The next day

"All right, everybody, there's no time like the present. I scraped together all the information I could to create our plan." Lupin is speaking to us as we gather around the dining table for breakfast. The dark circles under her eyes are probably due to that hard work. "So, as to how we will accomplish the goal of getting Victoria to negotiate with King Victor."

"For starters, the biggest problem is probably finding a way to meet him." Van Helsing says.

"Could we send a letter? It would be safe." I say.

"That would likely be difficult. If we can't trust the messenger, it's doubtful that the letter will reach him." Doreen says.

"Right. It wouldn't be effective. When you set out to **** someone, you need to make it clear you have power." Lupin says. "We need a method that'll make them think that we won't go down easy. We have to make ourselves look strong, even if it's fake."

"Make ourselves look strong? How exactly do we go about doing that? Stop being value and give us an example." Van Helsing says.

"In short, we're going to raid Buckingham Palace and confront His Majesty the King in person." Lupin says.

"A raid?! What are you, crazy?! You're going to turn the entire country against us!" Nemo says.

"Wait, Nemo. Knowing Lupin, there's a chance of success here, isn't there?" Victoria says.

Lupin smiles confidently, and spreads a large blueprint across the table. "This is the layout of Buckingham Palace. It's the centre of the administration, and the royal family's personal residence. King Victor usually stays within the heavily guarded palace, so we'd never be able to reach him directly."

"In a sense, he's tougher to get to than Pretorius." Van Helsing says.

"However, there will be an opportunity coming up when Victor makes a public appearance for a knighting ceremony." Lupin says.

"What is that, exactly?" I ask.

Doreen says. "It has become customary for the King's ceremony to take place outside, to allow the public to see the glory. Obviously, there will be copious amounts of security. And since the public can attend, there will be a guard turnout. Oh, and also... It was this event that Van Helsing was given the greatest title a knight can receive, the Most Excellent Order."

"Wow... You really are amazing, Van Helsing." I say.

"Hmph..." Van Helsing says.

"So we burst into the ceremony, then make them promise in front of everyone there that they won't lay a finger on Victoria." Lupoin says.

"Isn't it dangerous to do something like this in front of so many people?" I ask.

"That's what makes it so great. We'll make a showy entrance to create the illusion that Victoria has powerful backers." Lupin says. "The other benefit is that we can use all the civilians there as hostages."

"Lupin! We can't do that! That would make us actual terrorists if we involved innocent people!" Victoria says.

"Yes. I think it's too dangerous." I say.

"All part of the plan. We're laying it all out for the king to make it easier for him to make that decision." Lupin says.

"What do you mean?" I ask.

"This is what she means. If the King were to obey the commands of a terrorist, his authority would crumble." Van Helsing says. "But, if he makes a painful decision in order to save his people, his rule will become even more solidified."

"You're awfully considerate, even of your ****-ee. The title of 'lady thief' shines brighter than usual today." Doreen says.

"Haha! Of course!" Lupin says.

"I'm starting to think I don't understand what a 'lady' is anymore." I say.

"That's good, Caleb. That's a normal reaction." Nemo says.

"Yet... He may say he'll release Victoria in that moment, only to take back his words later." Van Helsing says. "Shouldn't we be considering the possible risks we might be facing? A battle of wills against King Victor is no small thing. I can't imagine that he would fall for his ploy so easily."

"Leave that to me. In true Lupin form, I'll call his buff." Victoria says.

Lupin nods firmly in response to Victoria's words. "The knighting ceremony takes place in exactly five days. Why don't we begin our preparations?"