Archive of Our Own ^beta

The Celestial Globe was quiet when Vita arrived and it had been close to a year since that utter mess at the Infernal Castle. She had lost Grianos, her familiar, and suffered a deep gash on her arm. Her pride was also in tatters, at being outplayed by Gilliath Osborne and, more humiliatingly, by Rufus Albarea. She would ensure a special retribution for that one. Worst of all was failing her Master, the leader of Ouroboros and her savior.

But, arguably worse than that, there was Crow.

She winced at the mere thought of him. Witnessing his death would haunt her until the day she died, another terrible, costly sin of hers that she’d have to live with. With a wide-open wound that pierced his very heart, blood pouring from it and his mouth both, she hated that he even tried to make jokes as he lay there in the arms of Rean, surrounded by Emma, Celine and the rest of Class VII.

“Heh… the same place I shot Osborne? Karma’s a bitch huh…?”

“Damn him and that bloody smirk.” She thought to herself bitterly. She almost said more but sighed instead. Vita would move on. Eventually. Just as she did with Leon. Even if the man spurned her advances at every turn.

Although, there had been the one time that they spoke before he went off for the Kingdom…

She approached him down a hallway, “Going off again, Leon?”

“Yes. The Professor has asked me to be his second-in-command for the plan in Liberl. I need to go ahead of everyone else.” He had responded stoically, as he always had with her and others.

“Sadly, I won’t be able to join you all, as I’m unfamiliar with the locale of the Kingdom myself. Aside from Grancel anyway. I’ll pray for your success,” she smiled at him, and closed the distance between them, looking deeply into his red eyes, “and maybe we can celebrate, upon your return?”

Truthfully, she had expected him to turn her down, as he did with all her other advances. Instead, the look in his eyes shifted. She couldn't tell what it was at the time, but it finally seemed to be one of interest. "...While I make no promises... we can discuss more after our success.”

She was shocked at him actually considering an offer from her and had tried her hardest not to shake with anticipation, jump in joy, or scream with excitement. Vita recovered though, giggled, and bowed her head, “I’ll hope to see you again, Leon. Aidios be with you.”

Vita sighed wistfully, using her fan to cool the small, but warm blush on her cheeks. Why had she acted like such a schoolgirl, then? She wasn’t a child any longer.

“Trouble, Azure Abyss?” A voice called out to her, she hadn’t noticed the platform on her left becoming active.

“The First has arrived…” She hummed neutrally, pushing away her thoughts and composed herself, “None, First Anguis.”

“I take it the aftermath of the Infernal Castle still… displeases you?”

“Of all the- of course it does!” She wished to shout, but didn’t, “…I’m nearly over it. Once we wrest it back from the Blood and Iron Chancellor and his little pawns, I’m sure I’ll have a clearer mind.”

The First hummed himself, “Well, our meeting today should be about that very topic.”

A low laugh was heard next, “Ya know, you’ve been cagey for a while, Abyss. Got something you wish to share with us?”

Vita smiled a fake smile and turned in the direction of the new voice, just beside her platform in the Celestial Globe. She decided to avoid the question, “Well, well. I’m surprised that you’d be here this early, Thousand Oathbreaker.”

His figure lit up, coming from one of their unnamed bases no doubt. He smiled, his unnatural eyes turned to face her as he took another drag of his cigar, then shrugged. “Lety insisted. Not like I had much else to do. Though, don’t go thinking I didn’t notice you trying to get out of my question.”

“Oh, I have reasons for my absences, Ellroy,” Vita crooked her head and narrowed her eyes, “They’re definitely better than your own half-baked ones.”

He laughed to the ceiling, “A bit catty, don’t you think?” then shrugged, “Well, we all got our secrets I guess…”

The light upon the First’s platform grew brighter, “You both would do well to remember that there are no secrets here in the Celestial Globe and before our Grandmaster. Speaking of that… Campanella, if you would stop hiding and help call upon our fellow brethren.”

A giggle came from the center of the room, then a beam of light revealed the number 0 Enforcer, who gave a bow to them, and smiled, “Apologies. I’ll get right on that.”

With a snap of his fingers, the other platforms appeared, lighting up one by one. The next Anguis to appear was Arianrhod, the Steel Maiden, diagonally across from Vita. She was without her helmet, an uncommon occasion and seemed to be in deep thought. Directly across from the Seventh and to the right of Ellroy was Professor Novartis, who was fixing his glasses and seemed rather disinterested. Then the platform of the Fifth came to, his figure obscured. Finally, the previously dormant platform of the Third Anguis, once held by Georg Weissmann, was now with a new owner, Mariabell Crois.

“This should be her second or third meeting with the Society, ever since we had her inducted.” Vita thought.

“It has been some time since all seven of us have gathered. It is good to see everyone in excellent health.” The First said, “Have you been adjusting to your position, Mariabell?”

The woman giggled, “There have been few issues, but for now it is nothing to concern you or the others with. I’m at about 90 percent complete on what needs to be done at the moment, but I can work faster if I need to.”

“Excellent. We’re counting on you.”

“Especially me.” the Professor grumbled, “My current projects can’t work at the moment without a Sept-Terrion or an inordinate amount of mana, Wellspring Alchemist.”

She laughed haughtily, “Of course, Professor. Just tell me when and where and I shall do my utmost to assist you.” Novartis accepted her answer, nodding.

“Arianrhod,” The First spoke again, “have your Stahlritter rested and trained enough?”

“They have. Duvalie will be working in conjunction with the Sanguine Ogre for some time, while Ines and Ennea attend to their own tasks.”

“Good. Ellroy, how are developments in Calvard?”

The man didn’t answer immediately, taking a long drag of his cigar instead. “Kinda quiet. Well, as quiet as can be, with their elections around the corner. It’s obvious that Rocksmith’s party will be losing more seats. Then he’ll be a lame duck.”

“As we expected then. No matter. It removes a potential issue from the board… for the time being.”

“We should not be so quick to dismiss them. They could still try and subvert Erebonia’s control over Crossbell through espionage.” The Fifth spoke up for the first time.

“I did say ‘for the time being'… but I suppose you have a point. President Rocksmith is more shrewd than he lets on, despite his appearances to the public at large. Do think you can remain in Calvard a tad longer, Harwood?”

Ellroy shrugged, but assented, “Yeah, yeah. I can stay.”

“Very well. Do as you see fit… within reason.” the First warned.

The Oathbreaker blew out a puff of smoke and smiled, “No promises.”

"And lastly, what of Ored, Leman, Arteria, and elsewhere?"

The Fifth answered, "Quiet for now, but we should always expect trouble from the Church. The word is that the Partitioner has been traveling across Erebonia, in addition to the 8th Dominion. We must be cautious."

“Agreed. We will deal with them accordingly. If they get too close to the fire we can burn them. For now, though, our time to speak is at an end. The Grandmaster is to grace us with her presence once more…”

Sure enough, the primary platform descended in front of the logo of Ouroboros, with a quiet hum. Its arrival caused a shift in pressure in the phase space, an abundance of mana swirling all throughout. At its center, the figure of their Grandmaster appeared before them. All of the Anguis, even the indifferent Novartis, unruly Harwood, and the leader of the Enforcers, Campanella bowed or at least tilted their heads down in respect to the appearance of their leader.

“Greetings everyone. It has been some time since I’ve seen you all.” She spoke calmly. “I assume each and every one of you have carried out your tasks dutifully?”

“Yes, Grandmaster.” The group spoke in unison.

“Excellent.” Her head turned to Mariabell, “You have done much for us within Ouroboros since joining our cause, Mariabell, in addition to your personal tasks. Your energy and devotion are exceptional. I thank you greatly.”

She bowed her head, “You’re far too kind. I’m unworthy of such praise.”

“Nonsense. Ever since we lost Weissmann, we have had numerous difficulties in carrying out the Phantasmal Blaze Plan. It makes me wonder if we had ensured that his spot was filled that we wouldn’t be in the current situation we are now…” Some of the Anguis, Vita especially, were ready to argue against that but said nothing. Their leader turned her attention to the Azure Diva herself, “I digress. I see you have returned from your convalescence, Vita. Are you well?”

Vita smiled, “Well enough, Grandmaster. The wound I suffered has fully healed and I remain devoted to continuing our plans. And while there may be a possibility to revive him, it is rather slim, so for the time being I’m afraid that Grianos is lost to me.”

“You have my condolences then. He was an incredible asset to us, but more importantly to you. His presence shall be missed.” Vita bowed, grateful for the kind words. The Grandmaster then glanced to the Fool, “How are our Enforcers faring, Campanella?”

“Trained and raring to go. I mean, at least those who’re still with us. Still no word from Luciola I’m afraid, and Kreuger still refuses to work with us no matter how many messages I send.”

“Bah. Two Enforcers missing is a trifling issue. We have plenty of other drones to do the menial tasks we require.” Novartis said dismissively. “Not to mention the Enhanced Jaegers.”

“Well, as long as the latter aren’t being led by one Gilbert Stein, I’d agree.” Campanella snarked.

“Hmph. Fair enough.”

“‘Sharon’ still hasn’t returned huh…? Might be time for Lety and me to pay a quick visit. Remind her of a few… obligations.” Ellroy said, smirking.

“It is alright, Ellroy.” the Grandmaster spoke calmly, “Sharon is free to do as she desires, as all other Enforcers. I have a feeling she will come to a crossroads soon and will return to us when that happens.”

“Not to mention, do you really want to be the second repeat of the Faceless?” The First quipped.

Ellroy sighed, “Alright, alright, I get it… and here I was hoping to get out of Calvard for at least a week. I mean don’t get me wrong, I like the place, but I’ve been here for a few months now.”

“After the elections are over, you’re free to leave until our next move. You have my word.”

He smirked again, “And what would our next move be, Grandmaster?” A few of the Anguis shifted, never liking how the man addressed their leader at times. She always took it in stride at least or ignored his comments outright.

“It is the reason I called for this meeting.” Her gaze fell on each and every person in the room, “My Anguis, almost an entire year has passed since the end of the Infernal Castle, but in its ending, we were outplayed by Giliath Osborne and his subordinates. We underestimated him and how far his reach and power extended. With all of our organization’s members now healed and better trained, I would ask each of you your thoughts on this matter, and how to rectify it.”

Vita looked around, and none of the other Anguis spoke, so, she took the first action, “As I said in our previous meeting, I take full responsibility for the failure in Erebonia. The idiocy of Helmut Albarea, the delusions of Croire de Cayenne, and the betrayal of Rufus Albarea cost the Noble Alliance its chance of winning, but there are still capable people within that can manage it. I say we reaffirm our ties to them. Not to mention that both the Professor and the Steel Maiden completed the first part of the plan admirably in Crossbell and I would hate for all their efforts to go to waste. With Mariabell now occupying the seat of the Third, we have enough strength to retake our plan from Osborne and the Ironbloods.”

The mysterious woman smiled. It was small, but noticeable by Vita. “I know you wish to make up for your failure the most, Vita. Is there anyone who agrees with this?”

Ellroy blew out a puff of smoke, “Sure, sure. I guess we’ll need to work on the finer details and hash out logistics, but I’m willing to get more directly involved. When the time comes.”

“I concur as well.” Novartis said, “I do detest it when my work goes to waste.”

“Hm. So, all Anguis on the right agree. And what does the First think?”

“I’ll refrain until I’ve heard from everyone else, Grandmaster.”

“Fence sitter.” Vita thought. Not that it surprised her. She understood his position being second-in-command in the Society and all that. He had the tact to smooth over slights and differences between everyone, in the times they arose. Worst case, the other three could disagree with her, Ellroy and Novartis while the First would be the tiebreaker.

“Oh my, I’m quite nervous to be the next…” Mariabell was feigning no doubt, but continued, crossing her arms as she spoke, “While I agree that we’ve grown stronger, the Chancellor has also increased his resources as well. The rumors I’ve heard is he is to take over the Courageous from Prince Olivert. Not to mention, he also took the Pantagruel from the Noble Alliance. The Provincial Armies have also been downsized, the majority of Panzer Soldats have also been transferred into the various divisions of the Erebonian army. Finally… we can no longer deny or ignore that the Black Workshop has probably turned against us.”

“In short, we’d be in the fight for our lives. We could eke out a victory I guess, but would the cost really be worth it in the end?” She ended.

Vita hummed thoughtfully. While she wasn’t a fan of Mariabell so far - was she really an improvement over Weissman of all people? Time would tell - she did make good points at times and Vita understood her logic. As much as it pained her to do so.

“Is it worth it? For two Sept-Terrions? Probably, yeah. The only real loss we had gaining the Aureole was the little scythe girl, Joshua and Leonhardt… oh, and your dick of a predecessor.”

“Harwood.” The First sounded exasperated. Vita doubted that he cared much for him either.

He rolled his eyes. “Prick. Asshole. Fuckwad. Take your pick.”

Mariabell laughed cruelly, “I’ll try my best not to end up like the poor man.”

“The bar isn’t that high. You’ll be fine.” Novartis snarked.

“It’s about five rege. Good luck~” Campanella added with a sinister smile.

“Moving on.”

The Fifth hummed, ignoring Harwood’s vulgarity and the other comments. “Mariabell makes a fair point. But with that said, we probably won’t get out of this plan without making sacrifices anyway. What do you think, Arianrhod?”

The stoic warrior had had her eyes closed for most of their meeting. Vita had always respected her, even if they didn’t agree on some of the finer points of their plans and she had no doubt that the famous warrior would wish to fix their current conundrum.

She finally answered, “I’m against fighting the Chancellor.” Vita’s eyes widened in surprise, as did some of the others. That admission... she hated hearing that. Especially from her of all people.

“What’s this? Does the Steel Maiden actually suggest we don’t fight at all? Color me shocked.” Ellroy raised a brow.

“I agree with Mariabell, on the grounds that the cost would be too great. Not only that I wish to offer an alternative plan.” She opened her eyes, glancing at each of the others present, with Vita being the last before staring upward at the Grandmaster. “I say we join the man instead.”

Vita attempted to calm herself, trying not to grind her teeth or look like a fish out of water. “That girl… she actually predicted this.” She had been invited by Aurelia Le Guin for a clandestine meeting at least two months after the end of hostilities of the Civil War. At first, she was hesitant, as the betrayal from Rufus still stung, and was worried that the general would betray her to the government. But her curiosity won her over and she eventually realized that it wasn’t Aurelia who wished to speak with her, but rather Croire’s niece, Mildine.

She remembered the man bemoaning her existence once, calling her a “pitiful reminder of his foolish brother”, but beyond that hadn’t shown interest in her. Aurelia mentioned that just before the start of the war, Mildine contacted her to predict that not only would Croire lose, but they of Ouroboros would actually be outmaneuvered by the Chancellor.

“She has a talent that exceeds most. At first, I thought of her being similar to both Scarecrow and the Icy Maiden… but she is quite above them and a chess master, I must say.”

“A chess master, hm? Tell me Lady Mildine… what do you think Ouroboros will do now?”

“Well, I take it you want to retake your little plan back from the Chancellor, yes?”

“Very much so.”

Mildine leaned back into her chair, tapping her head a few times and closing her eyes. “While I don’t know the personalities of your fellow Anguis I imagine at least one of them will suggest joining with the man himself.”

Vita cocked an eyebrow, “And which one would suggest that?”

The girl smiled and answered immediately, “The Steel Maiden.”

“Such confidence.” Vita couldn’t help but smile as well. “Tell you what; our next meeting won’t be until the end of the year. Since we exhausted ourselves, we decided to recuperate. Should your prediction come true… I may very well join you.”

Mildine clasped her hands together and smiled, “I accept!”

…Vita decided to contact her after their meeting concluded. But for now, she could still convince everyone to reclaim the plan… hopefully.

Mariabell spoke before she could though, “That’s… bold. But it might actually work in our favor, possibly. I suppose that no matter what we do, we would get the Sept-Terrions either way… or ensure they remain out of mortal hands.”

“And who is to say that the Chancellor won’t try to turn on us, once he gets what he wants?” Vita asked, “I cannot possibly trust the man, not after what he and his wretched subordinate did.”

“But, Vita,” the Fifth interjected, “You must put aside your emotions and pride on this-”

“That’s quite easy for you to say, considering that you were not attacked nor lost a companion that you’ve had since you were a babe.” She replied icily.

“…” his figure remained obscured but shifted as he was heard to make a grunt.

“There is more to your reasoning isn’t there, Arianrhod?” the diva gazed at her, but the Steel Maiden didn’t respond. “Reasons you don’t wish to share with the rest of us? Not even our Grandmaster?” Vita tapped her foot after another pause. “Well? Lianne Sandlot?”

The other woman held her gaze with stoicism, “I wouldn’t expect you to understand, Vita.”

“Make me then. Convince me-” She was cut off.

“Nothing short of that man’s death will convince you.” She responded with slight indignation, “But Osborne cannot be killed, at least not under normal circumstances. He is-” Arianrhod stopped herself from speaking, taking a breath in to control herself.

“…hmm. I see now.” the Grandmaster spoke up. “I understand your position, Lianne.”

The Anguis – sans the Seventh – turned to their leader with Vita asking, “You do?”

“Yes.” She looked forlornly to her greatest warrior before explaining, “I apologize for doing this, Lianne, but the truth will come out eventually… Giliath Osborne is the transmigrated soul of Dreichels Reise Arnor himself.”

The Grandmaster spoke for a time about Dreichels, about his accomplishments as a prince and later emperor of Erebonia. She also spoke of Lianne’s own exploits and the events that led to her position as the 7^th Anguis, just at the onset of the Hundred Days War. Arianrhod herself would also explain a few things along the way, mostly in regard to what Osborne was now. A host for a malevolent entity.

Ishmelga.

With all of that said and out in the open, some pieces began to fall into place for Vita. The Steel Maiden’s long lost love, the actions that were taken by Dreichels’ reincarnation, and her own grandmother… it was starting to make sense. But part of her still refused to even consider joining with the man. She really couldn’t put her finger on why. Was it her pride? Was she really being vain about this?

Ellroy was the first to speak, “Indulging in your own whims and desires? And some of you say I have a problem.”

“To think that our own Steel Maiden would chase after love.” Novartis shook his head and snorted, “I suppose you’re as human as the rest of us.”

“…if you’re expecting me to apologize or rebuke your claims, I’m afraid I have nothing to offer you.” Arianrhod crossed her arms. “I don’t know his exact plans going forward, I can only guess. I highly doubt he has any interest in the Sept-Terrions. At the very least, we can negotiate for those.”

The Fourth then shrugged, grunting, “Eh, fine then. We can join with the guy.”

Vita turned to him with surprise. “What? You'll just change your vote? Just like that?”

“Look, if the great Arianrhod isn’t going to fight him, I don’t see how we could possibly win.”

“Not to mention if our new 3^rd agrees with her. I’m afraid I’ll also have to change sides on the matter.” Novartis said candidly.

No, no, no! Vita scowled.

“Hold a moment, Vita.” The 1^st spoke, noticing her grimace, “I actually agree with your own approach.”

She blinked, as did the others. “Truly?”

He didn’t respond immediately, taking time to gather his thoughts, “Well… to an extent. I do think that we should attempt to retake the Phantasmal Blaze Plan, if only because it is ours. On the other hand though, and as Mariabell has stated, we will take losses and she makes a good point about us still gathering two of the Sept-Terrions, even if the plan falls through. Thus I am not entirely against joining with the Chancellor either.”

She clicked her teeth. She refused to even entertain the damn notion of forming an alliance with that man.

His shadowed figure raised a hand, “My suggestion is this: we engage with Osborne and his Ironbloods, in small, but direct confrontations. We test the waters of our forces against his own and should we succeed in putting them on the ropes, we take the plan back on our terms. However, if we’re put in a position of weakness or are evenly matched, then we should join with him. It won’t be our plan anymore, but at the very least we can still possibly gain the Sept-Terrions of Fire and Earth. Who agrees?”

Arianrhod was the first to assent, “I do.”

“As do I.” Mariabell smiled.

“Here, here,” Harwood answered lazily.

“Agreed.” Novartis nodded.

“I vote in favor.” the Fifth spoke.

All figures looked to the Azure Diva, whose face was cast away, glaring at her feet. She trembled in a quiet rage for a moment before shaking her head slowly. “I cannot agree with this. My pride is too great and too wounded. We may be snakes… but that man is much more and much worse than a snake than some of us will ever be. I refuse this. I had a feeling, even if it was small, that the meeting would go this way, but I thought to try anyway. At the very least there is another option available, although I doubt that any of you would take me up on it. What’s more, is that I am not loyal to any of you, or even Ouroboros. Only to our leader, am I loyal.” She pulled out her fan, subconsciously activating a teleportation spell. Vita glanced to her leader, benefactor, and savior, with a look of regret, “I apologize greatly for this breach of conduct, Grandmaster.”

Ever patient with her followers, the woman shook her head softly, “Your reasons are not invalid, Vita. I do not expect you all to agree to every plan and how they are carried out. Truth be told, I am rather uneasy about trusting the man myself. But I am very limited in what I can do, which is why I have you Anguis and the Enforcers carry out our operations. What’s more, I know you to be a loyal servant. Do as you feel to be right. I shall await your return.”

Ever thankful for the Grandmaster’s generosity, she bowed her head, before teleporting herself from the Globe. Her platform slowly powered down, lowering itself, its hum growing ever quieter.

“Wait, what? Since when can we leave?” Harwood looked around, annoyed.

Novartis rolled his eyes. “Never, fool. Vita is merely opposing us on the manner of the plan, due to the Blood and Iron Chancellor.”

“What arrogant pride.” the Fifth grumbled.

“But it is good for her to be honest with us, and more importantly herself. After all, there are no secrets in the Globe.” Arianrhod glanced at the figure beside her.

“Oh dear. I can’t help but feel a tad responsible for this.” Mariabell sighed.

“Well, it would’ve been you or Arianrhod.” Campanella pointed out.

The First’s figure looked upward, “Is this truly alright, Grandmaster?”

“It is. While I allow the Enforcers a significant degree of freedom, I don’t allow you all the same courtesy. But as the Professor said, Vita merely takes issue with the Chancellor. And who knows? Perhaps she will return within a fortnight? Or in a few weeks? Perhaps her other option will be the correct choice. No matter what happens… one of these paths will work in our favor.”

“Be that as it may, she’ll be an enemy for the time being.”

“You are free to capture her then. All I ask of you is to spare her.”

“We can do that, although, it won’t be easy.” The man then turned his attention to the leading Enforcer, “Campanella, you and McBurn will be charged with detaining her… when the time comes.”

He bowed, “Sure thing. Might need some incentive to get him to do that, but I have an idea in mind.”

“Good. We’re counting on you.” He then glanced to each of the remaining Anguis, “So then, we shall oppose the chancellor and his Ironbloods in small engagements. Should we fail, however, we will work with the man. Though I wonder how we’ll get in contact with him. Perhaps through his man in the intelligence division, Scarecrow?”

“You can leave that to me.” Arianrhod answered, “I can speak with him at any time.”

“…Very well. We can detail our strategies more in the coming months, but for now, this meeting is adjourned.”

They would be looking for her, no doubt about it. So she opted to leave as quickly as her feet allowed her to move. It wouldn’t take long for word to spread after the end of the meeting. Just as she gathered her things and prepared another spell from the safehouse allotted to her, a knock was heard.

That was fast, she thought, pulling out her fan.

“Hold, Vita. It is I, Bleublanc.” He announced in his usual dramatic tone from behind the door.

She rolled her eyes and sighed, “Enter.” He did so, not wearing his mask for once, “What is it that you want?”

“Word has traveled that you disagreed with the other Anguis on our course of action.”

“Yes… all because of one woman’s foolish pursuit of a man long dead.” He raised his brow, piqued by what was discussed. The witch sighed again, “It’s a long story. But again, what do you need? As you can see,” she pointed at her travel bag, “I have my own plans.”

“That you do. Well, I’ll cut to the chase then. I wish to aid you.”

She narrowed her eyes and crossed her arms “Why?”

“No need for such suspicion, Azure Diva. Let’s just say that I don’t care for whatever world that chancellor has in mind for the rest of us.”

“Really? Not even the thought of him bringing war to all of Zemuria entices you, Bleublanc?”

“None.” Now he crossed his arms, but his smile was ever present on his face. “Truth be told… I have always wondered if we of Ouroboros can find a third path, such as my glorious rival has attempted.”

“I suppose that is what I’m trying here… it could always fall through as well. But you’re sure of this? You’ll probably be sanctioned by the rest if you decide to aid me.”

He bowed, putting on his mask, “I am not afraid to face the consequences of my actions, dear Vita… well… except for stealing obviously.” She scoffed as if saying ‘of course’. “I must ask though, was it those of Class VII that have changed your thoughts on changing the future?”

She tapped her foot for a moment, “I’d lying if I said no. That said…” she trailed off.

“I suppose you think it too awkward to face them?”

“Yes. I already returned Kerykeion to my grandmother, receiving the biggest dressing down I had ever endured in my life. I wouldn’t be surprised that Emma is already trying to find me once more either.” The phantom thieve hummed, but allowed her to continue. “I’ll meet with them eventually. When the time is right. After all,” she cast a sidelong glance out the window, “I owe it to them for taking care of Crow. Among other things.” She then looked back at the man, “Well, if you have no issues joining me on this possible third path… I’ll be happy to work alongside you once more, Bleublanc.”

He laughed and bowed, “As will I, Azure Diva. As will I. I’ll remain behind for a while before making a move. After all, I need to settle my own affairs – small as they are.”

“Understood. I’ll be within the borders of Lamare province, coordinating with the provincial army there.”

“Ahh. Those led by Generals Le Guin and Bardias, yes?”

“Correct. While Croire was…”

“Croire?”

“An ass, yes… It seems that there is a much more capable person to lead the Noble Alliance. I think you would enjoy her.”

He chuckled, intrigued, “Her name?”

Vita smiled, “Mildine Juzalith de Cayenne. Niece to Croire and daughter to his brother, Alfred.”

“And here I thought that there were no crown jewels left in that family. I’ve heard his uncle, Ballad, is just as pompous and is to take over.”

“I met him indirectly one time, but yes. He is quite pompous. As for him taking over… well, they aren’t to decide until this coming summer, so we’ll have time to deal with that.”

“All is well then. As for me, I will be incognito throughout the Empire, as a certain wandering noble.” he wrapped his cloak around himself, flourishing for a moment, before changing his appearance as a young man in noble Erebonian attire.

She nodded, “I’ll be meeting you under my Misty persona, then.”

The thief blinked, “Is that wise?”

“Well, it won’t be as noticeable compared to my actual appearance. I can also cast a few spells to affect causality and suggestion. I could even dye my hair if push comes to shove.”

“Fair enough. I’ve taken enough of your time. You should be off. Until we meet again, Vita.”

“Farewell, Bleublanc. Aidios be with you.” Vita grabbed hold of her luggage and finally left the safehouse, hoping to change things on her own terms.