"I can go."
"My strength is obvious to everyone."
"If I go, even if they all attack me together, I won't be afraid."
Hoshimi Aya pointed to herself.
This kind of thing, she could certainly handle it.
Although she wasn't skilled at stealth, she was strong. Void Hunter Level experts weren't as common as cabbages.
Moreover, there shouldn't be anyone among the Triumphant Ones who could threaten her; Pompey was the most qualified.
But... he was probably already being drugged by Lucius right now.
It seemed a direct fight wouldn't be possible.
So, besides having superior numbers, the Triumphant Ones probably didn't have much else going for them.
Also, in the original plot, after Uncle Pompey died, Lucius's scheme was exposed.
The final result was that the Triumphant Ones also fell apart.
"Aya, never mind you."
"It's better to leave this kind of task to the professionals."
"Besides, not everyone in the Triumphant Ones is a bad person."
"Most of them are just people looking for a living."
Lucy refused.
There was no need to think about it; if Hoshimi Aya was discovered, she might just reject whoever found her.
Furthermore, Hoshimi Aya definitely wouldn't do this; going would just cause unnecessary trouble.
"If this way doesn't work and that way doesn't work, how should we proceed?"
"These are all the options I could think of."
"I think it could save us a lot of effort."
Hoshimi Aya inquired.
This was slightly different from the plot. In the plot, Lucius seemed to only cooperate with a company in the city, acting as their dog.
It didn't seem like what Pulchra mentioned—that people would come for face-to-face talks with Lucius, and the original plot didn't mention that either.
"I think we should proceed with the original plan."
"Caesar, you all participate in the Hellfire Ride as usual. Aya, Bonnie, you two will follow Caesar and the others during the Hellfire Ride."
"This way, we'll have a way to respond."
Ling pondered.
For now, this seemed to be the best course of action.
"Mmm, but we still need to figure out a way to try and extract intelligence."
"This plan can only be used as a last resort in the worst-case scenario."
"Even though Aya possesses Void Hunter Level strength, it doesn't guarantee that we will be completely fine."
"Besides, I feel like things are not as simple as we think."
"Caesar, go find Pompey at the Triumphant Ones' place tomorrow to test the waters and see if he knows anything about this."
Lucy considered.
If Pompey knew about this matter, then it definitely wouldn't be as simple as it appeared on the surface.
"Aya, you should go along tomorrow as well."
"Just in case any special situation arises."
"After all, it wouldn't be good if something special happened while Caesar was on the Triumphant Ones' turf."
"Having you follow along will provide an extra layer of insurance."
Ling frowned.
"That's true. If we run into an ambush, that would be bad."
"Having Aya go along provides some security."
"But what Pulchra said about many unfamiliar faces appearing—I suspect they might not be from the Outer Ring."
"They are very likely from the city. Aya, your appearance is quite famous in the city."
"If they really are from the city, then you going might expose you."
"I think when you go along tomorrow, remember to dress up and conceal yourself."
"They might not know about your existence yet. At that time, just as we planned, you can use yourself as a trump card to catch them off guard."
Lucy mused.
"However, I have a question. If they really are from the city, and this person [Aya] has great fame in the city..."
"Why hide?"
"Perhaps revealing that could serve as a deterrent effect?"
Pulchra asked.
Regarding Hoshimi Aya's strength, it was undeniable.
Since she was very famous, it must be due to her strength.
Perhaps showing it could dispel any ill intentions from the other side.
"Wait, I think I understand something now?!"
Upon hearing Pulchra's words, Ling suddenly recalled what Nicole had told them previously.
An organization was investigating Aya, but after inquiring with the Hoshimi Family, they had stopped thinking about the matter.
Moreover, when they investigated at the time, they didn't find any results.
"Mmm?"
"Proxy, what did you understand?"
Lucy looked puzzled.
She didn't understand what Ling meant by suddenly saying that.
"I'm not entirely sure about this matter."
"But it's not completely impossible."
"We still need to wait for Caesar and the others to go to the Triumphant Ones tomorrow to test the waters."
"Aya, when you go along tomorrow, you don't need to disguise yourself."
"When you arrive at the Triumphant Ones' camp, pay close attention to your surroundings."
"See if there are any abnormal places."
Ling said with a heavy tone.
If it was truly as she suspected, then this matter was definitely not simple.
It might not be targeting the Sons of Calydon, but rather Aya herself.
"Mmm?"
"Ling, is there something wrong?"
Hoshimi Aya looked at Ling and asked. This demeanor was clearly abnormal.
Even if they were being targeted, she was here.
Even if a small accident occurred, at most someone would get slightly injured.
It shouldn't warrant such seriousness, right?
At worst, couldn't they just use that last-resort measure of hers?
It could directly solve the problem from the root.
Although that might directly cause a certain degree of trouble for the Triumphant Ones.
But that would still be better than the original plot; at least Uncle Pompey wouldn't die.
"True, but it's not certain."
"Let's wait until you all return tomorrow to discuss it."
"There's still some time before the Hellfire Ride."
"No rush, we should have relatively ample time."
"If it really is what I'm thinking... I will find a solution."
Ling contemplated.
If it was truly targeting Aya as she suspected, she would contact the Hoshimi Family and Hoshimi Miyabi.
Moreover, she understood Aya's situation very well.
If the opponent was truly targeting Aya, they must have prepared countermeasures.
Aya alone definitely wouldn't be able to handle it.
Although she didn't know the specific situation, once it was confirmed that they were targeting Aya, she would immediately notify the Hoshimi Family and Hoshimi Miyabi.
This could minimize the chance of accidents.
"Okay, although the situation is getting more complicated."
"But I don't really understand it either. Just discuss it with Lucy."
"I'll go with Aya to the Triumphant Ones' camp tomorrow to take a look."
"If there are any abnormal situations, we will notify you immediately upon our return."
Caesar said with a smile, scratching the back of her head.
The more she listened to this matter, the more confused she became.
She could understand the beginning, but she didn't quite grasp what Ling was saying later on.
But it seemed they had a plan to deal with it, and all they needed to do was follow the plan.
...
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