I am not sure what to think of Edward. He is important to Master or he wouldn't have gone through the trouble of picking him up personally. Eiden is supposed to lead, what purpose does Edward have? I admit he is extremely smart, he isn’t the average 15-year-old. He reads on a level even higher than a college graduate. Master told me to get him some books and journals on  /////////// to study.  All Master said was, “It was part of his path.” Master has yet to be specific about this path, perhaps it isn’t time. One thing is certain, however, with Master at the helm, victory is ensured. 

For the Empire.

“William Hyde.” 

Percival looked up from the glass he was cleaning. It was early in the morning, the sun had yet to filter into the room.“Master?” The man in question was adorned in a black suit, white shirt, and a black-tie. He sat turned around and stared at the dark ebony walls of the bar, his face bathed in shadows.

“William Hyde.” He repeated and turned around. The light revealed hard lines that ran under his eyes, his pale skin, sharply contrasted with his brown eyes and dark grey hair.  “I thought it’d be a great cover name for Edward.” 

It had been a few weeks since they took on Edward. Edward wasn’t much of a problem, usually, he’d be in his room studying and occasionally came out to eat. The mere presence of Edward angered Eiden to no end,  with each day Eiden’s patience grew thin. Fortunately, Eiden had been distracted with his plan that occurs later today.

“Why William Hyde?” 

Master smiled, “Well I’m glad you asked. It is just one more way to get back at the enemy.” His smile grew even wider, something Percival hadn’t seen in a long time. Master continues, “Do you know who William the Conqueror is?” 

Percival shook his head, “Haven’t a clue Master.” 

Master frowned and started pacing, “You disappoint me, Percival.” 

“Sorry Master, I didn’t mean to disappoint.” Percival held his breath and slightly bowed. Nothing good ever came from Master being disappointed.

Master sighed, “You can stop bowing, I don’t blame you, not many people know anyway.” Percival breathed a sigh of relief. “Well if I must explain then, he was the last successful person to invade England, he was also successful in cementing his rule permanently.”

The bartender had an inquisitive look on his face, “And ‘Hyde’ sounds like ‘hide.” Percival paused. Master’s smile returned, he gestures for him to go on. “‘Hidden Conqueror.’” Percival pieced it together.

Master clapped his hands together, “Precisely what I was thinking! Eiden shall be the face while Edward will work in the shadows.”

Percival thought this over if both would work for the same goal in a different but equal capacity, who would lead? Percival looked back up at Master. Master's expression turned serious, and the smile was gone. As if Master read his thoughts, he said, “I promised Eiden that he would take control one day, that has not changed.” Before Percival reacted, Master got up, “I must go, you need to prepare for the upcoming operation.” Percival gave him a curt nod, Master was halfway through the exit when he turned around, “Bring Edward on the mission, make sure his identity is in no way compromised, he must learn what occurs on the ground.”

  Percival shook his head in agreement, “Of course, nothing will happen to Edward.” Master left without another word. Percival continued to wash glasses.

***

“Why is he here?” Eiden sneered at Edward. Edward quietly looked off at the concrete wall. Percival, Eiden, and Edward stood at a door that leads into an abandoned warehouse. A crowd stood just behind it.

Percival sighed and thought, why does he have to be so childish about Edward.

“Master told me to bring him, do not worry, he won’t interfere with the operation, his role is purely observational. His identity is also of the utmost importance.” 

Eiden side-eyed him, “Fine, as long as he doesn’t get in my way.” Eiden walked through the doorway to the awaiting crowd. 

Percival turned to Edward and handed him a masked, “Here, this will cover over your entire face, hair, and any other discernible features. Here are some gloves too.”  The gloves were of black leather, Edward first took them and put them on. Edward then took the mask and examined it. The shape of it was one of a medieval jouster. The color of it was all black, it glimmered in the moonlight. A thin vertical line of white cut down the middle. A similar line cut horizontally across the upper section of the mask. Edward put the mask on. It automatically fit around his head and locked into place with a mechanical hiss. “Now Edward, Master wanted me to tell you that to keep your identity safe you will now be known as ‘William Hyde’, only Eiden, Master, and I may know your name. For this operation, you will have the code name ‘Ghost’. You are to stick by me at all times.  Is that understood?”

Percival couldn’t tell what Edward was thinking. Edward gave him a slight nod, the boy didn’t look like he wanted to be there. Percival gave a pointed look to Edward, “Remember, Master will guide us to victory, but only if we follow his orders. Come on now let’s go inside before Eiden finishes his speech.”

 Percival opened the door to the warehouse, it revealed a marred hallway. The hallway was nauseating, Percival wrinkled his nose in disgust. He could only imagine what Edward was going through encased in the mask. As they traversed the long and winding hallway. Eventually, they came upon a door, Percival could hear the muffled sound of Eiden’s voice through the rotten wood. He opened the door, it led to a large room. They came out to the right of Eiden, who stood atop a hastily put together stage made out of crates, scrap metal, and other miscellaneous items. 

Stood before him was a crowd. The crowd was full of the lowest of society. From street thugs to crime syndicate members. Bright fluorescent lights shone down on them. The room was massive, the walls looked like they could crumble at any minute, the windows were boarded up. Percival looked on the crowd with disdain. Why could Eiden have not gotten more… capable people, disciplined people. Had their position fallen so far from grace? Percival thought to himself. The butler felt Edward move behind him, he was shaking. 

“Now that we have assigned you all to groups we will move on to the main ob-.” Eiden took notice of Edward and Percival, his fists clenched slightly.

All eyes settled on the two of them. It was a mix of interest, indifference, and some unimpressed.

“How did they get here!” One of the meat shields walks out in front of the crowd with a pistol. Edward shook more, making Percival shake slightly. 

A young girl with long ginger hair and vibrant blue eyes slapped the man upside the head. “Calm down idiot, it's just an old man and some kid dressed up.”

The girl side-eyed the masked kid. The male recoiled in pain, “Hey what was that for Alexa?”

Alexa rolled her eyes, “Don’t be an idiot Kevin, you don’t just point your gun all willy nilly at what is probably not a threat.”

Kevin looked like he was about to retort but, Eiden cut back in, “Could you all just shut up, you are annoying.” 

Percival silently groaned, his leadership needs work.

This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.

“She is right though, that is Percival, my second in command, he will be handling transportation among other things.” He lazily gestures to Percival. “And this is…” Eiden trailed off. 

Percival stepped ahead of Edward, “This is Ghost, that is all you need to know.”

A few grumbled at the lack of information and the stupid name.

Eiden continued his speech, “Where was I? Oh, that's right, our goal.” Eiden smiled a smile that promised destroy. Percival felt Edward shiver right beside him. Percival himself only saw Eiden smile this way a few times, nothing good ever came from it, neither was it good in this case. Edward would get used to this in time. Percival was already keyed in on the plan, a bold plan it was, the only proper reveal for the Empire.

“Tonight we will destroy what we hate! We will show this country that the Imperial States is a corrupt and unstable mess.” Eiden says confidently. That elicited a lot of cheers from the crowd, “Tonight. We shall storm the Governor's Mansion during the State Gala and kill Governor Talin.” Murmurs sparked from this bold statement. People questioned if it was possible. Some said he was crazy for even thinking of it. 

“And how do you think we can do that?” A rather gruff looking man said. “Governor Talin has one of the most elite guards, and his knight is second only to the Emperors. It seems more like a suicide mission than anything else.” Murmurs of agreement reverberated throughout the crowd, some wanted to leave. 

Eiden started to laugh, it turned from a chuckle to maniacal. His laugh echoed throughout the room. Most looked at him like he was crazy and started to leave. Percival started to worry if they’d still have people to do the mission. Before the first one could make it out of the room Eiden spoke, “Yes it is suicidal, you forgot the security system on the mansion, but that is if it was being hosted at the Mansion itself.” The people walking out turned around and caught everyone’s attention.

“What do you mean ‘if’ it was being hosted at the Mansion, it is always hosted there.” The man called out. 

Eiden’s smile returned. “Yes, officially speaking, it is, however, each Governors’ Mansion has a separate section kept from public knowledge. Only the Emperor and the Imperial Council know of where each of the Governors’ private residence is. Each member that is invited to the Gala must go through the security check, they are led into the Mansion and then transported to the residence wearing blindfolds and noise-canceling headphones. The process is repeated on the return trip.” He paused, making sure everyone was listening. 

“The Dame won’t be there, almost all of the guards are at the Mansion, where an attack would most likely happen. Therefore if someone knew about the private residence and where it was it is an easy target.”

The man remained unmoved, his face showed disbelief, “And how do you know this? It seems more like a conspiracy than anything.” Many nodded in agreement.

“I have my sources,” Eiden scoffed.

The man balled his hands into fists. “And how are we supposed to trust this ‘source’, how do we know you aren’t an informant?” The man ended the last part aggressively. A few in the crowd looked like they were ready to grab their weapons.

Eiden stood there a few seconds, his face scrunched in anger. He suddenly reached into his back pocket. Many raised their guns at him. “I knew they were the bad guys!” The man who had raised his gun at Percival and Edward yelled, his name was Kevin, Percival thought. Percival in his pocket for the distress beacon that warned Master. “Hey! Get your hands up” Kevin yelled while he gestured his gun. Percival and Edward reluctantly raised their hands. “Take off that mask of yours too, I want to see what you are hiding. He smiled and started to walk over. 

Eiden’s plan and more importantly Master’s plan was unraveling at the seams, all the preparations everything will be all for nothing, Percival panicked. Edward started to shake again. 

Eiden swung his hand up and the man started to close his finger around the trigger. Before the man could fully press down on the trigger Eiden revealed a piece of paper and yelled, “Because I have the floor plans for the residence!” 

“Let me see it!” The man yelled in doubt. Eiden threw the folded piece of paper to the man, the man caught it and a few gathered around him. A few still had guns trained on him. Kevin had stopped walking toward and went over to the man. Alexa had her eyes trained on Percival and Edward. The man unraveled the paper and started to look over them. 

“So what do you think, Baethen?” Eiden smiled.

 Baethen looked like he didn’t want to believe what Eiden had given him. “This paper still doesn’t prove that you aren’t an informant.” 

Eiden smirked and reached into his pocket again, “Because I have the willingness to DESTROY!” Eiden raised a detonator. Before anyone could react he pressed it. 

Baethen looked up at Eiden and narrowed his eyes, “What did you do?” A few seconds later an explosion could be heard in the distance. Everyone stood frozen for what felt like hours.

Suddenly someone shouted, “Holy crap! A police station was bombed!” Everyone gasped. 

“Let me see that,” Baethen growled. He snatched the phone away from the person, By then everyone was looking at their phone. Baethen’s eyes traveled across the screen, with every moment his eyes widened. 

Percival turned his gaze back at Eiden, he had a serious expression on his face. Percival had never seen Eiden so serious before.“So now that I have everyone’s attention!” The crowd was ripped away from their phones, everyone was silent, even Baethen. “Does this get rid of your doubts? Or do I have to blow something else up?” His questions were met with silence. He continued, “Never before has a group in such an organized way dared attacked the Empire, not only do we dare but we have one of the most powerful weapons, the element of surprise. If the main mansion is never alerted of our presence we win. If you look at the plans-” Eiden paused and handed out more floor plans to every group leader, “The private residence itself is underground, the only entrance is through the one tunnel. However, the tunnel itself has a maintenance hallway that leads to the surface.” 

“What about the security system?” A young man with brown hair asked, interrupting Eiden.

Anger returned to Eiden’s eyes, “Well if you let me finish, you’ll know.” He stood silent, gathering his thoughts once again. “The private residence and the mansion have separate security control rooms. The shaft is in the Private Residence’s control. If the control room could be taken over then the perimeter could be breached on one side without raising alarm. Therefore.” Eiden turns to Percival and Edward. “Percival and Ghost shall infiltrate the security control room. The rest of us will wait on the north side in the forest, once Percival gives us the go-ahead, then we will strike!” 

Once he was finished silence reigned over the crowd. Percival raised an eyebrow at Eiden. The butler doubted the chances of him and Edward getting to the control room unscathed, but it couldn’t be helped. 

Someone clapping had interrupted Percival’s train of thought. That someone was Alexa, “I thought you were crazy for bombing the police station, but this, this takes the cake.” She got a dangerous glint in her eye. “And I am all for it. Down with the Empire!” She yelled. 

That seemed to rile people up, and the entire crowd chanted, “Down with the Empire, Down with the Empire, Down with the Empire!”

With each chant, Eiden’s smile grew larger and larger. Percival realized why Master entrusted Eiden with this assignment, it was because while he could not convince with words, he could show through action. Percival looked at Edward, the kid’s head was pointed towards Alexa rather than Eiden. Maybe he found something interesting about her. He would have to ask him later. 

***

Percival and Edward sat in a limo on the way to the Governor’s Mansion. The road was filled with expensive cars and limos. Percival was dressed in his normal butler attire, consisting of a black suit, a white shirt with the collar popped, and a white bow tie. Edward, on the other hand, was dressed in clothes befitted for royalty or someone of high status. He wore a long grey coat with golden epaulets, the collar shaped around his neck. His pants were the same color, his shirt was black, and a white scarf.  

“Can you repeat the plan to me, Edward?” Percival asked politely. 

Edward looked over at him with the mask on, “When we get to the security check you’ll explain that I need the mask for medical reasons and cannot take it off. The scanners on the way won't detect the communication,  jammer equipment, and the tranquilizers.” He ran his hand over his helmet, smudging it in the process. “After we get through the tunnel my mask will be ‘damaged’ and will need to be taken to the medical bay. There is no security in the medical bay, there is only a camera on the entrance of the bay. We will be in the control room before they will be able to do anything. Once the guards are subdued, I will shut off any sensors and give the go-ahead to Eiden.”

Percival smiled, “Very good. But you are missing one key point.” Edward tilted his head to the side in confusion. “You mustn't speak the entire time.” 

The helmet tilted down, he knuckles turned white from grasping the leather seats, “I thought that was included in the early conversation about keeping my identity a secret”

Percival frowned, “I suppose it was.” The older man looked into the window, if Percival was honest with himself he was rather excited for this operation it had been a while since they did something like this. With Master letting Eiden do more and more things will inevitably change, perhaps, finally for the better. 

“I know how you feel about the people Eiden recruited.” Edward interrupted Percival’s thoughts. 

He turned back to look at Edward, “What do you mean by that?”

“I saw you frown at them, you don’t approve of them,” He said, from his body language he looked like he was bracing. Bracing for what?

Percival thought about this for a moment. “It doesn’t matter what I think. If Master trusts Eiden’s judgment then I do.”

“But you aren’t wrong,” Edward argued, the boy seemed to get more confidence, but why? “Although some have potential…” the boy trailed off. 

The butler stared at him, some have potential? He disagreed with it, to him they were nothing but a rowdy crowd, a means to an end. Percival sighed, Edward may be smart but is far too young for this mission. He has no experience with people. The two descended into silence as the Mansion slid into view, so it begins Percival thought.