[This won't work.]
Since Enrico had made such a strong impression on Victoria while disguised as Ocirne, he thought he could use that to his advantage. Of course, the original wasn't such an aberration, and from what he had seen of her abilities, she was still about to reach Circle Five.
'I'll only use her for other things while training her. I know she won't be able to match Victoria.'
"Don't worry, Ocirne. The one who will fight most of the time will be me."
The dark elf seemed relieved for a moment. Even so, he had said he would train her, which meant there was still a chance she would one day be forced to fight Victoria. But thinking about it carefully, even if she had to fight an aberration, it was still better than dying.
"First, I'm going to ask you to return to your base and act as a spy for me."
Enrico took a magical communication stone from the city itself. He knew exactly what plan Kaedryn would use to survive, because he had done the same in the original story at a point in the war when he had lost. So if he transformed and used this stone as a disguise when Ocirne arrived at the castle, it would be very easy to deceive Elithia.
'Especially because I know exactly how much she trusts Kaedryn, and I also know her personality.'
Using his transformation ability and perfectly imitating Kaedryn's demeanor, Ocirne would be able to pass unnoticed by both guards and higher authorities on that side.
Now, why did he trust that Ocirne wouldn't betray him when they had just met and she hadn't even appeared in the original story? Because he could see her will to survive—a will that reminded him of his own desire to avoid death for himself and his companions.
[Are you sure about that?]
'I am. And don't worry, I'm not that naive. That ice box wasn't just to keep her imprisoned.'
'What did you do?'
As he sat down and began writing on a sheet of paper about a technique to improve her magical affinity and a specific mana-control training regimen, he remembered what he had placed inside that coffin. It was something simple. A secondary effect, beyond keeping her contained. He would include that information in the paper so she would know what would happen.
'Since I was thinking about using the corrupted dark elves, I added an effect that took a long time to create. That was the third reason my mana dropped so quickly.'
The effect was simple and lasted three days. If she betrayed him in any possible way, her heart would instantly freeze and shatter. Something simple that would make someone who wanted to survive become even more loyal to him.
'I just won't mention the time limit. If she proves her loyalty, I'll reveal it to her when everything is over.'
"Here are the details about your training and what will happen if you betray me."
After explaining the plan in more detail and gathering additional information, he let her go. As she left, she glanced back with doubt—but after reading the paper, her determination to survive seemed to grow stronger.
"With that, everything is set. Time to return."
One hour later, at the castle, Queen Elithia had just received information about the invaded city. Placing her hand on her forehead, she observed the elf guards and the corrupted dark elf in front of her. Apparently, the only survivors were her and Kaedryn, according to what he himself had explained through the communication stone.
"So Kaedryn has been captured?"
"Yes, Queen Elithia."
The elf before her had been highly praised by Kaedryn. If it was true that the level she displayed in battle had been so incredible, then she had a good weapon in her hands. The problem was that one of her trusted men had been captured and could no longer provide information.
"Very well. Take her to the highest-quality chambers above and... Your name is Secret, correct?"
"Yes, ma'am."
"I expect much from you. When Kaedryn praises different elves, it's because that elf is special."
She waved her hand, dismissing the three from the hall. After bowing, the guards calmly escorted Ocirne out. At that moment, Elithia needed to do something to respond to this attack. She simply could not allow such an overwhelming and humiliating blow to stand in her reign—especially since, from what she had been told, the other side had suffered no casualties.
"Do you need help thinking, Princess?"
"Valdir, I thought you were preparing for your god's arrival."
The dark elf who had forged the alliance sat in a chair to the side as he watched Ocirne leave. He had never thought that one of God Sairao's sacrifices would have such potential—especially since their god simply demanded a person as a sacrifice without explanation, and they obeyed. It was a shame she would have to be eliminated after the war.
'Perhaps it was precisely because of that potential that our lord chose her... Her parents will be happy.'
"Yes, I was preparing for our God's visit—and I've already finished. That's why I'm here."
"…Then how do you think you could help me?"
The queen's eyes were irritated by the situation. This truly had unsettled her—and that was excellent, because it meant the alliance could grow even stronger.
"Our locator mage has found another secret base near the crossroads between the west and the south."
The irritation vanished from Elithia's eyes, and her usual arrogant expression returned. She had already thought of how to repay this humiliation.
"Your locator mage has been giving me many advantages, Valdir. If I gave you more sacrifices, could you give him to me?"
"That would have to be discussed with our lord."
"Then I hope he is a great god, as you claim."
Rising from her throne, she could barely wait for Sairao's arrival. They had much to discuss about this alliance—and perhaps even extend it further, if he proved to be an intelligent man.
"Uncle Malik."
"Yes, my queen?"
The Circle Nine appeared right behind the throne. As always, he protected Elithia in a hidden and undetectable manner. Being in the presence of a Circle Nine had been frightening for Valdir since their first meeting, though of course he would never admit it.
"I want you to personally go to this secret base and eliminate all elves and any other race inside—and take Sylwen with you."
"If that is your order, I will depart immediately."
Of course, Malik would undoubtedly ask the other Circle Nine to protect her from afar before leaving. That was because he did not trust Sairao's cult. Disappearing from sight, he left the two alone, with the queen's closest guard, Volhit Charios, arriving to stand beside her.
"It's my turn to attack, sister."