Plans That Shall Not Fail

Back again to the place, dark, weary, and cold. Unlike the last two times, there was no premonition of what was to be. Silent cells turned even somber, but suddenly a loud voice echoed throughout the prison walls.

"That guy is here again!"

There was no further warning, no response, no footsteps. After a long full hour, only the walls could smell something fishy. The air so thick, with little space to escape made its home inside the locked space.

Aciano Alucard appeared in the prison, but none could attest. He carefully walked while maintaining an equal distance between cells on either side. Under the stealth cloak, his hand already gripped a new short sword.

All this while, his mind was alert but heart was uneasy. One blunder after another. He couldn't curse his luck enough. It all began because he stepped forward to help Yale, the face of a rival Alucard faction. Not that he had a choice.

But who could have thought? Who even knew Midiane was alive? Dark Queen, curse that witch! Couldn't she be locked up in a prison different from Yale? Forget about it, even a different floor would've been fine. No, it would've been wonderful for starters.

Now even the stability of his faction wasn't something he could turn to for respite. It was as if you spent and sacrificed so much for your home, but during the time of need, it got a pest problem. So here he was again. Breaking into the same prison for the third time. He stopped and slowly approached the metal bars.

Slash!

In the blink of an eye his sword cut through the metal piece and a lock slipped to the ground. He entered the cell and lifted the prisoner on his back and left the scene. More humiliation and pressure were bound to hit the warden who had let three prisoners escape.

***

Splash!

Theon felt cold water on his face after what felt like an eternity. He also sensed a sting in his arm, but now wasn't the time to complain. The room's brightness made it difficult for him to make out the person standing in front of him. But just as his eyes adjusted, he wanted to jump away.

"S-S-Sire. What are you doing here?"

"Fowl tongue as ever." Aciano scoffed.

"Forgive me for my rudeness. This commoner doesn't know words fit for your valor."

This man is a fool, an utter disgrace to the Alucard family, Acinao thought, but he was very willing to change his opinions. Everything was planned. He just needed an inconspicuous pawn.

"Praise the heavens for giving you this chance." Aciano said in a serious tone.

"Yes sire, this Silver Knight would go to any lengths to complete the order." Theon got from his chair and immediately knelt on one knee. He himself knew this move was just too late and cursed in his head.

"First, tell me what happened in the Women's Court of Justice."

Theon narrated the incident without holding back any information. He began by telling how he held the maid named Arnacia's arm and even slapped her on the way. A few parts were deeply highlighted. Such as the Truthtale flower incident.

Deceive the Truthtale flower? Aciano scoffed. Hearing about this incident solidified his theory that Arnacia's body was occupied by a witch. If not that, how could one explain her knowing about the Lost Artifact? Forget about the location, even the name was a secret.

"You did what you could," Aciano said. At least this man was truthful, meant he could follow simple orders. "This maid, Arcnaia, is disgustingly shrewd. I came across her, this could be said to be the luck of our kingdom. She is a witch. I have confirmed it."

"Definitely!…No I mean sire is right." Theon felt a little better since he did not lose to a girl but a witch.

"She is no ordinary witch, but a resurrected witch who occupied the body of the trainee maid."

"Resurrected witch?"

"Indeed." Acinao was glad to provide more information since he wished this man would be more careful. "There had been a case of a resurrected witch. That vile creature transferred her memory into the body of a young Knight. Luckily, she was found and killed at the earliest.

"Listen carefully." Aciano continued. "These witches are as weak as the body they inhabit. But with time, they can accumulate their power back."

Theon attentively listened. It was overwhelming since he just got out of prison, but at the same time extremely important. He was nearing his forties now and this could be really the biggest opportunity of his life.

"I found her home. She would most likely be there or anywhere near it. Not much time has passed, you must trail her!" Acinao instructed.

"Yes, sire! I will definitely eradicate this vile creature from the face of our Kingdom!"

"Do not speak!" Aciano took a step forward. He directly looked into the eyes of Theon. "Theon Alucard! If you do what I ask of you, then there's an empty Administrative Golden Knight seat in my faction. Listen to me very carefully now."

Theon gulped and nodded once.

"You are to follow her trail.

"Once you set off from a village, do not stop before you reach the next.

"Even if you find her between villages, do not stop." Aciano emphasized. "On finding her location, contact the Lanceworth Knights stationed at the village. Now I am telling this for your own good.

"Your own good." Aciano kept one hand on Theon's shoulder.

"There is no reward to be split. You will do as I say.

"Ask for the help of both Knights in the name of Acinao Alucard." He took out a triangular badge and handed it over. "No one else but me, Aciano Alucard.

"Their help will eliminate any variables that might occur. Even if the witch has regained most of her power, you will be back alive to enjoy the Administrative position for the rest of your life.

"Keep a low profile. The witch shouldn't know you are on her until you are. Do you understand?"

"Yes sire."

"Spare no cost, the kingdom wants her alive. Do you understand?!"

"YES SIRE!"