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[h2][color=#B22222]Part 4[/color][/h2][/center]
[color=#B22222]Time:[/color] Later on... 10pm 
[color=#B22222]Location:[/color] Meeting room in a mansion in unknown location in woods
[color=#B22222]Mention:[/color] [@PapaOso] Cassius [@Conscripts] Dr. John [@Tae] Kalliope [@FunnyGuy] Alexander [@Potter] Olivia, Kira [@ReusableSword] Roman [@Tpartywithzombi] Violet [@Helo] Leo [@Samreaper] Kazumin [@JJ Doe] Fritz/Ryn [@Apex Sunburn] Sjan-dehk
[hr]  

Marek’s expression darkened as he leaned back in his chair, his fingers steepling thoughtfully. 

[color=#B22222]“The party last Thursday was a remarkable success,”[/color] Marek began, his tone conversational yet filled with satisfaction. [color=#B22222]“To watch the nobility—the so-called pillars of society—descend into chaos was… exquisite. “[/color] His eyes started to gleam with sadistic pleasure as he spoke, clearly reveling in the feeling for just a moment until he took a gander at those around them. Taking into account a handful who seemed confused, he elaborated with a dark chuckle, [color=#B22222]“A little entertainment was orchestrated beneath one of our warehouses, and all it took was a carriage ride from one of our magic slaves within the castle to carry even a princess and prince into our hands. How easily they fell into our trap, like moths to a flame.”[/color]

He smiled briefly before stating, [color=#B22222] “We will be hosting another eventually… When the mood strikes my fancy.”[/color]  At that moment, the doors opened, and the aroma of a delicious meal filled the air.

Servants refilled the room and placed plates before each member, revealing perfectly seared steaks, their juices glistening under the candlelight. Beside it, golden-brown potatoes, crisp on the outside yet soft and buttery within. 

[color=#B22222]“That very same night, Lady Violet Damien was nearly sent to her grave by Alden Plannington, an advisor to the King himself. Her motionless body was brought to us by Lady Lillian Damien, and for a fleeting moment, death had almost claimed her. But fate, or perhaps our intervention, saw fit to keep her in this world long enough to receive the vampiric curse. Fortunately, Alexander has volunteered to make sure she is kept controlled…”[/color] He paused, his gaze sweeping across the room. [color=#B22222]“As for the advisor, Plannington, he has been secured within our grasp, and his fate will be decided at my leisure. Going forward, Count Damien and his family shall remain in our good graces….[/color]

[color=#B22222] “Especially [i]Cassius Vael[/i]… Calbert’s bastard son has slithered back to his nest… Perhaps his reputation as the Scourge of Eisenholm rings a bell for some of you…”[/color] A ripple of recognition and unease passed through the room as Marek’s gaze swept over the table. [color=#B22222] “The Iron Wolves will undoubtedly come to reclaim their golden boy, and we must ensure that he is within our grasp before they have the chance. Fortuitously, we have an ex-Iron Wolf among us—Kira Mapenzi. Your task is to gain his trust and draw him into our fold. I trust this will be nothing more than a simple game for you. We already have our people out there watching over the Damiens, so all you have to do is put the bait on the hook…  Moving on.”[/color]

His eyes flicked to two small books on the table before him, his fingers brushing over its cover. [color=#B22222]“There are others who do not enjoy the same leniency as the Damien’s.”[/color] He lifted his gaze, [color=#B22222]“Alejandro and Felix…”[/color] 

Once Marek was certain he had their undivided attention, he slowly opened one of the books, the pages crackling softly as he began to read aloud. [color=#B22222]“Within these pages, you'll find a list of names, each accompanied by details our sources have meticulously gathered. These individuals will each receive... special events, orchestrated by your hands. You will utilize pawns and magic slaves to ensure these tasks are carried out flawlessly.”[/color] His gaze shifted to Alejandro, a dark gleam in his eyes. [color=#B22222]“You have three names to contend with, each one presenting its own set of challenges. But make no mistake—I expect nothing less than dark fates for them.”[/color]

A slow, wicked smile spread across Alejandro’s lips.

[color=#B22222]“The first target is Dr. John Williamson of the Varian Kingdom... a liability whose knowledge has become far too inconvenient…  Everything you need is detailed within these pages.”[/color] Marek’s voice was cold and precise as he continued. [color=#B22222]“The second, Kalliope Arden, a formidable woman in the King’s employ. She will not be easily subdued, so do not hesitate with resources… And lastly, Lord Roman Ravenwood—a figure of high standing. Exercise extreme caution in dealing with him.”[/color]

[color=#B22222] “Felix, this next book is for you,”[/color] Marek announced, turning his gaze to the youngest Knight, a cold smile curling on his lips. [color=#B22222] “Though you’ve earned my trust, there are still those who remain unconvinced of your capabilities. I’m giving you this task not just to prove yourself to them, but to solidify your place among us. Utilize every resource at your disposal—our swords, our pawns, our slaves… whatever it takes to instill fear and inflict torment upon the individuals listed here.”[/color]

Marek pulled the book into his grasp, flipping it open with a deliberate motion. [color=#B22222] “Your targets are Kazumin Nagasa, Lord Leo Smithwood, Count Fritz Hendrix, and finally, a woman named Olivia currently residing in the Vikena household. …Whatever you do decide, I’d like them all kept alive…”[/color]

He glanced around the room, his gaze sharp. [color=#B22222] “Everyone, those below the rank of Knight will be dismissed in ten minutes, once your meals are finished. Use this time wisely. If you have any commentary or concerns, now is the moment to voice them.”[/color]

Marciano gave a slight nod, his voice calm yet laced with dark satisfaction. [color=gray]"As always, your plans are meticulous, Marek. I look forward to seeing our enemies crumble."[/color]

Mr. Solomon's eyes glinted with cautious approval, [color=#778899]“Your plans, as always, are well crafted as Marciano stated, Marek. Yet, there are a few... nuances I would like to explore further.”[/color] His voice was steady, betraying neither doubt nor full agreement. [color=#778899]“I have some questions that I will hold until later.”[/color] 

Meanwhile, Felix leaned back with his new book, a mischievous twinkle in his eye as he tapped the book with his fingers. [color=#dda0dd]"Marek, you really shouldn’t have. It’s not even my birthday… I’m… I’m touched. "[/color] He flipped the book open, scanning the names.  Yuka, who was beside him, leaned over to peek at the book, her wild grin widening. [color=#dda0dd]"Kazumin, Leo, Fritz, and Olivia... I’ll start with a little light terror, move on to some medium-grade torment, and finish with a cherry on top of psychological scarring... You know, the classics."[/color] 

Yuka chuckled softly from beside Felix, her eyes sparkling with amusement as she jeered, [color=#ff66cc]"With names like that, it’s almost like they’re asking for it!"[/color] She twirled a lock of her hair around her finger, lowly adding to him, [color=#ff66cc]"But seriously, if you need help Fefe, you know where to find me."[/color]  

Suddenly, she sprung from her chair as something crossed her mind, [color=#ff66cc]"Oh, oh wait!”[/color] Marek glanced over at Yuka as she asked, [color=#ff66cc] “Where’s the advisor? I wanna play with him.”[/color] He had planned to ignore the question anyhow, but due to an interruption, he did not have to.

[color=#FFDAB9]"Marek,"[/color] Seraphina called sharply, [color=#FFDAB9]"I received word earlier today that there’s a ship from Viserjanta ported in Sorian. Normally, this wouldn't concern me, but I've caught wind of a rumor that this particular vessel had brought in prisoners—possibly pirates…The ship belongs to a man that was seen with Kalliope Arden more than once recently."[/color]

[color=#B22222]  “I trust you to look into that further and handle, Seraphina.”[/color] Marek replied and the woman nodded.  [color=#B22222] “If that is all, then make haste and finish your meals.” [/color][/color]