It was 10:47 p.m., and the four Null Handmaidens stood in front of a full body mirror, making final adjustments to their black assassin suits.
Rielinne exhaled through her nose, feeling the slight tug of the hood as she pulled it into place. The outfit was a masterpiece, tailored by the Argemenes elite tailors, just as her master promised. The sleek black fabric clung perfectly without suffocating her movement. The hood was deep, its lining padded just enough to cushion her head without adding bulk.
Her face mask covered from the bridge of her nose down to her lips, made of a soft, breathable weave that still felt strangely luxurious. Only her eyes were visible. Her gloves were fingerless, made from material that flexed with her grip, the knuckles lightly reinforced for combat.
Gleaming subtly on her chest, lay a silver Fluveheart. It wasn't just jewelry. It was proof that they were Phasnovterich's personal assassins. They also server another function that she was dying to try in the mission. She adjusted her belt, which carried small, compact daggers. She looked up and nearly laughed.
The other three Handmaidens were admiring themselves in the mirror like fashion models before a gala.
"Damn," Naelle muttered, adjusting her hood. "The Argemenes don't mess around. This thing feels like it's made of clouds and sin."
"That's probably because it was," Syraleh smirked, doing a quick spin. The motion made her cloak sweep wide. "It's enchanted silk. Costs more than a house."
"Good thing it was free, then," said Iserra.
Rielinne chuckled softly. "You three look amazing. This tailor deserves a raise."
Naelle ran her fingers along her waist, smirking.
"Oh, absolutely. And look at these cuts. It's like the tailor knew every single inch of me."
Rielinne laughed under her breath. "Don't start showing off now."
But even she couldn't ignore how good the suit looked on her. This body wasn't the same one she had in her old world. This one had elegance built into its shape and had the perfect hourglass figure. Her stance alone carried a confidence she didn't used to have. It felt… empowering. She caught her reflection again and smiled slightly.
Before any of them could comment further, the automatic doors of the chalet slid open with a soft hiss.
Instantly, the four straightened up. Three women stepped inside, snow swirling around their silhouettes.
The first was impossible to mistake: Xaessiarerich, the radiant sister of their master. Her eyes were the color of silver, and her presence filled the room without effort. She wore casual outfits despite the cold outside.
Beside her was Hinesia of the House of Rameses. Even beneath her travel coat, she looked beautiful.
Rielinne froze when she saw the companion. Her pulse hitched as her mind short-circuited for a moment.
That face, poise and those eyes that had stared out at her countless times through a computer screen in her old world.
Verdamona, the protagonist of Masquerade of Dreams Shattered. She was real.
Rielinne had to consciously stop herself from gaping. She managed to bow slightly like the others, her voice calm when she spoke.
"Null Handmaidens, reporting in, Lady Xaessiarerich, under direct command of Master Phasnovterich."
Xaessiarerich smiled faintly, a flicker of mischief in her eyes as she scanned the four of them.
"I can see that. My brother really has impeccable taste. Each of you looks… exquisite."
Naelle, blushed visibly beneath her mask. "Th-thank you, Lady Xaessiarerich."
Hinesia laughed softly, her voice carrying a rich, elegant timbre.
"It's true. You all look ready for both a mission and a fashion exhibition."
Even Verdamona smiled lightly. "Efficiency with grace. I like it."
Rielinne bowed her head slightly, doing her best to maintain composure despite her brain screaming in happiness. Xaessiarerich walked around them slowly, like a commander inspecting her elite unit.
"I assume my brother briefed you on the situation?"
"Yes, my lady," Rielinne answered. "Outer 7 has hired over thirty operatives in the Alps and Pisa sectors. We're to distract and disrupt them long enough for the primary team to acquire the fragment when it manifests at midnight."
"Good," Hinesia nodded. "The Azure Sword's third clue will appear at midnight."
Xaessiarerich crossed her arms. "You'll split into two teams. Verdamona, Hinesia, and I will handle the upper ridge. You four will handle the lower perimeter and keep the interference minimal but effective. Draw half their forces away from the epicenter. Kill if necessary."
Rielinne nodded. "Understood, my lady."
Then, hesitantly, she asked, "And… if they resist lethally?"
Xaessiarerich's eyes flicked toward her, sharp but not unkind. "Then respond in kind. My brother has never expected pacifism from his blades."
Hinesia smirked slightly. "So long as you don't start any unnecessary bloodbaths. Keep it clean. The last thing we went is the Switzerland government to investigate this incident."
Xaessiarerich nodded once, concluding, "You have exactly one hour and five minutes. Get into position by eleven and hold your ground until the signal."
They all saluted, bowing in unison. As the three turned to leave, Hinesia paused, looking back at Rielinne for a second. Then she smiled faintly at her.
"Good luck out there, Handmaiden."
Rielinne's heart nearly exploded out of her chest. Once the doors closed, the other three exhaled loudly.
"Okay, not gonna lie… that was intense."
"I think I just met an actual goddess."
Rielinne leaned against the wall. "You did. Why are they so beautiful?"
They all chuckled softly.