A.N. Did some of you guess that Rory was a bad guy? I hope not. I tried to make it subtle, but not too subtle that it seems like this came out of nowhere.

Chapter 22 - The Red King

"Greetings, Master." Rory kneeled as he said this. Technically, he should have said 'Mistress' but Rory had reservations on that title. So he conceded and usually called his Boss either by her name, addressing her as his liege, or by 'Master'.

"Oh, don't get all formal with me Aurora. We've known each other long enough that we don't have to go through such stifling ceremonies."

Salem spoke in a controlled manner, yet from her eyes, Rory could tell that she was amused.

"Normally, I would agree. But I feel that I have to address some business first." He stood and took a seat at the other end of the table.

"Hmm," she hummed in amusement. "Speak freely."

"Very well. When I set off several years ago on my mission, I took my time consolidating my forces within several of the kingdoms. I recruited Headmaster Lionheart, as well as taken over a local crime syndicate led by a woman who calls herself Lil' Miss Malachite."

It took Rory by surprise when he found her children somehow all the way in Vale, not knowing who their mother was. He hadn't gone back to meet with the Lil' Miss for a while, so he never knew that she ever had children.

"Afterwards, I stayed in Vale for a couple of months. Unlike Mistral, the established criminal empire was embarrassingly pathetic. I had to recruit a couple of people to start over."

"I see. And what of Ozpin?" Rory held back the urge to roll his eyes. Of course, she would ask about him.

"I don't think he suspects my allegiance. He suspects at my criminal status, but he doesn't seem to care much about it. I previously made a friendship with one of his subordinates, earning me some trust that may have given me some protection for a while."

"Perfect. You have done extremely well, Aurora."

"My liege, may I request you not call me that?"

"But dear Aurora, I have called you that for years now. And I must say, I don't quite like the new name."

Rory inwardly grumbled. He always did have misgivings about the name he received in his new life. When he went undercover, he latched on to the opportunity at creating a new identity for him.

"Well, I kept you here long enough. You must be exhausted from the flight. You should go rest in your room for the night. You can give a more detailed report tomorrow."

Hearing her dismissal, Rory stood and bowed once more before leaving.