The child died as planned.

But Alys somehow not only survived the entire affair, but managed to accomplish all of her missions without any issues. She did keep her newly christened subordinate alive, one that she seems to have developed a fondness for.

What are the chances that the Enforcer assigned to her also happens to be the most bloodthirsty of the group. And one willing to go along with her mission without challenging her? Did he manipulate the trainers, or me, or is this chance? Is he nonchalant, loyal, or affectionate? And if he is loyal, is it to the mission or to Alys specifically?

Now I need to find an explanation for the king, and avoid drawing too much ire.

The assets I potentially have for taking care of Alys in the moment is her subordinate and this dangerous foreigner who is likely to have developed a personal vendetta against her.

Both are wildcards. I expected Spereth to either revel in the carnage and draw at least some attention to Alys, or attempt to take her on himself. I do not know his personality or his motivations. I can lay seeds, but I do not know where they will sprout. The foreigner, on the other hand, is likely highly motivated to take her down, but I have no other information about him. Other than he can apparently disable Alys’s aspect which, admittedly, is a major asset.

But Alys cannot be here when the king orders the Enforcers to answer for his son. She is smart, and will cause problems if given an empty assignment…

Hm…

Perhaps she can be sent to gather more information from the first Turning Ritual. Learning more of the situation that bound the king to the Red, and any nuances that we may have missed. And her personal experience may cloud her judgement enough to not suspect I’m sending her away for no reason.

It should take a few months at the very least. By then, the king should be dealt with and perhaps I can maneuver to add both the nobility and the Enforcers at large to turn against Alys.

Now that we have years before another threat for the throne can defend themselves, she has to be my top priority.