[??? PoV]
Nighttime. As usual, I returned home after working in the logistics department for the military of the Republic of Venetia. I have been in this position for four months now, ever since they ordered me to carry out this mission.
"Hey, Balian, I saw an official Imperial ship docking at the pier. What do you think their purpose is in coming here?"
The one speaking was my colleague from work; we were both walking home to our respective residences, and it so happened that her house was in the same direction as mine.
"I suspect it is to protest our new policy. The intent is quite clearly to bring down Imperial trade, is it not?" I answered the woman's question.
Truthfully, I do not entirely understand these matters. However, after this policy was implemented, I have rarely seen merchants from the Empire in the territory of the Republic of Venetia.
"Perhaps," my colleague replied. "We must teach those arrogant Imperial people a lesson."
People from the Empire often cause trouble in other countries. This is because the Empire is touted as the strongest nation on this continent, leading its citizens to always boast about it to the citizens of other nations.
I suppose everyone is like that, are they not? Much like noble families who look down on commoners and feel themselves superior to those who do not possess "blue blood." One group always wants to feel superior and flaunt their dominance over another, more inferior group.
"Balian, look."
My colleague pointed toward the town square, which was filled with a crowd of people.
"Why are they gathering like that?" I muttered.
"Let's go see," my colleague invited.
The two of us approached the crowd; an official with a badge typically worn by Heralds was standing atop a platform.
"Listen to me, People of Venice!" the Herald cried. "I am here to read a statement from President Luciano regarding our nation's relationship with the Aragon Empire!"
Everyone present fell silent so as not to miss a single word spoken by the Herald. The Herald then produced a scroll and opened it.
"Good evening, citizens of the Republic of Venetia! My apologies that the information I am about to announce interrupts your nightly activities!" The Herald began reading the message from the President. "However, there is something I wish to convey to you as soon as possible, for this concerns the future of our beloved nation!"
The people appeared increasingly curious about what the Herald intended to deliver from President Luciano's statement.
"Tonight, an envoy from the Empire arrived and declared war against our nation!" the Herald exclaimed, reading the contents of the scroll he held.
The moment that word left the Herald's lips, everyone present began talking amongst themselves. Some looked shocked, some were excited, and others remained silent, not knowing how to respond to the news they had just received. However, they all fell silent again when the Herald raised his hand, signifying he had not yet finished delivering the entire message on the scroll.
"People of Venetian! In facing this conflict, we must be united, always brave, and remain strong in facing the challenges that will determine the future of our nation! No matter how long this war lasts, we—the People of Venetian—will not surrender and will surely succeed in overcoming this challenge to become the most feared nation in the world!"
"True! We do not fear the Empire!"
"We will win this war and become the strongest and wealthiest nation in the world!"
Everyone present began to voice a burning spirit in facing the war with the Aragon Empire. The citizens' morale was at its peak.
"Everyone, let us show the Empire the true strength of the Venetian people in this war!" the Herald shouted. "Gloriooo Patriossaaa!"
"GLORIO PATRIOSSA!"
"GLORIO PATRIOSSA!"
Everyone followed the distinctive Venetian cheer spoken by the Herald, including my colleague, making the place thunder with their shouts. I slowly backed away and left the area. A red light appeared in the pocket of the clothes I was wearing, prompting me to hurry back to my residence.
Upon arriving there, I closed the doors and windows tightly and took out the object in my pocket. This was an artifact given by the Boss through his agent last month. After channeling Mana into this artifact, the red light changed into a blinking dark blue light. I then began to record information based on the flashes of light from the object. This was a communication method created by the Boss to provide information using specific codes so it could not be read by others.
COMMENCE OPERATION
That was what the Morse Code sent by the Boss told me. Messages from this code were kept short, concise, and clear to make it easier and faster for the recipient to translate. My task is to provide information regarding the logistical supplies of the Republic of Venetia's troops, who will attack Imperial territory through the Montana mountains.
***
[Aliya PoV]
My training finished a month ago, but Master Raul has still not contacted me at all regarding what I will do in the future. I fear being considered useless by him; therefore, I have been practicing even more diligently these past few months. I do not want to lose the chance to avenge my family.
I heard news from several agents under KJ's command that the condition of the country where I am located is worsening by the day. I do not want the nation built by my family dynasty to grow weaker, only waiting for the time to be exploited by other, stronger nations. The Kuwalid Nation is my family's last remaining heritage—the only legacy showing the world that our family was once glorious and respected.
— Knock! Knock! Knock!
Suddenly, I heard the sound of a knock on my bedroom door. Usually, if it is not Madam Khalissa, it is Umaya who always comes directly to my room.
"Come in."
After I said that, the door opened to reveal the black-haired man wearing a white shirt with a tie and a black vest.
"Princess Aliya, my apologies for disturbing your rest," the man said politely.
"Ma- Master Raul, forgive me for not welcoming you properly," I said, hurrying toward him. "I thought the one knocking was Umaya or Madam Khalissa."
Hearing my words, which sounded rushed due to panic, Master Raul appeared to smile. "Do not think about it, Princess. May we speak for a moment?"
He still calls me Princess, even though technically I am currently just a slave working for him. Why does he do this? Are there specific reasons?
"Of course, please have a seat, Master Raul. I will prepare a drink for you first."
Master Raul then sat down while I made warm tea for him. What did he want to discuss with me? Could it be that this time he will assign me to a post? After preparing the drink, I sat across from Master Raul.
"Master Raul, what brings you here to meet me directly?" I asked him.
"Princess, how has your training been thus far?" He answered my question with another question.
"Everything has been going smoothly, Master. I have mastered several potions after training at Olen Musk's place last month," I answered him. "I believe I am ready for a field assignment this time."
For months, I studied how to be an Agent under the direction of KJ and Master Raul. KJ taught me several martial arts techniques, and Master Raul taught me how to charm targets to make them speak of important information. Besides martial arts, I also practiced brewing various types of potions to help me execute missions more easily. Olen Musk gave me several pieces of equipment, and I have mastered them well.
"Is that so? I want the Princess to do something for me," Master Raul said, looking into my eyes. "Starting tomorrow, Princess, you will work at an entertainment venue managed by Prince Ramon de Aragon. There, I want the Princess to conduct intelligence activities while simultaneously approaching someone."
"Approaching someone?" I asked, requesting more detail.
"An orange-colored Fox Demi-human who has a sun tattoo symbol on his back," Master Raul answered.
A Demi-human, is it? These creatures are a combination of humans and animals. I do not know much about them, but most of these beings originate from the Great Zuvia Forest, located not far from the Kingdom of Pulishia.
"Once I have found the target, what should I do, Master Raul?" I asked.
"She is the figure controlling Prince Ramon from behind the scenes," Master Raul replied, then tasted the drink I had made. "I want you to get close to him; make him open up to you until she reveals the plans he is thinking of to the Princess."
"Very well, I will strive to complete this mission well," I told him.
"Thank you, Princess," Master Raul said as he stood from the chair and turned his back to me. "By the way, where is Umaya? I do not see him here at all."
"Ah, as for Umaya... he is—"
Before I could answer his question, Master Raul suddenly turned back around and launched a swift punch toward my face. However, thanks to the training I have undergone, my body reflexively dodged; I grabbed Master Raul's hand and slammed him to the floor. Not only that, I pinned the black-haired man's body to restrain his movements, just as he had often taught me.
"Ugh... you truly are ready to carry out this mission, it seems, Princess," Master Raul said while groaning in pain.
"Fufufu~ Of course, I am no longer the weak woman you used to bully in every training session," I replied with a mischievous smile.
Actually, if Master Raul wanted to, he could have defeated me very easily. After practicing with him several times, I know very well the true strength he possesses. I suspect he did this only to boost my confidence for my first mission. Furthermore, I think the reason he always calls me Princess is so I can remember my true identity as the Princess of a nation and forget "Aliya the cheap whore and dancer" who could be used by anyone.
He truly is a very caring person, even if his way of showing that care is a bit strange. I smiled and looked at his face, thinking about this. He was the one who gave me a purpose in life when I was overwhelmed by despair from living a miserable existence. He was the one who freed me from slavery and restored the honor that had been snatched away by those who stole my family's throne.
My palm stroked his face; a warmth that made me immediately comfortable was felt when our skin touched. For some reason, I lowered my head while looking at Master Raul's lips. My heart beat faster; I felt my body perspiring, whether from nervousness or another reason I did not want to admit.
— Brak!
"Sister Aliya, have you seen—"
Suddenly the bedroom door burst open, and I heard a voice very familiar to me. Glancing to the side, I saw my younger sister—Umaya. Her mouth was open and her face looked confused seeing me—her sister—pinning Master Raul down, our faces close to each other.
"A-ah, sorry. I-I didn't mean to interrupt you!" She turned around, intending to close the bedroom door again.
"Umaya, do not leave just yet," Master Raul said, calling to my sister. "There is something important I wish to convey to you."
Now fully aware of our very awkward situation, I stood up and moved away from Master Raul's body. He then stood up and approached my sister.
"W-what is it, Boss Raul? I-if this is about my blessing, I don't mind if Sister Aliya is with a wealthy young man like you," Umaya said, still looking nervous without looking directly at Master Raul.
"It is not about that," Master Raul said, producing a slip of paper. "I want you to do something in Kuwalid Kingdom. The details of the plan are written on this paper."
Umaya then took the paper from Master Raul's hand. Her face looked shocked after reading the instructions on it.
"Can I entrust this to you?" Master Raul asked.
"Of course, Boss! I will not let you down with this task!" Umaya answered loudly.
"Good, then. I expect a satisfying result from both of you."
After giving us instructions regarding our missions, Master Raul then left the room, leaving me alone with my sister.
***
[Siena PoV]
After meeting all day to plan a war strategy against the Empire, I and several people from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs were at the harbor to await Lord Mancini's arrival from his diplomatic mission to the Kingdom of Draconia. For some reason, I had to go with them even though I am only responsible for military matters.
One day since declaring war, there has been no movement at all from the Empire; it seems they are gathering troops before conducting mobilization to our borders. We are doing the same; after discussion, the Republic of Venetia will take a defensive stance while waiting for troops from allied nations to arrive before launching an attack on Imperial territory.
"Look, Lord Mancini's ship is visible in the harbor," said an official from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
I then saw someone disembark from the ship. However, he stood still as if waiting for someone. Not long after, a black-haired man also disembarked and approached Lord Mancini. The two of them then walked toward us. The man's figure smiled at me while offering to shake my hand.
"A pleasure to meet you, Lady Siena," the black-haired man said. "My name is Vlad mel Dracus—the future husband who will be your life partner after this war."
My eyes widened upon hearing his sudden words to me.
"Huh? Could you repeat what you just said?"
Future husband? Life partner after the war is over? What has Father done behind my back?