Chapter 196: Assassination

“We need your help, Tagraedi.”

Wu Qingsong looked at Xeila. He saw a strange flame-like desire burning in her eyes.

“Our target is Baron Albert Nicholas. He is a staunch ally of Grand Duke Yagata and one of the most vehement conservative nobles accusing Sentalus of espionage and violating Yagata’s sovereignty. If he dies now, the situation will descend into utter chaos,” Dark Moon said. “But elves rarely leave Padamia. Even when they do, it’s hard for us to know their whereabouts, and we have no chance of entering Padamia.”

“So…” Wu Qingsong said.

“So, we must take advantage of your ennoblement ceremony, Tagraedi. This is the only opportunity to intensify the conflict within the upper echelons of the empire, weaken their power, and possibly plunge them into internal strife. If we miss this chance, who knows when the next one will come.”

Ram held Wu Qingsong’s hand tightly, but it was clear she didn’t oppose Dark Moon’s proposal.

“What is the specific plan?” Wu Qingsong asked.

“Most of the work will be done by Twilight Moon,” Dark Moon replied. “You just need to cover for her and take her with you to Padamia for your ennoblement. According to custom, you will have the chance to dine with Marquis Riniconia and stay overnight. At sunrise the next morning, the ennoblement ceremony will take place in the Riniconia family’s guardian temple. Twilight Moon will use that night to kill Baron Nicholas.”

“If everything goes smoothly, his body will be discovered only after you’ve left,” Red Moon continued. “No one will suspect that you had anything to do with it because the Marquis Riniconia is considered part of the laissez-faire faction, staying neutral in this conflict. As his vassal, you have even less reason to be involved in the disputes between the reformists and conservatives. This way, only elves and a few half-elves can enter Padamia. The suspicion for the murder will fall solely on the reformists. Their internal conflict will explode, potentially leading to turmoil within the Elven Empire and weakening their power. Lord Tagraedi, this will be the first and most crucial step in realizing our goals. We are counting on you.”

As she spoke, she kept her eyes fixed on Wu Qingsong, which made him feel a bit uneasy. However, Ram’s emotions were clearly stirred. She clutched his arm tightly, almost unable to speak.

“Ram?” Wu Qingsong said, puzzled.

Red Moon’s expression briefly showed surprise, but she quickly stepped back to stand beside Dark Moon.

“Lord Tagraedi?” Dark Moon asked.

“Wu, you must agree. Please,” Ram said, her excitement evident. “They are right! This might be our only chance!”

“If Twilight Moon can handle it, then I have no objections,” Wu Qingsong replied, noticing her strange mood but agreeing nonetheless.

“Then it’s settled.” Dark Moon smiled. “Red Moon, bring out that bottle of wine I’ve been saving. Let’s toast to our success!”

***

With Dark Moon’s help, Wu Qingsong quickly reached an agreement with the stewards at the Marquis of Riniconia’s residence. The ennoblement date was finally set. It was said that the Marquis of Riniconia was very interested in him and eager to have a good chat to see what kind of talent Osaga had recommended.

Several stewards instructed him on the etiquette of meeting the marquis, how to answer his questions, and the procedures of the ennoblement ceremony. They even had his ceremonial robes custom-made. Naturally, at his own expense and at a price twice the market rate.

It was also during this time that Wu Qingsong learned under what pretense Xeila would accompany him to Padamia.

“From now on, you must remember the information on this document. Her name is Cecilia, and she is your new wife.”

“This?” Wu Qingsong was stunned.

“Only this identity will allow her to legally accompany you into Padamia,” Red Moon explained.

For some reason, Wu Qingsong felt her attitude towards him was slightly odd as if she were secretly observing him but also somewhat avoiding him.

“But…” Wu Qingsong was considering Ram’s feelings.

“It’s just a pretense… it’s fine,” Ram said, surprising him with her acceptance.

He wondered how they had managed to convince her.

“How did you two meet?” Red Moon asked.

“It was a chance encounter during a journey. In Thebes,” Wu Qingsong replied, sticking to the information on the document. “A group of bandits attacked Cecilia’s caravan. I happened to be passing by and rescued her and her subordinates.”

Dark Moon had prepared Xeila’s background based on a half-elf girl who had died in a bandit attack over two years ago. Some details on the document didn’t match Xeila’s features, but there were few half-elf women with desert cat blood, and even fewer available for their use.

Fortunately, they only needed to provide plausible answers to possible dinner table conversations. Marquis Riniconia was unlikely to remember these details and send someone to verify them afterward.

“You two need to act more naturally,” Red Moon instructed. “You should interact more—exchange glances, smile at each other, gaze into each other’s eyes, or lightly hold hands. You are supposed to be newlyweds, so you should look more affectionate.”

This requirement made Wu Qingsong a bit uncomfortable.

Xeila still wore a veil, covering her face tightly so that only her eyes were visible to others.

But Wu Qingsong was well aware of the face behind that veil.

Even after so much time had passed, he could still recall that fleeting glimpse and that invisible, unguarded, gentle kiss.

How could he possibly act naturally?

This was still with Ram, Ling, and Liuli not around. Otherwise, he wouldn’t even know where to put his hands.

Red Moon continued to ask questions that the Marquis Riniconia might ask, but Wu Qingsong’s performance was subpar.

“I’ll handle this part. You just focus on the questions about the territory,” Xeila suddenly said.

“This… this works too,” Red Moon hesitated slightly. “Then, Lord Tagraedi, just act more reserved and taciturn about feelings. There are many people like that, and it should pass.”

“Alright, let’s do it that way,” Wu Qingsong said, looking at Xeila. Her eyes held too many complex emotions, making him unsure how to respond.

Time passed by in tense preparation, and finally, the day of the ennoblement ceremony arrived. They boarded the carriage from Marquis Riniconia’s manor, heading towards the teleportation array leading to Padamia.