Chapter 262: Revolution is Poised to Begin

When Su Ling said this, Phil’s mood first grew heavy, then shifted to disappointment.

She suddenly realized that Su Ling’s eyes had never truly lingered on her.

‘Su Ling… after being away for so long, what have you been through? What have you seen? What happened between you two? I seem to know nothing…’

Phil’s heart sank little by little as her thoughts drifted back to that afternoon—the day she and Su Ling went out shopping together, and that night when they met briefly.

Those memories felt frozen in time, yet reality had already quietly changed.

In truth, Phil didn’t really want Su Ling to go to such a dangerous place.

Deep down, like Sista, she hoped Su Ling would stay safely in the rear and wait.

But somehow, seeing Sista take such good care of Su Ling stirred an inexplicable dissatisfaction within Phil.

“Alright, alright. Since this is your decision, I won’t say anything more.”

Phil shrugged, feigning indifference, and turned to leave.

As she walked halfway, Su Ling called out to her.

“Phil, wait.”

Phil stopped and looked back at Su Ling, a hint of confusion in her voice:

“What is it?”

“The reason I refused earlier was because I was afraid I’d cause you trouble. It’s not that I fear danger.”

Su Ling spoke, her gaze steady, ignoring Sista’s disapproving look.

“But after thinking it over, I’ve decided to go with you. Maybe I can be of use too.”

“Little Su Ling?”

Tii looked over curiously.

“There will always be a place where I’m needed, right? I won’t participate in battle, but I believe I can do something.”

With that, Su Ling braced herself and sat up from the bed, then stood.

She looked around the room at the three young women, steadied herself, and continued.

“Even someone who can’t fight directly can still play a role on the front lines, don’t you think?”

Su Ling’s gaze grew resolute, and her tone carried more confidence.

“The Duke’s map of forces and the action plan need to be updated based on the actual situation. I can organize new intelligence and relay messages to you.”

Sista frowned, clearly not entirely in agreement with Su Ling’s decision.

But she also knew Su Ling’s personality—once she made up her mind, it was hard to change.

She sighed, a note of resignation in her voice:

“Su Ling, if you insist, I won’t stop you. But you must promise me: if the situation turns critical, you will evacuate immediately.”

Su Ling nodded, offering a faint smile.

“I understand, Your Highness. I’ll protect myself.”

Phil looked at Su Ling, some of the disappointment easing.

She stepped forward and gently patted Su Ling’s shoulder.

“Su Ling, I was too impulsive earlier. I just… didn’t want you to always be the one being protected. I’m glad you’re joining us.”

Su Ling smiled softly, her eyes warm.

“Thank you, Phil. I know you mean well.”

Sista nodded, her gaze sweeping over the group, her tone returning to calm authority:

“Since Su Ling has decided to participate, let’s readjust the division of tasks. Su Ling, you’ll be in charge of intelligence compilation and analysis, and assist Tii in contacting supporters within the city. Phil, you’ll continue coordinating with members of the Flame Society. I’ll personally take part in the raid on the palace to ensure the plan goes smoothly.”

The group responded in unison:

“Understood.”

The day of the Moon Eclipse Rite drew nearer, and the actions of these young women would determine the fate of the kingdom.

On the night before the Moon Eclipse Rite, the entire royal city was shrouded in tension.

Patrolling soldiers were several times more numerous than usual. Torches blazed along the city walls, and even the air felt heavy.

Yet beneath this seemingly calm surface, undercurrents were surging.

Sista stood by the window of the temporary base, staring at the distant palace.

Her gaze was calm, contemplating the upcoming operation.

Behind her, Su Ling was hunched over a desk, organizing the latest intelligence, her quill pen flying across the parchment.

Tii, meanwhile, was quietly discussing operational details with Phil, occasionally letting out a soft laugh, as if to ease the tension.

“Your Highness, the latest intelligence shows that the Queen has increased palace security, especially around the altar area.”

Su Ling looked up and handed the parchment to Sista.

Sista took the report, quickly scanned it, and furrowed her brows slightly.

“It seems the Queen has caught wind of our movements. But that doesn’t affect our plan. No matter how tight the altar’s security is, it won’t stop our raid.”

Phil stepped over to Sista and said in a low voice:

“Your Highness, the members of the Flame Society are ready. They can move at any time. The Duke’s Knight Order has also been deployed according to plan.”

Sista nodded, her eyes still fixed on the distant palace.

“Good. The Moon Eclipse Rite ceremony will begin at midnight. We must infiltrate the palace before then and locate the Queen.”

Tii suddenly interjected:

“Your Highness, I just received word. The merchant guilds within the city have started their operation. They’ll launch a strike before the ceremony begins to divert the guards’ attention.”

“Mmm.”

Sista acknowledged softly.

Su Ling stood up, walked over to Sista, and said quietly:

“I’ve already compiled the internal structure of the palace, especially the routes near the altar. We can enter through an underground passage directly to the rear of the altar, bypassing most of the guards.”

Sista took the map, examined it carefully, and nodded with satisfaction.

Phil looked at Su Ling, a complex emotion flickering in her eyes.

She opened her mouth as if to say something, but ultimately fell silent.

Tii noticed Phil’s expression and gently patted her shoulder, whispering:

“Don’t overthink it, Phil. Su Ling has made her choice. We just need to support her.”

Phil gave a bitter smile and nodded.

“I know. It’s just… I feel like some things have already changed.”

Just then, a soft knock came from outside the door.

Sista quickly turned and asked in a low voice:

“Who is it?”

“It’s me, the Duke’s messenger.”

A低沉 voice replied from outside.

Sista signaled everyone to stay alert, then personally opened the door.

Outside stood a man in a black cloak, holding a sealed letter in his hand.

“Your Highness, the Duke instructed me to deliver this letter to you.”

The man respectfully handed the letter to Sista.

Sista took the letter, quickly broke the seal, and scanned its contents.

After a moment, her brow furrowed, and her expression grew serious.

“What’s wrong, Your Highness?”

Su Ling noticed the change in Sista’s demeanor.

Sista handed the letter to Su Ling, her voice low:

“The Duke says in the letter that the Queen has learned of our plan and has deployed elite forces to ambush us around the palace. Our operation may face greater resistance.”

Phil’s face paled at the news.

“What do we do now? If the Queen already knows our plan, won’t our raid be walking into a trap?”

Sista pondered for a moment, then lifted her head, her gaze resolute.

“Even if the Queen is on guard, we cannot retreat.”

“Because the Moon Eclipse Rite is our only chance.”

Hearing this, Su Ling felt a sudden, inexplicable sense of foreboding.