Chapter 31: My Winnie, Elder Sister

Amelia’s question was perfectly reasonable.

Beth gave the answer: “Lester and I are both Mid-Rank Apostles. Charles and Brandon are Low-Rank Apostles.”

Amelia nodded in understanding.

Knowing their strength would help her formulate the upcoming plan.

“Can we handle the people from the Three Great Kingdoms?” Charles asked with some concern.

“There’s no need to worry. Naturally, we have a plan for seizing the Mana Crystal Cannon. We won’t act recklessly.”

As she spoke, Beth placed three portraits on the table.

Everyone looked over.

Pointing at the portraits, Beth said, “These three are the respective Commanders of the Three Great Kingdoms in Rhine City. Each is a Mid-Rank Apostle. They are Kimi of the Bargas Kingdom, Woodrow of the Akti Kingdom, and Lenn of the Beren Kingdom.”

“If we could eliminate these three, obtaining the cannon would be simple. But we can’t deal with them, so we must use a roundabout method. I assume you already have an idea, Beth,” Lester said after examining the portraits.

“Of course, but we need to move quickly. The Three Great Kingdoms will definitely send more Apostles once they know the cannon is here. Although our organization’s people will also arrive, they certainly won’t be a match for the Three Kingdoms’ reinforcements. So we must try to resolve this before then.” Beth spoke very calmly.

Next, she explained the specific tasks they needed to do.

The plan was to find a way to lure the three Commanders away.

These three Commanders were currently all situated around the warehouse holding the Mana Crystal Cannon. To obtain the cannon, they had to be drawn away. The method for drawing them off lay in the present conflicts among the three kingdoms.

“We can find ways to intensify the conflicts between the soldiers of the three kingdoms, making them fight elsewhere, far from the cannon warehouse. If the situation becomes serious enough, the three Commanders won’t be able to ignore it.”

“Isn’t that too simple?”

Lester wasn’t very confident in Beth’s proposal.

“At least it’s a method we can try. As long as we’re careful, we won’t expose ourselves. Of course, Lester, if you have a better method, feel free to share it.” Beth glanced at Lester.

Lester fell silent. He genuinely couldn’t think of a better plan at the moment.

Seeing this, Beth said, “If no one proposes a better method, we will proceed with mine. Next, let’s discuss how to generate sufficient conflict among the three kingdoms’ soldiers.”

As Beth spoke eloquently, Amelia chimed in from time to time, appearing to help brainstorm.

While Beth’s idea sounded simple, the conclusions given in the Bullet Comments suggested her method would ultimately succeed.

Given that, what could she do during this process?

The Iris members discussed for quite a while before finalizing the details of their operation.

“Growl!”

Just then, Amelia’s stomach rumbled.

Beth glanced at Amelia. “It must be getting late. That’s the plan then. Everyone go take a nap this afternoon. We’ll act when night falls.”

“No problem.”

Everyone responded in agreement, then rose and left one after another.

When they reached the courtyard, Beth said to Amelia and Eileen, “You sisters just arrived in Rhine City, so you probably don’t have a place to stay yet, right? Would you like to stay with me for the time being?”

“Then we’ll trouble you, Miss Beth.” Amelia didn’t refuse.

After the others had departed,

Amelia and Eileen followed Beth into the back house. This place itself served as the Iris organization’s base. The underground area was for discussing important matters; the ground floor was where Beth normally lived.

The furnishings and decor inside the house were fairly ordinary, but it was precisely this ordinariness that better masked Beth’s identity as a member of a criminal organization.

“Haven’t you two eaten lunch yet? I was just about to have something. Do you want some too?” Beth asked once they were inside.

“Of course, thank you, Miss Beth.”

Amelia and Eileen followed Beth to the house’s dining room.

The lunch Beth prepared wasn’t particularly lavish—just a few slices of toast and a glass of milk—but it was sufficient to fill the stomach.

During the meal, Beth glanced at Eileen and said, “Miss Winnie seems rather quiet.”

Amelia jumped in to answer: “My Elder Sister has always had this kind of personality. I hope you’ll forgive her, Miss Beth.”

While speaking, Amelia gently nudged Eileen’s knee with her own under the table.

Eileen knew she couldn’t afford to appear suspicious and immediately said, “My younger sister has always been energetic and can handle most things well. I feel that anything can simply be left for my younger sister to deal with. As for me, my job is just to protect my younger sister.”

“I see. You sisters seem to have a good relationship.” Beth didn’t think much of it.

“Of course. Elder Sister is the best sister. I like Elder Sister the most.” Amelia hugged Eileen’s arm and giggled happily.

These words and actions caused Eileen’s face to flush slightly right away. She instinctively wanted to pull her hand away, but she knew she was playing the role of the elder sister and had to act in a manner appropriate to that role.

So, Eileen feigned a doting expression and said, “Alright, my Lucy. You’re already grown up. You can’t be this pampered anymore.”

As she spoke, Eileen even ruffled Amelia’s hair.

‘Your Majesty, please forgive my insolence. I simply felt that an elder sister would typically act this way at such a moment.’

While patting her head, Eileen silently thought to herself.

Amelia actually seemed to be enjoying it, narrowing her eyes slightly.

After the meal ended, Amelia and Eileen went to the bedroom arranged by Beth, ready to sleep and build up their energy for the night’s action.

The bedroom’s furnishings were also simple, but as long as they could sleep, it was fine. And the bedding looked new, so there wasn’t much to complain about.

After drawing the curtains, Amelia and Eileen got onto the bed in their clothes. Not undressing allowed for a timely response should unexpected incidents occur.

They slept together, which was also the only way Eileen could better protect Amelia.

“Ei… Winnie.”

“…I’m here.”

“Can you hold me?”

“This… Mm, all right.”

Eileen hesitated briefly but then turned on her side and gently took Amelia into her arms.

Feeling Eileen’s warm embrace, Amelia relaxed completely. “It’s only when Eileen holds me that I feel truly at ease. Eileen, thank you.”

“It’s my duty. Also… just to be safe, you should call me Winnie, Miss Lia… no, Lucy.”

“Hehe, well then, let’s sleep well now, my Winnie, Elder Sister.”

Amelia closed her eyes with a smile.