Vol 2 Chapter 154 Plan
“Hm... I see. It feels like this situation might be even more serious than I initially thought.”
After listening to Veronica’s report, Emerald released her hand from her cheek and looked up, saying, “At least from what I know about Her Majesty, this isn’t something that can be resolved simply by you returning to her, apologizing, and showing your stance.”
“I don’t believe I was wrong at that time.”
Veronica looked at her seriously and said, “I will reflect on whether I was too impulsive back then or if my words towards those in power were too harsh. But if you want me to apologize just to become the Scepter of Sapphire, even now, I still wouldn’t do something like that.”
“Sigh, you young ones... Enough, enough. Do you think I can’t see through you?”
Emerald sighed again and said, “I never expected you to submit easily, so I came here today to discuss a solution to this matter. Folding Crane Orchid, please talk to her.”
“Yes, understood.”
Folding Crane Orchid nodded in agreement and continued Emerald’s words:
“Now, Lady Cornflower, we are fully aware of your situation, and in my personal opinion, it actually does not conflict with our original plan. Because from the very beginning, we never expected to simply send you back to your position through verbal communication.”“This plan also fully complies with the law: According to the kingdom’s old regulations, if a Magical Girl violates the law and is sanctioned by the kingdom, with her freedom and range of activities restricted to a certain degree—including imprisonment or exile—as long as she still has the ability to act, she can offset her punishment by achieving merits.”
“We have already reviewed the files. Although it is rare in the kingdom’s history for citizens sentenced to exile to return, there are precedents. The most famous case was 185 years ago when a Magical Girl sentenced to 300 years of exile was able to return due to significant meritorious service. After that, she was rewarded and heavily utilized by Her Majesty. Eventually, she even rose to the pinnacle of power and was granted the title of the current Scepter of Ruby 80 years ago.”
“From this case, your situation can definitely be remedied. After all, ‘exiles returning to the kingdom and becoming a Scepter’ is a precedent. Within a dynasty’s rule, having precedents means ‘this matter becomes much easier to handle.’”
This was the first time Veronica had heard such gossip related to Pigeon Blood Red.
In her understanding, among the kingdom’s current four Gem Scepters, Emerald and Chrysoberyl Cat’s Eye were relatively familiar, while Pigeon Blood Red and the new Diamond who succeeded Purple Diamond were people she knew very little about.
“You mean, I should find a way to achieve merit like her so that the Royal Court would voluntarily lift my exile?”
Veronica couldn’t help but frown. “It sounds a bit too idealistic. Setting aside whether this merit will be recognized by them, what exactly should I do to count as achieving merit?”
“Regarding that, please rest assured, Lady Cornflower.”
Folding Crane Orchid was not shaken by Veronica’s doubts. She maintained her composure and bowed, “We already have some clues and leads. In fact, this conversation is also preparation for this matter.”
“Specifically?” Veronica leaned back slightly, resting against the chair.
“Specifically, today’s qualification assessment will actually be an opportunity.”
Folding Crane Orchid smiled, “First of all, everyone here knows very well that this year’s assessment will be the first to have the Queen’s attendance for observation after two Queen's Years. The Royal Court’s emphasis on this matter can be seen from how many extra hours and meetings the Examination Institute has held. Similarly, since the annual assessment standards are handled by our faction, we can also verify this indirectly.”
“Perhaps one of the concerns you have is whether ordinary merits would be recognized by Her Majesty. We have also considered this. But what if the occasion to achieve merit happens to restore the kingdom’s dignity, making Her Majesty feel satisfied and pleased? For example... this assessment?”
She spoke lightly, and the other members of the Magical Affairs Court all nodded in agreement. Even Emerald chose to remain silent in acknowledgment. However, only Veronica suddenly realized something, her eyes widening slightly.
“You mean, this qualification assessment... could be an opportunity to achieve merit?”
But she quickly controlled her expression, maintaining a calm demeanor. “Why? You mean successfully organizing this exam would count as a major achievement?”
“Yes and no.”
Folding Crane Orchid chuckled softly, “Without a doubt, holding this event grandly and spectacularly, and selecting dazzling new Magical Girls is our task. But merely that level of ‘merit’ is definitely not enough.”
“Very coincidentally, some interesting intelligence was reported recently by our informants stationed at the underground entry points.”
“Oh, forgive my impertinence, but I feel it’s necessary to say a bit more about this. There really are underground entry points near Rune Norrey. Many people wanting to avoid official checks try to pass through them. Most of those using these entrances are smugglers or black market figures. But what they don’t realize is that both these underground entry points and the black intermediaries who produce fake documents and identities actually operate under our support—in other words, nothing can hide from our eyes in Rune Norrey. They exist only because they haven’t truly harmed the kingdom’s fundamental interests, so no one bothers with them.”
“Speaking of which, our informants recently received several batches of ‘red-flagged’ targets from the material realm over the past two months. Although post-investigation couldn’t identify their exact identities, their origins were determined to be from Black Ember Dawn and Claw Marks.”
“In other words, several groups from Black Ember Dawn and Claw Marks have already infiltrated Rune Norrey.”
Almost as Folding Crane Orchid said this, Veronica had already turned her head to look at Emerald beside her.
Because she knew that Emerald definitely wasn’t hearing these things for the first time. So, the things she had talked about with her that morning probably had already been considered by Emerald.
Emerald just stretched lazily, slowly extending her left hand, smiling warmly at Veronica while making a pinching gesture in front of her as if to express “got it” or “I have it all under control.”
Meanwhile, Folding Crane Orchid’s report continued:
“Our informants dare not track their movements too closely, but through undercover visits to citizens, it was found that most of these people have been operating around the Academy District. The only reason they have remained inactive so far is likely because they are waiting for something to happen.”
“Therefore, we can perhaps judge that these people intend to act only after the assessment begins.”
Folding Crane Orchid smiled, “Right now, they are in the open while we operate covertly. So, we can become the mantis behind the yellow sparrow.”