The dawn revealed the grim aftermath of the night's events in stark clarity. Shikihime lay unconscious, her condition precarious. Minato, too, was in a dire state, succumbing to poison, though his life was no longer at immediate risk. Akalune, though seriously injured, remained conscious and alert. The heaviest blow, however, was the loss of Mai – a loyal and brave soul, now fallen.
The mansion had been a battlefield. Of the 45 people present, the toll was heavy. Five soldiers from the realm were incapacitated by sleep poison, and among those on duty, three had perished, one was left crippled, and another lightly injured. The servants fared no better, with eight dead among the fifteen. From the Dynasty's guards, three lost their lives, and one was left permanently disabled, while the rest suffered minor or no injuries.
Outside the estate, the cost of life continued to mount. Eleven additional soldiers of the realm had fallen during the pursuit of the retreating assassins. The estate itself bore the scars of the conflict, with 52 enemy corpses within its walls and 30 more strewn about outside during their retreat.
It was a day marked by sorrow and loss, a reminder of the brutal cost of conflict and the fragile nature of life in the shadow of such power struggles. The mansion, once a place of safety and refuge, had transformed into a site of mourning, its inhabitants grappling with the harsh realities of their existence.
Ingrid and Kage sat in the guest room, a somber mood filling the space between them. The conversation focused on unraveling the events of the previous night, a puzzle they were jointly trying to solve.
Ingrid initiated the discussion with a tone of earnest inquiry, "Kage, walk me through the sequence of events. How did it all start?"
Kage, visibly fatigued yet composed, began recounting the night's grim tale. "It all started when we noticed unusual movements within the estate. The assassins had infiltrated without triggering any alarms. Our immediate priority was to locate and protect princess Shikihime," she said, her voice betraying the stress of the ordeal.
Ingrid listened intently, interjecting occasionally for clarifications. "How were you able to detect the assassins? Was there any indication of their presence before the attack?" she asked, trying to piece together the details.
Kage took a deep breath, "We barely had any warning. But once we realized the danger, we mobilized. Defending Shikihime was our sole focus."
As the conversation delved deeper, Ingrid's curiosity about one particular aspect became apparent. "Kage, why was Shikihime actively involved in combat? And where did she acquire such combat skills?"
Ingrid leaned forward, her curiosity piqued. "Is that truly the case? I find it hard to believe that a princess, especially one destined for a diplomatic marriage, would be trained so intensely in combat," she said, her tone a mix of skepticism and intrigue.
Kage nodded affirmatively, her gaze steady. "It's indeed true. In our Dynasty, preparedness for all scenarios, including combat, is considered essential, even for royalty. Shikihime's training was a critical part of her upbringing. It's not just about fighting; it's about understanding strategy, leadership, and resilience," she elaborated, hoping to bridge the gap in understanding between their cultures.
Ingrid pondered this revelation for a moment. "That's a remarkable approach. I must admit, it's quite different from how we train our royals here. It certainly explains Shikihime's prowess in battle," she commented, a newfound respect for Shikihime's background dawning on her.
"And her decision to engage in the battle?" Ingrid prodded further.
Kage averted her gaze briefly before responding. "Her actions were unexpected and impulsive. We'll only know her reasoning once she's conscious," she said, masking her own concerns about Shikihime's recklessness.
As the conversation was drawing to a close, Kage voiced a personal request. "Ingrid, I... I would like to be the one to tell Shikihime about Mai's death when she wakes up. It's something I need to do."
Ingrid acknowledged her request with a nod, understanding the gravity of the task. "Of course, Kage. It's only right that you be the one to break the news to her. We'll handle this with the care it deserves," she assured, offering a supportive glance.
Ingrid began the conversation, her expression reflecting the gravity of the situation. "I've informed the Archduke about last night's events. He's on his way back, and given the circumstances, I've also written to the royal family of the Iskaldt Rike Realm. It's a delicate matter, and we need to handle it with utmost care."
Kage nodded, understanding the implications. "Yes, I can see how this could escalate into an international issue, especially if Shikihime...," her voice trailed off, not wanting to voice the grim possibility of Shikihime not waking up.
Changing the subject, Kage looked directly at Ingrid. "There's something I need to insist upon. Yoru or I must be present during the interrogations of the prisoners. It's non-negotiable."
Ingrid paused, considering her words carefully. "Kage, while I appreciate where you're coming from, you must understand that this is a matter of state security. Normally, we wouldn't allow external parties to be involved in such sensitive proceedings."
Unmoved, Kage leaned forward, her tone resolute. "I'm aware of your protocols, Ingrid, but these aren't normal circumstances. As the highest-ranked official of the Kurayami Dynasty present, I need to ensure that the investigation doesn't overlook or hide anything that could be crucial to our interests."
Ingrid took a deep breath, acknowledging the complexity of the situation. "Let me discuss this with the Archduke upon his return. I can't promise anything, but I'll see what can be done."
Kage's expression softened slightly, but her stance remained firm. "Understood. But know this, if our request is denied, I'll have no choice but to report to our embassy, detailing the lack of cooperation and potential mishandling of the situation involving a member of our royal family."
Ingrid nodded, acknowledging the seriousness of Kage's words. "I'll do my best to find a middle ground. We all want the truth to come out, and to ensure that justice is served."
Kage stepped into her chambers, her mind weary from the day's events. The room was dimly lit, the curtains drawn, creating an ambiance of calm. She was about to succumb to the comfort of her bed when she noticed a presence. Yoru, her comrade and a master of stealth, was there, seated in a shadowed corner, almost blending into the darkness.
"You startled me, Yoru," Kage said, a faint smile touching her lips despite the fatigue. "Is there something you need?"
Yoru emerged from the shadows, her expression serious. "I came to discuss our next steps. Have you secured permission for us to attend the interrogations?" she inquired.
Kage sighed, running a hand through her hair. "It's likely. Ingrid understands the gravity of our request. She'll discuss it with the Archduke and get back to us."
Yoru nodded, her gaze unwavering. "There's something else. The assassin who killed Mai... he's still alive."
Kage felt a chill at the mention of Mai's name. Her death was a wound yet unhealed. She met Yoru's gaze, understanding the unspoken implication. "Then you know what must be done," Kage said solemnly.
Without a word, Yoru bowed respectfully and disappeared as silently as she had arrived, a shadow melting into the night.
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Left alone in her room, Kage whispered to the emptiness, "Poor soul, your fate was sealed the moment you crossed us." She allowed herself a moment to reflect on the cruel necessities of their world before succumbing to the need for rest, her body and mind demanding a brief escape from the burdens they carried.
The morning sun cast a soft glow on the estate, but the atmosphere was anything but light. Ingrid and Erik arrived, their faces etched with concern and urgency. Kage, who appeared significantly rejuvenated compared to the previous day, received them with a mix of curiosity and apprehension.
"Good morning, Ingrid, Erik," Kage greeted, her voice steady despite the evident tension. "What brings you here so early?"
Without the usual pleasantries, Erik dove directly into the matter at hand. "Kage, we need to talk about the prison break yesterday. What do you know about it?" His tone was direct, indicating the seriousness of the situation.
Kage's brow furrowed in confusion. "Prison break?" she echoed, genuinely surprised. "I'm afraid I have no knowledge of what you're speaking. Has there been an escape?"
Ingrid's frown deepened, her suspicion evident. "You mean to tell us you're completely unaware of the incident?" she asked, skepticism lacing her words.
Kage shook her head, her expression a blend of bewilderment and concern. "I assure you, Ingrid, we've been preoccupied with recovering from last night's ordeal and reinforcing security. Please, enlighten me. What exactly happened?"
Erik's gaze drilled into Kage with a mixture of suspicion and accusation. "Last night, there was a breach at the prison," he began, his voice steady but heavy with implication. "One of the prisoners, the very same who took Mai's life, was found tortured and executed in a particularly gruesome manner. This can't be a mere coincidence, can it?" His question hung in the air, weighted with the suggestion of her involvement.
Kage, however, maintained a veneer of innocence, her expression unflappable. "Are you insinuating that we had a hand in this?" she replied, her tone laced with a hint of indignation. "While I hold no love for murderers and assassins, you overestimate our involvement in such a sordid affair. We have no reason to mourn the death of such a person, nor do we condone extrajudicial killings."
The room was tense with unspoken accusations, a silence that was broken by Ingrid's pragmatic voice. "Kage, this is a matter of utmost seriousness," she interjected, her eyes fixed on Kage. "The implications of this incident could be far-reaching. We need to discern the motive behind this act. Was it an enemy trying to silence a witness? An ally seeking revenge? A neutral party with their own agenda? In these times of limited information, every clue could be pivotal to our investigation."
Kage's response was immediate and unyielding, her voice firm and her stance unwavering. "Then I suggest you conduct your own thorough investigation," she retorted sharply. "Your failure to protect the princess has already brought us to the brink of disaster. The incompetence and secrecy within your ranks nearly cost Shikihime her life. How dare you come here, questioning us, after the chaos and suffering your country's inadequacies have caused? We owe you no explanations. Remember your place and responsibilities."
Her words echoed in the room, a clear indication that Kage would not tolerate any insinuations or accusations. Her loyalty to Shikihime and her people was unwavering, and she made it known that she would not entertain any attempts to undermine their integrity or question their actions.
Kage, after seeing off the guests, made her way to Shikihime's room, where Rin, Haru, Yoru, and Sora were gathered. A guard stood watch inside, but at Kage's stern glance, he hesitated momentarily before leaving the room, sensing the gravity of the situation. Once alone, Kage allowed a brief moment of silence before addressing the group.
"They have their suspicions about us," Kage began, her tone conveying a mix of caution and determination. "However, I believe they lack concrete evidence. Yoru, your efforts have been instrumental in keeping us ahead." Yoru acknowledged the compliment with a respectful bow.
Kage's gaze then settled firmly on Yoru. "Would you share with us what you discovered during your investigation?" she asked, indicating the importance of the information Yoru had gathered.
Yoru nodded, ready to relay her findings. "The ambush was a joint operation between the Stardust Kingdom and certain factions within the Iskaldt Rike Realm," she started, her voice steady and informative. "They deployed a hidden squad specifically trained to target us. Given the level of skill and training of these assailants, it's evident that Stardust Kingdom had prior knowledge of the attack. Many of them were A or S ranked fighters, indicating the loss of one or two generations of their finest combatants in this assault."
She paused for a moment, gathering her thoughts before continuing. "I managed to identify one of their leaders, a woman named Isabelle. She had a close confidant, though I couldn't extract his name before he succumbed to delirium and began speaking incoherently." Yoru's expression hardened slightly as she delivered this information, understanding the gravity of what she uncovered.
"There's more," Yoru added, capturing everyone's attention. "It appears that the Archduke has been actively working against their plans, unbeknownst to us. Their strategy was to make it look like he was disrupting their efforts while they prepared for a decisive strike during his absence."
The room fell silent as they processed Yoru's report. Kage looked around at her team, her expression a mix of concern and resolve. The weight of their situation was palpable, but so was their determination to protect Shikihime and unravel the intricate web of intrigue that threatened them all.
The somber atmosphere in the room grew heavier as Sora spoke up, her voice laced with regret. "We have also failed in our duties. We should have been more vigilant," she said, her gaze fixed on the floor.
Kage, understanding the depth of Sora's sentiment, knew that while they could have done more, the reality was that their losses, though painful, were significantly less compared to the enemy's. She turned to face Sora, her expression firm yet empathetic. "While I agree that striving for improvement is essential, let's not overlook the fact that we did what we could under the circumstances. Sora, would you remind us of the loss ratio between us and the enemy?"
Sora nodded, taking a deep breath before responding. "Despite the surprise attack, our losses, though tragic, were considerably lower than the enemy's. We managed to defend ourselves effectively, given the situation."
Kage's gaze then shifted to Rin, who understood the cue and began to speak. "I've already informed the Dynasty about the events," she said with a sense of urgency. "I've requested additional reinforcements and financial support. I've also made a decision to stay here long-term. My crew will be transferring here with all necessary resources."
Rin paused, her expression turning contemplative. "There's something else. About Isabelle, the woman Yoru mentioned. I have a strong intuition that she might be the one who assassinated the princess. We need Shikihime to confirm if Isabelle was among those who perished. If she's still at large, we face a significant threat."
Interlude: Erik's Investigation
The day after the assassination attempt on Shikihime, Erik found himself deep within the confines of her estate, his mind racing with questions and theories. The estate, a bastion of secrecy and strategy, now bore the scars of a brutal attack, and Erik was determined to unearth the truth behind it.
As he paced through the halls, his footsteps echoed against the stone walls, a stark reminder of the violence that had unfolded. He passed by rooms turned upside down in the aftermath, evidence of a desperate struggle. Erik's eyes narrowed as he noted the disparity in casualties; the estate's defenses had been surprisingly effective against their assailants.
His first stop was the interrogation chamber, where prisoners captured during the attack awaited questioning. Erik entered the dimly lit room, his presence commanding immediate attention. The prisoners, a mix of hired mercenaries and fanatics, offered little in the way of useful information. Their responses were a blend of defiance and ignorance, a frustrating dead-end for Erik.
Frustrated, he left the chamber, his thoughts a tangled web of confusion and suspicion. How had the estate, with its limited manpower, managed to repel an attack that had cost his own soldiers dearly? He pondered over the reports – the estate's defenders were outnumbered, yet their losses were minimal compared to the assailants.
Walking through the estate's grounds, Erik scrutinized every detail. He noted the strategic positions of archery stations, the hidden traps now revealed in the aftermath, and the ingenious use of the estate's layout to funnel attackers into kill zones. It was clear to him now; the estate was not just a residence but a fortress, meticulously designed for defense.
His admiration for the estate's tactical design was tinged with a sense of unease. Such careful planning spoke of anticipation, a readiness for attack. It raised questions about the level of threat Shikihime and her entourage had been expecting.
As the day wore on, Erik's investigation took him deeper into the estate's secrets. He discovered hidden passages, covert observation points, and an intricate network of communication channels within the walls. The estate was a masterclass in defensive strategy, a silent testament to the ever-present danger that lurked in their world.
In the waning light of the day, Erik stood on the battlements, looking out over the estate. The events of the night had revealed much about the world they lived in - a world where danger was a constant companion, and survival depended on vigilance and preparedness.
As he turned to leave, a sense of resolve settled over him. The attack on Shikihime's estate was a stark reminder of the stakes they were all playing for. It was a game of shadows and deception, and Erik knew that to protect what they held dear, they had to be ever watchful, ever ready.
With a renewed sense of purpose, Erik made his way back to his quarters, his mind already planning the next steps in their unending dance with danger. The investigation had raised more questions than answers, but one thing was clear – they could never let their guard down, not for a moment.