The Northern Country had long begun preparing for the final battle. Cerydra had already envisioned the worst-case scenario: the Northern Empire facing the combined forces of both the Empire and the Revolutionary Army simultaneously.
That being said, since the majority of the Revolutionary Army's personnel were originally from the Empire, there was no issue in viewing them as a single collective force.
The Empire could mobilize half the strength within the borders, while the Revolutionary Army could mobilize the other half; merged together, they formed the complete strength of the Empire.
However, Cerydra did not care. What did it matter how many enemies there were?
As long as she found the right method and employed the correct tactics, victory was a certainty.
"But before the entire army sets out, we still need to lead the snakes lurking within the Imperial Palace out of their holes... I assume you all think the same?"
Inside the Council Chamber of the Imperial Palace, Cerydra had already summoned the four members of the Assassination Clan, claiming she had a very important matter to discuss with them.
Although the four realized something was wrong, they had no choice but to brace themselves and come. After all, this was Cerydra's headquarters. Even an Assassin like Barbara, who had years of infiltration experience, could not guarantee a successful escape, let alone with four disciples in tow.
Thus, they were more willing to pin their hopes for survival on the upcoming negotiations.
"You are absolutely correct, Your Majesty."
No one dared to contradict Cerydra, especially when she exerted such an immense sense of oppression.
The group, having witnessed Cerydra's strength, understood perfectly that even if she was currently hailed as a Wise King among the commoners, it did not change her essence...
She would show no mercy once she started fighting!
During their time living in the Northern Kingdom Capital, the four had seen many instances of Cerydra executing subordinates. Therefore, they fully understood that sooner or later, their turn would come.
After all, the Revolutionary Army did not just target the Empire; they targeted any organization or faction that infringed upon their interests.
Previously it was the Empire, because the Empire was brutal and unjust, allowing the Revolutionary Army to raise the Flag of righteousness to rebel.
But now, the Empire had declined.
The high-ranking officials of the Revolutionary Army were certain that even in an all-out war with the Empire, they would have at least a seventy percent chance of victory.
However, with the rise of the Northern Empire, the balance was completely shattered. Whether it was the Empire or the Revolutionary Army, they were merely weak wolf cubs in front of the fierce tiger of the North.
Consequently, they had to unite to jointly resist the cold current from the North. It was likely that the Empire and the Revolutionary Army would not truly fight each other until the Northern Empire was completely annihilated.
So the question arose: how could the Northern Empire be annihilated?
Through the death of Empress Cerydra, of course!
The reason the Northern Country rose so quickly was obvious to anyone with eyes: Empress Cerydra's reforms.
Relying on herself alone, she had forcibly dragged a nation forward until it became a world power that both the Empire and the Revolutionary Army feared!
Thus, Cerydra had long been a thorn in the side of those in the South. People cursed her to death every day, but these curses had little effect; after all, the strength of a Demigod was no joke.
If they wanted to kill Cerydra, they would have to exhaust every possible means!
"So, can you tell me? When exactly is the Revolutionary Army coming to kill me? You should have received the news by now, right?"
Cerydra continued to savor the delicacies in her box, her casual tone as if she were asking "what's for dinner tonight," which was chilling to hear.
Being able to maintain a calm heart even when facing an enemy's assassination was not something that could be explained by merely having a strong heart.
Therefore, Barbara, Merraid, Taeko, and Chelsea all clenched their fists tightly, their expressions full of internal conflict.
"Late tonight... they will make their move."
After struggling for a long time, Barbara finally let out a sigh and helplessly revealed the Revolutionary Army's entire plan.
"I thought you would try to deceive me. What changed your mind?"
Cerydra was somewhat surprised. Barbara had lived in the Northern Kingdom Palace for so long without revealing the assassination plan, which was enough to prove her Loyalty to the Revolutionary Army.
Yet now, when Cerydra asked, this old woman lacked her usual sharpness and had instead become peaceful.
Clearly, something she didn't know about had happened...
"Because during my time living in the Northern Country, I discovered something."
"The Empire has absolutely no consideration for the common people. While the Revolutionary Army does, it isn't much; most of their time is spent on dividing interests. The only one truly considering the people, and even taking action to realize those ideas, is the Northern Empire you created."
"Therefore, I choose to pledge my loyalty to you!"
Barbara pulled a short staff from her robes, immediately catching the attention of her three disciples.
"Is that the Token of the Vice-Leader?"
"Teacher, what are you doing?"
Upon seeing this token, the expressions of the three disciples changed instantly. The reason their Assassination Clan held such a high status within the Revolutionary Army was due to the Vice-Leader's appreciation and the token granted by the upper echelons.
As long as the short staff in Barbara's hand remained, they would always be treated as friends by the Revolutionary Army, even if they were to leave the army in the future.
However, Barbara directly ignored the gazes around her and used force to snap the staff that served as a token, tossing it onto the floor like a piece of trash.
"Haha, you really are interesting!"
Seeing this incredibly familiar scene, even Cerydra couldn't help but laugh, but Barbara's three students were filled with confusion.
"Master, why?"
"Because we have already been abandoned by the Revolutionary Army!"
As a veteran who had navigated the world of assassination for decades, Barbara had thoroughly understood the Revolutionary Army's intentions after her investigations during this period.
She and her disciples were bait, used specifically to draw Cerydra's attention, while the true killing move had already been prepared in the shadows.
Given the chance, the people of the Revolutionary Army would likely strike at them directly, or even torture and kill her disciples!
Since you are heartless, do not blame me for being unjust!
The Revolutionary Army's attitude had truly enraged Barbara, which was why she resisted so resolutely.
After hearing about the darkness of the Revolutionary Army from their teacher, the disciples' expressions turned equally grim.
During this time, they had focused almost all their attention on life in the Northern Country and had not thought about this aspect. But now...
"This is simply too much!"
"That is why we need to seize this final path to survival!"
Either be killed by the Revolutionary Army or be killed by Cerydra... To continue living and to take her three disciples with her, Barbara chose to surrender.
"A wise choice!"
Cerydra's strategy of recuperation and development had indeed made things difficult for both the Empire and the Revolutionary Army. They couldn't defeat her, nor could they stop her rise... which was why they decided to take such a risk, even at the cost of sacrificing the members of the Assassination Clan!
However, this also gave Cerydra an opportunity—an opportunity to increase her subordinates!
Don't forget, Cerydra still had a mission to recruit subordinates, requiring her to recruit five characters from the original work.
Currently, she only had Esdeath, Najenda, and Lubbock... Since the final battle was approaching, Cerydra should consider increasing her mission progress.
"Then, I'll leave the matter of the Revolutionary Army's attempt to assassinate me for you to handle... my lovely Chrysos Heirs!"
As a drop of crystal-clear Golden Blood dripped into Barbara's mouth, her body became younger and more full at a speed visible to the naked eye...
This Assassin, who currently looked like dry wood, was once a beauty with a fine figure!
"We will not fail you!"