This was an underground room located beneath an abandoned warehouse. Moss climbed the walls, and the air was thick with humidity.
The members of the Flame Society sat around a dilapidated wooden table, waiting for their leader.
“Let’s talk about the future,” a low voice came from the darkness. As the voice sounded, a figure slowly stepped out from the shadows, revealing half his face.
This man was the former Captain of the Rebels — Fesca.
The news of King Steyat’s death had already spread throughout the country, and today was the day of Moria’s coronation ceremony.
Faint candlelight cast flickering shadows on the stone walls, and the air was thick with dampness and the smell of mold.
About a dozen people were gathered around the rough wooden table. A detailed map of the Capital, Verul, was spread across it, marked with dense symbols and routes. Every face was etched with seriousness.
Fesca sat at the head of the table. His face looked more weathered than it had two months ago, but his gaze was sharper.
He wore a simple gray robe with a short sword tucked into his belt. There were several new nicks on the scabbard, clearly marks left from recent battles.
Phil sat beside him, her cat ears twitching slightly as she listened intently to the group’s discussion.
“The new Queen has ascended, and the political situation is unstable. Our opportunity has come. Peterli has already provided us with enough funds and supplies,” Fesca said in a low voice, his words echoing in the secret room. “We have recruited a new group of like-minded warriors. Though their numbers are few, they are all reliable individuals who have been strictly vetted.”
A middle-aged man with a stubbly beard grinned. He was Shesa, Fesca’s old comrade-in-arms, who had served as a Vice-captain in the Rebels.
“That old fox Peterli is actually useful after all.”
Fesca shook his head.
“Don’t underestimate him. Although Peterli is a merchant, his intelligence network spans across all of Ansels. Without his help, we wouldn’t be able to establish a foothold in the Capital at all.”
“But, Captain,” Phil looked up, a trace of worry in her eyes, “can we really start a revolution in the Capital? The Blood Clan’s influence is too powerful, and Queen Moria has that elite Kingdom Knight Order…”
“Phil, you’re right.” Fesca nodded, his tone heavy. “the power of the Blood Clan is indeed not to be underestimated, but we are not fighting alone.”
“There are already many people within the Capital who are dissatisfied with Moria’s rule, especially the commoners and some nobles who are oppressed by the Blood Clan. As long as we light this fire, the sparks of revolution will spread rapidly.”
“Then how do we light it?”
A young man spoke up. He was Keller, a former general of the Rebels, who was now in charge of the underground intelligence network.
“That is exactly the focus of our discussion today.”
Fesca stood up, his finger tracing across the map before finally stopping at the center of the Capital.
“According to Peterli’s intelligence, Moria will hold the ‘Moon Eclipse Rite’ next month. At that time, all the nobles and high-ranking members of the Blood Clan will attend — this is our best opportunity.”
“Are you saying… we launch an attack at the ritual?”
Shesa narrowed his eyes, his tone carrying a hint of excitement.
“I’ll be responsible for creating chaos.” Keller stood up, a look of determination flashing in his eyes. “I’m familiar with the Capital’s terrain. I know how to keep the guards scrambling.”
Fesca scanned the room, his voice heavy and firm.
“Everyone, this is our last chance.”
“If we fail, we will all be beyond redemption.”
“But if we succeed, the future of Ansels will be in our hands.”
The group fell silent for a moment before they all nodded, their eyes gleaming with a firm light.
“For the future of Ansels.”
“For the future of Ansels!”
The voices echoed within the secret room.
—
The room Duke Lorian had arranged for Sista was located on the top floor of the castle, spacious and luxurious.
As for Tii, who belonged to the Holy White River Alliance, and the Princess’s personal maid, Su Ling, they were also provided with comfortable rooms befitting the status of honored guests.
Su Ling pushed open the door and stepped into the room.
Exquisite tapestries hung on the walls, depicting ancient legends and myths; the soft candlelight illuminated the entire space.
On one side was a floor-to-ceiling window that offered a view of the entire Capital. The distant mountains and rivers looked exceptionally magnificent under the last rays of the setting sun.
The wooden round table in the center was covered with fresh fruit and delicate pastries, surrounded by soft sofas.
Su Ling was somewhat surprised, a look of being overwhelmed by the favor appearing on her face. “Is this… really for us to stay in?”
Tii walked to her side with a smile and gently wrapped an arm around her shoulders. “Of course, little Su Ling. The Lord Duke is quite generous, so just relax and enjoy it.”
Su Ling nodded, but she still felt a bit uneasy.
She looked toward Sista, who was by the window.
The other woman was standing before the floor-to-ceiling window, her silhouette appearing lonely and out of place with the luxury of the room.
“Your Highness, what are you thinking about?”
“Nothing.”
Sista did not look back, her tone cold.
“Your Highness is always like this, but you can’t hide it from me.”
Tii’s voice carried a hint of teasing.
Sista frowned slightly. “I merely dealt with some ants. It is not worth mentioning.”
“Ants?”
“A few robbers.”
She paused. “However, there is one more thing that concerns me. On the road, I encountered someone who called themselves part of the ‘Flame Society’.”
Su Ling was a bit uneasy. “What is the Flame Society?”
Tii’s expression turned slightly solemn. “I know of that organization. They claim to rob the rich to help the poor, but in essence, they are closer to a gang.”
“Your Highness, what did they do to you?”
“Nothing. I just lent a hand as I was passing by.”
“Then what are you worried about?”
“Duke Lorian is silently allowing these things to happen.”
Sista spoke slowly. “He seems to have other plans, but he hasn’t told me.”
Tii shrugged. “Maybe he’s worried that you won’t accept his methods.”
“Worried?”
“Ever since Moria seized power, the Duke has had plans to launch a coup. But he is a cautious man and doesn’t want to alert the enemy, so he has been secretly supporting a number of civilian organizations — like the Flame Society.”
Her tone became serious. “Though this organization keeps a low profile, their numbers are vast. They are also one of the forces supported by the Holy White River Alliance. Their core members are the leaders of the Northlands Rebel Army.”
“Rebel Army…”
Su Ling suddenly blurted out, “Could it be Phil?”
The air went silent for a moment.
Tii was slightly stunned. “Little Su Ling… why did you suddenly mention that name?”
Su Ling opened her mouth, but ultimately shook her head. “It’s nothing… I just haven’t heard any news of her for a long time.”
She chose to remain silent.
After all, this was not the time to talk about such things.
Sista remained silent for a moment before looking back out the window. “We will speak of Phil’s matters later.”
Tii gently patted Su Ling’s shoulder. “What’s most important now is to figure out the Duke’s true intentions.”
“Your Highness, what do you think his plan is?”
Sista withdrew her gaze, her tone calm and deep.
“Lorian is a man of profound calculation.”
“On the surface, he is loyal to Moria, but in reality, he has been positioning his pieces all along.”
“The Flame Society is just a pawn in his hand.”
“The internal conflicts within the Kingdom have already reached a breaking point — the oppression from the Blood Clan, the infighting among the nobles, and the dissatisfaction of the commoners.”
“Instead of making a move himself, it’s better to sit back and watch the tigers fight.”
“He likely intends to use the civilian unrest to weaken Moria before launching his coup.”
Having said that, she walked to the door, pushed it open, and looked back at the two of them.
“Do not let anyone else know about today’s conversation.”
The two of them nodded.
Unknowingly, the fates of the three of them had already become tightly intertwined.
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