Author's note: a huge thank you to everyone who somehow gave me feedback/reactions to the first chapter, it's so incredibly encouraging! I am honestly excited to share this, so thank you for reading and I hope you enjoy it =)

Frankenstein couldn't exactly say that he enjoyed battles – just as he loved the rush of the moment, the sweet thrill of danger, the tingle of violence ... he loathed the aftermath. With the adrenaline gone from his veins, little but quiet disenchantment was left. Not that he cared for the enemies he put down. Not that he felt much regret. Lately, he lost his taste for it almost entirely – each battle was a risk to Master, after all. A reason to get involved, more life force drawn from him. As if he had not given enough already! As if he had not bled enough already! This world should go to hell for all the woes it threw at his master, the one who had done no wrong but integrity.

For a few moment, he observed him, watching him near Muzaka and Lunark. The werewolves would be busy for a while and if he was not mistaken, there shouldn't be much left of the Union at this point. With some luck, Master would have time to rest at least a bit, though he feared that a couple of quiet days or weeks would not be enough to help him at this point.

Frankenstein's thoughts were interrupted by the sound of steps approaching him. Any other human would probably not have picked up on it at all, though here, Frankenstein was almost always on edge, anticipating sudden events that needed to be dealt with fast. Slowly, he turned his gaze towards the Lord who approached him from the side with slow steps. Regal, Frankenstein thought for a moment. Still, it struck him once more how little she resembled her father. Whereas the previous Lord has been a waterfall made of gold and fiery sparks, his daughter and crown princess was a statue of steel and marble. Like an iceberg, he thought.

"Are you and the Noblesse returning to Korea?", she asked calmly, hands folded in front of her.
"Yes," he confirmed with a little nod. "... what happened to Ignes?" He had not sensed any battles erupting in the direction the traitor tried to escape to -even a swift execution should have caused at least some sort of spike in energy -
"She has been dealt with." Her steely gaze met his and for a moment, Frankenstein was tempted to inquire about details – after half a thought, he decided that he did not care enough about the traitor's fate to question the Lord's ability to take care of a problem. One less thing he needed to worry about, then.

Even though, from a reasonable point of view, her feelings were misplaced, Raskreia still felt a certain sense of guilt – hidden dealings struck behind the back of her allies, threats left roaming free for selfish whims – too many things about the encounter with Ignes left a sour taste after the initial sweetness of whatever sick satisfaction she may have found on that moonlit clearing. A Lord must stand above it all, above pettiness and sadism, above cruelty and hidden motives. A leader who set a good example for the nobles. That night, she had lowered herself into the murky waters of secrets and selfish notions she should have purged from herself long ago already.
Wasn't she meant to be better than that? Even though Raskreia meant to tell herself that it was all for a good reason, in the calm of the castle, another reason seemed more striking. In that moment, it felt as though she, Raskreia, was no longer the Lord, and as though the Lord was no longer Raskreia, as if two people had to share her body. Was this really who she was? The cruel pleasure in seeing a traitor bow her head like that? The petty need to pour salt into the wound and still feel as though it did not hurt the other enough? Could there truly be such a despicable part inside of her, thriving in the darkness and bitterness of the past centuries and the struggles they had forced upon her?

Raskreia discarded the thought once more. Ignes was among the most powerful clan leaders still alive. They both were right, Ignes had voiced a truth that was evident to anyone: the Nobles needed more allies, for the Union still remained a looming threat. At the moment, nothing indicated that quieter, peaceful times waited ahead. Behind each twist and turn, a new enemy lurked. They already lost Rajak and too many of the Central Knights.
If her enemies played with hidden cards, then maybe it was time for her to do the same.

A layer of dust had started to settle on the floor, the cabinets and other surfaces. Precious equipment has been removed from the lab, most documents were gone. Whatever was of use has been salvaged already. Still, she was still familiar with this place from her regular visits to the 9th Elder's base. Sometimes in the company of her father, sometimes on her own. He has been no friend of hers, but still, someone she had known well. Though the Lord's word could be trusted... Ignes did not inted to sit still, twiddling her thumbs, until the Lord changed her mind. She couldn't (wouldn't) keep a low profile forever, hoping for something or someone else to do in her enemies at last.

After a few minutes, the systems were started again, connection establishing.
The screen of the second Elder remained darkened out. Did they see her, from here? Did they know who she was? Probably not.
"I am Ignes Kravei, the daughter of the fourth elder and apprentice of the 9th Elder," she started before one of them got to inquire about her identity first.
"We know who you are," the blacked-out silhouette in place of the Third Elder said.
"I ask for permission to continue 9th Elder-nims research to the best of my abilities and take this base back into operation," she continued. Father had hidden her well, something she had begrudged him for until now. Now she began to understand the favour he'd done her. Neither could she afford to draw any attention to herself through extraordinary work, nor could she afford to disappoint the Union. Let them think lowly of her. Let them underestimate her.
"The 13rth Elder and his subordinate teams have been tasked with the continuation of the research already," the 3rd Elder replied in a calm, matter-of-fact voice. Ignes briefly tried to imagine what he might look like.
"You are welcome to join the ranks of my team, Ignes," the 13th Elder offered amiably. She remembered their encounter and did not quite understand the shiver that ran down her back.
"Before any decision will be made-" The first Elder raised his voice for the first time and Ignes tensed. "- you never officially joined the union. Stay where you are, we will consult about this situation and inform you in a couple of days."
She swallowed, not quite sure whether she liked the sound of it or not. Still, she gave a nod. Wait. Did they even see her? Was she just a blacked-out shape to them too? "Yes, First Elder-nim," she said politely. "And thank you for your generous offer, 13th Elder-nim," she added after a brief moment.

The transmission ended on the 1st Elder's part, followed by the screen of the 3rd Elder going black entirely. After a moment, the last active screen, that of Dr. Crombel, blacked out as well. Slowly, Ignes exhaled. This was no good, but better than an immediate rejection.
Strange. With the way everything crumbled apart... one would think that they would have a greater interest in gaining new, powerful Elders...

No. No, that would be no good. The Union was too far gone to save her. At the moment, her feeble agreement with the Lord was her best and only chance.