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Description
Three days had passed since Edwin’s arrival into this strange new world. Thanks to Tiffania’s nursing, Ed was fully healed in less time than previously thought. However, the days spent in bed had made him lethargic and out of condition. So for the rest of the week, the young Assassin went about on a rigorous training course designed to get him back into shape.
Every morning, Edwin jogged two laps through the still empty streets. Then, when everyone else was about town, the Assassin returned to the apartment and worked on conditioning his muscles. In the afternoon, Ed practiced his free-running, using the city’s rooftops as his obstacle course.
Every exercise was planned to stay out of the populists’ view. Alas, it was for naught. Inevitably, rumors started to spread about the stranger running through the city and the shadow that loomed over the market streets from time to time.
Soon enough, news about his exploits diffused into the rest of the city, inevitably reaching the ears of a certain Chevalier from Tristain.

“What’s this?” asked Guiche de Gramount, “A stranger running around the city?”
He and his fellow compatriots—the infamous Undine Knights—were enjoying a pleasant supper in a local tavern, and they were just waiting for their last comrade. His friend, Malicorne de Grandple nodded eagerly as he ate his dinner roll. “That’s right,” he said, stuffing his mouth full with bread, “I saw him yesterday when he ran passed my bedroom window!”
“I saw him too!” Cried another member, the notorious green haired youth named Gimli, “Except, he was climbing up the walls like a monkey-bear up a tree!”
“Hmm, how curious,” the young Chevalier mused, “Did you question the guards?”
The fat blonde shrugged. “They found it ridicule, saying it’s some kind of plebian foolishness.”
Gimli scoffed. “It’s as though our words means nothing—even though we are nobles.”
“What do you expect? They are Papal guards,” said a fourth member, a bespectacled boy named Reynald, “They care only about the Pope’s safety. They won’t be much help.”
Guiche smirked and stood up. He laid a fist against his breast and raised his drink high, proclaiming, “Then I it is up to us to address this issue. For wherever there is trouble, we the Undine Knights will be there to stop it. And we shall triumph!”
“Harrah!”
The entourage cheered unison. Four sloshing tankards clashed together, sending cascades of tavern beer onto the floor. Then, the Knights drank their fill, not once noticing their silent eavesdropper.

Edwin smirked as he overheard the blonde mage’s proclamation—not that it took any skill. Possibly the whole tavern was witness to that conversation.
Donning his white armored sweater and grey cargo pants, the Assassin sat with his back towards the rowdy group, listening in to their conversation. Edwin chuckled to himself; it seems that he’d gained some interesting adversaries on his tracks.
This will be fun!
His attention shifted to a party of three, two tables away. A girl and two boys were huddled together, and they spoke in hushed tones. Though they all looked to be mere teenagers, their conversation was less than benign.
“Master’s orders have come; we are to abduct the mage and her familiar tomorrow,” said one of the boys, a short fellow with unruly blond hair, and grey eyes like pebbles in a riverbed.
The girl cackled quietly at the news. With one quick swipe, she brushed her long violet tresses away, revealing eyes of turquoise rimmed in thick eyeliner. “Perfect, it is time I teach that wench a lesson for hurting our dear brother!”
“Indeed, my sister, I too have to thank the familiar for treating Brother Jack so horribly the other day,” said the second boy, a dandy with blond hair worn in a braided ponytail. Te was taller than the others, and his features seemed to be stuck in a permanent smile.
He was dressed flamboyantly in a brown waistcoat and a maroon cape. And upon his head was a purple hat with a wide brim, notched in the front, and adorned with a white plume. The girl, meanwhile, wore a black gothic Lolita dress with matching cape and bonnet. The shorter boy, on the other hand, had perhaps the plainest attire, consisting only of a white dress shirt, a dark cloak and a simple red bow around the neck. Of the three, his appeared insignificant, yet he seemed to command the others.
“So what’s the plan?” asked the girl? “When do we strike?”
The shorter boy shook his head and said, “Not here. There are too many ears about.”
Edwin closed his eyes, shifting to his more heightened vision. Instantly, his world became a sea of grey, save for the Undine Knights, illuminated in blue, and the three strangers, all the brightest shade of scarlet.
At that very moment, the tavern door opened and a huge blob of blue came flooding in.
“Ah Saito, Come join us!” Guiche cried to the last member of the Unding Knights.
Edwin winced as he regained his normal vision. The black-haired Japanese stood out like a sore thumb with his blue and white jacket and talking to that loudmouth sword, Derflinger. Behind him came Louise, Tiffa, and three other girls. Lastly, Master Colbert brought up the rear, shutting the door behind him.
Edwin glanced back at the trio and noted their sudden reservation. They watched the new party with looks of pure loathing—especially at the pink-haired mage and her familiar. The three rose and made for the door, but before the Assassin could follow, he felt a tap on his shoulder and the raven-haired familiar came into view holding a flagon of beer.
“Hey their Edwin,” he said, “It’s good to see you!”
Ed smirked and raised his own beverage. “Likewise friend,” he said.
At that moment, he heard benches scrape, and dared a peek at the other party.
The shorter boy was looking right at him!
Ed hastily averted his gaze, pulling his hood down some more. Then, before he realized it, Saito pulled him from his seat and turned him around.
“Everyone, I’d like you all to meet my friend,” he said, “This is Edwin Venturi.”
Edwin grimaced.
Shit!
Sure enough, the moment his face was seen, both Malicorne and Gimli stared in shock. Fat boy raised a plump finger at him, whimpering so loud the whole tavern heard, “Y-y-y-your that g-g-guy!” he stammered, “T-t-that c-c-commoner!!”
Edwin gritted his teeth. Never had his identity been compromised so suddenly. Once more, he glanced back at the other group, just in time to see them exit.
Double shit!
He broke free of his friend, and raced towards the exit, shoving everyone else out of his way. Once outside, Edwin hid behind a wagon and activated his Eagle Vision. His prey was easily spotted, three bright red blips heading off into the blackness of night. Quickly, Edwin hauled himself up the building, his muscles burning at the exertion.
“Don’t let him escape!”
Below him, the tavern burst opened, and Saito and his friends spilled out onto the streets. They stood shell-shocked, watching him scale up the side of the building Edwin paid them no heed. Reaching the top, the Assassin surveyed the area before racing after his prey.

Once Edwin was a good distance from his quarry, he softened his footsteps and settled into a simple tailing mission.
Down on the streets, his targets made their way across a short arch bridge. Underneath, a gondola cut through the narrow canal, its lamps dimly lighting the way ahead. The Romalian capital was quiet and peaceful after dark. The roads were sparse, as most civilians had retired to their homes. The only lights were the oil lamps, dimly bathing the streets with a soft romantic ambience.
Edwin dimly remembered his trips of Venice, both as himself, and as one of his ancestors. Now, as he leapt across the narrow divide, he couldn’t help but feel a bit nostalgic.
Below him, the trio darted through alleyways, weary of prying ears. Sometimes, they stopped to spot for followers, but Edwin always hid from their view.
Soon though, their gait became more relaxed, and they became more talkative.
“So, what’s the plan for tomorrow? Come on, there’s no one around.”
The girl’s voice echoed up the building walls, easily audible to Edwin at his perch.
The shorter boy sighed and said, “Have patience my dear sister. All will be revealed in a moment.”
The three retreated to an abandoned courtyard, where the boy relayed their instructions.
“Tomorrow, after Mass, you my sister are to infiltrate the cathedral as a peasant girl. Find the girl and lure her out.”
The girl cackled, licking her lips at the thought of revenge.
The leader nodded and turned to the other boy. “Brother, you are to ambush familiar, who will surely follow, like the loyal dog he is.”
The taller boy smirked. “Kukuku, I’ll pay him the same respect he gave to our dear Jack.”
“Master’s instruction was explicit,” said the shorter boy, “Both the girl and her familiar are to be captured alive.”
“What will you do, brother Bleu?” The girl asked.
Her companion shrugged. “Don’t worry about me, just complete your tasks,” he said, “Remember, we are the Knights of Gallia, and we do not fail else we forfeit our lives.”
With that, the trio left the courtyard and continued their journey. High above them, Edwin followed being careful not to dislodge any tiles. He stalked them to a six stories apartment, built to imitate a castle and studded with many, many windows.
Edwin crouched on a nearby rooftop, trying to memorize the location. Then, while all was quiet, he started his journey back home.

It was late when the Assassin dropped onto the balcony shared by his and Saito’s rooms (though he should be more accurate to say their mistresses’ rooms). As expected, Professor Colbert was waiting for him when he entered.
“Welcome back,” said the elder mage, “I trust that your quest was fruitful.”
“Very,” Edwin said wryly.
Next to Colbert sat Saito along with the rest of the Undine Knights, all of whom were looking at him with mixed expressions of curiosity and anxiety. Finally, the orange-haired Renly gathered the courage to speak.
“Is it true,” He asked, “You are Tiffa’s new familiar?”
“His status is still undetermined,” replied Colbert, “He has yet to complete the contract with Miss Westwood.”
Edwin frowned in disapproval. “I thought we agreed to not talk about that in front of others.”
Saito shrugged. “Don’t worry, these are trusted friends. They won’t divulge your secrets.”
“Certainly not,” Guiche stood, brandishing his flower-wand rather dramatically, “Your secret is safe with us, Ser Edwin, for we shall die before we betray a friend.”
Ser Edwin? Ed smiled in amusement at the chavalier’s antics.
“I’ll hold you onto that, if you are ever captured and tortured.”
“Which will become more and more likely if you continue your daily escapades,” Colbert said shortly, “You’ve cause quite a stir in the city, not to mention a few raised eyebrows.”
The Assassin shrugged. “I meant no harm,” he said, “I was only working out, after being cooped up for so long.”
Colbert scoffed. “Like today, when you barreled out of the tavern like a cat chasing a mouse?”
Edwin rolled his eyes.
Then, Saito spoke. “So, did you find anything?”
“Yes.” Edwin took a deep breath. “You and Louise are in grave danger. They plan to capture you, tomorrow.”
A slight breeze blew in from the balcony, disturbing the candle light.
Saito swallowed nervously.
“How do you know this?”
“I heard them talking of the plot,” said Edwin, “When they were looking at you with such malice, I was certain.”
“Who do you mean?” Malicorne asked, “Was it someone in the tavern?”
Edwin nodded and told them about the three conspirators. He made sure to describe each member in detail.
Saito quivered. “I know one of them; he’s one of the thieves from last night!”
Guiche gasped, “You mean to tell us that they were in the tavern too? That they were only a few feet away!”
“Yeah,” said Edwin, “And they are planning to kidnap Louise tomorrow.”
“Plotting right under our noses,” Saito growled, “Unforgivable!”
“Quite,” Guiche agreed, “You followed them to their residence, correct?”
“Yes,” said Edwin, “I know where they live.”
“Then let us go!” cried the chevalier, “Let’s exterminate these rats once and for all!”
There was a resounding cheer, and the entire group rose from their seats, but before they could leave, Colbert stood in their path.
“Everyone wait!” He cried, “You cannot do this!”
“And why not?” Guiche exclaimed, “Let us seize these ruffians before they get away!”
“And how will you accomplish that? By storming a perfectly legitimate establishment? You’ll be apprehended on the spot! Furthermore, our enemies will be wise to our movements and escape before we can even get to them!”
“But we have a witness,” Gimli protested, “Our testimony will be secured!”
The professor snorted. “A mere anecdote from a commoner will not sway the Papal guards,” he said, “You have no evidence to support your claim.”
“Besides,” he continued, “If what Edwin say is true then Gallia is involved in this affair. If we are not careful, we could start a war.”
Saito gritted his teeth. Once again, Louise was in danger, and there was little he could do about it.
“So, what can we do?”
“First , we sit down and cool our hot heads. Then we plan,” Colbert said simply.
Obediently, the others returned to their seats and listened.
“Now, I believe Edwin has something up his sleeve.”
The Assassin nodded. “I plan to tail them to the cathedral,” he said, “Once they are near, I’ll alert you guys to their presence.”
“Admirable,” said the professor. He turned to address the Undine Knights. “I know that you four are assigned to secure the main gate from the peasant folk. I cannot stress enough how paramount your duties have become.”
Guiche nodded. “You can count on us, Professor!”
“What about Louise?” Saito asked, “What about the others?”
“I will inform Agnes and Her Majesty,” Colbert said, “Meanwhile, I recommend against I think alerting the others. I believe that an increased vigilance will make our enemies more wary of our knowing. Besides, Miss Westwood and Miss Valliere have enough to worry about and needn’t be burdened with so much worry."
For a moment, there was silence as the boys processed Colbert's words. Then, Guiche stood up and dusted off his breeches.
"Alas, it seems there is naught we can do but wait for the morrow," he said in a resigned tone.
Colbert stood up as well. "I concur with Guiche. It is best that we'd be off to bed. We should then be better prepared to face our foes."
Guiche and the other boys rose and marched off to their quarters. Colbert too made to follow, when Edwin called him back.
"Sir," he said, "For tomorrow's confrontation, I wish to be armed."
Colbert grunted. "Very well,” he said, “If you would please follow me."

Together, the two came into the old Mage's chamber, where Edwin's hidden blade and tomahawk lay on a table. Professor Colbert then opened his wardrobe and pulled out his shoulder pack.
"Are you sure you need everything in this sac? It is quite heavy."
The assassin shook his head as he slipped on his Hidden blade. He flicked his wrist and the silver blade came shooting out.
"I'll store it in Tiffa's and my room," he said, retracting the hidden blade. "You may still keep it, if you wish."
“I trust that you won't bring harm to my pupils," he said, "I will be keeping an eye on you, though."
Edwin grunted and holstered his trusty hatchet. Colbert tossed him the pack.
"Promise me you will not kill unless you absolutely must," he said at last, "A life is precious, however small."
Edwin smiled and nodded. "You have my word. ‘Stay your blade of the innocent,’ right?"
“Quite so,” said the mage, “Good luck Edwin, and may the father of understanding guide you.”

Description
Three days had passed since Edwin’s arrival into this strange new world. Thanks to Tiffania’s nursing, Ed was fully healed in less time than previously thought. However, the days spent in bed had made him lethargic and out of condition. So for the rest of the week, the young Assassin went about on a rigorous training course designed to get him back into shape.
Every morning, Edwin jogged two laps through the still empty streets. Then, when everyone else was about town, the Assassin returned to the apartment and worked on conditioning his muscles. In the afternoon, Ed practiced his free-running, using the city’s rooftops as his obstacle course.
Every exercise was planned to stay out of the populists’ view. Alas, it was for naught. Inevitably, rumors started to spread about the stranger running through the city and the shadow that loomed over the market streets from time to time.
Soon enough, news about his exploits diffused into the rest of the city, inevitably reaching the ears of a certain Chevalier from Tristain.

“What’s this?” asked Guiche de Gramount, “A stranger running around the city?”
He and his fellow compatriots—the infamous Undine Knights—were enjoying a pleasant supper in a local tavern, and they were just waiting for their last comrade. His friend, Malicorne de Grandple nodded eagerly as he ate his dinner roll. “That’s right,” he said, stuffing his mouth full with bread, “I saw him yesterday when he ran passed my bedroom window!”
“I saw him too!” Cried another member, the notorious green haired youth named Gimli, “Except, he was climbing up the walls like a monkey-bear up a tree!”
“Hmm, how curious,” the young Chevalier mused, “Did you question the guards?”
The fat blonde shrugged. “They found it ridicule, saying it’s some kind of plebian foolishness.”
Gimli scoffed. “It’s as though our words means nothing—even though we are nobles.”
“What do you expect? They are Papal guards,” said a fourth member, a bespectacled boy named Reynald, “They care only about the Pope’s safety. They won’t be much help.”
Guiche smirked and stood up. He laid a fist against his breast and raised his drink high, proclaiming, “Then I it is up to us to address this issue. For wherever there is trouble, we the Undine Knights will be there to stop it. And we shall triumph!”
“Harrah!”
The entourage cheered unison. Four sloshing tankards clashed together, sending cascades of tavern beer onto the floor. Then, the Knights drank their fill, not once noticing their silent eavesdropper.

Edwin smirked as he overheard the blonde mage’s proclamation—not that it took any skill. Possibly the whole tavern was witness to that conversation.
Donning his white armored sweater and grey cargo pants, the Assassin sat with his back towards the rowdy group, listening in to their conversation. Edwin chuckled to himself; it seems that he’d gained some interesting adversaries on his tracks.
This will be fun!
His attention shifted to a party of three, two tables away. A girl and two boys were huddled together, and they spoke in hushed tones. Though they all looked to be mere teenagers, their conversation was less than benign.
“Master’s orders have come; we are to abduct the mage and her familiar tomorrow,” said one of the boys, a short fellow with unruly blond hair, and grey eyes like pebbles in a riverbed.
The girl cackled quietly at the news. With one quick swipe, she brushed her long violet tresses away, revealing eyes of turquoise rimmed in thick eyeliner. “Perfect, it is time I teach that wench a lesson for hurting our dear brother!”
“Indeed, my sister, I too have to thank the familiar for treating Brother Jack so horribly the other day,” said the second boy, a dandy with blond hair worn in a braided ponytail. Te was taller than the others, and his features seemed to be stuck in a permanent smile.
He was dressed flamboyantly in a brown waistcoat and a maroon cape. And upon his head was a purple hat with a wide brim, notched in the front, and adorned with a white plume. The girl, meanwhile, wore a black gothic Lolita dress with matching cape and bonnet. The shorter boy, on the other hand, had perhaps the plainest attire, consisting only of a white dress shirt, a dark cloak and a simple red bow around the neck. Of the three, his appeared insignificant, yet he seemed to command the others.
“So what’s the plan?” asked the girl? “When do we strike?”
The shorter boy shook his head and said, “Not here. There are too many ears about.”
Edwin closed his eyes, shifting to his more heightened vision. Instantly, his world became a sea of grey, save for the Undine Knights, illuminated in blue, and the three strangers, all the brightest shade of scarlet.
At that very moment, the tavern door opened and a huge blob of blue came flooding in.
“Ah Saito, Come join us!” Guiche cried to the last member of the Unding Knights.
Edwin winced as he regained his normal vision. The black-haired Japanese stood out like a sore thumb with his blue and white jacket and talking to that loudmouth sword, Derflinger. Behind him came Louise, Tiffa, and three other girls. Lastly, Master Colbert brought up the rear, shutting the door behind him.
Edwin glanced back at the trio and noted their sudden reservation. They watched the new party with looks of pure loathing—especially at the pink-haired mage and her familiar. The three rose and made for the door, but before the Assassin could follow, he felt a tap on his shoulder and the raven-haired familiar came into view holding a flagon of beer.
“Hey their Edwin,” he said, “It’s good to see you!”
Ed smirked and raised his own beverage. “Likewise friend,” he said.
At that moment, he heard benches scrape, and dared a peek at the other party.
The shorter boy was looking right at him!
Ed hastily averted his gaze, pulling his hood down some more. Then, before he realized it, Saito pulled him from his seat and turned him around.
“Everyone, I’d like you all to meet my friend,” he said, “This is Edwin Venturi.”
Edwin grimaced.
Shit!
Sure enough, the moment his face was seen, both Malicorne and Gimli stared in shock. Fat boy raised a plump finger at him, whimpering so loud the whole tavern heard, “Y-y-y-your that g-g-guy!” he stammered, “T-t-that c-c-commoner!!”
Edwin gritted his teeth. Never had his identity been compromised so suddenly. Once more, he glanced back at the other group, just in time to see them exit.
Double shit!
He broke free of his friend, and raced towards the exit, shoving everyone else out of his way. Once outside, Edwin hid behind a wagon and activated his Eagle Vision. His prey was easily spotted, three bright red blips heading off into the blackness of night. Quickly, Edwin hauled himself up the building, his muscles burning at the exertion.
“Don’t let him escape!”
Below him, the tavern burst opened, and Saito and his friends spilled out onto the streets. They stood shell-shocked, watching him scale up the side of the building Edwin paid them no heed. Reaching the top, the Assassin surveyed the area before racing after his prey.

Once Edwin was a good distance from his quarry, he softened his footsteps and settled into a simple tailing mission.
Down on the streets, his targets made their way across a short arch bridge. Underneath, a gondola cut through the narrow canal, its lamps dimly lighting the way ahead. The Romalian capital was quiet and peaceful after dark. The roads were sparse, as most civilians had retired to their homes. The only lights were the oil lamps, dimly bathing the streets with a soft romantic ambience.
Edwin dimly remembered his trips of Venice, both as himself, and as one of his ancestors. Now, as he leapt across the narrow divide, he couldn’t help but feel a bit nostalgic.
Below him, the trio darted through alleyways, weary of prying ears. Sometimes, they stopped to spot for followers, but Edwin always hid from their view.
Soon though, their gait became more relaxed, and they became more talkative.
“So, what’s the plan for tomorrow? Come on, there’s no one around.”
The girl’s voice echoed up the building walls, easily audible to Edwin at his perch.
The shorter boy sighed and said, “Have patience my dear sister. All will be revealed in a moment.”
The three retreated to an abandoned courtyard, where the boy relayed their instructions.
“Tomorrow, after Mass, you my sister are to infiltrate the cathedral as a peasant girl. Find the girl and lure her out.”
The girl cackled, licking her lips at the thought of revenge.
The leader nodded and turned to the other boy. “Brother, you are to ambush familiar, who will surely follow, like the loyal dog he is.”
The taller boy smirked. “Kukuku, I’ll pay him the same respect he gave to our dear Jack.”
“Master’s instruction was explicit,” said the shorter boy, “Both the girl and her familiar are to be captured alive.”
“What will you do, brother Bleu?” The girl asked.
Her companion shrugged. “Don’t worry about me, just complete your tasks,” he said, “Remember, we are the Knights of Gallia, and we do not fail else we forfeit our lives.”
With that, the trio left the courtyard and continued their journey. High above them, Edwin followed being careful not to dislodge any tiles. He stalked them to a six stories apartment, built to imitate a castle and studded with many, many windows.
Edwin crouched on a nearby rooftop, trying to memorize the location. Then, while all was quiet, he started his journey back home.

It was late when the Assassin dropped onto the balcony shared by his and Saito’s rooms (though he should be more accurate to say their mistresses’ rooms). As expected, Professor Colbert was waiting for him when he entered.
“Welcome back,” said the elder mage, “I trust that your quest was fruitful.”
“Very,” Edwin said wryly.
Next to Colbert sat Saito along with the rest of the Undine Knights, all of whom were looking at him with mixed expressions of curiosity and anxiety. Finally, the orange-haired Renly gathered the courage to speak.
“Is it true,” He asked, “You are Tiffa’s new familiar?”
“His status is still undetermined,” replied Colbert, “He has yet to complete the contract with Miss Westwood.”
Edwin frowned in disapproval. “I thought we agreed to not talk about that in front of others.”
Saito shrugged. “Don’t worry, these are trusted friends. They won’t divulge your secrets.”
“Certainly not,” Guiche stood, brandishing his flower-wand rather dramatically, “Your secret is safe with us, Ser Edwin, for we shall die before we betray a friend.”
Ser Edwin? Ed smiled in amusement at the chavalier’s antics.
“I’ll hold you onto that, if you are ever captured and tortured.”
“Which will become more and more likely if you continue your daily escapades,” Colbert said shortly, “You’ve cause quite a stir in the city, not to mention a few raised eyebrows.”
The Assassin shrugged. “I meant no harm,” he said, “I was only working out, after being cooped up for so long.”
Colbert scoffed. “Like today, when you barreled out of the tavern like a cat chasing a mouse?”
Edwin rolled his eyes.
Then, Saito spoke. “So, did you find anything?”
“Yes.” Edwin took a deep breath. “You and Louise are in grave danger. They plan to capture you, tomorrow.”
A slight breeze blew in from the balcony, disturbing the candle light.
Saito swallowed nervously.
“How do you know this?”
“I heard them talking of the plot,” said Edwin, “When they were looking at you with such malice, I was certain.”
“Who do you mean?” Malicorne asked, “Was it someone in the tavern?”
Edwin nodded and told them about the three conspirators. He made sure to describe each member in detail.
Saito quivered. “I know one of them; he’s one of the thieves from last night!”
Guiche gasped, “You mean to tell us that they were in the tavern too? That they were only a few feet away!”
“Yeah,” said Edwin, “And they are planning to kidnap Louise tomorrow.”
“Plotting right under our noses,” Saito growled, “Unforgivable!”
“Quite,” Guiche agreed, “You followed them to their residence, correct?”
“Yes,” said Edwin, “I know where they live.”
“Then let us go!” cried the chevalier, “Let’s exterminate these rats once and for all!”
There was a resounding cheer, and the entire group rose from their seats, but before they could leave, Colbert stood in their path.
“Everyone wait!” He cried, “You cannot do this!”
“And why not?” Guiche exclaimed, “Let us seize these ruffians before they get away!”
“And how will you accomplish that? By storming a perfectly legitimate establishment? You’ll be apprehended on the spot! Furthermore, our enemies will be wise to our movements and escape before we can even get to them!”
“But we have a witness,” Gimli protested, “Our testimony will be secured!”
The professor snorted. “A mere anecdote from a commoner will not sway the Papal guards,” he said, “You have no evidence to support your claim.”
“Besides,” he continued, “If what Edwin say is true then Gallia is involved in this affair. If we are not careful, we could start a war.”
Saito gritted his teeth. Once again, Louise was in danger, and there was little he could do about it.
“So, what can we do?”
“First , we sit down and cool our hot heads. Then we plan,” Colbert said simply.
Obediently, the others returned to their seats and listened.
“Now, I believe Edwin has something up his sleeve.”
The Assassin nodded. “I plan to tail them to the cathedral,” he said, “Once they are near, I’ll alert you guys to their presence.”
“Admirable,” said the professor. He turned to address the Undine Knights. “I know that you four are assigned to secure the main gate from the peasant folk. I cannot stress enough how paramount your duties have become.”
Guiche nodded. “You can count on us, Professor!”
“What about Louise?” Saito asked, “What about the others?”
“I will inform Agnes and Her Majesty,” Colbert said, “Meanwhile, I recommend against I think alerting the others. I believe that an increased vigilance will make our enemies more wary of our knowing. Besides, Miss Westwood and Miss Valliere have enough to worry about and needn’t be burdened with so much worry."
For a moment, there was silence as the boys processed Colbert's words. Then, Guiche stood up and dusted off his breeches.
"Alas, it seems there is naught we can do but wait for the morrow," he said in a resigned tone.
Colbert stood up as well. "I concur with Guiche. It is best that we'd be off to bed. We should then be better prepared to face our foes."
Guiche and the other boys rose and marched off to their quarters. Colbert too made to follow, when Edwin called him back.
"Sir," he said, "For tomorrow's confrontation, I wish to be armed."
Colbert grunted. "Very well,” he said, “If you would please follow me."

Together, the two came into the old Mage's chamber, where Edwin's hidden blade and tomahawk lay on a table. Professor Colbert then opened his wardrobe and pulled out his shoulder pack.
"Are you sure you need everything in this sac? It is quite heavy."
The assassin shook his head as he slipped on his Hidden blade. He flicked his wrist and the silver blade came shooting out.
"I'll store it in Tiffa's and my room," he said, retracting the hidden blade. "You may still keep it, if you wish."
“I trust that you won't bring harm to my pupils," he said, "I will be keeping an eye on you, though."
Edwin grunted and holstered his trusty hatchet. Colbert tossed him the pack.
"Promise me you will not kill unless you absolutely must," he said at last, "A life is precious, however small."
Edwin smiled and nodded. "You have my word. ‘Stay your blade of the innocent,’ right?"
“Quite so,” said the mage, “Good luck Edwin, and may the father of understanding guide you.”