Attending the banquet
Ayanami was given an invitation by Miroku Barsburg to attend a banquet hosted by the Emperor and soon to be Empress Roseamanelle Ouka Barsburg along with several nobles and officials.
He had Eve accompany him while he allowed his subordinates to do whatever they wished.
His musings were interrupted when Eve spoke. "Sir? Sir? Is everything well so far sir?" She asked, trying to be respectful while getting his attention.
"Hmm? Yes, all is well. My mind is merely preoccupied."
"Don't forget your invitation. Master Miroku will be sitting at table eighteen." She respectfully reminded him.
"Thank you."
"Where shall I retrieve you once you're done?"
"Front of the mansions's gates. But be quick about it. I don't expect to be here long."
"I'll bring the carriage round at once." Eve said as she waited for Ayanami to enter the mansion.
He did and he gave the attendant his cap which held the invitation within.
He found Miroku sitting on table eighteen as Eve said to him. He greeted him. "Miroku."
"Ayanami." Miroku said as he looked at the people listening on the Emperor. "I have listened to many speeches about the empire. He is ready to step down and appoint his daughter as empress."
Ayanami sat down beside him and replied. "I have heard so many of his speeches before the war but I didn't care to listen though I suppose tonight won't give me the luxury of a proper hearing after all."
"No, it won't." Miroku commented. "On to business. Do you see him?"
Ayanami happened to spot a man wearing white robes at the second floor. "He's upstairs round second floor."
"The stairs are watched. You need to find another way around." Miroku warned as Ayanami's eyes darted to the left of the ground floor and saw a door.
"I already have." Ayanami stood up and went to the door, being carefully to hide in plain sight.
He eventually went upstairs and saw the same man sitting on a chair without making a move to look at him. "Ayanami.."
"Fea Kreuz..." Ayanami replied as he sited on a chair behind him.
"Your Pope was being controlled by the shadow man...I did what had to be done for Teito...I almost wish we could've found another way without leading to war..."
"Yes. But then you would have know." Ayanami replied then he whispered to Fea's ear. "For what it's worth, my apologies."
"As am I."
Ayanami used the hidden blade on his sleeve that Eve gave him to test out and it worked. Fea Kreuz is dead and now clear and obvious sign is present. He stood up and bowed politely to two maids passing by before he moved on.
Ayanami walked past the crowd of nobles before he met Eve with his carriage.
Eve opened the door for him and he went inside as she took on the riders seat. "So how was the banquet?"
"Rather dull, truth be told." Ayanami answered without care. "Onward to my military base.
"By your command."
(A day later)
Ayanami is in Miroku's office as he stood in front of Miroku as he mused. "Excellent work on eliminating Fea Kreuz, Ayanami. Now we must plan on retrieving Teito."
"I know that he has left and Mikage has covered for him. I interrogated him but he won't budge."
"Hmm...I have been tracking him and he has landed in Barsburg Church. I doubt our forces can get near there without consequences."
"None of my Black Hawks can get in there either without having to hide their powers...but perhaps I can try asking Eve."
"Our very own classified woman? Perhaps. She probably has been to the church on one or more occasions. Use that to your advantage, Ayanami. You have my full authorization to."
"I am yours to command. But first, I intend to locate Pandora's Box for my own purposes."
"You have my full support but you will have to contend to the other generals who will protest against this."
"Leave that to me."
Ayanami bowed and left Miroku's office.