Counting twelve people sited around the table , Jack smiled “Looks like everyones present that’s good.”

But he quickly changed his expression and added seriousness to his tone, “The taxation bill was passed by the parliament . Maybe it’s time we take some practical steps instead of arguing about our ideals and cursing the society.” He eyed at ray hoping he would say anything.

Seeing all eyes turned at him Ray said in neutral tone while absent mindedly looking at a portrait , “We are not kids any longer blaming every single thing in society. If we want to witness a better future, we need to act accordingly.”

The mature tone of his voice drew those curious eyes of listeners specially the girl wearing hoodie.

“What Lo….Mr. Ray said made sense. But first we need to create a official team or party first.” Orange said.

Evelyne scribler, daughter of the assistant headmaster( probably the most intellectual man within the empire), enthusiastically said, “ How about we name it ‘The Republic Party’? The Republic is a term used by the exiled Proff…..”

Ray harshly cut her off , “I know what the term Republic is. It’s a imaginary state ruled by some Monk Intellectuals. It’ll definitely undermine the authority of Crown. Let’s keep the name simple like…..’The Patriotic Party’.”

The unusual behaviour of Ray felt unnatural to the spectators but they didn’t dwell on useless things.

Frederick leaned on his chair, “ Dunno anything about their meaning but ‘re  public’ sounds like academic word whereas ‘patriotic’ sounds natural . “

Evan was quick to follow the suit, “ I bet even some scholars wont understand what the heck ‘republic’ is let alone common people .”

Jack nodded his head, “Sorry eve but I think ‘Patriotic party’ is more suitable. You know, we aren’t as intelligent as you.” He drifted his head a bit, “though same mightn’t be said for Ray.”

Eve laughed embarrassingly, “no it’s ok. Maybe I’m too much into books. Nerd me!”

Orange didn’t say much- probably name didn’t matter much to him. But who knows? If this name alone could alter the string of cruel fate.

The name was probably the only crucial thing the meeting come up with. Everyone was clueless about how to proceed. They all were still some naive brats who thought they could change the entire world by themselves while sitting inside a mansion and eating cookies made by maids.

Probably only people who were not naive enough was orange and ray. Well, we might count the mysterious girl who only watched and ate cookies as if she were starving for days.

Evelyne spent the time writing the goals, oaths of the new party . They had tons of meeting before so goals were transparent but process to get there anything but transparent. Still.. All founding members signed the document enthusiastically. 

While leaving the tea-room, Ray quickly approached the girl wearing black hoodie.

“Miss… May I know Your Name?”

She was caught off guard and looked up in his eyes. Ray noticed the beautiful violet color of her eyes for the first time and find himself mesmerizing .

“It’s….Lily. Just lily.” 

Without uttering any more words she hid her face and walked away with steady steps. Her sword was reflecting the moon light like a diamond. 

Moments later Ray noticed henchmen of Raven state.

“Lord Ray, it’s good to see you. Countess was quite worried about your safety so she have sent me to escort you back.”  Knight Britt, father of Ria and also the husband of his wet-nurse, said respectfully while carrying the authority befiting for a knight. He’s someone whom Ray respect though sentenced him 30 years prison in previous timeline.

“Sir Britt, I should apology that you had to come personally leaving behind your important matters, but…. I have a request….. There’s a girl wearing black hoodie carrying sword and she left a while ago. Could you please assign a spy to collect intellect about her and also safeguard her if needed.”

There was flicker of amusement on Knight’s face, “Lord Ray, For a nobleman of your status, it’d befitting to court a woman you find your liking rather than stalking.”

For the first time the composed look of Ray had crumbled, “it’s …. It’s not like that… I was …. Just worried about her safety, … that’s all.”

Though mentally Ray was more than adult, he never got the chance to get romantically intimate with someone in his past life. He’s still like a teenage boy in matter like this.

Knight Britt sighed, “Whatever you wish milord. BUt remember spies wont comply any inappropriate request.”

Ray wished he could hide his face . He hadn’t been this much embarrassed for a long time.

Knight assigned a shadowy soldier on this mission and then took Ray back to estate.

____

5 days later, Ray was waiting for Britt . Today was most likely the day when Lily was assassinated as far as he could remember. ‘What if I’m wrong? Did the spy managed to safeguard her?!’

Knight Britt entered the room and took his seat. Ray was fast to avoid small talks, “Sir, did you get intel from the spy? Is she safe?”

Britt had a displeased expression on his face, “I heard that she’s part of a brigade or something like that. I dunno how she bewitched you but I advise you to forget about her.”

‘She…. a brigand?! … no it doesn’t make sense at all. Did she died in some robbery attempt ? But most importantly what she was trying to do by attending meeting? ‘

Seeing Britt silent Ray came up with some reply quickly, “ Sir Britt, I wish to meet That girl tonight. Can you please escort me there?”

Britt thought of this some teenage love type of thing, so he didn’t try to pry farther, “As you wish Lord Ray.” He was quick to excuse himself.

___

The mosquitoes hiding in the bushes were terrifying than those brigands before them. Still, Ray stubbornly endured and watched those girls with binoculars. Knight Britt and his soldiers were confused by the behaviour of their lord.

“Lord Ray, you told that you just wanted to meet her. So why are we hiding like bunch of thieves. Let’s barge at them, question them and arrest if necessary.” He paused a bit,  “We’ll spare that girl, you can take her back with you if you want.” 

Fortunately for Ray there was sudden movements from the bushes which  saved him .

Soon chaos broke out. “Sir Bri..” He noticed he’s already there commanding the soldiers. Two elite soldiers were placed beside him just to guarantee his safety. 

Meanwhile fight was ongoing, two assassins managed to wound soldiers but others gave backup. Those brigand women couldn’t fathom the situation and decide whom to attack. 

From the bush third assassin appeared and tried to finish Lily off with a single blow but she managed to block . He was hard to handle as he wounded another soldier. So, Sir Britt took him on. His sword met his and clash went on. Brigands also joined the fray as Lily was one of them. Knowing the mission failed, assassins quickly vaporized within dark shadow. 

But chaos still lingered. Two armed groups were preparing to attack one another. Seeing the scene, Ray hurriedly walked toward them.

“YOung Lord WE were instructed to keep you out of skirmish. “ Soldiers ran behind him.

Britt was about to order his soldiers when voice of Ray reached his ear. “Sir Britt…… we are not ….here for hostility.” He continued panting.

Ray looked at Lily and noticed she was reciprocating. In the dark weather, the violet eyes of her were shining like a exquisite piece of diamond. She talked with at older woman whose skin was wrapped with bandages.   

They were still on combat mode but ray and lily closed their distance one step at a time to presume the role of delegation. Soldiers watched their lord approaching unarmed but fearless. But Britt had something to say, “Sorry to interrupt but That girl should drop her sword.” Lily complied without hesitation.

“Lord Ray, it’s an honor to meet you again.” She bowed; despite the fear visible in her eyes and hesitation in her voice she continued, “Though situation could have been better.” She was unexpectedly eloquent and precise with her words. “We were just some weak girls discarded by the society. Some of us were captive slave who ran away and some were.. prostitutes. All of us share tragic fate in our life. We grouped up in order to survive. Though we had committed theft and robbery which is unforgivable, I still ask merciful lord to consider forgiving us.”

Ray’s calm facade didn’t falter but inside - ‘Wasn’t it supposed to be a rescue mission? How did I end up like this! And those eyes..’

“You asking for something I don’t know if I have the power to give. But wasn’t Slavery outlawed by the court? Even prostitution should be outlawed in some feudal lands.”

“Many things are outlawed my Lord . But in front of money, things can be.. overlooked.” 

‘What was I expecting! In previous timeline, prostitution was rampant and main income source for poor woman. As for slavery, all the common people were slaves.”

“I’m putting my trust on your word, make sure I dont have to regret about it later.” His tone carried unusual authority, “I’ll request Count to be lenient in judgement and provide essential food and shelter to them until … they get a stable livelihood. But…. I order you disarm and surrender. You wont be escorted to the estate… in proper way.”

She again bowed, “Thanks for your kindness. I’ll now deliver the message.”

They were quick to surrender. The assurance of food and shelter alone were enough to quickly take the decision. As he told, none of those women were bound like a captive.

After making sure they got into carriage, it was Ray’s turn to get shocked. Instead of sir britt, the one sitting inside carriage was Lily  with uneasy and embarrassed face.