“Brigadier General Royce Tomaski of the 3rd Armored Brigade, 2nd Armored Division has reported that the construction of the Roma Highway between Alnus and the outskirts of Marais. Marais and Podet Lake were the first major US defeats early in the war, preventing NATO and Elbe forces from linking up.

Tomaski was asked if he was worried about a second Marais defeat and the General brushed the comment off stating;

“Marais is just a road bump to the Blue Sea. My objective isn’t taking Marais, it is to end this campaign once and for all and Marais are in the way. 2nd Armored infantry has already engaged the trenches that surround the city and we have already come up with a plan to take Marais.”

The General refused to go into details with what his plans were, only stating that this time the military brass had learned from their mistakes. The goal is to rebuild the Roma Highway to the Blue Sea so NATO forces can move armored to either flank north to Sadera or flank south to cut off the Imperial Forces who are besieging Nava Esari - an elvish farming hub in the Mealud Valley.” - Free Alnus News

***

--- Magic Guild Headquarters, Rondel ---

Date: June 15th, 2026

Kagash relished in the fallout of last night's party. What was meant to seal the deal with the Rondel nobles has now exploded in the US delegation's face. Exposing Soredin for who she is ruined the credibility of the Pro-NATO side and with General Pepreos’ appearance has re-energized the Pro-Empire and Separatists sides into riots.

The leader of the Magic Guild, Drasho Getro, acted perfectly, far better than she expected. Because of his work, the other Guilds are following in line behind him and Albus. Now, there must be a man to unite all these smaller factions to complete her plans, Duke Fastidius.

Without Albus’ leadership, the Rondel Knights are beginning to crack into factions. Many no longer support siding with NATO now that they had to draw swords on their nobles. Many have even forgotten about Albus and Sharpe's fight or now question if Albus was framed.

“This is not what I wanted,” Fastidius said, looking at the city. “I wanted to unite Rondel to go its way but I did not want blood.”

Walking toward Fastidius, Kagash spoke, “Then you were living in a fantasy world, my lord. Neither the Empire and NATO were ever going to let this city go without blood. The people are scared, confused, and have been betrayed. They need someone to unite them against the other powers.”

“I don’t know if I can,” Fastidius said. “I love this city but the division might be too wide for me to heal.”

“It proved you were right all along, Duke Fastidius,” Kagash pointed out. “Can you not feel the tension? You can cut it with a dull sword. All thanks to NATO and the Empire. ”

Kagash smirked, imagining the city burning as each faction riot against the other. “As you know, hard times create great men. One way or another, tomorrow's presentation will light the flame that will engulf this city. General Pepreos and Legatus Opoctia will declare fraud and elite corruption if Lelei graduated with full honors. If she does not, they will declare the same thing. They will need another option, another leader to show them a different path.”

Turning around he sees Albus, Drasho, and the other Guild leaders. Everyone who is here has lost something, or will lose something from either a NATO or Empire victory.

“What about Sharpe and the others?” Albus asked. “Regardless of what happens with the city, they are the biggest threat.”

“He is correct,” Drasho added. “If half of their reputation is true then we will all end up dead.”

Kagash understood their concerns, even though she is worried but cannot show it. If these people smiff any sense of weakness from her all her plans will fall apart and right now she cannot afford to lose their support until it is time for her to throw it away. Vanguard-7 leader, Sharpe has a history of thinking out of the box and she assumed that is why the Earth Mage was invited on this mission and it concerns her.

While Vanguard-7 has proven to be a threat, that would only matter if she planned to claim the city. Their presence has yet to disrupt their plan, it has only accelerated it.

“None of you need to worry,” Kagash said. “During graduation is when my love and I will strike. The table has been set and it will look like the Empire is assassinating Lelei and the others.”

“Do you think you can kill them?” Fastidius asked.

“Lelei and Sharpe will die during the graduation,“ Kagash responded. “And even if they live, they will still serve a purpose. The hatred from both sides will force them to clash. That is when Albus and Fastidius will make their move in taking control of the city.”

“Your plan is well thought out, too well thought out for my taste,” Fastidius pointed out. “You have been planning this for a long time.”

With a giggle, Kagash walked over to her husband, to remind them that if they cross her they will have to face her powerful husband. “It is not hard to figure out a mob. Once a mob is created, all you need to know is what direction it will go. Like a rock rolling off a mountain. While there are bumps, you can tell what direction it is going.”

Fastidius nodded and looked back into the city. “So, you have been planning this. Interesting.”

Hearing that Kagash realized that Fastidius is smarter than he appeared. During the debates, he looked like a cub among giants. She decided that after this she must kill him but for now, he needs to add more chaos. “Interesting indeed Fastidius. Everyone, let me tell you what I have planned next.”

--- Villa, Directorate Palace, Rondel ---

Lelei sat by the fireplace that is in the middle of their villa. Cato, Cory, Soredin, Hanson, Sharpe, and Pina have been debating the matter, trying to figure out their next move and what just happened. Rory is with them but pacing, mumbling how embarrassing last night's party was.

Mimoza handed Lelei some tea. “It is ok, Lily. It was a matter of time someone would have found out.”

“Yeah, but it no longer matters,” Lelei replied. “Everyone hates us now, I truly believed that I could unite Rondel and have them see what I have seen but I have failed.”

“It is not your fault or anyone else’s,” Mimoza said. “This is all part of life. Sometimes, no matter how much you think you are right there will be people who will disagree with you. We are a prideful people with a rich culture, you should be happy that you have made it this far at your age.”

“It is clear, they have a mole among us,” Pina proposed.

“Impossible,” Cory replied. “I have been very careful about keeping tabs on everyone. There has been no word within Imperialist circles.”

“The only place we talked about this was here, in this room and at my office with Soredin,” Cato said.

“It is clear the enemy has bugged the room or something.” After Sharpe said the word ‘bug’ he explained that it is a military slang word for ‘a device that listens in secret’. “The real question is our next step.”

“It might be best if we call this off,” Pina said. “More I think about it, the more I don’t see this working.”

“But we came so far, we cannot stop now,” Soredin responded. “We cannot assume the entire city does not like us otherwise they would have stormed this place.”

“Standard policy, we don’t charge into the fog of war without knowing what is going on,” Sharpe stated. “We have already been ambushed and outflanked against an unknown force. Since this mission has started it is clear there is a hidden party that has been operating in the shadows. So far there have been too many wildcard events that have happened during this mission. If we go to the presentation, there’s a good chance they’ll try to assassinate Lelei and I won’t allow that.”

“There is no way someone would attempt an assassination on Lelei during a graduation,” Cato said, not believing the idea.

Sharpe coldly stared at Cato and said, “I would, and it fits the current situation.”

Hanson leaned back in his seat. “I really was hoping we didn’t have to go with plan B.”

“What is plan B?” Mimoza asked.

“Plan B is the full invasion of the city,” Sharpe replied. “This is not the ideal option, invading a city full of mages will have high casualties but we have reached a point where ignoring this city is no longer an option. If diplomacy fails, then it is war.”

Mimoza and Cato stood there with solemn faces. They weren’t surprised that this was the next possible step their new friends would’ve taken, but they were really hoping they could’ve avoided as much bloodshed as possible.

Not enjoying that everyone was talking about her, Lelei stood up. “We are not stopping. This is Rondel, the most important city on Falmart, my home. Jackson is correct, someone is here, pitting everyone against each other and I won’t let that stand. I am not going to turn away now, I know you wouldn’t.” She finishes while staring at Sharpe.

“Then it’s settled,” Soredin said. “Tomorrow we go to the graduation. Do not worry Colonel, I will keep my senses sharp. It make sense if a mage will attempt an assassination to frame the others. If one begins casting, I should’ve been able to feel it.”

“So be it,” Sharpe said. “But we are going on the offensive. First, we need to figure out how hidden this party is. Second, who their allies are. They have operatives around keeping an eye on us. We need to figure out who these people are and draw them out. We don’t have much time so let’s get to work.”

***

--- Directorate Palace, Rondel ---

Date: June 15th, 2026

Welulia watched as Cato, Soredin and Sharpe explained the situation to the pro-NATO Councilman and nobles. One of them has a black eye from a fight while the others look scared. Rondel has faced many enemies throughout its history but never from within.

“Is that your plan?” Nero asked. “To do nothing?”

“Not nothing,” Sharpe replied. “Just to continue what we’ve been doing. The only difference is that we are self-aware.”

Sharpe's plan baffled Welulia but from the impression from the Girls, Rose Knights, and the other Rangers this seemed normal. “Tuka dear, is your superior always like this?”

“No, this is calm,” Tuka replied. “You should see him when he gets creative.”

Rory giggled. “The day is still early. There is a good chance something crazy will happen, he outsmarts the enemy and out machos the bad guys.”

Yao leaned in. “Which usually means we have to save him from himself.”

“Yup,” Rory replied. “Then we guilt-trip him to take us shopping again.”

Confused, Welulia took notes about each one of the Girl's attitudes. While her vision is blurry due to near-sightedness, her ears pick up everything. The council members are not convinced if they should continue their support but the ambassador is telling them that this is the best option and if they fold now this mysterious fourth party would kill them.

“I understand why your Lieutenant Colonel thinks there is a fourth party operating in the shadows, but there was no way Drasho could have known about the Grand High Witch,” Welulia stated. “We should be focusing on finding them.”

“How? They could be anyone,” Tuka asked. “That's the reason why Sharpe wants to follow the previous plan."

"What is different is that we are self-aware of the situation," Rory added. "He wants to spring their trap and figure out who is behind this."

"I guess I do not understand the military mindset." Welulia looked to the Councilman listening to the plan. She understood not knowing who your opponent is is a massive disadvantage.

One of Welulia’s fairies appeared and whispered to a meeting of the Guild members. This is the third emergency meeting they had in the past two days. What is different is that this time Albus is with the Adventurer leader while Drasho is with Duke Aulus Fastidius.

As the fairy leaves, Welulia ears listen to how it leaves. More she thought about it she remembered hearing a similar sound by Cato’s window. Fairies are common around the academy - acting as a mailing and communication system for the staff so she ignored it.

Noting that, Welulia moved her hand down the tabs on her scroll, feeling the thickness of ink markers on the side.

"I still cannot believe you are a scribe when your vision is blurry," Yao commented.

"Well, there was a guy on Earth named Ludwig Van Beethoven who is considered one of the greatest conductors on Earth even though he was deaf," Tuka replied.

"It required years of work," Welulia explained. "I had to learn to use my spirit magic to use enchanted ink which helps with the quality of the words. It is very expensive but it gave me a place by Cato's side."

"By the way, what did that fairy whisper?" Tuka asked.

Welulia felt the tab she was looking for and turned to those pages. "Please tell me what I write here Tuka."

"Only if you give me a kiss later," Tuka jokingly said. She then read about the Guilds in the city, what their opinions are with the US and Empire - mostly negative. Tuka also mentioned the four times they met and who was there.

"How did you get all this information?" Yao asked.

"This is Rondel, there are fairies everywhere," Welulia said. "I have been keeping tabs on all the major Influencers within the city. I think I have an idea who is responsible."

Standing up, Welulia raided her hand. "I think I know who is responsible." She then almost tripped until Tuka caught her. "Thank you."

"Anytime," Tuka said. "Let me guide you."

As Welulia approached, she heard the councilman debating about a slave speaking out of place. It was Rory's presence and Sharpe warning the council to drop it.

“I have a theory on who is behind this. The Guilds are conspiring together to undermine us.” Welulia had Tuka show all the notes on the Guild leader's movements. The increase in meetings and fairy messages, sometimes in secret. “I just found out that Albus has joined with the Adventurer Guild and Drasho was meeting with Fastidius.”

“But why would they conspire?” Skrotarot asked. “I know the guild master, Urgosh Pothrulo, he is an honorable man. They would not do this.”

Pina stepped forward. “I met Urgosh Pothrulo during a meeting at Valtris(1) with Countess Myui and Ambassador Willington. He did not act in good faith and was trying to pull a fast one on Myui because of her age for free money after they left her city to die.”

“And the Guilds are not happy with us right now,” Henson said. “Ambassador Willington destroyed the Adventurer Guild’s reputation without firing a shot.”

“And with my brother changing the Guild law by aggressively drafting the Adventurers and other combat-related Guilds to fight NATO,” Pina added. “Adventurers were never known to sacrifice themselves in open battle like soldiers would and from the massive casualties they have suffered I don’t see them siding with General Pepreos either. It makes sense they are siding with the Duke as he represents the third option. Siding with independence equals their survival. Pitting us against the Empire in the city only benefits them.”

“And when Cato and Soredin were talking in his office I heard a fairy by his window,” Welulia said. “I did not think it was an issue because of how many fairies there are. I know this is not solid evidence but everything lines up.”

The councilmen quickly talk with each other and nod. Skrotarot spoke, “We agree but we do not see the point of going forward though. It is clear that Fastidius’ faction is more powerful than any one of us expected. They have turned the bulk of the city against us and the graduation will spark riots this city has not seen in generations.”

“And that is why we must go forward,” Lelei said as she walked up. “You guys came to me, remember, this is a fight for the soul of the city and none of you thought there was not going to be some blood? They are twisting our values, beliefs, and history against you; they must be stopped. If you are not willing to fight for your city then it is already lost. I refuse to allow that so I will be the bait. If the enemy wants to stop us, stop me, then they will have to leave the shadows and show themselves.”

“Someone has grown up,” Rory jokingly said. “But remember, we are all working together.”

Sharpe patted Lelei on the shoulder, a sign of respect. “Good job Welulia and Tuka. Dismissed.” He directly looked at the councilmen. “And that is why we are going to continue with the plan. With alterations. Now we have an idea who we are up against. We will strike on two fronts.”

“But what about our families?” Nero asked. “Many of the nobles, supporters, and our families are in danger. They were already assaulted and if it was not for the Knights many would have been killed.”

“I think they could stay at the Villa,” Mimoza said. “I think it is fair if we protect them so there is no revenge killing.”

“Agreed,” Sharpe said. “Quickly move your family to our outpost and I will station guards but only if you work with us.”

“We accept,” Skrotarot said.