Underground Tunnels of the Imperial Capital, Ancrona Empire

  Deep beneath the bustling streets of the Imperial Capital, in the byrinthine underground tunnels, two shadowed figures stood amidst hundreds of caged magical beasts. The air was thick with the scent of damp stone and the metallic tang of blood, punctuated by the relentless growls and shrieks of the feral creatures trapped within rusted iron bars.

  The dim torchlight flickered, casting eerie shadows on the walls as the first figure, cd in a heavy dark cloak, shifted uneasily. He turned to his companion and spoke in a hushed yet urgent tone.

  "Something feels off." His voice carried a note of suspicion. "The entire Imperial District has been under evacuation since this morning. Do you think they've caught wind of our pn?"

  The second figure, draped in an equally dark cloak, shook his head. "Unlikely," he replied smoothly. "The evacuation was ordered due to an outbreak warning from the Eastern Continental Medical Society Association—they cim a sve infected with Hilon Pox was spotted roaming the district."

  A guttural snarl echoed from one of the cages as a beast with glowing red eyes lunged at the bars, its cws scraping against the metal. The second figure barely spared it a gnce before continuing.

  "If anything, this might actually work in our favor."

  The first figure frowned, confusion evident in his stance. "How so?"

  The second figure gestured toward the caged creatures, his voice carrying a hint of amusement.

  "With most of the commoners and low-ranking officials evacuated, the only people left in the district are concentrated at the Imperial Wedding Ceremony. That means when we release the beasts…" He let the words hang in the air, letting the implications sink in.

  Realization dawned in the first figure’s eyes, quickly followed by a wicked grin. "That means the attack will hit the ceremony directly—where the highest concentration of nobles, royals, and knights will be gathered."

  "Exactly," the second figure confirmed, a satisfied smirk pying on his lips.

  The first figure let out a low chuckle, the sound barely audible over the incessant snarls of the caged beasts. "With all the high-ranking nobles in one pce, the chances of a massacre just skyrocketed."

  A heavy pause settled between them, the weight of their impending carnage sinking in.

  Then, as if reaching a silent agreement, the second figure gave a firm nod.

  "Very well. We proceed as pnned."

  The growls and howls of the imprisoned creatures grew more frenzied, as if they could sense the bloodshed soon to come.

  Solious Cathedral, Imperial Pace, Imperial District

  The grand Solious Cathedral stood as a masterpiece of divine architecture, its towering spires piercing the morning sky. Sunlight filtered through its enormous stained-gss windows, casting a kaleidoscope of colors across the polished marble floor. The air buzzed with anticipation as noble guests, cd in extravagant garments, settled into their seats. The ceremony was about to begin.

  Walking through the cathedral's grand entrance, Ravenna held her head high, a knowing smirk pying on her lips as she did another scan.

  [ Geographical Scan Initiated ]

  Area Scanned: 250 km radius

  Reputation Points Deducted: 1,250

  Remaining Reputation Points: 41,705

  Marie, on the other hand, clutched her rapid-fire crossbow tightly, her gloved fingers tense against the wooden grip. Her heart pounded, not from excitement but from the weight of what was about to unfold.

  "Rex," Ravenna murmured, gncing at her disciple. "You're gripping that thing like you're about to start a war."

  Marie swallowed hard, forcing a smile. "I... I'm fine, Master," she said, but the tremble in her voice betrayed her nerves. She adjusted the luxurious orange dress she wore—a finely crafted garment with strategic slits allowing for ease of movement. Ravenna had insisted on the outfit, both to maintain appearances and to ensure Marie was ready to act when the time came.

  A familiar voice called out to them. Duke Morgen, cd in a dark ceremonial coat adorned with his family’s crest, approached with a composed smile.

  "Ah, there you are, Your Highness," he greeted.

  Ravenna turned, her expression unreadable. "A lovely day for my dear sister’s wedding, don’t you think?" she replied smoothly.

  Duke Morgen chuckled, his tone ced with subtle meaning. "Indeed. Everything is in pce—I have no doubt it will be a magnificent event."

  Marie felt a shiver run down her spine at the veiled implication of the impending magical beast attack. She knew exactly what preparations he was referring to.

  "Please, join us at our seating," Ravenna invited, waving him over. "You know how I feel about mingling with my insolent siblings."

  Instead of taking their designated pces among the Imperial Family, Ravenna, Marie, and Duke Morgen settled into the section reserved for high-ranking nobles, an act that did not go unnoticed.

  From the Imperial Family's seating area, Prince Non, observed Ravenna’s actions with narrowed eyes.

  "Do you think she's scheming something?" he muttered, his voice ced with suspicion. His gaze lingered on Ravenna, who sat confidently among the nobles, seemingly indifferent to the presence of her imperial family.

  Beside him, his wife, Princess Frederica, sighed and leaned in. "You worry too much, love. There’s no way she can recim her position in the succession race. Not after her exile."

  Non hummed in thought, unconvinced.

  Meanwhile, Prince William, sitting further down the row, shared Non’s concerns. His brows furrowed as he recalled Sir Eugene, his knight captain, suddenly deciding to leave for the Estra Kingdom after a single meeting with Ravenna. The timing was too coincidental for his liking.

  Turning to Prince Landon, William spoke in a low tone. "I think our brother’s concern has some merit. Maybe we ought to keep an eye on her."

  Landon, however, seemed unbothered. He scoffed, leaning back zily. "It’s pointless," he said. "There’s no way back once you’re exiled from the Empire, there are very few venues to regain a pce in the succession race. Whatever our dear sister is plotting won’t come to fruition."

  Pausing, he shot William a smirk. "Besides, why would I help either of you gain leverage in the succession race? We’re rivals for the throne, remember? I have my own pns."

  William frowned but said nothing.

  As the ceremony was about to commence, Princess Gracie, Landon’s young daughter, tugged at his sleeve.

  "Father," she said sweetly, "may I go sit with Lady Marie? Aunt Ravenna’s disciple?"

  Landon arched a brow, considering the request for a moment. Then, with a sigh, he nodded. "Fine. Just make sure no rumors start flying about me supporting Ravenna or anything."

  Gracie beamed, her curls bouncing as she stood.

  Her brother, sitting beside her, grumbled but said nothing as she gracefully made her way across the cathedral, weaving through the nobles’ seating area toward Marie.

  Meanwhile, at the high-ranking nobles' section, Marie’s pulse quickened when she noticed Gracie approaching. She quickly straightened her posture, doing her best to appear composed.

  "Lady Marie!" Gracie greeted cheerfully, her eyes shining. "May I sit with you?"

  Marie hesitated before nodding. "Of course, Your Highness."

  As Gracie took her seat beside her, the grand cathedral bells tolled loudly, signaling the official start of the wedding ceremony.

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