The next day at noon in the city of Hargar, Leon, Casey, Lucia, and Livia gathered in the command tent at their military camp. Cyrill sat before them, with his two assassins standing like shadows at his back.
"We just got a report. Lord Edgar Clark isn't in Nortrom. According to interrogations of several soldiers there, it looks like he's headed to Castletown to meet with the Council of Lords. It seems a few soldiers escaped our attack yesterday and reported back to him. My sources say some of them were dressed like troops from the Toreno region," Cyrill stated, while his two assassins nodded in confirmation.
"Hmm... I see. He went to Castletown alone and left his territory behind," Leon said, deep in thought.
"That means we can take Nortrom right now," Livia countered.
"No... it's too risky with our current numbers, and we can't rely on the Mirriad one hundred percent. Right now, we don't know why Edgar went to Castletown. Is he running away? Or is he trying to get help by convincing the Council? We can't move just yet," Lucia warned.
"Agreed. Cyrill... keep a close eye on things over there. Report back immediately if anything suspicious happens," Leon ordered.
"You heard him," Cyrill said to the two assassins behind him.
They both nodded, then turned and bolted out of the tent, leaving Cyrill alone. Cyrill glanced around as if searching for someone.
"Where's the bald guy... I mean... Dustin?" Cyrill asked.
"He's still at the monastery with Mariana. It seems they're still praying. Even your sister, Isabel, wasn't allowed in," Livia replied.
"Hmm... I see. And Calvin?" Cyrill asked.
"He's at the harbor, helping out and keeping an eye on the sea," Lucia answered.
"I hope the result of their prayers brings us some clarity," Casey added.
"Right. We'll just have to wait," Leon said.
Suddenly, with a sharp "shrag," the tent flap whipped open. Calvin rushed inside and hurried straight to the strategy table.
"Reporting! A massive fleet from the Black Continent has been spotted on the horizon. It looks like they'll be here any minute," Calvin announced.
"Ah... finally. Brother Lot Har is right on time," Leon said.
"How many are there?" Lucia asked.
"I can't say for sure... but there are a lot. The entire horizon is covered in black ships," Calvin replied.
"Perfect. Now we can defend Toreno and take the fight to Nortrom," Livia said.
"Are you still worried about the West attacking us?" Leon asked.
"Yes. The heart of the Vanadias imperial knights is in the West, and they border Toreno exactly. They're quite close to the castle. That's why I asked Hugo to seal the border," Livia answered, pointing to the map on the table.
"Hmm... in that case, let's center our defense of Toreno at the castle and the western border," Leon murmured, tracing the map.
"Agreed. I think Hugo has finished moving his bandit camp and his mother there by now," Lucia added.
"No... I think we should tighten security specifically at the western border. Remember, we still have to seize Nortrom. We can't just hunker down at the castle and wait. If they break through the border, it'll be too late," Livia argued.
"You have a point. Our focus should be on Nortrom for now... what do you think, Leon?" Lucia asked.
"How many Nortrom soldiers are we holding?" Leon asked.
"Hmm... about 2,000. They're all willing to join us. Right now they're securing this city, and some are with House Levent," Lucia answered.
"And how many of our own men do we have?" Leon asked.
"Around 800 to 1,000. Why?" Lucia asked.
"Fine. Send a letter to Lord Malcolm. We're going to borrow 1,000 of his soldiers to stand by at the Nortrom border, ready to strike. Our main force will attack from the northern side of Nortrom that borders Toreno—but only with a small number of men. The first ones to enter will be our former Nortrom soldiers. We'll tell them we're returning their army. This is the perfect time, while Edgar is away," Leon declared, pointing to the map to show his plan.
"That's clever... that way we get in easily... and we won't be what the soldiers there expect," Livia said.
"Yeah, I agree. Our main force doesn't need to fully commit to the Nortrom attack. We only need a small group there; the rest can concentrate on the western border," Lucia added.
"Yap, I knew you two would get it," Leon replied.
"Of course we do," Lucia and Livia said, sharing a smile.
"I'm sorry... but I still don't get it," Casey admitted.
"Right. According to my people, there are still 15,000 troops there. There's no way we can break through that," Cyrill added.
"Won't we be completely outnumbered?" Calvin asked, sounding confused.
Leon, Lucia, and Livia just smiled at Cyrill, Casey, and Calvin. Suddenly, a lightbulb went off for Cyrill. He looked directly at the three leaders.
"Wait a second... are we trying to spark a rebellion?" Cyrill asked.
"Now you're getting it. Though 'rebellion' isn't quite the right word. Our goal isn't to make the Nortrom soldiers and people revolt against their lord; we're simply shifting their loyalty from their lord to us. That's all. Do you see what I mean?" Leon asked.
"Hahaha... you're right. I get it now," Cyrill replied, laughing.
"Good. Now, have your people spread the word that we intend to return the soldiers from the Levent region in that town," Leon ordered.
"Consider it done," Cyrill replied.
"But why ask my uncle to provide troops?" Casey asked.
"Just in case they're needed," Livia answered.
"Yap, that's right. Calvin, can you please inform the Nortrom soldiers that since they've shown loyalty and agreed to follow us, they're allowed to go home and see their families. But if they turn back and support anyone from House Clark again—Alesya, for example—we won't hesitate to kill them and their families," Lucia added.
"Understood. I'll go tell their commanders right away," Calvin replied.
"Now, let's go," Leon said, looking at Lucia and Livia.
The three of them stood up abruptly, leaving Cyrill, Calvin, and Casey looking confused, their faces full of questions.
"Um... where are you guys going?" Cyrill asked.
"It's time to have a chat with our cousin," Livia said.
"You're right. I feel like she's still someone we can talk to, and she'll surely listen to us, even if she is a bit narrow-minded," Lucia said.
"Okay, let's not waste any more time. We need to do this before Lot Har arrives. Sorry, I'm leaving you for a bit, Casey," Leon said.
"It's okay... no problem, I'll wait here," Casey replied.
Leon, Lucia, and Livia walked straight out of the tent. Cyrill, Calvin, and Casey watched their backs until they disappeared, then turned to look at each other.
"Who are these people, really?" Cyrill asked.
"I don't know and I don't care to know... I'm just happy to be with them," Calvin answered.
"True. I don't really care either. Based on my vision, they are going to bring change to this world, and for me, that's enough," Casey said.
***
Meanwhile, Leon, Lucia, and Livia walked through the camp toward a large tent at the far end, bigger than all the others. The tent was guarded by four soldiers: two from Nortrom and two from the demon tribe. The four guards immediately bowed as the three approached. They pulled back the curtain and stepped inside.
They saw Alesya, her hands tied to a sturdy tent pole, her head hanging low. She was a complete mess, looking weak and disheveled. When she heard someone enter, she lifted her head. Her eyes, shadowed by dark circles, widened in shock at the sight of the triplets—one boy and two girls—standing before her.
"Hello, big cousin. Let's talk," Leon, Lucia, and Livia said in unison, all of them wearing the same smile.