Second Arc (His Art of War) – 4. Another Dark Agents Report

The morning sun shining brightly above the Luminus City sky shone through the window of the White Moon Castle's study room. Angel stood behind his desk, while Frost and Flare stood before him.

"After we pass through the Dead Forest and arrive at Southpoint Town, we will divide into two groups. Flare will lead the Black Wings Army to attack the town as a diversion. Frost and I will take the forest route and head straight to Everlasting Green Hills near Eternal Harmony City, " he said as he swept his index finger on the map above his desk.

He turned his gaze to them.
"I also will order Gale and Gaia to attack their borders before we arrive to split their troops' concentration," he added.

"Your Majesty, why are we going through the Dead Forest? Isn't that place dangerous?" asked Flare.

"That forest was never guarded by Asteria. We can enter their territory without being found out and I know how to pass through it safely, " he explained. Then he turned his gaze to Frost.
"Is there any news from Dark Agents ?" he asked.

"According to their report, Asteria has not made any further moves. Dark Agents has also investigated the castle but there is no news or rumours regarding the agreement between Asteria and Zephyrus. Even no one knows about their attacks on us," said Frost.

He was silent as he deep in thought.
'This is strange... Even though they attacked without a declaration of war. Some people from the castle should have known about this. But they covered it up even with those closest to them. I also found nothing in General Helias's memory about their agreement.'

"I also got other news. Although this news seems to have nothing to do with war. But, it's quite interesting," added Frost.

"Continue," he demanded.

"According to rumours in Eternal Harmony City, Princess of Asteria's relationship with her father and brother has deteriorated over the past five years. She often locked herself in her room."

He furrowed his brows.
"Do you know the reason?"

Frost took a deep breath before continuing to speak.
"They said this has something to do with the second prince of Asteria's death."

Angel was surprised when he heard it but he still maintained his composure.
'Ophelia... They are your family, but I'm only a traitor. You shouldn't break your relationship with your family because of me.'
"Is there any other news?" he added swiftly as if he did not care about the news.

"According to our Dark Agents report in Zephyrus. A few weeks before Pearl Gate City’s incident, a rebellion broke out in Zephyrus. The rebels managed to capture one of their towns, King Eudon's trusted General and Princess of Zephyrus worked together to settle it. But strangely, amid their battle, everyone saw Asteria's Fireworks Signal. "

Angel tilted his head slightly and frowned once more.
"They sent a princess to the battlefield? Did I misheard you?" he asked in confusion.

"Zephyrus only has a princess as the royal heir. I heard this princess behaves more like a prince than a princess," answered Frost.

'Interesting ... A princess who behaves like a prince and Asteria's Fireworks Signal in the middle of the battle. This must be related to the agreement between Asteria and Zephyrus.'
"Investigate this incident in more detail, also investigate more about that princess," he ordered.

"Yes, Your Majesty, " said Frost.

Shortly a knock from the window came.

- Tuk - Tuk - Tuk

A green magpie bird was knocking on the windows. Flare approached it and opened it. The bird flew into the room, Angel extended his hand as a place where the bird could land. As soon as the bird landed on his hand, it turned into a green light, then shattered into pieces, a message came into his head.
'I did it! I destroyed all the poisons. Don't forget your promise. '

A smile began to appear on his lips.
"Gale managed to destroy the poison. We can make our move now."

But suddenly a scene from General Helias' memory about a secret conversation between Ilex and King Gervis crossed his head.
'Wait ... I can't act rashly. There is something they cover up that even General Helias doesn't know about it. I need to look for more information.'
Then he turned his gaze to Frost and Flare.
"I will entrust both of you to lead the troops. I will catch up with you later."

"Yes, Your Majesty, " they answered.