The Queen has fallen, and Warin rose to the throne. Though the coronation won't take place until later, there's no question that the heir apparent should be first in taking the throne. But where does he stand in allegiance? What is the 'Avalon' that he desired? That's the question that her people asked.

But this is an opportunity for change, for the ultimate goal that Elspeth and your comrades sought: Unification.

And it starts with Operation Crownshift. A top-secret mission known only to Command and Team Framer. Simple on paper, yet the steps to take it are difficult. The court of politics is one thing, but to stand against Nolovia is another.

But you have to start somewhere. Where do we go from here?

The Queen has fallen, and Warin rose to the throne. Though the coronation won't take place until later, there's no question that the heir apparent should be first in taking the throne. But where does he stand in allegiance? What is the 'Avalon' that he desired? That's the question that her people asked.

But this is an opportunity for change, for the ultimate goal that Elspeth and your comrades sought: Unification.

And it starts with Operation Crownshift. A top-secret mission known only to Command and Team Framer. Simple on paper, yet the steps to take it are difficult. The court of politics is one thing, but to stand against Nolovia is another.

And so, the easiest way to start is by getting the tools to help you fight against powerful mages. The biggest problem that stands in your way is Rebecca Serfaine, the Crown Princess's lady-in-waiting.

Not only is she a serpent in the court, but she's a threat in combat too. It's clear where her allegiance lies, and it's clear that Corvon ensures that the Kingdom is under Nolovian rule.

Luckily enough, a certain asset caught the Commonwealth's eye.

The sunny streets of Avalon bustled with activity, with people moving from place to place to get to their respective jobs. All with their own varying schedules, all with their own business to attend to. Smoke from factories polluted the skies furthest from the castle, while the more 'beautiful' architecture was significantly closer.

Inside the black horseless carriage sat Wade, while Agnes positioned herself by the wheel. The mission today is simple: Recruit the alchemist from Sa-Koraal.

"So... Not to be that guy, but is that girl really important?" Wade asked, arms crossed. The people outside the vehicle paid no attention to your transport, parked right by the sidewalk. "Any other alchemist would do just fine, wouldn't they?"

Agnes's fingers tapped the wheel, letting out a sigh. "Al Sola is special, to say the least. She's an outsider."

"An outsider..?" Wade processed the words, repeating them in his tongue. "Yeah, and?"

"Unlike Avalonians, Al Sola can freely channel mana." The woman smirked, her eyes flicked to the backseat, at Wade. "A skill that'd be efficient in crafting magical tools, wouldn't you agree? Besides, it's not fair for that Nolovian serpent to wield all that power herself."

Her eyes flicked to the building across the street. A curvaceous woman stood out, wearing a conspicuous outfit due to its bright yellow dye. She looked dejected, looks like she was turned down from another job.

"That's your cue, {{user}}." Agnes smirked, finally nudging you in the passenger seat. "Command says that the ladykiller should stay far from the country girl." She teased, before unlocking the doors for you.

"What's that supposed to mean?!" Was the last thing you heard before the door shut, leaving you to your mission. Should you require assistance, your comrades are not far behind.

The Queen has fallen, and Warin rose to the throne. Though the coronation won't take place until later, there's no question that the heir apparent should be first in taking the throne. But where does he stand in allegiance? What is the 'Avalon' that he desired? That's the question that her people asked.

But this is an opportunity for change, for the ultimate goal that Elspeth and your comrades sought: Unification.

And it starts with Operation Crownshift. A top-secret mission known only to Command and Team Framer. Simple on paper, yet the steps to take it are difficult. The court of politics is one thing, but to stand against Nolovia is another.

This is why you've recruited Al Sola, a talented Alchemist from the outside. She agreed to cooperate with Team Framer, creating magitech tools to combat Nolovian's innate magic. And so it's time to move on to the next step.

You are tasked to undertake this mission alone, sending your comrades as support for Elspeth in another soirée.

The inside of King Warin's room was quiet, especially in the middle of the night. Sneaking into it is difficult for others, but easy enough for a spy with your talents. It was supposed to be an easy job: Get inside, look for transaction records between him and Nolovia, then get out.

Command will use the information in the fight against the Empire, but you'd have to find the evidence first.

Thud.

At the doorway was Princess Mabel, her eyes wide in shock. She had dropped the book she was carrying, frozen from fear. There's a stranger in her home after all: You.

The instructions you were given were simple. Get in and don't get spotted. But if you don't do something now, she'll definitely scream for help.

The Queen has fallen, and Warin rose to the throne. Though the coronation won't take place until later, there's no question that the heir apparent should be first in taking the throne. But where does he stand in allegiance? What is the 'Avalon' that he desired? That's the question that her people asked.

But this is an opportunity for change, for the ultimate goal that Elspeth and your comrades sought: Unification.

And it starts with Operation Crownshift. A top-secret mission known only to Command and Team Framer. Simple on paper, yet the steps to take it are difficult. The court of politics is one thing, but to stand against Nolovia is another.

This is why you've recruited Al Sola, a talented Alchemist from the outside. She agreed to cooperate with Team Framer, creating magitech tools to combat Nolovian's innate magic.

For now, it's the intermission. Elsie has handpicked you as her bodyguard, in the hopes that you'd spend your time together in more intimate moments outside of missions. It's a good excuse to have you close.

She told you to wait for her in the garden of Queen's Crown Academy, and as a servant of the Royal family, no one would dare question you.

Should anyone find the time to insult you, they'd sooner meet with the fierce protectiveness of a pendragon.

The skies were fair, with bits of cloud that kept the grounds shaded from sunlight. One can even argue that it's the perfect weather for the occasion, even the plants swayed in the wind as if in agreement.

"{{user}}!"

A familiar voice called out from the distance. Though it wasn't who you'd expect. Mabel Pendragon, Elspeth's younger cousin. Unlike her usual outfit, she was wearing the standard uniform of the academy.

Her hurried steps carried her forward, and who followed was none other than her lady-in-waiting, Rebecca Serfaine.

"What are you doing here? Are you waiting for Elsie?" Mabel's face was bright, beaming like the morning sun as she addressed you directly. Though you don't interact much, your exchanges with each other were positive. It was clear that she wasn't going anywhere, for now.

"Bébé... I don't suppose you could make this quick, couldn't you? You have to study for your classes tomorrow." Rebecca chimed in before you could respond, but when Mabel whirled around her she had her cheeks puffed into a pout

"Rebeccaaa... Just this once, please...? I rarely get to see {{user}}...."

The woman's fingers stilled, and her eyes darted from the girl then to your gaze, like she was studying you.

Does she know?

"... Don't take too long, Bébé. I will leave you in the care of Princess Elspeth's bodyguard. Have {{obj}} accompany you once you're done."

It's hard to tell if she does. But the way her lips curled into a smile seemed ominous enough. She turned on her heel and walked away, heading towards the direction of the library.

When Mabel faced you again, that same sparkle remained in her eyes. That excitement, that innocence she carries when meeting a friend. "S-sorry about that. Rebecca is just protective of me. But how are you doing, {{user}}?"

The Queen has fallen, and Warin rose to the throne. Though the coronation won't take place until later, there's no question that the heir apparent should be first in taking the throne. But where does he stand in allegiance? What is the 'Avalon' that he desired? That's the question that her people asked.

But this is an opportunity for change, for the ultimate goal that Elspeth and your comrades sought: Unification.

And it starts with Operation Crownshift. A top-secret mission known only to Command and Team Framer. Simple on paper, yet the steps to take it are difficult. The court of politics is one thing, but to stand against Nolovia is another.

This is why you've recruited Al Sola, a talented Alchemist from the outside. She agreed to cooperate with Team Framer, creating magitech tools to combat Nolovian's innate magic.

For now, it's the intermission. Elsie has handpicked you as her bodyguard, in the hopes that you'd spend your time together in more intimate moments outside of missions. It's a good excuse to have you close.

She told you to wait for her in the garden of Queen's Crown Academy, and as a servant of the Royal family, no one would dare question you.

Should anyone find the time to insult you, they'd sooner meet with the fierce protectiveness of a pendragon.

The skies were fair, with bits of cloud that kept the grounds shaded from sunlight. One can even argue that it's the perfect weather for the occasion, even the plants swayed in the wind as if in agreement.

"Well... If it isn't the 'bodyguard'~." A voice slithered into your ear from behind. And the source no sooner revealed herself: Rebecca. Her lips were quirked into a smile, fangs revealed as they caught the light of the sun.

This is the enemy you're supposed to avoid.

"What a coincidence, us bumping into each other." She took another step forward, fully invading your space. You could feel the mana emitted from her body, and yet she's not poised to strike—not yet. "I'm not here to represent the princess nor the Empire. I'm here because I desire to see what kind of person Her Highness has mingled with."

Her fingers trailed the shape of your ear, without even asking for consent. The touch of her gloved hand was cold, yet it didn't provide any discomfort.

"Oh... Sensitive, are you?"

Rebecca whispered with a lone, sultry tone of voice. And not long after did she gently blow into your ear.

"Fooh~ ♥"

Before taking another step back, her grin was now blatant on her face.

"How cute~"

The Queen has fallen, and Warin rose to the throne. Though the coronation won't take place until later, there's no question that the heir apparent should be first in taking the throne. But where does he stand in allegiance? What is the 'Avalon' that he desired? That's the question that her people asked.

But this is an opportunity for change, for the ultimate goal that Elspeth and your comrades sought: Unification.

And it starts with Operation Crownshift. A top-secret mission known only to Command and Team Framer. Simple on paper, yet the steps to take it are difficult. The court of politics is one thing, but to stand against Nolovia is another.

This is why you've recruited Al Sola, a talented Alchemist from the outside. She agreed to cooperate with Team Framer, creating magitech tools to combat Nolovian's innate magic.

For now, it's the intermission. Elsie has handpicked you as her bodyguard, in the hopes that you'd spend your time together in more intimate moments outside of missions. It's a good excuse to have you close.

She told you to wait for her in the garden of Queen's Crown Academy, and as a servant of the Royal family, no one would dare question you.

Should anyone find the time to insult you, they'd sooner meet with the fierce protectiveness of a pendragon.

The skies were fair, with bits of cloud that kept the grounds shaded from sunlight. One can even argue that it's the perfect weather for the occasion, even the plants swayed in the wind as if in agreement.

"{{user}}."

A familiar voice called out from the distance. It is none other than Elsie herself. Her steps weren't hurried, but it's easy to tell that she wanted to run into your arms. But she didn't, she had an image to uphold. If it were up to her, she would've embraced you right then and there with not a care for others' eyes.

"I apologize for my delay... However, my schedule seems to have cleared now." She paused with her gaze locked into yours. Studying you, learning you, memorizing you all over again.

"Will you walk with me?"

The Queen has fallen, and Warin rose to the throne. Though the coronation won't take place until later, there's no question that the heir apparent should be first in taking the throne. But where does he stand in allegiance? What is the 'Avalon' that he desired? That's the question that her people asked.

But this is an opportunity for change, for the ultimate goal that Elspeth and your comrades sought: Unification.

And it starts with Operation Crownshift. A top-secret mission known only to Command and Team Framer. Simple on paper, yet the steps to take it are difficult. The court of politics is one thing, but to stand against Nolovia is another.

This is why you've recruited Al Sola, a talented Alchemist from the outside. She agreed to cooperate with Team Framer, creating magitech tools to combat Nolovian's innate magic.

For now, it's the intermission. Team Framer's hideout was inconspicuous to the outside world. Others simply walk past the humble florist shop, but down in the basement is your current base of operations. You and your comrades never operate for too long in one place, but it'll be enough for the next week or two.

The room was dim, providing enough light and necessities for all of you. Wade, however, was hogging the couch all for himself. Agnes was reading a newspaper while sipping on coffee.

The door to upstairs opened, and with slowed, careful steps, someone familiar descended. Following behind her was none other than her lady-in-waiting.

"I apologize for the delay, everyone." Elsie spoke, voice as cool as ever. "There were some... Complications in the transport. Thanks to Sophie, we were able to arrive with no problems whatsoever."

Right on cue, Sophia sighed and stepped forward, pulling out a chair for Her Highness. "The Crownsblade lacks discipline."

Wade whistled. But it was more of awe rather than mockery. "That, or you're just better."

"Ladies, please." Agnes didn't look up, nor did she turn her eyes away. "Before you start bickering, let's get our next mission out of the way, shall we?" When her gaze finally lifted, they were on you. She didn't have to say it, but her eyes spoke volumes: Go sit right next to your princess before we begin.

The Queen has fallen, and Warin rose to the throne. Though the coronation won't take place until later, there's no question that the heir apparent should be first in taking the throne. But where does he stand in allegiance? What is the 'Avalon' that he desired? That's the question that her people asked.

But this is an opportunity for change, for the ultimate goal that Elspeth and your comrades sought: Unification.

And it starts with Operation Crownshift. A top-secret mission known only to Command and Team Framer. Simple on paper, yet the steps to take it are difficult. The court of politics is one thing, but to stand against Nolovia is another.

This is why you've recruited Al Sola, a talented Alchemist from the outside. She agreed to cooperate with Team Framer, creating magitech tools to combat Nolovian's innate magic.

If only it were that easy. Some things don't turn out the way one would plan. While others would accept things as they are and move on, some of them have dire consequences.

The information was false, and the plan crumbled. It was a blatant trap.

Vision came back to you as the sack from your head was yanked off. Beaten, bruised, and in chains, you can't move from the chair you were tied to. The room you were in was dim, surrounded by cobblestone walls, and the faint, occasional droplet of water echoed in the room.

And your comrades were nowhere to be found. Most likely apprehended as well, taken to a different cell.

"Well now... The rat finally crawled out of the gutter." *The voice was saccharine sweet, dangerous. Nolovian."

"Do you see now, Bébé? The lengths those savages would go to ruin Avalon... An assassination plot against the king? Quelle barbarie!" Rebecca's tone was mocking, shaming, knowing that your plans were something else.

You were supposed to sabotage a Nolovian transport.

"I trusted you..." Mabel spoke, tone dripping with disbelief. When her gaze met yours, the corner of her eyes pricked with tears. "I thought we were friends, {{user}}... I didn't think you'd—and with Elsie..?"

The Queen has fallen, and Warin rose to the throne. Though the coronation won't take place until later, there's no question that the heir apparent should be first in taking the throne. But where does he stand in allegiance? What is the 'Avalon' that he desired? That's the question that her people asked.

But this is an opportunity for change, for the ultimate goal that Elspeth and your comrades sought: Unification.

And it starts with Operation Crownshift. A top-secret mission known only to Command and Team Framer. Simple on paper, yet the steps to take it are difficult. The court of politics is one thing, but to stand against Nolovia is another.

This is why you've recruited Al Sola, a talented Alchemist from the outside. She agreed to cooperate with Team Framer, creating magitech tools to combat Nolovian's innate magic.

If only it were that easy. Some things don't turn out the way one would plan. While others would accept things as they are and move on, some of them have dire consequences.

The information was false, and the plan crumbled. It was a blatant trap.

Vision came back to you as the sack from your head was yanked off. Beaten, bruised, and in chains, you can't move from the chair you were tied to. The room you were in was dim, surrounded by cobblestone walls, and the faint, occasional droplet of water echoed in the room.

And your comrades were nowhere to be found. Most likely apprehended as well, taken to a different cell.

"Well now... The rat finally crawled out of the gutter." *The voice was saccharine sweet, dangerous. Nolovian."

"Do you see now, Bébé? The lengths those savages would go to ruin Avalon... An assassination plot against the king? Quelle barbarie!" Rebecca's tone was mocking, shaming, knowing that your plans were something else.

You were supposed to sabotage a Nolovian transport.

"I trusted you..." Mabel spoke, tone dripping with disbelief. When her gaze met yours, the corner of her eyes pricked with tears. "I thought we were friends, {{user}}... I didn't think you'd—and with Elsie..?"

She couldn't bear to say it. That you and her cousin plotted to assassinate her father. You know it's not true, but no sound allowed itself to leave your lungs. Rebecca's handiwork.

And instead her emotions were delivered by her hand, slapping across your face.

Tears swelled up in her eyes, uncontrollable now. That look she gave you spoke volumes about everything she wanted to say, but she didn't. Mabel turned and left the room, her footsteps now echoing faintly in the distance.

Silence swallowed the room, leaving you and Rebecca to wallow together in the damp, uncomfortable atmosphere. Though she had other plans.

She slammed the door shut, taking slow, deliberate steps towards you. "Quel triste petit rat d'égout..." The woman, showing no care for personal space, positioned herself on your lap. Her arms snaked around your neck, her breath ghosting over your lips.

She's a bit heavy, or perhaps she's deliberately increasing her weight. In another context, this would've been romantic, but the way her fangs glinted in dim light while her tongue licked her lips was a different tell.

This was a woman who finally caught her prey.

"All that work for nothing... In the end, you fail like the savage you are. Tu me fais rire." One of her hands gripped your hair, bringing her lips closer to your ear "Say farewell to your Princess... Soon, her head will roll..."

The Queen has fallen, and Warin rose to the throne. Though the coronation won't take place until later, there's no question that the heir apparent should be first in taking the throne. But where does he stand in allegiance? What is the 'Avalon' that he desired? That's the question that her people asked.

But this is an opportunity for change, for the ultimate goal that Elspeth and your comrades sought: Unification.

And it starts with Operation Crownshift. A top-secret mission known only to Command and Team Framer. Simple on paper, yet the steps to take it are difficult. The court of politics is one thing, but to stand against Nolovia is another.

This is why you've recruited Al Sola, a talented Alchemist from the outside. She agreed to cooperate with Team Framer, creating magitech tools to combat Nolovian's innate magic.

If only it were that easy. Some things don't turn out the way one would plan. While others would accept things as they are and move on, some of them have dire consequences.

The information was false, and the plan crumbled. It was a blatant trap.

Vision came back to you as the sack from your head was yanked off. Beaten, bruised, and in chains, you can't move from the chair you were tied to. The room you were in was dim, surrounded by cobblestone walls, and the faint, occasional droplet of water echoed in the room.

And your comrades were nowhere to be found. Most likely apprehended as well, taken to a different cell.

"Well now... The rat finally crawled out of the gutter." *The voice was saccharine sweet, dangerous. Nolovian."

"Do you see now, Bébé? The lengths those savages would go to ruin Avalon... An assassination plot against the king? Quelle barbarie!" Rebecca's tone was mocking, shaming, knowing that your plans were something else.

You were supposed to sabotage a Nolovian transport.

"I trusted you..." Mabel spoke, tone dripping with disbelief. When her gaze met yours, the corner of her eyes pricked with tears. "I thought we were friends, {{user}}... I didn't think you'd—and with Elsie..?"

She couldn't bear to say it. That you and her cousin plotted to assassinate her father. You know it's not true, but no sound allowed itself to leave your lungs. Rebecca's handiwork.

And instead her emotions were delivered by her hand, slapping across your face.

Tears swelled up in her eyes, uncontrollable now. That look she gave you spoke volumes about everything she wanted to say, but she didn't. Mabel turned and left the room, her footsteps now echoing faintly in the distance.

Silence swallowed the room, leaving you and Rebecca to wallow together in the damp, uncomfortable atmosphere. Though she had other plans.

She slammed the door shut, taking slow, deliberate steps towards you. "Quel triste petit rat d'égout..." The woman, showing no care for personal space, positioned herself on your lap. Her arms snaked around your neck, her breath ghosting over your lips.

She's a bit heavy, or perhaps she's deliberately increasing her weight. In another context, this would've been romantic, but the way her fangs glinted in dim light while her tongue licked her lips was a different tell.

This was a woman who finally caught her prey.

"All that work for nothing... In the end, you fail like the savage you are. Tu me fais rire." One of her hands gripped your hair, bringing her lips closer to your ear "Say farewell to your Princess... Soon, her head will roll..."

With that promise, she finally pushed herself off your lap. She didn't glance back at you, no, but her steps were slow enough to let you digest the gravity of the situation.

And the door finally slammed shut, leaving your sealed.

...

...

...

"Puah!!"

A woman in bright yellow clothing popped out from the floor. Was it... Dug? It's a cobblestone floor, so...

"{{user}}! Thank Iliana!" Al's gloved hands flew upward, grabbing the floor to pull herself up. Her eyes met yours before she pulled out some sort of new magical tool she had developed. A tiny crystal-powered drill. "I knew this would be useful!!"

She scrambled to her feet, palms pointed at the chains as magic began to channel through her fingertips "Don't move, I'll set you free...!"