I summoned the Null Handmaidens in the living room at noon.
Syraleh, Naelle, Iserra, Rielinne, and their ever-composed leader, Enheduanna, were all here. All of them looked amazing in their assassin gear. Enheduanna stood slightly apart, dressed in her signature black gown and the veil covering her face.
"Alright, you five are heading to a hidden Fluve Field."
Five sets of eyes blinked at me.
"You mean right now?" Naelle asked.
"Immediately. You'll start training the moment you arrive. So mentally prepare for hell."
Iserra sighed. "We just got to Rome. You're sending us out again?"
"Yes. You had your vacation in Geneva. Rielinne will take command this time."
Rielinne blinked once, then a sly smile curved across her lips. She didn't say anything, but I could see the gears spinning in her head. Of course she knew I'm an Outer. I made it too obvious for her to notice. The others, however, didn't share that silent understanding.
"Wait," Syraleh scoffed. "Her?"
"Yes. Her."
"Why?"
"Because I said so."
Naelle groaned. "That's not a reason!"
"It is when you're me."
I reached into my inventory (I usually fake taking something out of my jacket) and took out five white smooth, white faceless masks. The girls went quiet. Even Enheduanna tilted her head slightly, which for her was basically shouting in surprise.
"These are Faceless Identify masks for each of you"
I used Verdamona's luck to get these in a single ten pull. Honestly, that was the luckiest streak I used. And I only used less Pearlesia. Rielinne chuckled under her breath when she saw it.
"Each of you gets one. Rielinne already knows how they work, so she'll guide you."
Naelle immediately frowned again. "Why does Rielinne know everything?"
"Because I trust Rielinne more than I trust you."
Rielinne made a triumphant little "hmph" sound that was way too self-satisfied. She even struck a subtle pose, adjusting herself like a general.
"See? The master trusts me."
"Oh, please," Syraleh said, rolling her eyes. "He probably just likes how obedient you pretend to be."
Rielinne gasped, mock-offended. "Pretend? Syraleh, my loyalty is a sacred—"
"—lie," Naelle finished.
Iserra snorted.
I held up a hand before the argument could bloom into a full-blown comedy routine again.
"Enough. Rielinne's in charge, end of discussion. You'll follow her orders. Consider this whole trip a test of discipline. And possibly, survival."
That shut them up. Mostly. Then I turned to Enheduanna.
"You'll protect them if needed."
"I will, my master. None shall harm them under my watch."
"Good. Though I don't expect you'll need to do much. You're already the strongest of the five."
Behind the veil, I swore I saw her smile. Then I addressed the room again.
"Rielinne has the coordinates for the Fluve Field. She'll handle your route and gear."
"I've already memorized them, Master."
Naelle folded her arms again. "Of course she has."
"Yes, because she listens when I talk."
That earned me four synchronized groans and one silent chuckle from Enheduanna.
"Anyway, Rielinne has your supplies. Food, gear, emergency rations, everything. You'll be gone for several days, so be ready."
Naelle raised her hand. "What if we die?"
"Then Rielinne's in trouble."
Rielinne froze. "Wait, what?"
"Just kidding. Probably."
That didn't help.
The group finally wore the masks as Rielinne guided them. Apparently, the masks adjusted with their assassin masks. They didn't even feel the mask itself. Naelle adjusted hers as they looked at the reflection on the windows.
"It's weird not seeing your own face."
"That's the point, Naelle. Mystery adds intimidation."
Syraleh looked at herself sideways. "I look different."
"Alright, my little chaos quintet. Fast Travel Room, now. Rielinne will lead."
Rielinne saluted dramatically. "Aye, Master!"
Naelle muttered under her breath, "Pushover."
I pretended not to hear it.
We walked together through the mansion's corridors as the Fast Travel system detected their presence. When the massive room opened up, they got in. The girls lined up. Rielinne put in the coordinates in the hologram.
"Destination locked."
Naelle looked back at me. "You're really not coming, Master?"
"Not this time. You'll do fine. Besides, if I come, it won't be training."
Enheduanna gave a slow nod, the veil fluttering as energy gathered around her. "We shall not disappoint."
"I know. Good luck."
Rielinne looked over her shoulder.
"You just relax, Master. I'll make sure they all come back in one piece."
"Preferably alive, too."
"No promises."
The light swallowed them in a swirl of blue and white. The room went silent again. They're probably going to argue the whole trip. Dropping onto the couch, I stared at the ceiling for a moment, then laughed quietly to myself.
"Well… that's Rielinne's problem now. Now it's just me and a mountain of things to fix."