I wait for the two of them to leave and engage in the same corridor Edusa and Henry did. I make my way through the west wing, searching for them unsuccessfully. At last, I step out and check the gardens. I find them gathered around a bench where Edusa is sitting down with her face within her hands.

As I approach, Henry and the other three Nobles stop talking, warning the young woman of my approach. She looks up and squints her eyes with distrust when they land on me.

I throw my hammer aside to signify that I'm only trying to talk and remove the possibility that I could hurt them definitively if I lose my temper. Hopefully, I won't. Considering the regular Rykz patrols, getting angry might just lead to a fight anyway.

“Elizabeth Vil.” Henry speaks up. “What brings you here?”

“Dissent.” I reply.

“Among our faction. I don't see how it is any of your business.” Edusa groans.

“Take a guess.” I say coldly. “Do you think you can afford to break off with Leomi Lance?”

“Our Countess threw us off the deep end with this, reviving the Izla is all well and good but we're broke now.” Henry says.

“I didn't give her a choice.” I scoff.

“We came here to help, not lose what little we had.” Edusa angrily replies as she stands to face me. “Unlike you, our goal is to create not destroy.”

I close my right hand into a fist and punch her back down, square on her left eye. She drops on her ass, completely taken by surprise. The other four Nobles put up their guard. I ignore them to look down on Edusa.

“If it wasn't for her, none of you would even be breathing open air right now.” I utter. The five Nobles stiffen at the threat contained in my words. “I despise Nobility for this exact reason. You do not even have the courage to take this risk when peasantry faces these decisions every day of their lives. When we sow a field, we're at the mercy of the weather, knowing that taxes will come and that we'll have to pay one way or another. You fear losing everything?” I laugh. “The worst that'll happen to you is that you'll have to go running back to your family's mansions with your tails between your legs.”

“Some of us don't have that option available to them anymore.” Edusa replies sharply, hand placed over the spot I hit.

“For this organization to work, we Nobles will have to accept to be treated the same way low-born are.” Henry explains, making his companions lower their hands. “Instead of creating a powerful entity in Caeviel, we're taking a step back by giving up titles, land, and wealth. All things we need to enact change. We won't have the legitimacy of a Noble faction, we can't casually accept this. If this organization doesn't work, we sink with it and my Countess just made it that much harder by giving it all up. We don't have the resources to make another play.”

“This is your only choice right now. You either go along or join the others as hostages.” I tell them unequivocally. “I won't tolerate you undermining her.”

“You're done plenty of that yourself.” Edusa comments flatly. “We're a target by association because of you. Your very existence cuts us off from Caeviel's Court.”

“Good. The entire system should be torn down.” I respond.

“And that's all you're good for. You attack whatever target's in front of you without thinking of the consequences.” She spits out. I bristle in fury. Her gaze turns mocking. “See. You haven't even considered the fact that this organization will never be allowed to take root in Caeviel. Every Noble house in the kingdom will unite to put us down because we're a threat to their very existence. Instead of rising from within to make things better, we're now left with two end results. Either we become powerful enough to win a civil war... or we become suppressed, stagnate as a consequence, and get whittled down by the Court's ire, likely killed in the process.”

I pause, having no argument to counter her perspective. Edusa gets back to her feet and faces me without fear or aggression. She takes her hand away and revealing a black eye. She locks eyes with me, demanding a response. Receiving only silence, her expression grows contemptuous.

“There are realities beyond the immediate situation.” She tells me. “You've cornered us and I will fight for my Lady, but that doesn't mean I'll stay quiet if I think she made a mistake. If you'll strike me for that, silence me, then go ahead. You'll be no better than my mother.”

“This is a test case.” I make Cecil's argument. “If this works here on Izla Meria, it will give hope to the rest of the Empire. Show an example that kingdoms like Telnur can learn from.”

“Something we could have done once powerful enough to push back.” Henry says, moving between us. “It's all well and good to focus on the big picture, on the future, but we are all in right here, right now.”

“Then prove yourself worthy of peasantry's support. You'll be more powerful than Nobility ever was if you take away from their very power base.” I counter.

“And how will we do that? You've riled them up and they're out for blood, we cannot gain their hearts if they're filled with hatred.” Edusa replies over Henry's shoulder.

“I know how.” I whisper. Duke Meria.

“Another murder.” Edusa says with disgust.

“No. Justice.” I reply offhandedly.

I turn and depart, picking up my hammer on the way. The five Nobles don't remain behind, they let me take a head start but follow soon after. I head to the throne room while they return to the west wing. I consider threatening them again but decide against it as I haven't felt any hostility towards Lance in their discourse.

In front of the double doors, I find Cecil and Aisha. They both watch me approach calmly, without a shred of regret guilt about how they manipulated me. I groan in frustration.

“Madame.” I speak up. “Explain.”

“You saw how close Lady Yvonne was to putting the pieces together. This gives you a friend and ally who owes you, possibly more than they can repay. It solves a few problems, including opening a path of resolution for you and your lover with her mediation.” She justifies, making a thin smile.

“You had no right to interfere.” I utter angrily. Her expression crumbles and she frowns.

“We've tied our fates together, Elizabeth.” Cecil says. “If you stop deceiving the few that knew you before you took the mask, it frees Elizabeth Vil. You'll be able to use her as a symbol to rally around instead of constantly tying yourself up in deceptive webs of your own making that will crumble under their own weight.”

“You're one to talk, Shade.” I retort.

“I am not a Shade, Elizabeth.” She tells me, watching my reaction and apparently taking my silence as skepticism. “I would not lie straight to your face.”

“Yet you have no problem making decisions about my personal life.” I squeeze my left hand into a fist, making the leather crack.

“You are Elizabeth Vil. You have to recognize that you are a public figure now, that Izla Meria needs you and Countess Lance to be stable and apt to lead us.” Cecil declares in a hard voice. “Lives depend on you. I did what I could to mitigate damage and prepare for the fallout when Leomi discovers your true identity.”

“...” I find myself unable to mount an argument, what she did makes sense from her perspective and I'm the one who failed to protect my anonymity not her. I change the subject, unwilling to debate the idea that I'm now a central figure to avoid the possibility of losing it. “Who sent that letter to Amand, and why?” I ask.

“I can't tell you who.” She replies immediately. “But the reason is simple enough. If the Templars fell with Meria, the Izla would find itself in a disastrous situation because the Order would retaliate and that would spell our end, sooner or later.”

“I thought the Empire had no forces to send.” I note.

“It's true to a point. The Order likely can't pull back its standing forces from the cold blood and Rykz borders until winter, but that doesn't mean they cannot recall everyone they have stationed in Temples across the Empire. It would be a drastic measure that would leave most villages without arbitrators and destabilize entire kingdoms if it lasts for too long.” Cecil explains.

“The more I learn, the less stable the Empire appears.” I comment sadly.

“Which brings us back to Elizabeth Vil.” She says.

“I've told you my position on that, Cecil.” I warn. “I cannot play this role for you.”

“And I'll keep trying to change your mind.” She counters.

“Focus your efforts on Lance. I am no figurehead.” I sigh.

“Her reputation is relatively spotless, at least it's better than yours among most circles except peasantry, but she has baggage you don't. You're of peasantry, she's of Nobility. That barrier isn't one that can be easily overcome.” Cecil affirms.

“For now. I have an idea that should bypass that issue.” I grin behind my mask. “She won't like it though.”

“You should focus on mending the population's perception of you. There is a cloud over you.” She says.

“What do you mean?” I ask.

“You've taken a dark gleam because soldiers dislike you and there are a lot of them right now, not to mention the late Count Odo's army that remains. Even peasantry is divided about your violent methods but, unlike the more fortunate, they consider that thoroughly defeating Nobility makes you a hero. The bourgeoisie is rather suspicious of you, they rely on knowing people personally to make their opinions. They can't get a good read on your character between your relationship with Countess Lance and how you've imposed the presence of low-born on the ruling Council.” Cecil reports.

“I'll be gone tomorrow, Cecil. Can we not do this once I'm back?” I sigh.

“And you might die.” She says, raising an eyebrow. “Once your reputation is fixed, it'll be almost impossible to change. Today is what matters.”

I pause, realizing that she is indeed correct. I might not make it.

“So, you're planning for my death.” I mutter darkly.

“I'm considering every possibility to ensure that the symbol remains intact. You are the only thing that connects us humans, Nobles, low-born, and Rykz together. If we can't rally around you when you're gone, dead or not, then this fails.” Cecil replies.

“We can't allow that.” I sigh, resigning myself to ask. “What can I do to prevent that?”

“Take a spot on the Council. You don't have to take part in it, I know you have no thirst for this kind of power. The point is that every good decision we make will reflect on well you while those that aren't won't affect your image because you won't be there. It's simplistic, but it should be enough along with crediting you with what you did to get the Council formed and peasants integrated into it. The Duke's public trial will reveal what he did to the whole of Izla Meria, that will vindicate you in the eyes of many.” She explains. “That's all I need you to do... for now.”

“I'll agree to this, and this alone.” I say firmly.

“It's enough.” Cecil nods. “And I'm sorry. I didn't find a way to divert Lady Yvonne from you but I wouldn't have told her anything if you didn't follow us.”

“I won't lie to your face either, Cecil. Yvonne's presence saved you.” I tell her.

“We counted on it.” She admits. “Thankfully, no one else knows enough to even come close to connecting the dots so your identity is safe.”

Yvonne barges out of the throne room, a look of anger on her face. The two prostitutes slip aside and make small encouraging smiles to which I return a spiteful glare. Yvonne rushes past them to grab my elbow and drag me away, behind a column in the hallway.

“What is it?” I ask.

“Edusa, you hit her.” She says shortly.

“I won't allow anyone to pose a threat to Leomi, even a remote one.” I retort.

“Other than you, you mean?” She says, fists closed. “I thought we had an agreement. I can't fix this if you make it worse, Jessica.”

“Call me Elizabeth here.” I reply in a hard tone. “And no, we did not. I welcome your help, but as much as I want to go back to how things were... It cannot be done anymore. I am not the same as I was.”

“You really act differently behind the mask.” She says sadly. “You're scary.”

“Good.” I say with narrowed eyes. “That's what I need to be.”

“I know you changed, that it isn't your fault. That Leomi and I betrayed your trust. But, please Jessica...”

“Elizabeth.” I utter, pulling my arm out of her grip. She flinches but remains firmly in place, facing me.

“Please, Elizabeth, let me help you.” She pleads. “We can't go back but we can work together to make this right.”

“Yvonne.” I say. “I really missed you my friend.”

“Yet?” She asks sadly.

“I've given up all I could for her.” I tell Yvonne. “I cannot... mold myself to suit the both of you. I have my path to follow now. It is bloody, erratic, and likely morally wrong. But all of it is part of me now, it is what remains of that night.”

“I'm sorry. I should have done more.” Yvonne whispers, eyes down. “I... I thought you would make it out in the end, withstand it like you withstood the loss of your arm. How... stupid of me.”

“Will you help me, despite knowing that I'll never be who you knew again?” I ask, laying my hand on her shoulder.

“I don't know. Yes.” She says. “I'm afraid for Leomi, for you. I don't know what will happen if she sees you as... you. I'm terrified of finding out. She made so much progress from where she was, I can't thank you enough for that, but you need to resolve your anger, Je, Elizabeth. Find a way to leave it behind or it'll consume the both of you.”

“I did. I was too weak to follow through with it, revealing myself.” I say regretfully. “Then I learned that Leomi thinks she cannot allow herself to be with Jessica. And now... I don't know what do to, except turn her away from Elizabeth Vil.”

“I wont let you lay a hand on her, Elizabeth. Never. I won't choose between my debt to you and Leomi.” Yvonne tells me with a difficult expression.

“She comes first, I understand that.” I nod.

“You're not saying you won't harm her.” She comments.

“I can't make that promise.” I reply. “I don't plan to physically hurt her at least.”

Yvonne closes her eyes, thinking. As I wait for her, I notice that Celyz is showing up with a warrior escort and workers carrying food on platters.

“I can work through her guilt and regrets about you with her if you don't make it worse because she'll inevitably find out that you're both the same person.” Yvonne finally says.

“Not if Elizabeth Vil disappears.” I argue. “I doubt she'll want to talk about her to me.”

“I don't like that. And how will you explain the arm.” She protests.

“I... I don't think, I need to show her.” I stutter. “I can find another glove, or learn that illusion construct to change it.”

“Leomi has to learn the truth at some point, Jessica. Not now, not even soon. But you need to make good with that idea.” Yvonne insists.

“Elizabeth.” Celyz' resounding voice cuts in from a distance away. “A moment please.”

I see Yvonne frown, opening her mouth to intervene but I raise my hand and stop her.

“One minute.” I tell the Princess before turning to Yvonne. “Whatever you think of Celyz, she saved my life. And make sure you tell that to Leomi as well. That without her, I wouldn't be alive and the Izla would be in a much worse state. We all owe her a lot.”

“I... fine. I will.” Yvonne sighs. “I've told Leomi that you're alive for certain, that I've seen you in the city.”

“Thanks.” I tell her sincerely. “How did she react?

“I think she already believed you but she was relieved by my confirmation.” She replies.

“What are my chances with her?” I ask.

“As Jessica... I truly do not know right now. She avoids talking about it and I don't want to make her because focusing on the present is doing a lot to heal her.” She explains.

“Alright. Before you go, just know that I love her. It won't change even if it might not seem like it at times.” I say.

“Don't give up, Elizabeth. Have patience, let your and her feelings settle. In a few years, we'll be able to look back on all of this with the benefit of time and maybe even laugh.” She tells me reassuringly.

We share a friendly hug and Yvonne walks away. Celyz crosses paths with her, tail swerving widely to avoid hindering her. They both nod to acknowledge each other.

Before talking the Rykz Princess bends her reversed knees and bows, her tail extends as far behind her as possible to counterweight the fact that her torso is leaning in.

“I apologize for my behavior this morning.” Celyz says. “While some of it is on the account of our friendship, my desire to protect you, and the fact that Leomi Lance is the individual most likely to be able to shake our hold on Izla Meria, the rest was simple jealousy.”

“It's okay, Celyz.” I smile for her benefit, as she can detect my expression even hidden under the mask. “I'm the one at fault in this matter.”

“You are not... well, you are.” Celyz chuckles. “Let's put this behind us and talk of Countess Lance.”

“What do you mean?” I ask curiously.

“She is someone I cannot fully trust, Elizabeth. If we ignore your other bonds to us, we can count on your motives because you care for peasantry. The Countess has proven that she can choose duty even at a high personal cost. This organization she is going to form would be armed, if only with clubs, but that is plenty enough to cause us trouble once most of our army leaves the Izla. I worry that she could rile Nobility and bourgeoisie against us if the opportunity arises.” Celyz explains.

I remain silent. Unable to respond despite having the answer. Shaken by the reasonable argument that takes what she did to me as an objective criticism of her character.

“This is important to me, Celyz.” I start.

“I know.” She replies softly.

“Lady Lance cares about the Izla in the same way that I do, or she would not have helped us end the war.” I say.

“I do not know if that is enough.” Celyz exhales air.

“I'm going to present something to the Council, it may satisfy you as it will weaken her attachment to the idea of Nobility while strengthening her ties and obligations towards the Izla's low-born population.” I tell the Princess. “So far, her organization remains a simple concept in her mind, I will test Leomi Lance's dedication to it.”