The Conspiracy

The R'ac rolled smoothly across the immaculate stone-paved road, its polished frame reflecting the soft afternoon sun. As it approached the Grand Palace—the heart of the Ak'ashi Guild—the scale and grandeur of the place became impossible to ignore. Spanning what felt like the size of a small city, the Grand Palace had the appearance of a sacred district.

They entered through a grand archway, passing into the Outer Court. 

Here, tall trees with shimmering leaves swayed gently in the wind, and water channels carved in geometric precision crisscrossed the grounds. The R'ac glided past beautifully maintained gardens filled with glowing flowers and, of course, the massive statue of The Supreme Lord Of Tyranny. Towering administrative halls and ceremonial chambers flanked either side, each one a monument of pristine elegance, but the air here remained quiet, regal.

As they continued deeper, the Outer Court gave way to the Middle Court, revealing an opulence that Theo was yet to feast his eyes on. He glanced at Kaycee, and even though the tall boy had been here some nights ago, he also couldn't help the look of amazement that spread across his face as they advanced with the R'ac.

It was beautiful—far more beautiful than the Outer Court. 

The residential sector revealed itself in a series of exquisite villas, each spaced apart by fragrant gardens and surrounded by translucent energy barriers only made possible by the effects of Armaments. 

The architecture was a stunning blend of flowing stonework and sleek, metallic elements—walls of etched crystal set into traditional masonry, curved rooftops that shimmered with energy shielding, and cobblestone paths that practically glowed underfoot. Every villa radiated wealth and prestige, but none of it felt gaudy. 

It was a graceful, dignified luxury.

'So this is where members of The Zenith, and the most high-ranking Non-Combat Staff live…' Theo thought as he took in everything around him.

He could see why it was an exclusive structure—only accessible to a chosen few.

The security measure was also immense, and if not for the R'ac itself being a part of the Middle Court, it would have not been able to enter inside. Liyah also had her residential permit, so the group was allowed to venture in without any problems.

'The other half of the Middle Court seems to be the administrative areas and offices.' Theo looked into the far distance, noticing even more security present at the other side of the court. 'That's probably where the treasury and armory that Sir Miller told me about are located.'

He looked away once he felt the ride display signs of stopping, which meant one thing.

'We're here?'

The R'ac slowed as it approached one particular villa—a serene and grand estate nestled within a grove of silverleaf trees and luminous pink flowers that danced in the breeze. The entrance gate was framed by climbing vines of violet blooms, and delicate chimes tinkled softly in the wind. This villa, unlike some of the more austere homes they'd passed, bore a distinctly feminine charm—florid balconies draped in silken cloth, blooming garden beds overflowing with flowers of every hue, and artful stone carvings of cute animals and blossoms along the outer walls.

As the R'ac came to a stop before the tall gates, a gatekeeper clad in a tailored uniform stepped forward. His eyes widened with recognition as he spotted the woman in the backseat.

"Lady Liyah," he said, bowing respectfully. "Welcome back."

Liyah nodded with a soft smile, and the gatekeeper tapped what appeared to be a square-shaped button on the side of the gate, causing it to part soundlessly.

The R'ac eased forward into the compound, revealing even more of the villa's splendor. A wide stone pathway lined with low lanterns led to the main residence, a two-story masterpiece of sheer elegance. The building was shaped in gentle curves, its exterior walls painted in a calming pearl-white hue that caught the sunlight and made it glow. Flowering hedges lined the walkway, and small fountains trickled serenely in the courtyards.

As Theo and Kaycee stepped out of the vehicle, they couldn't help but take a moment to stare. 

The residence was unlike anything Theo, in particular, had seen—more than a home, it felt like a castle, one wrapped in beauty and wealth.

But before they could move further, two guards stationed at the entrance of the villa approached, eyes sharp, hands on unfamiliar rod-like objects at their belts—Arcane Instruments whose functions Theo knew nothing about.

"Standard protocol," one said firmly, giving Theo and Kaycee a once-over. "We need to conduct a quick scan."

Liyah stepped forward. "They're with me. I vouch for them."

The lead guard gave a respectful nod but remained firm. "Understood, Lady Liyah, but we must still scan them. The Guild mandates security, even for our guests."

Before the moment could become tenser, a voice floated down from above.

"That won't be necessary," came the smooth, amused voice of an incredibly beautiful woman standing on the balcony. Draped in a flowing lavender robe and adorned with fine silver jewelry, she leaned against the railing with a playful smile. Her white hair fluttered slightly in the breeze, and her presence seemed to command the very air around her.

"I also vouch for them as well," she said, eyes twinkling. "Let them in."

The guard hesitated for a split second, then gave a bow. "As you wish, Lady Fae."

With that, the security team stepped aside, and the heavy front doors of the villa opened inward. 

As Theo, Kaycee, and Liyah stepped past the threshold and walked into the glowing interior of the grand residence, the former raised his head and stared at the angelic vixen who stood above and also looked specifically at him.

The two smiled as they made eye contact, and Theo felt his heart race once again.

'It's been a while… Fae.'

***********

Everyone settled into a large sofa in Fae's homemade office.

It was very comfortable—softer than anything Theo had ever sat on before. He had previously thought the bed and chairs in his room were the epitome of luxury, but his perspective on life was instantly shattered once he sat on the glorious seat that faced Fae's office chair.

A large mahogany desk separated her from the three, though her welcoming smile made it seem like there was nothing obstructing them at all.

"The helpers will bring refreshments soon, but there must be an important reason you all wanted to see me… so I figured we should get down to business." Fae said with a smile, her glossy lips drawing in the male audience in the room.

Liyah's cheeks turned pink in admiration of her sister's charms, clenching her fists in determination to be more lady-like.

"So… what can I help you all with?"

Those words finally brought the trio back to reality, returning their senses to the ominous fate that was descending upon the Ak'ashi Guild.

"We found out the existence of an organization called The Mercenary Crew… and they wish to exterminate Lord Shen." Theo was the first to speak, and his tone was dreadfully serious.

Upon hearing those words, Fae's eyes widened slightly.

Then, she gave a stern smile. "Tell me more about this group."

And so the trio did.

Theo and Liyah did most of the talking, with Kaycee chipping in a few words here and there, but being mostly silent. They went over their accidental discovery of the group of low-level mercenaries, the capture and death of one of their members, and their theories regarding the Mercenary Crew.

Fae listened to everything quietly, nodding her head at times and asking questions in other moments.

It didn't take very long for them to exhaust all the things they had to say.

"We've been unable to find out a single thing about them ever since that night." Theo sighed in frustration. "It's like they went completely silent since then… almost as if they never existed."

"I see…"

Silence pervaded the room as Fae said this.

All eyes focused on her expectantly, hoping she would be able to offer them the assistance that they so desperately needed to stop whatever conspiracy was in the works. However, much to their surprise—

"Hahaha! What an interesting experience." 

—Fae laughed, covering her mouth in a lady-like fashion as she did so.

Theo's eyes widened, and the expression of his friends weren't far off from his. They hadn't expected Fae's response to be one of lighthearted laughter.

"Don't get me wrong, you guys." She said, still giggling under her breath. "I believe what you're saying. However, there's no need to take what you've seen too seriously."

"… A man died." Theo's grave voice echoed.

"And he was a criminal who deserved it. He tried to harm kids, and would have killed you all if you couldn't defend yourselves, so I'd say death is a well-deserved ending."

"That's not the point! The situation is serious! Those other men could also be dead for all we know… and this Mercenary King, whoever he is—"

"Don't get so worked up." Fae sighed, shaking her head as she stared amusedly at Theo. "It seems you've gotten a lot more brazen since we last saw each other."

"W-well…"

He shrunk back instantly.

"Look, while it's possible that there's a legitimate organization plotting against Shen, you all shouldn't be too worried. This isn't the first time someone or some groups have tried to take down the Ak'ashi Guild."

"…."

"You have nothing to fear, trust me."

Liyah tried pleading their case some more, but was met with the same obstinacy from Fae. She seemed to find the situation too amusing to take seriously.

Theo wanted to argue further, but he quickly found it to be a useless endeavor.

Thus, he gave up.

Kaycee, upon seeing that Theo had chosen to give in to Fae's words, also chose to be quiet about the entire matter. Liyah stubbornly continued to engage with her sister, but after a while going back and forth—especially without the support of her friends—she also had to stop and succumb to her sister's words.

"Thanks for hearing us out, at the very least." Theo stood and smiled at Fae. "We appreciate the audience. While my heart isn't entirely at ease, I'm glad the matter isn't as serious as I suspected."

Fae smiled and shrugged.

Liyah and Kaycee also stood, eliciting her surprise. "You guys are leaving already? Won't you stay and wait for the refreshments?"

"The Combat Exams are fast approaching and we have a lot of training to catch up on." Theo answered very curtly.

"Oh? Is that so?" She muttered, finger on her chin. "Fair enough. Allow me to see you off, at the very least."

And so, Fae rose from her seat and saw the trio out of the villa.

She watched from a distance as they got into the R'ac and left the compound, rolling past the driveway and into the clear streets that led to the Outer Court. A complicated expression formed on her face, but she quickly dismissed it and ventured back inside her house.

As soon as her fingers touched the doorknob that led to her office, she paused—a mild frown forming on her face. She stood in the corridor for a few seconds before exhaling quietly and advancing into the room.

Once she did, she spotted someone seated on the chair she had occupied not too long ago.

"Forgive me for eavesdropping, but… I was a little worried you were going to say something back there." The masculine voice echoed playfully as the man behind the desk adjusted his colorful jacket and shifted his sunglasses.

"What do you take me for, Damon?" Liyah sighed in mild annoyance, shaking her head. "Also, get off my chair."

"Oops! Sorry about that…"

Damon vanished and instantly appeared on the sofa, snickering as Fae shook her head even more and sat behind her desk. "You think this is funny? Now that the kids know about the existence of the Mercenary Crew, it's possible that they unravel the plan…"

"Yeah, it sure is bothersome."

"We were already informed about this, so I already expected them to come to me… but lying to them turned out to be a lot less pleasant than I bargained for." Fae sighed. 

"I'm sure they'll eventually understand it was for their own good." Damon said, his smile slowly fading. "The alternative would be a lot less comforting."

"Yeah… I suppose."

Damon narrowed his eyes as he stared at Fae. "You know we might have to silence them if they keep asking questions, right? If we so much as suspect that they're getting close to the plan, they might have to—"

"I know." Fae frowned. "But they won't. Everything is too tightly-knit for them to actually peel all the layers—at least, not until the actual date arrives."

"Hmm… let's hope so."

"Is that why you came here? Or is there something else we need to discuss?" Fae's frown soon vanished, and a cold—perfectly calm—expression formed on her clear face.

Damon, amused by this sudden switch, grinned to himself.

He could never fully understand how Fae could easily alter her expressions to suit whatever situation she was in. From a caring sister… to a cold-hearted killer.

This was one of her major charms, and a prime reason she was feared as the 'Fair Lady In Black.'

"Of course not. I came to talk to you about 'it'." Damon smiled. "Based on the report I just received… it's already running and nearly fully functional. You know what that means, right?"

Fae nodded.

"If it succeeds as we expect it to… not even Shen will be able to escape."