After discussing Nacho’s matter, the group returned to the previous topic about the Lantern Festival.

“So, Captain, what’s your specific plan?” Rebecca asked.

“The plan is simple. We have a Recording Stone containing a conversation between King Cantor and Queen Elizabeth. This conversation serves as key evidence revealing their corrupt rule. All we need to do is ensure that the people of the Empire see it,” Leon explained. “Here’s my idea: we gather enough Recording Stones, put them inside the paper lanterns on the night of the Lantern Festival, and once thousands of lanterns are released, we use the linkage feature between Recording Stones to project the footage across the night sky.”

Rebecca’s expression lit up in realization. “Oh~~ this way, everyone across the nation will be able to see it.”

Nacho chimed in from the side, “Not just the common folk. Even in the Empire military and the royal family, there are those who haven’t turned corrupt with King Cantor. They’ve been navigating the treacherous political waters and biding their time, hoping for a new leader to change things.”

“That is, if our plan succeeds, we’d gain the support of both the Empire’s citizens and even parts of the military and royal family?” Leon asked.

Nacho nodded. “But don’t get ahead of yourself. The number of people willing to openly resist the Empire is small. Plus, we’ll still face die-hard loyalists of the Empire and countless monstrous foes, such as the Dagger Special Forces and the fusion beasts.”

“Understood. I suspect the Empire has aces up their sleeve that we’re not aware of yet. That’s why I called in a few reinforcements for this operation.”

Nacho blinked. “Reinforcements? So far, I’ve only seen Silver Dragon Queen. Where are the others?”

Leon turned to Rebecca, realizing something himself. “Where’s Claudia? Didn’t she come with you?”

“Oh, your aunt said—”

“Hold on!” Nacho quickly interrupted before Rebecca could finish.

It wasn’t habit for Nacho to be rude or interrupt people, but the term “Leon’s aunt” carried a certain weight that even Nacho, usually calm and collected, couldn’t ignore.

“I’ve read your intel before. You’re from an orphanage—where would an aunt come from?”

This time, Leon didn’t have to answer; Rebecca raised her hand enthusiastically. “The Captain’s aunt is Aunt Charlotte’s sister. They’re from the Dragon Clan!”

“......”

“And Aunt Claudia is the next Dragon Queen of the Sea Dragon Clan!”

“......”

Nacho scratched his head, feeling a mix of emotions. Just who in the world had crafted this creature called Leon? Marrying a Dragon Queen was one thing, but even his extended family comprised Dragon Queens! No words Nacho knew could capture this dazzling yet baffling network of relationships Leon seemed to possess.

Leon casually smacked Rebecca across the face and nudged her towards Roswitha. “Adults are talking. Go play.”

The twin-tailed girl hid behind her sister-in-law, sticking her tongue out cheekily at her captain. Leon redirected his focus to Nacho. “She’s exaggerating. It’s not as grand as it sounds. In fact, I only found out a few days ago that my master’s wife was a member of the Dragon Clan.”

Nacho shrugged. Whether the shrug meant indifference or that he’d grown numb to one bombshell revelation after another, it wasn’t clear. Honestly, whether as allies or as enemies, Leon had a knack for making Nacho feel like the world was spinning.

“So... where’s this mysterious helper, Claudia?” Nacho asked, glancing at Rebecca, who was standing behind Roswitha.

“Oh. Aunt Claudia said she’s very interested in human culture, so she’s been hanging out at the library in the Middle District these past few days.”

The Empire was divided into five districts: the Imperial City, the Upper District, the Middle District, the Lower District, and the Slums—where Leon and his group were currently located. Wealth was distributed in descending order, caused primarily by the Empire’s systemic exploitation. The Imperial City and Upper District enjoyed the richest resources, while the other districts faced varying degrees of poverty in comparison.

“The library? If she’s wandering around the Empire openly like that, what if someone discovers her true identity? That would be trouble,” Leon said.

“Eh... it’s not a big deal. With the war raging on the frontlines, the Empire is short on manpower, and patrol intensity isn’t what it used to be,” Rebecca explained. “Plus, we have operatives in every district of the Empire. Even someone like you, Captain, a wanted fugitive, can stroll the streets with simple disguises at specific times—so long as you don’t draw too much attention.”

Leon was momentarily stunned. “You mean you’ve infiltrated the entire Empire?”

Rebecca scratched her head. “I wouldn’t say entirely. The Imperial City and Upper District are heavily guarded, and aside from Martin, we don’t have any strong contacts there. But we have solid influence in the Middle District and below.”

After a pause, Rebecca added, “So, if you want to go for a walk, Captain, we can arrange it. Don’t worry—it’s perfectly safe.”

It hadn’t crossed Leon’s mind that during his absence, his master and Rebecca had managed to extend the Lionheart Association's network to such a significant scale. No wonder his master hadn’t objected when Leon declared his intention to formally declare war on the Empire a few days ago. That old man must’ve had complete confidence in this revolutionary organization.

Well then... should he go out for a bit?

Leon glanced at Roswitha, a fleeting but ill-timed thought surfacing in his heart. He opened his mouth but swallowed the words before they escaped. Forget it... priorities come first. Instead—

“Sister-in-law, have you ever strolled through a human town before?” Rebecca suddenly asked.

Roswitha, who had been momentarily lost in thought, blinked back to the present. “Ah... no, not really.”

“There are still three days until the Lantern Festival. Why don’t the two of you go on a little date before then?” Rebecca proposed with a grin.

“S-stop messing around! There’s a war ahead. Who has time for a date?” Leon objected.

Rebecca squinted at her captain, scrutinizing him carefully. While she wasn’t the quickest thinker, she wasn’t blind to subtleties either. Besides, Leon’s entire demeanor screamed “duplicity.” And as for the beautiful woman beside her—that indiscreet moment of distraction earlier, when Rebecca mentioned strolling through the city, spoke volumes.

Still, with both parties as stubborn as each other, Rebecca refrained from openly urging them. Instead, she opted for another tactic.

“Captain, we need to collect enough Recording Stones, right? The members of Lionheart Association here alone won’t suffice. So you and sister-in-law will need to assist in gathering them. No objections?”

“Uh... well...” Leon hesitated.

“Nacho, give them some dating expenses—oh, wait, I meant procurement expenses. Don’t let them return until they’ve spent it all,” Rebecca commanded, hands on her hips like a field marshal.

Nacho shrugged and chimed in, “Honestly, you two going out for a bit won’t affect our Lantern Festival operation. Just make sure to come back by midnight tomorrow. Besides, Leon, it’s been years since you returned to the Empire. Setting aside the corrupt rulers, this place was still your home once. Before you save it, wouldn’t it be nice to see how it looks now?”

Logical and emotional appeals alike—Nacho and Rebecca, two of the Lionheart Association's core members, both encouraged the couple to take the outing. Clearly, it wouldn’t hinder their plans for three days later. Any further refusal would only create unnecessary tension.

The couple exchanged glances.

Finally, Leon said, “Alright. We’ll step out tomorrow to gather some Recording Stones.”

Rebecca nodded vigorously. “Great. Take sister-in-law along and have a proper look around.”

There was an oddly nostalgic feeling, like family members visiting the “big city” after ages in the countryside.