I will forget this incident ever happened. If not, you will be obstructing an official audience between the Empress and a key military force."

The guards hesitated, exchanging uncertain glances. Despite their training, they understood the weight of Vergil's words. However, they remained stubborn. "Regardless, we cannot—"

A commanding voice suddenly rang out behind them.

"That won't be necessary."

The guards immediately turned and stiffened upon seeing Empress Elisa II herself standing there, her presence radiating authority. Dressed in an elegant dark blue gown adorned with silver embroidery, she gracefully approached the scene.

"The Black Shield Mercenary Group has been summoned here under my orders," she stated coolly. "There is no reason to bar their entry."

Without another word, the guards immediately stepped aside, bowing their heads in silent acknowledgment of the Empress's command.

Vergil smirked slightly. As expected from Elisa—always appearing at just the right moment.

As the Ogre and his wives stepped forward, Vergil walked alongside him, observing the way he carried himself—strong, disciplined, and completely unfazed by the earlier confrontation.

"What's your name?" Vergil asked as they entered the palace halls.

The Ogre glanced at him. "Appolo."

Vergil nodded. "I met two of your wives yesterday. They visited my clinic for a check-up."

Appolo's stern expression shifted, concern flickering in his gaze. "Are they well?"

Vergil offered a small smirk. "They're perfectly healthy. No need to worry." Then, with an amused tone, he added, "Although, it seems my four daughters might be getting some new friends soon."

Appolo raised a thick brow. "Oh?"

Vergil gestured slightly toward Lira, Aria, Elen, and Sylvy, who followed behind him with quiet curiosity. "They're my daughters. I have a feeling your children will get along with them... or at the very least, keep things interesting."

Appolo chuckled, a deep rumbling sound. "That's likely. My children get restless when they're bored. If they cause trouble, don't hesitate to keep them in check."

Vergil smirked. "Oh, don't worry. My daughters know how to handle troublemakers, i want give them little brother or sister too"

As they continued deeper into the palace, the air grew heavier with anticipation. 

Upon entering the grand meeting chamber, Empress Elisa II gracefully took her seat at the head of the table and gestured for Vergil and Appolo to do the same. The room was adorned with intricate stained glass windows that cast soft hues of blue and gold across the polished marble floor. The air carried a weight of importance—this was not just any meeting; it was the formation of a powerful alliance.

The Empress turned to Appolo, her piercing gaze steady. "I've heard much about the Black Shield Mercenary Group from the Elves," she began. "Your reputation precedes you."

Appolo let out a low chuckle, leaning back slightly in his chair. "Good to know our name carries weight even in the highest circles," he said, his deep voice carrying a tone of satisfaction.

The Empress nodded. "I wish to form a partnership between the Black Shield Mercenary Group and Vergil's Assassin Brotherhood."

Appolo raised a brow. "And what exactly does your Assassin Brotherhood bring to the table?"

Vergil, who had been listening intently, decided to speak. "Unlike most organizations, you have the freedom to recruit anyone—whether it be goblins, retired human veterans, or fresh recruits seeking purpose. No restrictions."

Appolo considered this for a moment before asking, "And what else?"

Empress Elisa smiled knowingly. "In addition to our contract, I am willing to grant Black Shield a permanent settlement—an officially recognized village or town where all races can coexist freely under your leadership."

Vergil folded his arms, nodding in approval. "If you look at the map, you'll see that this location is strategically valuable. It serves as a key transit point between major kingdoms, making it ideal for both trade and military operations."

Appolo's eyes gleamed with interest. "A town of my own, you say?"

The Empress inclined her head. "Yes. However, while you govern the settlement, your mercenaries will still operate under a formal contract with the Empire. The Black Shield will have direct access to work with us, but you will not be bound by the same rules as the Royal Army."

Appolo smirked. "And what about privileges? Any special perks?"

The Empress clasped her hands together. "I will issue an official Black Shield Seal—a plaque that grants your group unrestricted access to enter and leave key cities like Châteauclair without interference."

Appolo leaned forward, a pleased grin forming on his lips. "Now that's something useful."

However, his amusement didn't end there. He let out a chuckle and said, "I appreciate the offer, but I'd like something... a little more enjoyable."

Vergil sighed, already knowing where this was going. "I don't drink wine," he said flatly, "but I have quite the collection of fine bottles. You can have them."

Appolo's grin widened. "Done."

With the agreement sealed, Empress Elisa II and Vergil took turns shaking Appolo's hand, solidifying the new alliance.

As the conversation shifted, Vergil crossed his arms. "I'm still looking for a suitable location for the Assassin Brotherhood's headquarters."

Appolo stroked his chin thoughtfully. "I might have an idea. On my way to the capital, I passed an abandoned estate near Black Gate Forest. It's a large property, isolated, and strategically placed at the border of untamed lands."

Vergil's sharp blue eyes narrowed with interest. "I'll check it out myself."

Appolo nodded, then smirked. "By the way, what use do mercenaries have in an Assassin Brotherhood?"

Vergil leaned back in his chair, his expression calm yet calculating. "Mercenaries are often hired as bodyguards or additional forces to aid in missions. They can gather intel on enemy movements, assist Spies in tracking targets, and even serve as diversions when needed. Their flexibility makes them invaluable in assassination operations."

Appolo raised an eyebrow. "Wait… If Spies can assassinate their targets, then what's the point of Assassins?"

Vergil's lips curled into a faint smirk. "Spies are permitted to eliminate a target only if the assigned Assassin fails to arrive in time. This typically happens if the target moves unpredictably, escapes, or leaves the jurisdiction of the nearest Assassin Bureau."

Appolo exhaled sharply, shaking his head. "Heh. Assassins in this world aren't much different from the ones in my old world."

Vergil's smirk widened ever so slightly. "Assassins have always been this way." His gaze sharpened, and he added, "Isn't that right, Haru?"

The moment the name left Vergil's lips, Appolo froze. His eyes widened in shock, his entire body tensing. "How… do you know that name?"

Vergil tilted his head slightly. "I've been watching you closely," he replied, his voice calm yet cryptic. "My eyes do not simply see—they unravel truths, the soul never lie. They are my curse, also my gift… and a burden."

For a moment, there was silence. Then, Appolo threw his head back and laughed—a deep, hearty sound that echoed through the grand chamber. "There's only one man I know who talks like that."

Without hesitation, Appolo dropped to one knee before Vergil, lowering his head in a gesture of unwavering respect.

"…Master."

Vergil gestured for Appolo to stand. "There's no need for that. You've become your own man—perhaps even more than I ever was."

Appolo hesitated for a moment before nodding and rising to his feet. Just then, his five wives arrived, witnessing the rare sight of Appolo and Vergil sharing a laugh.

Vergil glanced at them and smirked. "It seems we have an audience."

Before Appolo could respond, a royal soldier approached, presenting him with a golden plaque bearing the official seal of Empress Elisa II. Appolo accepted it with a grin, understanding its significance.

Meanwhile, Vergil turned toward Empress Elisa II, his expression shifting back to business. "There's something else I'd like to discuss. I plan to expand the Assassin Brotherhood to other territories."

The Empress arched an eyebrow, intrigued. "That aligns with my interests. The four empires of Lunafama all struggle with the same internal problems as Britalienne Empire."

Vergil nodded. "The first expansion outside of Britalienne should be in a region where humans and monsters coexist."

At that, Empress Elisa chuckled. "A bold choice. I approve, but before anything else, the foundation of the Brotherhood here in Britalienne must be secured."

Vergil's gaze remained steady. "I understand. But my goals extend beyond the Brotherhood—I also intend to further my knowledge of medicine, both for humans and monsters."

The Empress studied him for a moment before offering a knowing smile. "A doctor and an assassin… That's quite the contradiction."

Vergil smirked. "Some might say it's two sides of the same coin."

Empress Elisa tapped a finger against her chin. "As it happens, I've been considering opening diplomatic channels with that very empire. Some of the nobles may be shocked by the idea, but they'll have no choice but to adapt. After all, it's no longer just humans who call Britalienne home."

Vergil's eyes gleamed. "Then it seems our interests align once again."

Vergil glanced at his four adopted daughters, noting their barely contained excitement. They had just concluded their meeting with Empress Elisa II and Appolo, finalizing an alliance between the Assassin Brotherhood and Black Shield Mercenaries. Now, another crucial task awaited—the establishment of a stronghold for the Brotherhood.

"We'll be heading to Black Gate Forest next," Vergil announced, adjusting his black cloak as he stepped into the carriage.

Lira, seated across from him, perked up. "What for, Father?"

"We need a base. If the Brotherhood is to thrive, it must have a secure location to operate from," he explained. "Appolo mentioned an abandoned estate near the forest. We're going to inspect it."

Aria, always quick-witted, tapped her chin thoughtfully. "Wouldn't a forest estate be too remote? Wouldn't it make it harder for us to conduct missions?"

Vergil smirked. "On the contrary, an estate near Black Gate Forest provides the perfect balance of secrecy and accessibility. The roads from there lead directly to multiple major cities, including Châteauclair. It's also a natural defensive position."

Elen nodded in agreement. "That does make sense. And if it used to be an estate, the land must already have infrastructure we can use."

Sylvy, the quietest of the four, finally spoke up. "Will we live there?"

Vergil shook his head. "No. Our home remains in Avalorne. But the Brotherhood will need a headquarters—training grounds, intelligence archives, and safehouses. This estate could serve as all three."

The carriage rolled forward, the rhythmic sound of hooves against the cobbled road filling the silence as the sisters digested his words.

As they neared the outskirts of Châteauclair, Vergil's sharp eyes caught sight of a familiar figure riding alongside a convoy. A towering silver-skinned Ogre with black tribal tattoos, clad in reinforced mercenary armor, led the group. Surrounding him were five women—his wives—all riding beside him with grace and confidence.

Vergil tapped the carriage driver's shoulder. "Slow down."

As their carriage matched pace with the convoy, Vergil leaned out and called, "Appolo. We meet again so soon."

The Ogre grinned, his sharp tusks glinting in the afternoon light. "Vergil! Didn't expect to see you on the road. Heading to check out that estate?"

Vergil nodded. "And you? Exploring Black Gate Forest?"

Appolo let out a hearty chuckle. "More like heading home. There are two other Goblin tribes deep in the forest, and I need to see if they're worth recruiting."

Vergil's eyes gleamed with interest. "If you can bring them in, it would strengthen the Brotherhood's reach."

"That's the plan," Appolo confirmed.

One of Appolo's wives, a strikingly tall woman with blond hair, turned her head toward Vergil and offered a polite nod. Vergil recognized her and her twin sister—both had visited his clinic not long ago.

"Your wives seem well," Vergil noted. "Their checkup results were good. You'll be having more company in your household soon."

Appolo laughed. "I'm used to it by now. What about you? Your daughters giving you trouble yet?"

Vergil smirked. "Not yet. But I expect they will."

The two men exchanged knowing looks before parting ways.

Vergil's carriage arrived at the estate's perimeter just as the sun began to dip toward the horizon, casting long shadows over the sprawling vineyard and abandoned manor that sat on the edge of Black Gate Forest. The air was thick with the scent of aged wood and overgrown grapevines.

An old caretaker emerged from the estate's main gate, eyeing Vergil and his companions warily before bowing respectfully.

"What brings you here, my lord?" he asked, his voice hoarse with age.

"This estate—who owns it?" Vergil asked directly.

The caretaker sighed. "It belonged to Lord Vieldine, but he passed away some years ago without an heir. It has remained abandoned ever since."

Vergil folded his arms. "I want to purchase it."

The caretaker's eyes widened in surprise. "You do? Well… I can certainly arrange that. The land has been sitting unused for years."

"How much?"

The man hesitated, clearly unused to such direct transactions. "A fair price would be… three thousand gold coins."

Vergil didn't blink. He pulled a leather pouch filled with precisely 3,000 gold coins from his coat and placed it in the caretaker's hands. The old man gaped at the heavy sum but wasted no time in fetching the deeds and official paperwork.

With a quick signature and an official receipt, the estate was now legally Vergil Ragnaros's property.

"It's done," the caretaker confirmed. "You'll need to register the ownership transfer in Châteauclair, but otherwise, the estate is yours."

Vergil nodded. "Then that's our next stop."

Returning to Châteauclair, Vergil entered the Imperial Records Office, a grand building filled with clerks and bureaucrats tending to endless stacks of parchment. A government official inspected his purchase documents, nodding approvingly.

"Everything is in order, Lord Ragnaros," the official said. "The ownership transfer will be finalized within a few days. Once processed, the estate will be officially recognized under your name."

Vergil inclined his head slightly. "Understood. Thank you."

As he exited the building, his daughters looked at him expectantly.

Lira was the first to speak. "So it's official?"

Vergil allowed a rare smile. "It is."

Elen's eyes gleamed. "Then that means the Assassin Brotherhood finally has its home."

Vergil turned his gaze toward the horizon, where the Black Gate Forest loomed in the distance.

"Yes," he murmured. "And this is only the beginning."

With their mission complete, they boarded the carriage once more, setting off toward Avalorne, the foundations of a new era already set in motion.