Seeing the conversation was finally moving towards their goal of arriving in Stilag, Litro perked up. “Okay, let’s get over it.” He looked relieved.

“Yes, let us.” Viola gravely added. She put her hands on the table and interlocked her fingers.

Isabel tensed up while Mila finished eating her cookie. Whatever task they had brought appeared to be of importance. She didn’t know how it pertained to Andrew, Isabel and her, but it was bound to be annoying.

“Where to start…” Viola searched for words while Litro let out a bitter laugh. “It’s not easy to say this, but…”

Anthony looked at Viola with pity. It appeared most of the burden would fall on the woman’s shoulders.

“Just get over it.” Litro hurried his partner.

Viola looked at him in annoyance. “Don’t rush me.” She tutted. “If this was easy, the task would have been entrusted to you.”

“What is it?” Isabel felt the pressure mount.

And the more it did, the less Mila took it seriously. She had heard Viola talk about wiping out a city with much less seriousness in her tone. This was one of the woman’s ploys, wasn’t it? She glanced at Isabel, wondering if she should warn her.

Viola blew a stray lock of blonde hair away from her face. Mila noted how the woman had changed much of her appearance. Now Viola was blonde, with a pale face, and her features were more delicate than the last time she had seen her.

It showed how, despite her behaviour, Viola was a professional. They had been in Tordgo for months, after all. Litro had changed his appearance as well but to a lesser degree. He matched Viola’s hair colour, and it was easy to mistake them for siblings as they were now.

The question Isabel had asked put wind into Viola’s sails. She released a long sigh and shook her head. “We were contacted a few days ago. The information included your whereabouts and Mila’s impressive work that night.”

“And?” Isabel was reeled in.

Mila knew she had to say something. Viola noticed and discreetly glared at her while returning the earlier kick under the table.

This was entirely unfair. Mila would tell Isabel of Viola’s mischief right now. Any second now, she would do it. There was no need to wait any further.

“We received new orders.” Viola unlocked her fingers and rubbed her face, then pinched her glabella.

If Mila had to guess, Vila had done it to avoid smirking. Yes, that did it, she would tell Isabel. There was no need to wait for whatever cute outburst her girl would do.

“What orders?” Isabel still was none the wiser. Especially not of the struggle Mila was currently experiencing.

How was her girl so gullible? Mila sneaked a glance after glance at Isabel’s face, waiting for her to notice. Her profile was also a treat to look at. The seriousness really brought out Isabel’s regalness. She looked like a mighty paladin before facing a fated enemy.

It really made Mila… She pinched her tight.

“There were two main ones,” Viola explained. “Both of them pertain to your group.”

Isabel nodded along with Viola’s words. It was really cute how her brows creased from concentrating too hard.

“And the most important was…” Viola stretched the moment longer and conspiratory lowered her voice. Isabel leaned closer to catch every syllable. Her lips moved in a thin line, expecting a great revelation. “We have to…”

There was a moment of pregnant silence. Isabel held her breath. The serious mood was only interrupted by Litro’s groan of annoyance, which Isabel didn’t pay any heed to.

Even Mila was swept along the ambience despite knowing this was all a ruse. Inwardly, she prepared herself for concessions she would have to make to appease Isabel.

“...We have to…” Viola whispered. “...Make friends with you.” She made the grand reveal. Litro groaned again while Anthony’s face hadn’t changed for a few minutes already. The smile seemed to be carved in it.

Isabel blinked. Then again. She looked at Mila, then back at Viola, then at Litro and Anthony. “What?”

“Bwahahahaa!” Viola couldn’t hold her laughter any longer. “I knew it was worth it! Right Mila?”

Mila covered her face and pretended to cough in her palm. “Hmm, what was that?” She hoped the trembling in her voice didn’t betray her. “I am not sure what you are trying to imply.”

“That was a joke?” Isabel was still struggling to comprehend what had happened.

“No, no,” Viola shook her head. “That was real. It wasn’t worded like that, but we were ordered to play nice with you, hoping you’ll grow more sympathetic to our goals. Or something like that.”

This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.

“Exactly that.” Litro inserted. “And had you just put it so plainly? I don’t think they were supposed to know about it.”

“Me boss, you underling. No questioning.” Viola wagged her finger at him.

“But…” Isabel looked at Mila. “What was the all that…” She helplessly gestured by waving an arm in the air. “What was all the theatrics about?”

Mila pretended to clear her throat again and stiffened her features. The expression of confusion on Isabel’s face had been worth it. Saving the memory to reminiscence on it later, she spoke. “Well, I am sure Viola wanted to lighten the mood before touching upon more serious matters.”

“Yes, yes, that. Definitely that!” Viola continued to laugh. “Man, you are a riot, Isabel. Thank you, Mila, for letting me play around. It was a tough week for me. I needed a release.”

“I am not sure what you are talking about. I think I already said it. Am I repeating?” Mila tried to ignore Isabel’s glare. It was a little regretful of how easily Isabel could read her. “Is it getting hot here?” She felt a bit of sweat roll down her back.

It was probably wise to inform Isabel of the planned date. It would take the heat off of her. Mila tried a disarming smile on her girl. It didn’t work.

“Anyway!” Viola clapped. “That’s pretty much it. Anthony was the first choice for it, but he chickened out.”

That snapped the man out of his believable performance. Anthony had the role of a statue down to the details. “Hey, now!” He realised Mila’s attention was now on him and tried to retrieve his previous smile but managed only twitching. “T-that’s not at all what happened. You see…” He flapped his mouth, not knowing what to say.

“Yeah, turns out he isn’t good with being a dagger reach distance away from you,” Viola explained.

These words had a positive outcome for Mila. Isabel slowly turned her head to face Anthony and practically growled. “What are you implying about my Mila?”

“..No, as I said…” Anthony started to visibly sweat, his face still twitching from nervousness.

“There is no need to explain yourself, Anthony.” Mila stopped the foolishness. Isabel’s attention was successfully diverted. They could continue with the conversation. “It is clear Viola is playing with you. You too, Isabel. The man didn’t mean anything by his words.” She patted Isabel’s arm.

“Then was it Viola?” Isabel turned her hostility to the person who had directed the show. “I really want to punch you right now.”

“But you won’t, right Mila?” Viola widely smiled, feeling victorious. But when Mila didn’t reply and instead turned thoughtful, the smile began to fall away. “She won’t, right?”

“Try me.” Isabel’s pose reminded everyone of a beast ready to pounce.

“She might.” Mila finally decided. “Not with much strength, but she might.” That sounded about right. Isabel had been growing more accustomed to violence. While Mila wasn’t happy about it, she wasn’t going to stop it either. After all, she was immune to it.

“Please do.” Litro finished his bottle and burped. “I have been dealing with her for years now. She needs a good slap.” He attested.

“Shut it, Litro.” Viola hissed. “Nobody asked.” But he only shrugged.

Isabel threateningly rose from her seat, and Viola finally started to panic. “No, no need for that! We are just joking around, right? Just joshing. Bonding even!”

“I am going to bond you all right!” Isabel cracked her knuckles. To which Viola reacted with another laugh. “W-what?”

“I think she took it as something indecent,” Mila suggested.

Isabel furrowed her brows before blushing. “Not like that!” But Viola continued to laugh.

While Isabel fruitlessly tried to explain herself, Mila simply watched. It took a while before they again sat around the table, ready to talk about the second goal Viola had hinted at.

It only happened because Isabel refused to let Viola speak. After a short argument, Litro was elected as the spokesperson while Viola sulked in her seat.

“While I disapprove of Pepper,” Litro let Viola’s shower of curses wash past him and continued. “-revealing the fact we have to befriend you, it is true. But that is not all.” He carried himself with dignity.

Unfortunately, Viola started to flick cookie crumbs at Litro, taking away much of his gravitas.

Still, Litro stalwartly endured the assault. “If you still recall the boy from Ocheon, which you claimed was dangerous,” He waited for Mila’s affirmation. “Oscar is his name. He arrived at Stilag a couple of days ago and has started to search for you.”

Those were not good news. Mila frowned. “I assume he is not alone.”

“No. At least one Inquisitor is guarding him. In addition, we know Tordgo’s military is supporting him and supplying information. We do not know if they are also providing security, apart from the boy staying in a place appropriated by the Military.”

“And your plans regarding the boy?” Mila wanted to know.

Isabel tapped her shoulder. “No sneaking out to get rid of him. Or no hugs.” She threatened.

“I wasn’t going to.” Mila quickly answered. Hugs couldn’t be endangered like this. “Definitely not.” She repeated.

“Good.” Isabel was satisfied.

“As it were,” Litro resumed. The little intermezzo hand’t fazed him. Another proof of how used he was to Viola and her shenanigans. “We believe Oscar and, by extension, his guard will attempt to track you down and attack. Luckily, Stilag is…” He searched for words and glanced at Anthony.

“Run by corrupt nobles who are closely tied to the criminals. They won’t work with the Military.” The spy helpfully added. “At least not until their heads are in danger.”

“Exactly.” Litro nodded while Viola booed.

“Then we should leave.” Mila easily decided. “There isn’t anything particular holding us here but one task.” And a date, It wasn’t important here, even if it was for her. Isabel simply sighed.

“But!” Viola was done with playing nice. “It won’t happen today, right?”

Mila evaluated her condition. It would take a few days more before she would be comfortable taking action. There was a date planned during that time. Naran had proven to be trustworthy. “No… It will take at least a week before we are ready.” She guessed.

“Neat.” Viola happily exclaimed. “Wanna introduce us to this Naran guy?”

“That…” Mila recalled Naran’s rather pointed hate for the Kingdom. “...is possible.” She would warn the man to be careful. Her vine was at stake here.

“See, it’s not difficult.” Viola punched Anthony’s shoulder. The man simply ignored it. He was learning how to deal with the woman. “And by the way, we are tasked with taking care of the boy, if possible. If there is a chance, you can count on us.”

“I’ll keep that in mind,” Mila noted. Hopefully, it won’t come to that. She didn’t want another repeat of Ocheon.