Polymath Redux

Chapter 47: In preparation for an unimaginable gambit

The prince had temporarily forgotten that Petra was there and continued a frustrated monologue. After searching within her memories there was something that came to her attention, and finding the courage to interject at a cranky prince Petra spoke.

"Then... if we're going to go on the offensive should I call for backup from HQ?"

"No, this is issue needs to be solved within the country. If people from the outside keep coming in that in itself would be suspicious. Wait... speaking of people from the outside, didn't Morgana Daltress use the same announcement method as Phantom did just now?"

"By announcement method you mean that city-wide broadcast? I suppose that is something that we've never seen before so perhaps it implies some kind of connection?"

"I see... so it's going to be like that, huh?"

Having recovered from his depression the prince stood back up and dusted the dirt off his clothes. With his usual demeanor he decided on his next course of action.

"Does that mean we'll be visiting the Daltress manor?"

Petra asked but the prince denied it.

"No, even if we go now she'll deny any relation. Having a similar skill set as someone else would only amount to circumstantial evidence, so we need something more solid. For now we'll secure the first hero before she does, then we'll act."

...

Darkness had beset upon the capital of the country of the sun once more and as swiftly as the nightfall, Irina had also arrived to a suspicious location behind the city as per her master's orders. Making sure that no one had followed her she entered an inconspicuous looking cabin far into the woods. Using a series of coded knocks to verify her identity and followed by her master's voice telling her to 'come in' she entered without hesitation.

Upon entrance to the small cabin lit only with small magic stones her master's figure came into its full majestic view. The person she had not seen for a few days due to their complex schedule. He wore a strange white mask to cover his identity but she knew it was still her master.

"I have arrived, my master."

"Did you make sure that no one was following you?"

He asked in a low voice, though Irina felt that it was a little odd as to why he was being so cautious when he had access to the [intuition] skill that detects nearby enemies. Nonetheless she gave a positive nod.

"Yes, not even the local wildlife would know that I'm here."

"Good, then your orders are simple. You are to cease all activities within the city and guard this package at all costs. Make sure no one even learns of this location much less the package itself, not even Morgana. Though due to the location of this place and that I've casted [perpetual stealth] on this location it shouldn't be discovered, but on the off chance it does you are to silence them using any means necessary. But of course if Morgana comes to learn of it then just let her be. This package will become useful in the war so make sure nothing ever happens to it."

It was the first time Irina had seen her master so rigid like this but since it was her master there was probably some great reason for it. Irina checked up on the package and made a slightly sour face at what it was she was supposed to be protecting. It wasn't anything dirty or grotesque but on a personal level it wasn't something she wanted to stay with for extended periods of time. Alas it was her master's orders and she would do it with a smile if she was told to thus she tried to pay no more mind to it than necessary.

"I understand. I will not fail you, my master."

Mordred nodded in approval of her compliant nature.