( Yuuki's POV )
The girls didn't understand when I said this was part of my plan to break Fredegund out of the Order's influence, so I explained to them in more detail everything I had done since the first time I came to Astrasia, the small resistance I found and gave supplies to.
Chrodechild was proud that her people never bowed to the teachings of the order, but then came what mattered most to her: her sister, I told Chrodechild that Fredegund was different from how she saw her today, colder and repeating the order's nonsense, I also told her about the little leech that stayed close to Fredegund to check her loyalty to the order.
Chrodechild: I understand what you're saying, but was that show really necessary?
Yuuki: Vital, the order disconnects its most loyal members from basic desires and then proceeds to disconnect them from reality, What I did was create a bridge between reality and her brainwashing so that her transition to normality would be smoother, you'll understand soon. Now let's see what happens outside the castle.
When I said we were going to move, Chrodechild gave his sister one last look, but she followed behind me without saying another word.
We moved to a quieter part of the city where patrols didn't pass by regularly, those from the order seemed oblivious to the fact that patrolling is stupid if supposedly the future is already written, but what does it matter.
The place that was the base of the resistance was a unassuming warehouse; we came out of the shadows and I told Chrodechild to cover her head with a hood, she could cause a scandal the moment her people saw their lost princess.
I used the secret knock on the warehouse door, and the one who opened it to let me in was the man who was acting as the leader of the resistance, but he didn't want that title; he only said that he was fulfilling his duty as a citizen of Astrasia, his name was Guntram.
Guntram: Mr. Yuuki, it's good to see that you were able to evade the order checkpoints without any problems again.
Yuuki: Yes, and this time I brought with me the ultimate weapon against the order, let's not waste any time, let's go in.
Guntram: Sure, after you.
A serious meeting was taking place in the warehouse, but upon entering I pointed towards Chrodechild in a rather not serious way, as if I were a magician being introducing his assistant.
Chrodechild removed her hood, and Guntram's eyes widened in surprise.
Chrodechild: Guntram, it's good to see you again.
Guntram: Princess Chrodechild? I can't believe it, is that really you?
Chrodechild: Yes, it really is me.
Yuuki: I say there is no more powerful weapon for a rebellion than to rally behind the princess who has never stopped fighting for the freedom of her people.
We started reviewing our attack plan, which had been in preparation before I even showed up; that wasn't anything too complicated We were going to attack from inside and outside the city at the same time; I had smuggled in enough weapons to arm the resistance, snd for the attack from outside, we were going to use the people from the castle.
Chrodechild: Isn't it asking too much for Seig and his people to help us here?
Yuuki: I thought the same thing at first, but I think they'll be upset if we don't include them. Seig will probably say, "You helped me before, and he couldn't possibly not help you now."
Chrodechild: Yes, I suppose so.
After the strategic meeting ended, Chrodechild spoke with Guntram for a while. Guntram had served in the palace under Chrodechild's father, so they had much to discuss.
When it was all over and it was time to go back, I asked Chrodechild if she wanted to see her sister and her answer was no, then she gave me a focused and determined look.
Chrodechild: Yuuki, I won't waste all the effort you've made. I will definitely bring my sister back to her senses.
Seeing all the love that Chrodechild had for her sister put a smile on my face, but I didn't fail to say what that entailed.
Yuuki: That's what I want to hear. You have the most important job after all. Fredegund carries a special sword, so you'll have to use a special bracelet to fight on equal footing.
Chrodechild: Special sword? You mean the Divine Edge!
Yuuki: I didn't ask what it was called, but it was important to Fredegund, more than just a weapon.
Chrodechild: Umm, thanks again for the information, I'll be ready when the time comes.
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With the preparations on the Astrasia side complete, all that remained was to notify the people of the castle, Upon crossing the portal back, I was going to go straight to the great hall, but when I saw an unknown woman circling the hybrid gear that was positioned as a guard, he was examining the machine and tapping it with her knuckle to test its resistance.
Yuuki: Hey, be careful, that's a dangerous piece of engineering.
???: Um, do you know what this is?
Yuuki: Of course I know what it is, I'm the one who built it.
With Matsu and Regina's help, of course.
???: This is a weapon, right? I'm correct, aren't I?~
Yuuki: In very few and condensed words, yes.
???: How do you make it move?
Yuuki: You're asking a lot of questions for someone who doesn't even bother to introduce themselves.
???: oh my bad, My name is Minen~ a new recruit here, nice to work with you.
???: Hey Minen, didn't I tell you to behave? We just got here.
When the girl with long green hair introduced herself as Minen, I noticed that around her waist she had what appeared to be a pair of revolvers, Then two men, who I assume were his companions, appeared to scold her; they were both carrying what looked like rifles.
Given the unusual weapon types found around these parts, it makes sense that she would have focused her interest on the Gear, but to be fair, who wouldn't be interested in a ten-meter-tall robot the moment they saw it?
???: sorry for the behavior of my friend; she can be quite bold at times.
Minen: hey!
???: My name is Geschutz, and this man of few words is Buchse, as Minen said it is a pleasure to work with you against the order.
Yuuki: Sure, any help is welcome. My name is Yuuki. You guys really picked a day to join this group.
Minen: Um, what are you saying?
Yuuki: We are about to launch our biggest operation yet.
This girl and her colleagues had piqued my interest, but at this moment that wasn't the most important thing.