Chapter 465: Iron Souls

Chapter 465: Iron Souls

"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.

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 simpleby 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. Updated from novelbIn.(c)om