Chapter 44

**Acacia Point of View**

"Your prediction was accurate, Milady. I had done everything you ordered me to do." Eelk brimmed with such high voltage smile that for a moment, I was completely stumped.

These people, they know how to smile?

This is the first time I've seen someone smile after these chickens revived. Heck, even when I went to the market street in the capital, I never saw someone smile more than one inch wide.

Initially, I thought these people are descendents of zombies who cannot change their facial expressions at all.

"You are truly the most intelligent lady I've ever met, Milady. I cannot believe you even sketched out a plan to such extent just to make the black cobra gang submit themselves completely and offer their absolute loyalty to you." Eelk continued to beam like a lighthouse.

I only smiled slightly giving him a shrug. "What is the situation right now?" I asked remembering how he rushed to me like a bullet in a hurry to inform me something.

"Right, I totally forgot. Milady, as per your orders, after black cobra gang heard about their numerous rival gangs coming together to wipe them away, I made certain those gangs who are really against the black cobra hear about how black cobra was going to have an official status in Oudad."

"Hmm." I smiled. Well, most part of the plan has been executed. Now all we have to do is to wait for the climax.

"What are your next orders, Milady?" Eelk asked, seemingly in hurry.

"If I'm not wrong, then the opposition gangs has declared war on the black cobra. Are they here for a fight yet?" For a moment, Eelk froze as if he was electrified.

"How. How do you know?" The flow of surprise was very clear in his voice.

These people, they truly underestimate a woman's brain.

"Of course I know. I made the plan; won't I know the elements of it? Hurry put up a - yeah, those energy shields you use. Put up one of those shields around this room. Now, we don't want to be the part of miscellaneous damages, right?" I waved, rushing him to put one of those invisible shields.

In the past few days of our journey, I've seen these people use a kind of energy from their body, coupled with some chants; they made invisible shields for protection. I guess it was some kind of sorcery that is specially used by this particular race.

However, those shields were indeed very strong and safe. If my guess is not wrong, with one such protective shield, even a tornado cannot pass inside.

"Miscellaneous damages, Milady, you mean -"

"Now, don't waste any time. Put up the shield and better stay within the protected area. Hurry, I'll explain once you are done with the task."

Without another second of delay, Eelk, along with his crew of guards, laid a huge barrier around the few rooms we are currently staying at.

With their power, it hardly took twenty minutes to put up a very strong barrier.

Just as the barrier was in place, before Eelk could continue with his questions, loud voices of battle cries were heard and in just a minute later, sounds of fighting was heard from above. The fact that we are currently in an underground establishment meant we are prone to get the burn of some damages if not careful.

"It's good that the barrier was in place just in time." I sighed in appreciation. Taking my son into my arms, I walked to the small couch in the room and sat down as I relaxed for a bit.

The sounds of fighting, clashing of metals, burst of different energies, screams of pain, everything intensified as time went by and it has only been fifteen minutes until the battle started.

I didn't have to be there to know what conversation the two sides had. One party knows the secret of black cobra ascending into bureaucrats from being bandits for several centuries. The other party knows that their enemies teamed up to take away their chance in better life.

If black cobra to really become a law abiding team with an official rank, wouldn't their enemies and rival gangs have an early death day?

"Shouldn't we not help the black cobra gang?" Eelk asked in apprehension.

"No, it's not the time yet. Mister Eelk, you are a commander of imperial security, don't tell me you don't understand what is going on." I exclaimed.

Right now, I'm seriously stunned! Isn't he a commander of security? For an army commander, understanding this little bit of strategy is -

The other guards glanced at Eelk for explanation but Eelk himself was scratching his head in order to put all the pieces of puzzle together.

A few moments later, a glint of enlightenment passed in his eyes and stared at me in utter shock.

Ah, seems like he got the most of it.

"Then I shall wait for the right time." He provided with a smile.

An hour later, just like I predicted, someone from the black cobra gang rushed to us in a disheveled state, clothes torn with blood marks on it and several bruises on the body.

Due to the force of his run, when he saw us, he had to fall down on his knees to stop himself from crashing into us.

I gave him a worried look and asked anxiously, "You, aren't one of the gang? Why are you in this state?"

"Milady, help. Help!" He panted.

"Eelk, what is happening? Tell me now at least." I looked at Eelk pleadingly, blinking my innocent eyes. Giving one more glance at the injured person, I asked Eelk again, "Is this why you set up a barrier here? Is something dangerous going on here?"

Everyone, except for the injured bandit, gaped at me shell shocked. Even Circe and the other maidservants who are usually so calm and quite has this disbelief covered on their faces.

These people, do they have to be this shocked? Shouldn't they act accordingly?

Turning back to Eelk, I narrowed my eyes and him and pressed my lips tight in anger as I blinked at him to get him out of his trance.

Thankfully, he is not totally dumb and recovered soon. "That, Milady, some foe gangs have teamed and attacked the black cobra gang. The gang is now under attack. I apologize for not informing you earlier but understand my position, your grace. My foremost duty is to protect you and the young Lord."

"What?" I bellowed and turned back to the injured gang member. "Is he telling the truth?"

"Aid us, Milady. Show us mercy." He begged me.

"How come there is an ambush out of blue with no rhyme and reason? Aren't you the most powerful gang here?" I played my part well causing those around me to give me a look of astonishment.

"About that, those f**kers got some of their most powerful members and teamed up." He narrated hurriedly.

"Alright, calm down." I replied back anxiously and turned to Eelk, giving him a glare. "Commander Eelk, why are you still here and not helping the black cobra gang?"

Eelk seemed to be completely perturbed, must be thinking how to play along and reply accordingly. A moment of silence later, he hesitantly looked between me and the injured bandit.

"How can I, Milady? Protecting you is my utmost priority. What if something happens to you?" Well done, Eelk.

"Isn't there a strong protection barrier around? Why did you not leave to settle this matter? The black cobra gang is one of our people; if we don't stand with them then who would? You disappointed me, Eelk." I shook my head, blowing out breath of disappointment from my mouth.

"But Milady, your safety -" He stood on his point firmly.

"I am safe with just a few guards and the barrier. I need not tell you the value of loyalty, do I? When we are expecting them to be faithful to us, support us, then we should reciprocate the same. That is the law of true association. Now, hurry and save them. Teach the other party a good lesson so in future, they would not dare to repeat the same again." I burst out in anger and waved my hand to get out immediately.

While Eelk and the others are still frozen by my sudden change in the character, the injured bandit almost grovel down on his face with extreme gratitude.

"Thanks Milady. We shall remember this." I asked him to get up and go help his gang to win the battle and assured him that Eelk shall save his gang from the villains.

Eelk got back into the reality. Leaving behind two dozen of guards for my protection, he along with fifteen guards; strode out to the battle ground to save the black cobra gang.

With one more subservient bow, the injured man too rushed behind Eelk to the battle ground.

And just like that, taking the black cobra gang under my wing is completely established.

The first step in gaining strength to go against the Jerk is now in place.

Slowly, step by step, I will pay back every debt I owed him!

**~*~*~*~*~*~

Hello Sweeties,

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