The Outsider (Outsider #1) ✔️

Chapter 98 : Repercussions

They had just finished lunch and moved to the lounge for coffee. The chef had made a special desert that had apparently originated in the Arcadian Desert. However, Dusk had never got a chance to try it before, though it was from her province. It was a novel experience for her. And of course, being a desert dish, it was ice-cold. But at the same time it was not frozen. It was a dish made with something that apparently had no water and so there was no ice formed in it even though it was put into a freezer.

Lord Sunjune frowned on receiving the message. He looked at his Gregner who seem to have got the same message. Gregner read it and looked sharply at Sunjune. He nodded at his brother and both of them stepped out of the room to stand near the pool.

"This is bad and completely unexpected." Sunjune replied angry and worried. The nation had been at peace for long. Over the last 10 years, there had been no incident of internal or external strife. Strict policing by the local militia had reduced crime rates. People had begun to expect that this is how things will always be. They protested against security measures because they did not think anything will happen, because it did not happen in 10 years.

Now, suddenly, a plot targeting one girl could cascade throughout the nation. He knew Julien would pursue this to the end, because it affected him directly. If it was an internal plot from rebels and separatists, there would be crackdowns, some innocents would be caught in the middle. If it was an external plot...

Gregner remembered the discussion that had taken place a few months ago when they discussed the repercussions of an attack on Dusk Hale. And they had discussed how it was unlikely because it would lead to war. At that time, they considered the possibility 'remote'. But now suddenly the possibility looms in front of them.

The communicators of both of the men beeped. They connected to the call from Lord Jules.

"Brothers! You have the news? At the moment, it does not seem to involve any other nation. However, we need to be ready. I have no idea what Julien will uncover. What he has done till now is itself astonishing. I just hope the mastermind is from our nation."

"What does your network say?" Gregner asked. He was responsible for internal security of the country, after all.

"The social media is already buzzing with speculations. But can we make an official statement? I do not think Julien wants to confirm anything at this point. But surprisingly, there is chaos among the known rebel organisations. They are all scurrying around like headless chickens! What is happening? No one has said anything. So why are they scrambling?"

Gregner thought of the implications. All that the social media knew was that there was a security breach. And that Princess Catherine was there. Perhaps also that Dusk Hale was there too. Both of them were darlings of Social Media, so attention was on them. News of arrest of the Cartier boys had been circulated widely on the news channels, but nothing more. So why were they ...

"I think, they are aware there was a plot. Our intelligence failed in their work. We did not know, but rebel groups, knew a plot of afoot. So now they are worried of the repercussions. Is it possible that they did not know it was against a Princess?" Gregner commented.

Jules agreed. The rebels would generally be careful. They were not strong enough to challenge the Imperial Government. At the same time the Imperial Government did not want to rock the boat by initiating action that could spiral into a civil war. An attack on the Royal Family was a taboo they wouldn't take because it would force the government's hand.

The attack may have been by someone who thought Dusk Hale was expendable. The government would react, but it would be like an attack on any rich businessman. At the same time, it would be an insult to the Royal Family, but not being an attack on the Royal Family, it would not escalate too much.