Rosie's Games

"Miss Lin, you are finally back!" Mr. Pratt exclaimed as Rosalind entered the room, her body pulsating with the adrenaline of her recent accomplishments. She had executed every task meticulously, leaving no room for failure, all in the name of ensuring the Duke of Duance's triumph.

Rosalind arched an elegant eyebrow, sensing an air of urgency in Mr. Pratt's voice. Earlier, he had made it clear that the black market avoided meddling in political affairs, especially those concerning the Empire or the influential seven families. Disappointment briefly washed over her, but then she realized that this strict principle was the very reason their merchant company had thrived in her past life. Interference would have spelled their downfall.

And yet, here she stood, ready to take action.

"What's the matter?" she inquired, her voice laced with curiosity and a hint of suspicion. Had she missed something important? Did the merchant company change its stance after all?

Mr. Pratt nodded, his face etched with concern, and motioned for her to follow him to his private study. As they entered the room, Rosalind's eyes widened at the unexpected presence of Mr. Montgomery, Mr. Pratt's father-in-law and the esteemed leader of a renowned mercenary company. It had been months since she last saw the aging man.

"Miss Lin, it is a pleasure to see you," Mr. Montgomery greeted her with forced cheerfulness, though unease lingered in his gaze. The tension in the room was palpable, setting Rosalind on edge.

Returning the smile, Rosalind replied cautiously, "Mr. Montgomery, you seem well... But forgive me, I sense something amiss. I hope all has been well for you as well."

Mr. Montgomery let out a hollow laugh, the sound echoing with underlying apprehension. "Ahaha... I can only hope that your endeavors have fared better than mine," he responded cryptically, a tremor in his voice betraying the weight of his unspoken words.

Rosalind's smile tightened, her lips pressed together, but she remained silent, observing the scene unfolding before her. Mr. Pratt, his hands trembling ever so slightly, began to brew tea for everyone, a task he usually left to the servants. The gesture struck Rosalind as odd, and a faint frown creased her brow.

The room grew stiflingly quiet, the weight of unspoken words hanging heavy in the air. The silence was suffocating, suffusing the atmosphere with an eerie tension that made Rosalind's pulse quicken.

"Ehem..." Mr. Montgomery cleared his throat, breaking the oppressive silence. "I've heard about what Miss Lin requested from the merchant company."

Rosalind raised an eyebrow, intrigued by Mr. Montgomery's unexpected interjection. "Oh? Pray, do tell," she replied, her voice tinged with curiosity.

"The merchant organization has strict rules when it comes to meddling in political matters," Mr. Montgomery continued. "But that doesn't mean they are completely impotent. In certain cases, they can call upon a trusted mercenary company to handle the task at hand."

"So, Mr. Pratt reached out to you," Rosalind murmured, taken aback by this revelation. She had anticipated that Mr. Pratt would simply dismiss her request, deeming it beyond the company's scope.

"This foolish son-in-law of mine was a bit slow on the uptake. By the time I received the message, Miss Lin had already departed from the black market," Mr. Montgomery confessed with a touch of regret. "I hurried here with the intention of taking on the job that Miss Lin desired. I heard the rewards were quite generous," he added, a wry smile playing on his lips.

Rosalind couldn't help but chuckle inwardly at Mr. Montgomery's words. First, it was the four great families who stood next to her in the north, and now both Mr. Pratt and Mr. Montgomery were stepping forward to support her. She understood that this was a delicate give-and-take situation, but in her past life, she had never experienced such unwavering loyalty, especially in the face of impending danger.

And she found herself reveling in the feeling.

The room, once heavy with unspoken tension, now hummed with a renewed energy.

"I believe Mr. Pratt has already filled you in on my request," Rosalind stated, her gaze fixed on Mr. Montgomery, who nodded in acknowledgment. Her voice carried an unwavering determination as she continued, "So, let's not waste time with pleasantries. The task I've asked for assistance with is indeed intertwined with politics, and danger will undoubtedly be a constant companion."

Shifting her attention to Mr. Pratt, Rosalind offered a genuine smile. "I understand why you were initially hesitant to aid me. The risks involved outweigh the potential gains," she admitted, her voice tinged with empathy. If word got out that the merchant company had lent its support to the Duke of Duance, rival empires could apply immense pressure on the company's other branches, jeopardizing their entire operation. It was a dangerous game, one that could have dire consequences for their business ventures.

"In terms of pure business perspective, Pratt is absolutely right," Mr. Montgomery interjected, shaking his head in agreement. "However, we cannot overlook the fact that Miss Lin has been a savior to us in the past. She played a crucial role in saving my granddaughter's life. I made a promise to her, a vow to be at her beck and call," he declared, his voice brimming with unwavering loyalty. "Politics may be treacherous, especially in these turbulent times on the continent, but I've weathered countless life-and-death situations. Do you truly believe that a mere hint of scheming can frighten this old man to death?"

Rosalind's smile radiated with gratitude as she addressed Mr. Montgomery. "Allow me to express my deepest gratitude, Mr. Montgomery, for your unwavering support. But before we delve into further details, I must clarify that my current endeavor is not yet complete, despite having taken care of certain aspects."

Confusion etched across Mr. Montgomery's face as he blinked, struggling to grasp Rosalind's words. "What exactly do you mean, Miss Lin?" he inquired, his voice tinged with bewilderment.

With unyielding confidence, Rosalind explained, "I have set the foundation, but success is still a distant goal. What I aim to achieve requires us to aid the Duke of Duance in claiming the throne." Her smile widened as she seized the opportunity that Mr. Montgomery's offer presented. The old man's vast network of connections and his reliable group of individuals would undoubtedly bolster her efforts.

Having unveiled her plan, Rosalind instructed both men to maintain a low profile for the time being, emphasizing the need for meticulous preparations. They would aid the Duke of Duance discreetly, without his knowledge. Furthermore, she handed them a meticulously drawn design of a distinct uniform.

A smile played upon Mr. Montgomery's lips as he examined the drawing. "Isn't this..." he began, his eyes glimmering with recognition, "the uniform of the elite fighters from the renowned IronSoul Mercenary Group?"

Mr. Pratt chimed in, curiosity piqued. "You've encountered them before?"

Mr. Montgomery nodded, his expression filled with admiration. "IronSoul is undoubtedly one of the most formidable mercenary groups, known for undertaking perilous missions. Miss Lin... This choice carries great significance, and while I hesitate to ask further questions, I trust that you understand the implications."

Rosalind returned their gazes with a serene smile, her eyes shining with determination. She nodded affirmatively. Indeed, she comprehended the weight of her decisions. How does one ignite chaos within the very core of the seven families? The answer was deceptively simple—by fracturing them from within.

For years, the seven families had remained locked in a stalemate, their ambitions shackled by the fear of defeat. Rosalind had observed their stagnant state, the lack of action stifling any potential progress. It was time to shake them from their complacency and force their hands, instigating a cascade of events that would set the wheels of change in motion.

In her past life, Rosalind had inadvertently stumbled upon the Iron Soul Mercenary Group when she interacted with the Fleur Family. It was during a time when war ravaged the lands, and the Fleur Family had thrown their support behind the renowned mercenaries. The Iron Souls had gained a formidable reputation, not just for considering themselves an elite force, but also for their prowess in executing highly dangerous missions.

Their expertise in the art of assassination was legendary. They had honed their skills to perfection, leaving no trace behind. The mere mention of their name sent shivers down the spines of royal and noble families, for they knew that crossing paths with the Iron Souls was an invitation to a swift, silent demise.

When news of the Fleur Family's clandestine support for the Iron Souls reached the ears of the other royal families, their wariness intensified. It ignited a firestorm of suspicion and hostility, causing many factions to turn against the Sloryn Empire, to which the Fleur Family belonged. The revelation became a catalyst for chaos, and the empire teetered on the precipice of collapse.

In the aftermath of this incident, Empress Dorothy recognized the need for a thorough investigation into the possible connections between mercenary companies and other influential families. With her keen intuition, she entrusted Rosalind with this crucial task. And so, armed with her past knowledge and experience, Rosalind seized the opportunity to fulfill her goals.

Mathies, who had maintained a quiet demeanor until now, broke the silence. "Miss Lin," he began, his voice tinged with curiosity, "in the past, you made it clear that you did not wish to involve yourself in matters concerning the empire. May I inquire as to why you have chosen to step forward now?"

Rosalind's smile deepened, holding within it a secret knowledge of the change that had transpired within her. "Things have indeed changed," she responded cryptically, her voice filled with unwavering determination.