After the cultural studies class of “Dawn’s Children” concluded, Allen smoothly convened a mobilization assembly.
He gave a detailed explanation of the strategies of “combativeness” and “solidarity”, scanning the crowd.
He noticed that aside from Finn and a few other promising youths he’d focused on training, most people hadn’t fully grasped this seemingly contradictory political wisdom.
This was only natural—some people were suited to be leaders, others better as executors.
So Allen called on someone by name: “Finn, let me test you. If we capture members of the Thieves’ Guild, what do you intend to do?”
Finn knew Allen was grooming him and would definitely call on him, so he’d already considered this possible question.
To be honest, regarding the gang boss who’d humiliated him before, all he’d wanted was to kill him, with absolutely no thought of absorbing that scum.
But now that Allen had taught him these lessons, he had to integrate this new knowledge.
He stood up, thought deeply, and said, “I intend to execute the most hard-headed ones, those drenched in the blood of innocents. They’re of no use to us. As for the rest, I’ll make them start as slaves—working them to the bone with the hardest labor, breaking their arrogance, and killing any who resist. Only those who show value and are truly reformed can join us.”
“They’re all scum, the main accomplices of the forces of evil. Honestly, it’s best to get rid of them quickly. The ones truly worth absorbing are the lowest rung of the gang—people just like us, filled with anger and hatred at the old world, but forced to bow to evil just to survive. They’re the ones with true potential for change.”
Allen nodded in satisfaction. Finn was indeed sharp—even coming up with “labor reform.” And that ruthless desire to thoroughly purge the rotten was exactly right.
“Can you do it? Kill people.”
Allen looked sternly at everyone, including the young boys and girls, the elderly, and even the disabled.
“Killing means there’s no turning back. You’re destined to walk a road paved with blood. There’s no redemption at the end of this path—you can only exchange your sacrifices for the happiness of others. Are you prepared for this?”
Everyone had already steeled themselves, nodding in silent determination.
Allen kept reinforcing their mindset, because he understood human nature all too well.
Even the noblest warriors, after a long, difficult journey, could have their ideals stagnate on a comfortable armchair.
Those broad backs that once shielded children from arrows might, in the end, become draped with medals.
The soldiers who once refused to tear down houses to avoid letting anyone freeze could, one day, become the generals who tear down kindergartens to build mansions.
Allen couldn’t prevent all this, but he could tell these young warriors—
“At the very least, for now, you are still walking the path, so the future is not hopeless.”
After a long silence, Allen finally said, “Since you’re resolved, I won’t say more. You are a newly formed army; a soldier’s foremost duty is to obey orders. Your training has just begun, but I’m about to send you to the front lines—because in an army, war comes the very next moment, and sacrifices begin now, whether you’re ready or not.”
“This long journey is only beginning—it’s a declaration, a propaganda team, a seeder. You are the pioneers, destined to shoulder more burdens and make more sacrifices. Are you ready?”
“Ready!”
“Very good. I’ve arranged an extra meal tonight—everyone eat and drink your fill. Tomorrow you’ll join up with real soldiers and familiarize yourselves with weapons ahead of time. Listen carefully—here are the adjustments I’m making to the deployment—”
Allen explained his full, detailed plan to the “Dawn’s Children.” After several days together, he already understood everyone’s character and abilities; he had a vision of which post would let each person shine.
Of course, this was just a temporary arrangement due to lack of manpower. Time was short and the task urgent. After capturing the Thieves’ Guild, they would have only two days of buffer time.
On July 1st, the “Forgotten Madonna” would be renovated and upgraded into the “Continental Hotel.”
It would retain some of its original functions and hang the plaque of the “Handicraft and Labor Mutual Aid Guild,” thus adding the Mutual Aid Association’s union roles.
The public-facing Continental Hotel could continue to employ the staff of the “Forgotten Madonna.”
The place truly needing manpower was the Underground World where the Thieves’ Guild resided—soon to become the headquarters of the Brotherhood of the Children of Dawn.
The Laval House had started out as construction contractors, never lacking in manpower or materials; renovations would proceed quickly, and the construction team could move in the very day the Thieves’ Guild was taken down.
Just as Finn had said, those scum were still useful—they would take part in the underground renovation, atoning for their sins. When they truly changed their ways, they would be set free.
Once the Mutual Aid Association was running, the “Lily Guard” PMC would also quickly begin integrating the other mercenaries.
In the time to follow, “Dawn’s Children” would rapidly expand, filling the vacuum in the Underground World.
Before people even realized what was happening, “Dawn” would have arrived underground.
Of course, planning was one thing; carrying it out would bring all sorts of trouble.
But what did that have to do with Allen?
The “program” had been written—if it ran, that was enough!
Allen’s “code” was already concise enough, and he’d even thoughtfully annotated every line.
If even such a foolproof “tutorial” couldn’t help future generations fix the “bugs,” it’d be better to scrap the “mountain of crap code” and rewrite it from scratch.
Any “garbage software” the people didn’t like would ultimately be replaced by something better.
In the end, one must trust in the wisdom of the people.
The mobilization assembly concluded, and it was time for dinner.
Thanks to Allen’s special arrangements, tonight “Dawn’s Children” would enjoy a buffet, with standards matching those of a Noble banquet.
For this meal, the old butler had even temporarily hired other chefs and brought in a mountain of ingredients.
The spread was so lavish that even with a glutton like Anna, everyone could eat their fill.
The former Grandmaster of Swords of the War Hound mercenary group, now Joint Founder of the “Lily Guard” private military company, Werner Kruger, and his trusted aides also attended the internal banquet.
As members of “Dawn’s Children,” they were naturally invited.
Werner’s confidants had all been given titles like “Action Director,” “Training Director,” “Vice President of Business Development,” and “Regional President”—although the posts were currently nominal, they greatly satisfied their vanity.
After gaining “status,” these men finally spent money on proper clothes and looked presentable.
Allen’s grand vision for the future made them all eager, their enthusiasm so high Allen wondered if they’d recklessly charge ahead the moment battle began.
Not bad—comrades with passion make the revolution thrive!
These battle-hardened veterans quickly hit it off with the younger members of “Dawn’s Children.”
As they devoured the various delicacies, they gathered around the veterans, listening to tales of the battlefield and all sorts of survival tips.
The atmosphere was lively and joyful, with an infectious spirit of optimism. It felt less like the day after tomorrow would bring dangerous missions, and more like a highly anticipated adventure.
“Leader, would you like a drink?”
Dressed in a maid’s uniform, “Nightingale” Eleanor came over with a tray full of beer, giving Allen a deliberate wink.
Her fresh, beautiful face looked especially radiant under the lights, tinged with a flirtatiousness far beyond her years, carefully practiced.
Allen took a glass with a smile. “You should enjoy the banquet as well. There’ll be much work for you ahead—I hope you can bear it.”
“It’s fine, I can handle everything of yours, you know.” She said meaningfully, her gaze openly wandering over certain parts of Allen.
Of course, Marianne noticed all of this. Seeing her subordinate dare to flirt with Allen, Marianne smiled and said,
“Day and night we guard against outsiders, but a thief at home is hardest to guard against. Looks like, as Head Maid, I’ll have to properly educate some disobedient maids.”
“Wah, Head Maid, please forgive me!”
“Enough talk!”
Dragged away by Marianne, Eleanor still shot Allen a pitiful look, seeking help. Allen just raised his glass in a toast, wishing her a fun night.
Allen wasn’t worried Marianne would bully Eleanor—they actually got along well.
To be precise, they were kindred spirits—both from humble backgrounds, both adept at using their feminine wiles.
Allen had realized long ago that the two of them were putting on an act for his sake—he wouldn’t fall for it.
At this moment, Allen noticed that “Shadow” Luca, even amid the merriment, was still communicating with Finn about combat plans through writing.
He was the fastest-progressing member of “Dawn’s Children” in the cultural lessons, and even after class, he would pester François for more knowledge.
François, once an overlooked city hall clerk, now found himself the children’s pillar and had truly become a teacher in spirit.
He did his utmost to help these eager youths, refusing even any overtime pay.
Allen thought to himself, After observing him for a bit longer, I’ll formally bring him into “Dawn’s Children.”
Anna, though not a member of “Dawn’s Children,” was at the banquet as well, happily eating her fill.
Having this Inquisition “spy” deeply involved in Allen’s and “Dawn’s Children’s” daily life was clearly Allen’s design.
He had already handled the Church. Next, he was preparing to take the Inquisition.
Allen knew well that the Inquisition was preparing to break free from the Church’s shackles. The more radical Allen appeared, the easier it was to attract the equally radical Inquisition.
Anna diligently continued her surveillance and reporting, unaware that her straightforward log-keeping would bring about unforeseen consequences.
Allen felt a twinge of guilt for taking advantage of the naïve, absent-minded nun, so he made sure Anna was well-compensated—with food.
Even though Anna’s freakish strength, which had floored Pseudo-John, made people wary at first,
once everyone saw how trustworthy she was, the younger kids played with her, while the adults and elderly looked after her, growing fond of the pure little nun.
Anna was on her way to becoming the group’s mascot, grinning happily.
Watching hope gradually return to people’s faces, Allen was moved as well.
Werner, seeing Allen quietly keeping watch over the others, joked, “Young Master Laval, why not join them?”
Allen shook his head. “‘We are Dawn’s Children’—someone must remain alert in the darkness, even as others celebrate. That person is me now; in the future, it will be them. Only after enduring a long, endless night can one welcome the light. So, let them enjoy this brief moment of brightness to their heart’s content.”
“Young Master Laval…” Werner sighed sincerely.
If he hadn’t seen it with his own eyes, he’d never believe that this natural-born leader was only a fifteen-year-old boy.
Beneath that youthful exterior hid a soul both noble and mature!
His seemingly ruthless ideas were, in truth, full of compassion—if not for the sake of the people, why would a young Noble risk such deadly dangers? He was no mere schemer, but a savior!
If he were a Noble lord, Werner would willingly become his most loyal knight. As it was, being his equal partner was an even greater honor.
The two of them began discussing business amidst the festivities.
After hearing Allen’s detailed plans for combat and the future, Werner exclaimed,
“Your strategy is flawless! I know many Imperial Refugees who fled here—they could be your strength. I vouch for them with my own honor: they are absolutely loyal and reliable. You needn’t worry about a lack of manpower. As for the gaps left by those gang bosses’ disappearance, rest assured—our men are battlefield-hardened elites. Controlling the remaining gangs will be easy.”
Allen understood Werner was probably hoping to plant his own people, but with “Dawn’s Children’s” ability to assimilate, Allen wasn’t concerned about “factions” or “cliques” emerging.
Allen nodded. “Excellent. This way both ‘Dawn’s Children’ and the ‘Lily Guard’ can expand rapidly, growing like a snowball. By the way, Werner, my dear Joint Founder—did you veterans ever think of replacing the Thieves’ Guild? After all, they charge your people a steep brokerage fee.”
“You must be joking. As outsiders, no matter how tough we are, it means nothing. Only with your protection do we dare stand up to them.”
As a former mercenary captain, Werner understood the gray rules of the Underground World.
People in the Underground World always said the strongest fist ruled, but the real power always lay with the bigwigs on stage.
Yet, Allen feared nothing from the bigwigs!
When the Thieves’ Guild colluded with heretics, no “umbrella” was tough enough—they would die, no matter what!
And now, Allen’s own background was terrifyingly solid—didn’t they know the true weight of being a “messenger of God”?
“But compared to a nation—or even the world—my protection means little.”
Werner got Allen’s hint but just smiled and said, “A warrior dies for one who truly understands him. Your enemies are ours, no matter who they are. We are ghosts of the battlefield; no matter where we die, our souls return home.”
“Well, after all that talk, are you hungry? The roast wild boar tonight is excellent.”
“I must try the Noble’s delicacies. For us wild boars from the hills, eating fine bran like this is hard to believe.”
Allen suddenly spoke in a gentle tone, “The day will come when everyone eats fine bran.”
Werner’s smile froze, then he nodded gravely, as if understanding some great calling. “It will, Young Master Laval.”
When the dining hall was littered with drunkards, the old butler, who’d been busy all night, approached the solitary Allen (while Marianne was elsewhere as “Lamplighter” bonding with her subordinates), and spoke in a low voice, “Young Master, I’ve just received news.”
Allen glanced at the butler, frowning slightly. “Mm, judging by your expression, it’s bad news.”
The butler nodded. “Tomorrow, the Count of the Borderlands and your fiancée, Miss Livia, will officially visit the Laval House.”
“……Ah, there’s no escaping fate.”
Allen had expected that, upon Livia’s return to the capital, she would quickly come knocking.
He was mentally prepared.
It’s just… how to say it… in the previous round, he’d been killed by Livia. Just thinking of her made his stomach ache.
Forcing himself to appear composed, he elegantly dabbed his mouth with a napkin and said, eyes gleaming, “Butler, make preparations for our distinguished guests.”
“Yes, Young Master.”
At the same time, in the Count of the Borderlands’ mansion.
Livia stood leaning against the window, gazing out at the tranquil night sky, a flash of resolve in her sapphire eyes.
“This time, I will decide my own fate.”
She whispered softly to herself.
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