-~*~-
After confirming everything with the former general, they made their way to the station where Luyao is in duty and called Irene in. She was tasked to spread the information of Yanyi's sudden presence in the state. This has to be made quick yet also slow to spread to prevent the other side from receiving it before the sudden ambush.
She does deserve the work of a journalist as the information spread like wildfire and by the time it reaches the other end, it was already to late. At the same day they received the news, the sudden announcement of her arrival at the Anderil ambassy building reach the ambassador.
*Thump*
The door of the driver seat closes as the driver open up the passenger's seat. Out came the all respected young Inspector Chen Luyao who made his way out of the door by holding it open. "Former" general Jerad came from the front seat and stayed true to his former employment. The next figure that step out is the all beloved lady of the Volenix Empire, Xue Licia Yanyi. As of right now, she is wearing a white base outfit with a dark blue vest alongside some gold accessories to her outfits.
Only those who are dumb wouldn't know the color of Volenix Imperial Family. The ambassador of Anderil, Count Berlion came rushing to the entrance where many of his employee had already situated themselves. Along the side of the car from front to the back are literally military members of the Ryuichi family. They had been tasked to be the protector of Yanyi and her envoy.
Now, it might be more reasonable to have Kazuto accompanying her, but recounting that he is the heir of Ryuichi family, the people of the embassy would have thought that the state family had caught onto their major scheme. Though Luyao is the Inspector of Kinsel as a whole, he still pertains the identity of the disciple of Ryuichi. Thus, him being here doesn't necessarily mean that something has been known but rather as a mean of trust and protection.
Oh! And talking about this case, he had made a wide declaration of order for all children to be escorted back home from school. Thus resulting in a reduction of kidnapping cases. Which allows him to be here in the first place.
"H-Hahahaha. Young Marquess Xue, I didn't expect you to come here today. What may I help you with." The Count tries to seek any intention from the woman. Unfortunately, she had been raised by the Justic Ripper himself. She knew when to not trust people. She swat her hand to shut him up and he did. Reluctantly that is.
Yanyi — "Count Berlion, the ambassador of Anderil. You know who I am, correct?"
C. Berlion — "O-Of course! Who wouldn't know you, Young Marquess Xue! I mean you are the protector of the people. The Holy Maiden of Volenix herself."
Yanyi — "And do you know that I need no reason to make a visit to any place I wish to, correct?"
C. Berlion — "Yes, Yes! Everyone know that whatever the Holy Pair wishes will be granted."
Yanyi — "Thus, I need no reason to came to your embassy unannounced. Or... are you perhaps wishing that we have a problem here?"
Count Berlion quickly shake his head with his tail between his leg. He bow down to Yanyi before proceeding to guide her and her men to the inside. The Count tries to lighten the mood with a couple of small talk, but it was all answered not by Yanyi but by either Luyao or Jerad in a short answer. Literally a 'yes' or 'no' response.
Soon they make their way to the main office where Yanyi was seated in respect. "I'm quite famish as of now. Would there be anything good to eat while we talk?" She ask with a cold glare and a rather bratty attitude. Count Berlion bow again and rush outside to tell his worker to prepare some sweets for the Young Maiden.
Once the snack came and place on the coffee table, Luyao instructed one of his men to take one bite and share it between two other. They did and all seem normal without any side effect. Seeing nothing wrong with the guards, Yanyi proceed to take one into her hand before hearing these.
*cough cough*
*bluergh*
*grrrrr*
All of the men that had eaten the sweets are now in pain and had even start throwing up tiny amount of blood in their palm. Reacting quickly, Luyao slap the sweets away from Yanyi and glare towards Count Berlion in fury. Not only his men are now being poison but the fact that he had attempted to give these sweets to Yanyi says that he may as well do it intentionally.
Seeing the glare and the situation, he quickly stood up with his two men and bring the sick person out of the room to see the infirmary. The silence permits the room before Jerad announce. "He's away. We're safe, for now." They all heave a sigh of relief but not for long.
"Everyone, start looking through each corner of the room for anything suspicious. You are all military trained guards and I believe that no evidence shall be left behind." Jerad command before receiving a quick salute from the soldiers. Which mind you, is not even under his command in the first place. Regardless, as long as they don't cause trouble then what is there to worry.
With so many people searching one single room, you are bound to find something very quickly which is what had happened. One of the guards found something hidden between the crevasses of books on the shelves. He gave the documents to Luyao which he open at the main table with Yanyi by his side. The evidence inside is prove that at the very least, Count Berlion had an involvement in the restraining of Volenix civilians.
To further tell you, the documents essentially show the list of people that had been restrained near the Anderil-Volenix boarder. It shows their connection to someone who they both presume to be the legal guardian of these civilians or someone that are important to them. One of the names belong to the owner of the candy store that they had raided a few days ago. Many more name came out from the documents. The length of this paper is truly unbelievable.
What even more disturbing is their current location. The documents also hold a tiny map of Anderil lo and behold they stick the map and the journal paper found in the documents side by side. All of the people of Volenix that is being held from entering the boarder is currently being held in a concentration village. This concentration village is located in the middle of the forest with the only source of water 25 km away. This shows that they are not only being detained but also being treated like a vile animals.
The maiden knuckles turn pale white from clenching her fist and was about to storm out if it wasn't for Jerad's call. He had been rummaging neatly on the head ambassador desk where he located a secret compartment inside one of the drawer hidden upside down. "My Lady, I believe this is far more useful in your investigation." He place the secret file on the coffee table before leaving to guard the door.
Luyao open the file and lo and behold, they had found a major clue for their cause. Written inside is all the involved people in the serial kidnapping and had even written down the name of the vile human being from Dunisia. Not only that, it even shows the legit receipt of illegal transaction of passageway between Dunisia and Anderilto enter Volenix undetected. Whether this is something even bigger in the political world, she can't discern yet. But, it will surely put a strain to the current relationship.
"Luyao, you take a picture of that list. I'll take the picture of this one. The rest of you, be in your previous position and be on guard." All the guards immediately followed her orders and place themselves back to their previous place. Only after they did place themselves back did they wonder why are they following the lady of the rival house instead of the disciple of their master?
Soon enough, Count Berlion came back with a piece of cloth to wipe away the sweat from running everywhere.
C. Berlion — "Forgive me for my late return. I am deeply asking for forgiveness for the recent incident. It had turn out that there are nuts and blueberries inside of the sweets just now which the two guards are deathly allergic to."
Yanyi — "Understood. However, as to avoid anymore unwanted incident, I have to politely decline the treat that you had graciously prepared."
C. Berlion — "I understand it very well. Umm back to the topic before hand, may I know the reason if your arrival to the embassy, Lady Xue?"
Yanyi — "I am here on a rather personal agenda and something that could possibly turn to be much more public that you would've like. It is about the compensation that your kingdom had agreed upon to pay every 5 years. The Volenix empire had already paid our fair of shares as has been stated in the peace treaty. But you have yet to make any payments. May I know when the payment can be made?"
C. Berlion — "I will make sure that the payment be made in this month as well, my lady. I was just curious what had you wanted the money for?"
"My role is to provide safety for the people of Volenix. Surely, you would've understand from that statement alone, right?" Count Berlion swallow his saliva and nodded. The rest are just small discussion about uninteresting topic. Yanyi only intend to stay there less than 1 one anyway. Just as the time went away, they had already prepared to go back to the station.
.
.
.
Irene and Kazuto had been waiting for them for the whole day and when they return to the station both went to get the information. Jerad said his farewell and leave for his home. Yanyi and Luyao recall everything that has transpired in their visit and the evidence they had taken from the camera to them. Irene volunteer to print out these photo at the news station but was soon interjected by Kazuto. "This is currently under the affair of High Noble Council. I fear that by printing it out in the news station would unintentionally exposed unwanted information to the public. I'll go and print these out at my father's office. Irene you can come and help to program it."
As the plan had taken a whole day, they decided to rest for today and wait for tomorrow big plan before embarking on a life-saving journey.
.
.
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*The Next Day*
Yanyi came to the station quite early in the morning and they bypass Jerad who is on his way to his own shop. "Uncle Jerad, I have a yet another request to ask of you. If you could make your way to the station at around 3 in the afternoon that would be very helpful." Jerad had no idea what his former employer's daughter had in mind. Regardless, he had no sense to disagree with her and reply with a simple and clear, "Sure."
Irene and Kazuto is currently away to print out the documents before sending it back. Luyao is currently handling the current file of black mail cases from these current case to be brought over to the court. Yanyi enter the office and hand hang her vest. Walking over to Luyao's desk, she take a pen from his stationary pile and walk over to the map. She starts to draw back all the symbols location and pinpoint them perfectly. The general area is not what she wants but rather the surrounding area is her main point.
"What are you doing?" Luyao ask before putting one of the finished file to the side. Yanyi tapped the pen to her chin before drawing lines over certain part of the map. Silence permits the room before Luyao faked cough for her attention. She answer his unwavering question with, "I am searching for the route they used in going in and out to transport the children. As well as the route they take to get to Anderil's boarder."
Luyao — "Can't they use all area? They can traversed easily once they are in Volenix soul in the mountain."
Yanyi — "Not really. Remember, they have children at their side and multiple of them at that. If they wish to not damage the "goods"... geez... they would be forced to take a more calmer route. A passage that allow for even children to walk without sustaining serious injuries."
Luyao — "Well, have you found them?"
Yanyi — "Somewhat. The most safe route from the mountain to the cities are through the road to the military camp. Apparently there are an old pathway that is used for military training decades ago but it was forgotten and left behind. The long time used of this passage would create marks of smooth land that allows for easy traverse."
Luyao — "The military camp road is not a road that is pass by many area. Only military vehicle use that road in regular basis. Though having their base operation near a military zone is dangerous, the camp won't suspect a thing when the area are not even walked by normal human being."
Yanyi — "Making them having less witnesses which makes it easier for operation."
"But what about that route to Anderil's boarder?" Yanyi pulls out the boarded map to Luyao and pin point the possible smuggling route for Anderil into Volenix. "Though Anderil's embassy might have a way with this, I don't necessarily think that the Kingdom itself has something to do with it. Being friendly with Dunisia means the total annihilation of said kingdom. Thus, I believe that they came in through a secret smuggling route." She smack her pen at the boarder between Anderil and Volenix. Sternly with confidence she proclaim. "This is closest smuggling route into Volenix."
Luyao stayed silent while she keeps on rambling to herself but he soon came out with one question that somehow stun the girl silent. "How do you know Anderil's smuggling route?" Her eyes blink for a couple of minutes where they kept on staring at each other. Luyao starts to glare through her skull which brings her to semi-bathe in sweat. "We-Well... I did go to the smuggling route of each neighboring kingdom when I was visiting them in the Academy...?"
"And you did not think of reporting such thing to the High Noble?" She stayed silent and take the board away and sitting her butt down on the couch in the sitting area. Luyao want to keep on reprimanding her for her past action but what can he do to change it. Time can't be reversed back. What had been done has been set in stone. Thus, while Yanyi wait for the printed documents, Luyao keep on working on the black mail files.
Soon enough, the rest of the group came back from their initial task. The son of the Head State are livid in anger. Irene explain how they had read the documents after printing them and his face stayed in such way ever since. Immediately, the boy march his way to Luyao's table and slam the desk with both hands, staring him straight in the eyes. "I want to arrest him!"
Luyao stray his view from the papers before giving a nod to Kazuto. "For this case, Yanyi, Uncle Jerad and I will be on field and you both will stay here for any situation that occurs." Agreeing to such plan, preparation for the journey and operation is set in bound. By tomorrow they will set off to the military camp for the next step.
.
.
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*The Next Day*
At around 3 in the afternoon, Yanyi's team reach the designated military camp that is station in a small village where not many people lived. By far, only the immediate family members of soldiers are residing there while their partner went away to work for the empire. Their convoy was welcomed with open arms with many guards giving out salute.
Stopping at the station headquarters, Yanyi, Luyao and Jerad all came out with their own official military uniforms. Well for Luyao and Jerad. Yanyi on the other hand is currently wearing the Young Marquess official attire. She had been told that within every resident of a High Noble, official outfits will be place in case of emergencies protocol. A few people, men and women who seems to be in between their late 30s and 50s line up outside of the headquarters. Hands on their forehead while their chest pumped out. "Greetings, Sir!" They all shout in unison.
"Greetings." Luyao said with a cold gaze. It's not considered rude as it was something quite common in the military camp. He then turned to the oldest looking man in the group and proceeded to to ask, "Where is Lieutenant General Xing?"
"Lieutenant General Xing is heading our way, sire. The Lieutenant was checking up on the situation with the West state."
"General Chen." The title called almost make Yanyi turn to bug-eyed. She turn to the voice and found a young man in his late 30s with a long jet-black hair. The amount of badge on his shoulder is enough for Yanyi to know who this is. This is the person that Luyao had just asked for just now. Lieutenant General Xing. "Lieutenant, I was hoping to see you first here."
L.G. Xing — "Forgive me. I had just received an emergency call from the main house about my daughter. My partner is currently handling her." *looks over to Yanyi* "Might I asked who this is, General Chen?"
Luyao (G.Chen) — "Ah, I introduce to you, Yanyi. Xue Licia Yanyi."
Yanyi — "Greetings, Lieutenant Xing."
L.G. Xing — "Ah~ Young Marquess Xue. May I ask why are you here."
Luyao — "She-!"
"I am here NOT, as the heir to the Xue family. I am here... on behalf of my official title." Everyone around were taken a back to her statement. Instantaneously, all of their facial expression changed to be like a cold-raging water. No shine within their eyes and only filled with vengeance. "Now, forgive me for being rude. When is the discussion session is going to be held?"
"Tonight. After your excellency and the others had settled in and rest we shall start with the discussion." "Scratch the resting part. The social safety is on the line. Every members of the highest military order, go into the headquarters for discussion. I am not letting go of one loss thread!" No one dared to stay longer in the position and all of them starts to enter the tent one by one. Albeit the one commanding is half younger than them, they all are ought to abide by her wishes as the maiden title. Even when compared to Luyao, who she had just learn to be the General of the Ryuichi military, are in no compare to her.
Speaking of the General, he was the last one to enter as he start to stare at the girl that had taken over the whole military based. Looking down into his palms, various thought start to stir around his mind. Regardless, he has a duty to fulfill. This dilemma can be settled with later. They both really need to have a discussion.
Upon entering the tent, Luyao recollect everything that had happened up until their untimely arrival to the military camp. Each member inside the camp are left with nothing across their tongue. Disgust and fury color their faces. Little by little as time continue to pass some had even expressed their rage in words. "Let's not get the emotional part into our work just yet. I will disclose on the location of the base and I would appreciate it if each member here gave their own insight in what shall be take into consideration."
With that out of the way the next 1 hour and a half proceed to them talking about all the possible circumstances that should be taken into consideration. From how to travers the path all the way to the amount of supplies they currently hold for social safety. Yanyi didn't speak a single word and left the talking to Jerad and Luyao. Speaking of which, he cast his eyes to where the blue locks were and she was immersed with the notebook in front of her. He tried to read the writing yet he failed and not because he has terrible eyesight. But because there's nothing written inside. Just some scribble from corner to corner of the pages.
"I believe that is all there is to say, Your excellency." Lieutenant General Xing said once the final member give his insight. Yanyi closes the notebook and give a bow to show her appreciation to everyone's contribution. "Tonight, we will have another discussion after I cover up possible plans. Tomorrow morning, I want every single militants from group Delta to Lion be informed of the situation and for preparation to be made. Supply check and set up will also be conducted tomorrow. The day after tomorrow, the operation will take place. I hope that everyone will give their utmost in this operation." She gives a salute before leaving the tent.
Luyao expect to stayed inside but Jerad touch his biceps with his elbow and gesture to the tent's door. "Follow her and let everything out. Her excellency won't be upset with revelation but would be if something is kept from her." Loyal had no clue what he is implying but give a shot as he said and followed Yanyi out.
They both entered the supposed resting tent for Yanyi and Chief Inspector watch as she start to write all the possible plan she could conjure up. The interior of the tent is nothing but silence with a little bit of mumbling coming from Yanyi speaking her mind out. "What do you think?" Is all he heard and before snapping himself back to reality.
"About what?" Instead of following the answer, Yanyi stayed silent and watch the man that has been standing behind her. Slowly she let down the marker and step closer to him. "What's the matter? You don't seem like your normal self." The man purse his lips together, feeling embarrassed about his honest respond. "Luyao~ Can you hear me~?" Her persuading voice conquer his reasons and he said.
Luyao — "I just don't feel like I have been of any help at all. All of the things that we have right now are all because of you. I was supposed to be the Inspector and the General... yet here I am... Ranting my insecurity to you... Just forget about everything I just said."
Yanyi — "So you tell me if I get this wrong. You are blaming yourself for "not helping" in the case whereby you plan on doing on your own. Where by had collected all the victims' data and had done the sifting for about 70% of them. You blame yourself that you haven't been much of help when you had been the one to notice the error in our direction point. When you are the one who chase the culprit and bring out the evidence to our table. You blame yourself when you practically told me about all the social status and work and terrain on Kinsel making the job easier for us. Not only that you also blame yourself for helping and finding a diffinitive prove of wrongdoing in the ambassador's office? Did I get that right?"
Luyao was left speechless. He wanted to budge in and start saying all the things that Yanyi had done which makes the case go to a clearer path but her talking is so quick that he didn't get the chance to say anything. Yanyi moves even closer to him and cup his face between her palms. Looking deep into his eyes she said the following.
"YOU have done more than I have to get this case on the right track. Sure I may have my title and power, but none of those ever come to use if it weren't for your help. Please, NEVER look down upon yourself. Uncle Ryu put you in charge for a reason and if I have anything to say about his judgement. It has rarely been wrong."
Luyao — "Really?" *smirks playfully*
Yanyi — "Yup! And I mean really really rarely."
Nothing is said between them for a while. Yanyi's warm touch to his cheeks has make him unconciously stare into those silver eyes more. The amount of care within is equivalent to her title as the "Maiden" No wonder many lads fall for her charms. He was about to reach and touch those hands when Yanyi blink herself to reality and take away her hands.
"Well then, let us discuss more about our trap and preparation, okay?" Luyao nodded and stood beside her in front of the whiteboard. Essentially what they are planning is to cut off any possible escape route, especially towards the forbidden country. They gather out some supplies and see what can be used for traps and boarder.
The more he observe her, the more he felt a warm sensation inside. He may not know how to describe these phenomenon but he knew that he didn't despise it. They further discuss how they can use the steel iron wire to close off the other area apart from the entrance to the facility. "They are agile and slick when I chase after them. Instead of running on the ground if they felt it is necessary, they would use the air way no doubt."
"Awesome! Now that we have a gist of how the plan would be, let's unpack and present everything during dinner." Before she could get out of the tent to grab her stuff Luyao take wrist and twist her to face him. Her waist are now within Luyao's arm and secure it slightly. Confuse as to why he acted out of nowhere, she asked. "What's the matter?"
"You just sit in the tent during dinner time. I'll tell the rest of the high operator about it. And your dinner will be serve inside this tent." Whining she pout her lips in protest to the proposal. She hadn't really seen the troops of other state much and would love to have a casual conversation with them just like the Xue's militants. "Why can't I? I want to meet with them."
Luyao — "You may be the "Maiden", but I am still the General. What I say in this area stood firm. If I say that you won't eat with them, you won't. Understood?"
Yanyi — "So I'm going to eat here alone then? Wow~ so much fun, General Chen..."
Luyao — "You won't eat alone. I'll accompany you. They can be... more than friendly rowdy at some moment. It's good that you use your "Maiden" persona back when we arrived. But your true persona won't survive here. For your own sake, I am restricting your dinner to this tent."
"...Fine..." He let go of her and pats her head like a parent would do to a child. He then take his leave and went to his own tent to unpack. Unexpectedly a visitor came through his tent. "So~ how was your conversation with Yanyi?" Jerad is leaning against the tent door frame while playing around with a bottle cap he must have found on the floor.
"Much more delightful and reassuring than expected. Why would you tell me to talk to her anyway?" The old man shrugged his shoulder and say with a playful smirk, "Just want her to find someone formidable." He throw the bottle cap to his direction where he catches the said item and look at it while the old man walk away. "Formidable? You become a cupid I see..."
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