The dripping blood from Xieaniel’s back keeps on repeating in her mind. Olive was still lost in her thoughts when she felt something cold touched her shoulder making her jump from her seat.

“S-Sorry, Lady. I didn’t mean to frighten you.” Said Oriana who drew her hand back. Olive sighed and held her head before shaking it.

“No, I’m not frightened at all.” She reasoned out. “And stop addressing me ‘Lady’ since we’re sisters.”

Oriana stopped for a moment before letting out a faint chuckle. “Yeah. Sisters.”

They stopped and Olive pulled Oriana behind her when the door opened, revealing the three bastards. Olive never lowered her guard ever since she worked with them since a snake will always be a snake.

“You didn’t kill her but that’s okay since I knew we would sooner or later.” Edom greeted and pushed the things from Olive’s table, shattering some glasses to pieces. Olive rolled her eyes.

Oriana observed Edom carefully. She heard a lot of rumors and stories about him but she never saw him in person, even when the Athertons were still alive. He looks scarier than the stories.

“What’s your plan, Lady Norton?”

Olive released Oriana’s hand and walked closer to the table where Edom laid Aparctias’ map.

“Aparctias’ air force is strong. Combining Seiron and Sephtis’ air forces will never stand a chance.” She started and took a pin from the pin box, pinning the Austere.

“Eighteen days from now, the Grand Event will take place at Austere City.”

“Are you planning on-”

“Shut up.” Olive silenced Donovan and Edom glanced at him sharply, causing him to quiver.

“Since our betrayal was freshly announced, the security of the whole Empires, including all the Kingdoms will be doubled, or probably tripled. You know how wise House Mizuki is in terms of security. By now, they're probably changing all the security locks.”

“No doubt. Kitori is the OC one.” Frank laughed. “If you’re planning on using our land troops, how sure are you we will win, dear nephew? Knowing the Two Great Empires has countless armies.”

Olive grinned amiably. “Exactly.”

“What?”

“The hell. I thought you’re clever, Lady Norton. You didn’t think of that?” Donovan bumped in, trying his best to impress Edom. Olive’s left eyebrow lifted and her lips quivered.

“I spent all my life assisting Zillian, if you ever you forgot. I’ve been working with House Mizuki’s son to master the security system, and was observing the forces for heaven knows how long.” She said, grinding her teeth.

“Clever? We’re irreconcilable, Clifford. And you’re the only one who's not clever here so shut the hell before I kill you.” Olive spat mockingly. “If only you did not allow your dog’s plan of ambushing nobles and even killing your own son, then probably the security will not be as tight as today.”

Donovan grinned his teeth with Olive’s insults. He wanted to strangle her to death and cut her tongue but Edom and Frank will kill him if he does.

“I doubt Zillian would merge the forces, knowing she cared about the people so much. The security during the Grand Event will be more unyielding but the gates will be opened. That will give us a higher chance of attacking Aparctias and Zillian will surely appear in public. That will give you a higher chance of winning, Sir. Two birds in one stone.”

Edom grinned, liking Olive’s plan. For him to conquer Aparctias, he must kill Ashriel in Austere, specifically inside the main palace.

“Very well. For eighteen days we won’t do anything but to strengthen our forces and prepare for wa-”

Their heads turned to the huge window when they heard a strange sound. Seeing the huge drone flying, Olive’s eyes widened.

“Duck your heads!”

Olive dragged Oriana down and the three crawled down the floor. The drone hit the window, shattering it to pieces. The drone slammed itself on the floor, causing a red box to slide through Frank’s feet, making him whine in shock. He quickly kicked it.

“What the hell is that?!” He shouted, taking a step back.

Seeing Donovan hide behind Edom, Edom elbowed his face angrily before standing, fixing his shirt. Olive and Oriana did the same.

Olive looked at the drone and motioned to walk but Oriana grabbed her hand. She smiled.

“It’s okay. That drone belongs to Ethan.” She whispered before walking towards the drone and the red box. The three remained a few meters away from Olive but Oriana followed behind her.

Olive kicked the drone and seeing it dead, she reached for the red box, opening it. But she gasped and the three stepped back, closer to the door, when a huge hologram popped out of the box.

Edom’s eyes widened and his rage started to boil. “Y-You!”

“I didn’t know you’re that terrified with a mere drone, bastard.” Her voice echoes throughout the whole room.

“This play is truly unexpected.” Edom spat, sauntering towards the hologram. “How dare you talk to me without showing your real self?”

Ashriel laughed mockingly. “This will not be the only damage you’ll receive when I show you my real self, fool. Oh. Olivia and Oriana…” Ashriel grinned and Olive crumpled her fist. “Hope you’ll not regret your actions.”

Olive smirked. “Why the hell would I? Do you think I’m threatened?”

“Threatened? Hmm. More like scared.” Ashriel retorted. “This is a warning and your last chance. Surrender now and your lives will be spared.”

Edom burst to laughter. “Do you really think I’ll believe a merciless woman like you will spare our lives? Pathetic. Enjoy your so-called life now, dear nephew. Since I’ll meet you in hell soon.”

“I won’t go to hell, bastard. Dive alone.” Ashriel’s eyes turned cold, sending unknowing shivers down Edom’s spine. His eyes dimmed. Ashriel’s eyes reminded him of Meredith.
“Do you want to know what a full-fledged war looks like? You should have listened to me while I was using only words. Very well then, I’ll take that as your final decision. Enjoy the gift I sent you.” With that, the hologram disappeared.

Edom grinned his teeth. “That bitc-” He stopped when the red box opened, revealing a beautiful red poppy.

Olive’s eyes widened. Red poppy symbolizes war. Suddenly, gasses smoked out of the poppy’s pot.

“Crap. It’s poison, get out!”

***

“Thaddeus, how are you?” Ashriel asked after turning off the hologram. Xieaniel who was operating remained silent.

Leon grinned his teeth. Despite knowing how much he’s hurt, Ashriel still asked him.

“Boss…” He whispered. “I swore my complete loyalty to you therefore I’m asking you…” Hot tears started to form at the corner of his eyes. “L-Let me be the one assigned to the-”

“Thaddeus, I know you’re hurt but even though you turn the world upside down, Olive’s your sister. I won’t let you stain your hands with your sister’s blood.”

Ashriel looked at her Cadre and the Elders with the same eyes she had during the Great Bloodshed. None of them felt calm.

“Lady Beatrice, I’m giving you your last chance.”

Lady Beatrice’s eyes widened and so did everyone.

“Y-Your Highness, what do you-”

“I know you’re aware of your deeds.” She cut her. Suddenly, Lady Beatrice felt her hand tremble. “The death of the three squads was your doing, am I right? Hold her.”

She gasped. “H-How did yo- wait!” She groaned when James and Spencer quickly tackled her down, locking her to her knees.

“Mother?!” Leon stood from his chair, followed by John.

The Elders wore expressions no one can explain. Even the Cadre were stunned. None of the dared to move.

“L-Lady Beatrice…” Lady Octavia called. “I-Is that-”

“I can explain!” Lady Beatrice shouted and fell flat on the floor. “Please… please let me explain.”

“I’m giving you a chance. One last chance.” Uttered Ashriel whose face remained blank. “I know you have reasons.”

“I do, Your Highness! I do have reasons!”

“Mother, what the hell is happening?!” Leon shouted angrily.

“I did that for your protection!” She shouted followed by her tears, causing Leon and John to stop. “L-Luis… Luis was threatening me to harm you and Oriana if I won’t do it. So-”

“Why do you have a connection with the Eldest of Atherton?” Venice started to interrogate.

“Because I was furious with what happened to my husband.”

Venice glanced at Ashriel. “Despite knowing the real reason behind?” Ashriel asked coldly. Lady Beatrice nodded.

“At first, I was planning on betraying you.”

Leon crumpled his fist.

“But seeing my children’s loyalty and my husband’s letter for me, I decided to stop. But I was late since Luis threatened me.”

“And you’re scared of his mere threat?” Ashriel stood up from her chair and walked down the few stairs. “You know your children are safe in my care.”

Lady Beatrice’s eyes widened followed by countless tears. “I-I’m… I’m sorry, Young Master. I’m sorry…” She sobbed loudly. Spencer and James slowly let go of her.

“No. I understand you.” Ashriel smiled. “But now, explain things to your sons. It’s unfair if only your daughter knows everything.”

Lady Beatrice glanced at her sons who were as stiff as a tree, looking back at her with a repressed look.

“Y-Your father… your father killed himself because of Oriana’s parents.” She started. John glanced at Leon and held his shoulder firmly.

“They were his best friends but he was the one assigned to eradicate their family. He couldn’t bear his conscience and killed himself after.” She explained. “Leon, mom’s sorry for lying…” She broke into tears again.

“Oriana was not your sister.” Leon’s eyes popped out and his frown disappeared. “I lied to protect you. I’m… I’m sor-” Lady Beatrice stopped when Leon ran to embrace her.

Nathan sauntered towards Ashriel and slipped his hand to her slim waist.

“I still can’t fathom your ways. You’re unpredictable.” He whispered. Ashriel smiled and hugged his waist with one hand as well.

“Unity must be strengthened first before facing a battle. How come my second-in-command forgot that?” She pulled Nathan closer and pecked his cheek before walking back to her chair.

“Hear my words and spread it.” Everyone in the Meeting Hall halted and Xieaniel started recording.

“For fourteen days I want you to spend your time with the people you cared for the most. Do the things you dreamed to do and say the words you always wanted to say. A war will break out and by that time, I can’t guarantee you’ll see each other again. So while you still have time, be with them.”

Ashriel gulped as she felt her heart becoming heavy. “This will be the Last War.” With her cue, Xieaniel stopped recording.

Ashriel glanced at her brother. “On the fifteenth day, evacuate everyone who cannot fight to Thrascias. Make sure you use the submarines in doing so. It will be a secret escape.”

“I understand.”

“Kauis will join our forces, Atarah.” Valor said.

“And so does Tethoris.” Mix bumped in. She then looked at her husband and smiled. Natsuki was happy to see his wife getting stronger day by day.

“Grandpappy, bring Nile, Yuria, Jared, and Mikhail to Thrascias. And evacuate people who cannot fight at Kauis to Tethoris. Gil and Bri, together with other children, will be transferred to Thracsias as well. The citizens' safety is our main priority, am I clear?”

“Yes, Your Highness!”

“Now, here’s the plan…”

***

As Ashriel instructed, the people were happy for fourteen days. And as Edom instructed, the Quislings did nothing until the Grand Event.

Ashriel felt as if her heart was being torn to pieces as she looked at the people evacuating, saying goodbye to their family members who will be joining the war. Tears, hugs, and kisses. No one showed any embarrassment with their actions, knowing it will be their last time.

Natsuki and Mix kissed Gil and hugged him dearly. Venice and John did the same with Bri.

“Zil?”

Ashriel looked back with the sound of a girl’s familiar voice. She then met Nile’s hazelnut eyes.

“Zil!” Yurie exclaimed and ran to hug Ashriel who bent to level their height. Jared, Nile, and Mikhail followed.

“Woah! Look at your hair! And oh! Your eyes!” Yuria exclaimed, cupping Ashriel’s cheeks and checking her face.

“And look at you four. You’ve grown taller.” She answered, rubbing their heads. The last time they saw them was three years ago.

“Are they the children you saved?” Nathan bumped in, smiling at them. But then, Nile glared at him, causing Nathan to frown. Ashriel laughed.

“You met your mini version now.” Ashriel said.

“Your Highness, who is he?” Nile asked and the three stopped.

“Your Highness?” They asked in unison.

“I’ll explain later.” Nile sighed and glared at Nathan again.

“Nile, meet my husband, Nathan.” Nile’s eyes widened and his mouth gaped. Nathan smiled from ear to ear and crossed his hand on his chest.

“H-Hus… band?” Nile clarified and Ashriel nodded. Suddenly he felt heat rise to his cheeks.

“T-Then…”

“Hmm? What’s wrong, kid?” Nathan asked.

“I… I was planning on protecting her but I guess, I’m no longer needed since you’re with her now.” He murmured, puffing his cheeks like a young boy losing the game. Ashriel and Nathan burst to laughter.

“And you’re too young for that.” Ashriel said. Nile then glanced at her tummy and a sudden bright idea perked his mind. He pointed her tummy.

“T-Then-”

“Why do I feel like I know what you want?” Nathan cut him.

“C-can I take care of your future daughter?”

“WHAT?!” The trio behind him exclaimed.

Nathan felt the heat rising to his cheeks as he imagined being a father. He then shook his head. Not yet the time.

Ashriel glanced at her husband before smiling. “Of course, Nile. I know you’re trustworthy.”

Nile’s face lit brighter. “Thaaaank youuu!” He shouted and leaped with joy.

“Now then, give me one more hug and go inside the submarine.”

The four children embraced her. “Nile, you’re the mature one so take care of them, okay? You’ll be meeting my nephews in a moment.”

“Count on me!”