“So, what do you want?”

“Is it true that you killed a shade that was in Moren?”

“Yes. Isn’t that shade the reason why Moren’s assassination is ranked at 3 stars?”

“No. Moren himself is a powerful knight. We had no idea about any shade.”

“So, what is up with that shade?”

“Shades are dangerous. You did us a big favor by killing that shade. Even though shades are rare, they can bring down a country from within. So, extermination of shades is the only thing our two guilds stand on same side. They must be killed on sight.”

“So, do I get some kind of reward for killing it?”

“Yes, you do. 5000 gold coins.”

“Then give it already. I’m busy.”

“Alright.”

Receptionist brings me money sacks. I open it and take look, in it, five mithril coin, I think. I don’t know how mithril looks like. Looks like a silver but there is a strange glowing sheen to it.

“Thanks. I will take my leave.”

“Wait a minute.”

“What is it?”

“I have a proposal. Would you care to hear?”

Hmm. Strange. But considering who he is it might be interesting.

“Okay, let’s hear it.”

“Then, first archduke Sylvester is dying, but he still didn’t choose the one who will succeed him. And he has a three son and one daughter. He said anyone of them can become the next archduke or duchess.”

“Doesn’t the oldest inherit the title?”

“Where on earth did you hear about that? Here only those who could inherits the title.”

“So, why doesn’t the more capable one simply kills their siblings. I’m sure they have different mothers and hates each other?”

“Assassinating others doesn’t prove your excellence. Only by scheming and planning do you prove your excellence. And archduke has only one wife and his children don’t hate each other. They are simply trying to inherit the title.”

What the fuck. I think I got the wrong script.

“Then who are the competitors and who do you support?”

“Oldest is Tion, second is Tirin, youngest is Turin and the sister is Talia. And I work for the sister.”

Well, I suppose I can cross out creative from archduke’s resume.

“Why?”

“Because I believe she is the one who will likely to win.”

“Why?”

“Before I answer that I need to know your answer. Are you in?”

“Before I answer that I need to know more about the competitors.”

“I suppose that is reasonable. Oldest Tion is, well he is a full born warrior. Not much in governing and scheming. So, we can pretty much say he isn’t in the race. As for the second one he is the main competitor. He is a talented summoner and very good schemer. He got many of the nobles under him through certain method.”

“Seduction performed by succubi?”

“How did you?”

“I guessed.”

“Yeah, right. Anyway, as for the youngest, well he is too young to compete he is only eleven this year. So, sister Talia is, I won’t say she is kind and caring person. But she will be better that Tirin. She got mind for scheming and planning. On top of that she is first rate elementalist.”

“Give me two days and I will give you my answer.”

“Okay, but only two days.”

“Deal. Goodbye.”

I get up to leave the room. Did he believe I didn’t notice the rat in the shadows? Naïve. Anyway, his proposal seems interesting. And never expected to thing to be this different here.

But first let’s check out the competitors. So, I guess noble in the run-down mansion was Tirin, huh. Using succubi to bring the nobles under him. That is clever. But I didn’t feel anything from him. That means he is simply good at scheming. I’m sure he is using something to summon a four succubi.

Whoever I supported will win the race. Of that I’m sure. It will be very new and interesting experience to manipulate things from behind the scene.

So, let’s decide who to support.

………

“Why did you let him go, guild master?”

“If he didn’t notice you, I would have killed him. But he noticed your presence form the moment he entered the room.”

“That is impossible.”

“Not impossible, simply improbable. This man is dangerous. Whenever he looks at me, I feel like I’m the prey that is being watched by predator. Hard to call him a human. Even if I wanted to get rid of him, I would have to sacrifice a lot. Even with all that sacrifice, I’m not confident we can kill him. On off chance that we fail he will comeback with nasty payback. That I’m sure of. Instead of that if I manage to bring him into princess’s camp it will be immensely useful.”

“Should I watch hum?”

“Don’t bother, you can’t hide from him anyway.”

My spy melds into the shadows and disappear. Still young and prideful. Let’s hope he won’t piss him off. Gem on my bracelet suddenly glows and cold yet melodious voice comes from the other side.

“Owl.”

“I’m here princess.”

“Why did you try to bring that man into our camp?”

“Frankly princess, because of danger I’m feeling from him. Not only he killed Moren by himself, he even killed the shade that possessed Moren. That man I powerful and dangerous. So, I though instead of antagonizing him it would serve you better if I pulled him into our camp.”

“Let’s hope you are right, Owl.”

“I think he will be observing you for next two days princess.”

“Do you believe he can?”

“Curb your arrogance in your lady knights, princess. I know he will be observing you without getting caught.”

“Let’s see then.”

Gem stops glowing and my room goes silent.

“Sigh”

It seems youth and pride are two sides of a same coin. Let’s just hope she won’t disappoint 47. If he enters our camp it will be so much easier for me.