-Forest near Barune Hubert-

A dark portal opened as the vampire dragon rose through. Clad in dark silver armor shielding its upper body. Only evil glowing crimson and patches of scales showing through as it growled, turning to its master. Its tails stopped thrashing as its four claws dug into the soft earth.

Hissing at the vampire lord in affection walking calmly despite the air of malevolence, it gave off.

Kyuketsuki petted the top scales not covered by armor with joy, enjoying the company of his steed. Loneliness evident in the undead dragons’ eyes, this has been the first time it had been summoned in the new world.

“Hello Siegfried sorry I haven’t called you out in a while, would you like a snack?” Kyuketsuki raised his hand with a chunk of meat from the deer Clementine caught last night. As Siegfried gladly devoured it, hissing in approval of the offering.

Sitabus turned to the tents. What to do for them, it might seem odd if he rode into the city while the others walked. For more than one reason, not just because he wouldn’t ask this of them. It was too hazardous walking into another unknown situation like before. They would need to come prepared for danger. Not to mention he needs the cover story to work for Shalltear, which won't work if royalty walked while Sitabus rides his steed.

Kyuketsuki glanced at Siegfried, knowing the vampire dragon wouldn’t allow anyone else to ride him. Annoyed as he thought up his options, the first would be asking Ainz for help, yet doing so would bring up questions he wasn’t ready to answer yet. No matter what Sitabus wouldn’t be useless, one of Ainz Ooal Gown rules demanded he pulls his weight. Two, it would just show how little Kyuketsuki deserved to be a supreme being, not really believing he had any right to the title, to begin with.

The next option was asking Kathrin, no she had enough on her plate, keeping E-Rental balanced and under control. It would be unfair to ask her to take over this problem as well.

Sitabus had to come up with a solution before Kathrin returned from E-Rental. The mercenary monsters could fill the ranks as needed. Summoned mounts ran the risk of vanishing at bad times. On top of not having many mounts, he could summon to begin with.

Running through his knowledge of his inventory spells and summons for a solution, When Sitabus remembered a passive ability of Seigfried's, grimacing at the thought of what this entailed. Kyuketsuki gazes to Siegfried, standing there enjoying the neck rub.

Given the situation, he couldn’t wait too long to finish; it would just give their ambushers more time to prepare or move. Gently pulling himself on to Siegfried saddle, rubbing his armor.

“Hey boy, do you think you could make some ghoalestes? If I round up some more food.”

Sitabus wasn’t sure what he disliked more the fact he couldn’t feel the empathy or his steed’s reaction.

The vampire dragon’s eyes glowed brightly as it breathed out a cloud of thick smoke from his nostrils. Stomping his front claws with glee at the ghastly offer of meat and blood.

Calmly taking up the rains despite never riding a horse in the real world. Kyuketsuki felt like it was second nature as he speeds Siegfried on undeterred by the trees or flora. Leaping over bushes, jumping off of trees, and through the woods with a frenzied blinding speed.

Kyuketsuki beamed enjoying the ride through almost not needing to direct Siegfried. As his [detect life] leads them closer to the nearby beast of the new world. With Siegfried mobility and speed alone, few other mounts could keep up on land.

So, it was no surprise they arrived so quickly to the clearing. Atop the grassy knoll viewing the majestic animals below. A sight Sitabus had never seen before now.

All the wild horses stop grazing, froze up at the attention of Siegfried the wingless, as its crimson eye stared at them. Opening its fanged maw as drool dripped out, letting out a joyful merciless roar. Rushing forward with gusto at the first prey jumping on to and biting down on its neck.

Rising Siegfried gaze to scan over the now running prey with predatory hunger. Rushing forward without much thought to feast on another and another. Sitabus had to hold back his grimace at the grizzly deaths of each of the seven wild horses. If he allowed it, Siegfried would have slaughtered the whole herd before they could even get away.

In fact, he had to pull the vampiric dragon back before he could go after any more. The point was the horses stood no hope of escaping if he allowed it. Siegfried panting in excitement, steadying himself for his master, drawing in the endless hunger.

“Wow, boy, we got all we need; in fact, I might have let you get too gluttonous.” Looking at the seven mutated ponies with pity as they all spasmed and jerked bodies changing before his eyes. Each torn out neck regrowing with patches of scales. Gaining natural scaly armor with burning red eyes and an air of similar malice. Standing on four clawed hoofs ready to rend flesh, with a hunger for the carnage in each one’s eyes.

Each approaching Siegfried with a submissive posture with a growl from him, they all stopped a few feet away. He beams a small smile, happy to have one part of the plan finished.

Now he could just have them ride, but it might do to have a carriage to entirely sell the nobility of Shalltears cover.

Choosing not to cause unfortunate wildlife any more harm than needed. These seven would have to be enough.

Before they even leave the clearing, he felt eyes on him turning with [detect life] still on he spotted them they were stronger than the average human. On top of being so far away from the city, he worried it might be a spy.

Kyuketsuki narrowed his eyes with a silent [shadow hands] he reached out as the shadow arms rushing at and gripping the spy before they could move. Just realizing it was more than one of them. Pulling out a scared mouse humanoid with torn clothes on and rusty dagger at their side.

They didn’t speak terrified by both his monstrous horse and the bright eyes of a vampire snapping his eye shut in fear. Looking back, the others were already gone. He cursed his luck.

Kyuketsuki just stared at the demi-human confused. There was no way this person was a spy. If he had to guess by the clothes and look, there was a village of them nearby. Though then, this brought up the question of the metal collar around their neck.

Finally, after a few minutes of trying to figure out the demi-human.

“Please don’t eat me or feed me to your beast! We just wanted a horse or two to get to Barune!” Came the demi-humans girly panicked shout almost crying. Taking pity on the poor creature and letting out a breath.

Setting down the mouse person silently commanding the ghoalestes to be on guard in case this was a trap.

"Calm down. What is your name? Little mouse." Kyuketsuki watched the demi-human with guarded hope.

The mouse chuckled nervously, eye still fearful, with a glint of hopeful optimism. Standing up, “I'm um... Revie no last name, you're not going to drain my blood? But you’re a vampire.”

Sitabus scowled, annoyed by the question of why did everyone in the new world, assumes he would eat or enslave them. The minute his nature of being was known to them. It was like dealing with Tarick all over again. “No. I'm Kyūketsuki O Wasureta adamantine adventurer of the darkness vultures.”

Revie was taken aback with shock “What there Is no way...they let a vampire become an adventurer.”

Kyuketsuki pushed back his annoyance with this demi-human. He needed to know how much they knew, depending on the answer, he might just erase the mouse's memory.

“Look, I'm kind of hunting an assassin, which may be a part of a dangerous cult. So, if you could tell me why you came out here.” Kyuketsuki leans closer, hoping to get eye contact. Revie, however, kept edging away, never allowing their eyes to meet.

Siegfried growled, feeling his master’s irritation only calming down when he felt a soothing rub on his mane of quill-like spikes smoothing them as to not harm its rider. Revie turning to the beast again, took a step back scared, unable to run.

Seeing as Revie didn’t appear to be talkative, he settled on a snap decision. Hoping he wouldn’t regret this later. Pulling the reins leading Siegfried away as the seven Ghoalestes followed. Much to the confusion of the demi-human watching with great caution.

“If you do head to Barune Hubert. Watch out for a man in an owl mask and cloak. I will pay for info on this person, Fairwell, little mouse.”

Sitabus quickly rode away back to camp, though it was risky. He was banking on the hope by letting the demi-human go it would help him understand not all undead where evil. This mentality would slow his investigation into the covenant he was hunting.

Keeping watch on the forest as they rode back to camp. ‘Now all I need is a wagon or carriage to complete the look of royalty for Shalltear. But where do I find one...’

Kyuketsuki halting his musing in shock as he cleared the tree line into his camp already cleaned up and tents packed. His attention is drawn to the dark blue painted wood of a carriage decorated like a starry night. Looking closer at the wood of the carriage, noticing the defensive runes carved into the timber, reinforced with metal around the wheels and sides shining with hidden runic power.

Standing in a circle around the royal wagon shining like a jewel in the sunlight. “Again, what possible reason would we have for a wagon. Lord Kyuketsuki can just gate to the city.” Shalltear angrily shouted, unaware of Kyuketsuki just a few yards away.

As Sitabus retraced his steps, trying to figure out when he told Kathrin what clues had he given about his plan, he just thought up this morning. Unable to understand how she found out, was it when they were together last night? No, when could it be?

“This is exactly why I still believe you are unfit to marry lord Kyuketsuki if you can’t even pick up the basis of his masterful plan. How can you possibly figure out the best ways to pleasure our lord? At least Demiurge and Albedo can read both lords to see their goals.” Glaring at Shalltear shaking her head in disappointment.

“Um, where are the horses then. This is at least a four-horse wagon.” Clementine cheerfully perks up with a knowing smile, which brought a twitch to Kathrin’s face.

“I brought a herd from the city, but as soon as they were through the [gate], they ran off. Disobedient beasts, my love doesn't need them anyway.” Kathrin scrawled as if talking about the worst kind of enemy.

Clementine’s smile widened into a wicked grin. “You mean they ran from you the moment they could.” pointing to a few still smoldering corpses of two horses almost hidden by the foliage.

Kathrin refused to answer on the matter, only sending an intense glare at the assassin, who smiles back in victory. Kathrin was unable to comment again without pointing out the reason for killing two steeds and her evident fear of horses.

Deciding to walk up out of the shadow of the trees, Kathrin's ears perked up under her cap, gaining a warm smile. Feeling master’s aura turning with a beaming smile.

“Hello, Kyuketsuki-sama. I hope you enjoyed your morning ride with Siegfried. Oh, you brought beast of burden how brilliant my love.”

Sitabus first thought was to ask how she knew, but doing so would give away an apparent flaw in his leadership skills. When he tried to say something to the contrary of his lack of foresight, no words came out. ‘Think quick shift the focus.’

“Kathrin, please don’t look down on Shalltear. I have my reasons to chose her to join us. Though I applaud you for understanding my plan so quickly.” Hiding his panic under a thin smile.

“My apologies, my lovely lord, I didn't mean to upset you. I only point out the truth, so Shalltear may be of more benefit to us. Also, when I was in E-Rental, demiurge said to pass along this message to keep you in the loop as per lord Ainz's instruction.” Kathrin pulled out a scroll with an enchanted wax seal.

Breaking it and skimming over the contents with a grimace. Kyuketsuki may not feel much for the people of the new world. Still, to wipe out a race of lizard people just to make an undead army sounded extreme. There was no way he was taking part in this even if Ainz asked.

‘Sorry, my friend, but I can’t slaughter without good reason. You are on your own in this regard; I might not be human. Still, I won’t go around massacring for the fun of it.’

Destroying the scroll with [frostbite touch] as it crumbled into tiny bits of ice. “Thank you for the message, my dear. Ainz has things well in hand; now, here is our cover story; everyone pay close attention. We can’t blow our cover on this not just for the current plan but for the future of Nazarick.”

-The next day at Barune Hubert-

The guards of the gate where board as they stay alert, watching the road for trouble. Everything was going as usual with minimal activity from the southwest gate. In part because the Slane Theocracy didn’t send up many trade convoys their way. As for the RE-Eztice kingdom, merchant trade thinned as the annual war approached.

For fear of getting caught between the two sides, which is why both guards where board. This gate had very little trouble, so it was a safe job, or so they thought before they spotted the dost of travelers heading up the road.

But no message of them had been sent from the border, which was the first warning sign. The second was as the group drew closer, a deep dread filled both guards’ hearts at the blood-red eyes of the horses no! Armored monsters.

Out of each of the mounted beasts, the lead one drew their gaze, shaking at the eyes, which promised death. Showing its fanged mouth as is savoring their fear, which slowed both of the guard's reactions.

Not noticing just how close the monster where in minutes, they were at the gates just a few feet from them both. Finally, seeing the monsters had riders the first to recovering shouted: “Halt state your business and why you are riding such fiends.” They both shuttered out with what little bravery they could muster.

Both of them shaking as they held up their spears in fear. Even as the stranger smiled kindly at them. “I'm Kyuketsuki O Wasureta leader of the adamantine adventure group the vulture's, part of a joint group the darkness vultures, from E-Rental.”

Both of the guards froze as if petrified before lowering the spear recovered, taking off his helmet. To show his brown eyes and dull short auburn hair pale features guarded but hopeful. “Ah, you must be the new adventure group I heard so much about. When you saved my brother from a monsters’ curse, dragon invasion, and then the undead attack, I’m Tundra. I can’t thank you enough for your bravery and courage. Though your steeds the fearsome monsters, did you tame them?”

Sitabus gave a sly grin, so his gamble had paid off. “Yes, on the way here, I found and tamed Siegfried the wingless. The dragon was lurking in the deep woods. Possibly turned by the vampire near E-Rental. Sadly, I was too late to save our horses, but after taming the leader, the rest submitted easily enough.”

The other guard still kept his distance, but Tundra relaxed, wiping his brow of sweat. “That's a relief they gave us a fright though, please keep them under control. The other guards might not hesitate to kill them if they attack anyone.”

Kyuketsuki relaxed, talking with the guard taking his time to gather information about the area and the city. Subtly having Velvet sent out the shadow demons in the town. He sent an approving look, while he learned a little about the nearby farm villages and the state of the city of Barune Hubert.

Or Barune by most after the emperor toke power over the empire.

It had apparently been renamed after the noble which once owned the area Barune Hubert fox tin. After he was killed by the bloody emperor in the purge of nobles. His death was still a mystery, but most knew it was the emperors doing. The city itself, like the walls of the city, looks beautifully made but hide deep scars being around since the time of the demon deities. A town that had to survive drought, famine, sieges from the war with RE-Eztice army twice, and one of few cities to escape the hellish reign of demon deities still standing.

The more he heard about the town's history, the more impressed he was. Even if most of its history seemed lacking with most of the exact details of said accounts. It shows the people of Barune where durable people. Then finally, the conversation turned back to business.

“So, what brings you here with the nobles’ carriage.” Tundra glanced at the carriage itself, impressed by its immaculate detail, possibly rivaling one made for the emperor himself. Though he wouldn’t dare say it out loud.

“I'm here with the noble lady Tearus Bon Shellder who asked our help in hunting down the cult responsible for releasing the powerful vampire near E-Rental. We believe they may be lurking around your great city and hope to stop whatever their plan is. Their name is the Covenant of Crows and is extremely dangerous.” He spoke with well-rehearsed lines and conviction, glad he had taken the day to practice this.

Both of the guards paled at the thought of something like this happening near the city. “If you speak the truth, we must get the word out quickly! What do they look like I will have the guards search for and apprehend them as quickly as possible?”

Crap this was a quicker reaction then he expected perhaps his fame had reached farther then he thought if they weren't even questioning his claim. How to dissuade them before they ruined his plan.

With some quick improvisation, Sitabus came up with an idea though he might be able to get there help later.

“No need we don't want them to act rashly if you do find them. Let us know at once, but don’t act till we can determine their plan and goal here. They Mostly wear cloaks and greatly detailed masks, each carrying a powerful item. I believe one may have used their tool to mind control the vampire for some nefarious ends. Thankfully we stop them before they could act.” Quickly constructing a story of half-truths. Relived when Tundra bought it.

“I see we shall keep watch for them just send word to captain Tundra Marine when you find them. I shall rally as many capable men as I can to help you.” Waving them on and allowing them to pass.

In the streets of the city where it was alive with activity, most gave them a wide berth. Taking in the architecture of the town, the tall walls, and stone houses. Shaped with an artistic flair making a detailed calculating observing at each person they passed.

Noting the lack of adventures with merchants and civilians seemed relatively free and happy. But the guards walked differently than those in E-Rental. They possessed soldier movements and a trained stance with every step. Even holding higher levels and better gear, if Sitabus was to guess, then the empire had a full career military force.

There was a higher choice of materials here, making it a great place to search for the supplies he was lacking. This would be later even with his glasses of translation; he needs to take time to read the signs and find the shops he required.

After wandering the town and asking for some directions, they found an inn to stay at with a stable. Before splitting up into three groups, Kathrin and Ritana went to locate the adventure guilds and other guilds or places of importance for the future. Shalltear and Clem-chan went out to probe the underbelly of the city if there was one and gain control of it.

Peacefully if possible, but with how most of those types acted, it would be wishful thinking at best.

Which left Bardic, velvet, and Kyuketsuki to hunt down leads. Which wasn’t going very well at all, he had hoped just wandering around would have prompted them to act yet hours later still nothing, was it possible Ainz was right about there being a player or two in the group.

Kyuketsuki hissed in annoyance, scanning the streets for anything suspect. With the only thing being though rare, there were a few slaves mostly demi-humans. This wasn’t really odd with how close this city was to bordering with the Slane Theocracy, a place of human supremacy.

As much as it bothered him to see, he couldn't risk acting on it now, so it was labeled an issue to fix once he had a kingdom.

Kyuketsuki’s current problem was luring them out. ‘This is going to take a while. I should have gone to see the lizardmen.’

Traveling by foot past the many stalls and building with little to go on. Thinking about it was probably a bad idea with how little they knew of the group. All he knew of this covenant was they seemed to kill particular targets, have destroyed one small city in the RE-Estize kingdom, and mostly kept out of public view.

Sitabus didn’t even know how many members the group had, let alone the aim of this group.

However, there was one thing he was sure of somehow, this group was connected to an admit or dev. Which had transferred here from Yggdrasil? Questioning the limit of their power and just how dangerous they would be.

At the very least, they where making message spells between him and Momonoga unreliable. Who knows what else is going on behind the scene of these city streets.

Sitabus scowled all he could hope was the others were finding more clues then him right now.

-Two Days Later Lady Tearus and Clem-

Shalltear waited and kept watch as Clementine viciously cut through the last of the thugs. Pouting as she watched the assassin work their magic almost pitting them, she did give them a chance as her lord had demanded. The stupid insects couldn’t understand how hopeless refusing was.

Shalltear yond holding her umbrella in one hand and brushing the dust off her spotless white dress sidestepping a thrown thug as he splattered against the wood. Gracefully walking through the wrecked warehouse dead insects lining the walls and floor. Watching the crimson drain slowly into the Eldridge vampires [blood pools].

Hearing the screams of the last victim as she approached Clementine drenched in blood as her imperfect [blood pool] spilled over her body and armor. It was kind of alluring to watch as mad laughter echoed from the assassin.

Sighing as she walked past Clementine enthralled by her hunger with a smirk. “So, have you reconsidered our offer, or should I let my pet Clemmie play a little longer.”

Smirking hungrily with a sing-song voice at the frightened owner of the black-market shop. As he frantically shifted his gaze around the shop now in tatters, broken crates and tables everywhere. His small army of thugs, which wasn’t more than twenty at best, little more than a mess of guts on the floor and walls.

As if to put the icing on the cake. Shalltear rubs her finger in some blood and licked it off her lips. Moaning a little all with a cute smile of a beautiful monster watching the human allowing the shadow merchant to see Clementine feed her frenzy from the corner of his eyes.

As sweat poured down his body in waves, the man sank to his knees on the creaky wood floor. “Fine just spare my son and me, I will take the deal.” His voice hollow and broken transfixed by the sight of slaughter and dead around the room.

Shalltear snapped her fingers, getting Clementine's attention as sanity returned to her eyes. Almost looking dazed, Shalltear wouldn’t say it, but it was a good look for the insect. No pet with how loyal Clementine was following orders, the assassin was starting to grow on her.

“What already, but I haven’t finished yet.” She childishly protested, licking the blood of her blades and hands.

“You don’t want to disappoint your master, do you?” Shalltear slyly smirks it took her a while, but she found the words to get lord Kyuketsuki’s pet to do what she wanted soon enough; she would be more than willing to hand the rank of the second bride over to her.

The true vampire would make it more than worth her while to do so when she was ready.

Watching Clementine scowl before cleaning her weapons and putting them away. Gathering the blood into vials as asked of them, Shalltear almost wanted to laugh at how easily she and the pet got along. Perhaps it was their strict and ruthless way of getting things done. Or just the fact this pet wasn’t too bad to hang around and share their taste in men and fun.

If not for once, being human Shalltear couldn't really find a problem with the woman. Shalltear was only uncertain on one point, which her heart craved more lord Ainz or lord Kyuketsuki. Part of her still wanted lord Ainz, Lord Kyuketsuki was different not as wise or gifted with such in-depth planning as lord Ainz. Instead, he had a charisma and considerate aroma as he led them into this mission head first. Taking on the most dangerous part himself.

It still worried Shalltear some, he would put himself in the danger zone before even considering asking them. Blushing yes, it was part of his allure as a supreme being of Nazarick. Cooing as she summoned her vampire brides, checking each of them with a steely gaze.

“Clean this mess up and have the bodies moved through the gate. Don’t harm the shopkeep and his son.” Commanding them with a threatening undertone. Clementine joins her eyes locked on the broken man soaking in the misery with a smirk of a cat that just caught a bird.

“Just 10 more shadow markets and our job is done. It's kind of boring how weak they all are, don’t you think.” Shalltear prompted to the assassin as Clementine’s tentacles wiggled with excitement.

“All part of the fun isn’t it because these weak humans underestimate our one and only master. I get to have fun slowly breaking them watching as the light in their eyes dies as they realize how hopelessly outmatched, they are!”

It took some getting use to, but for some reason, Clementine only acknowledged lord Kyuketsuki as their master. It just showed how good the king of blood was at breaking his enemies Clementine didn’t even miss being human.

“Maybe for you. I prefer a challenge to show the strength that my creator gave me.”

Clementine looked at Shalltear curiously. “Oh, what was he like master doesn’t seem to talk about him much. Though I know they Are good friends.”

Shalltear beamed sitting at one of the few bloodstained tables not destroyed by the fight. Completely ignoring the insect near the back wall embedded with splinters. “Take a seat. I can tell you what I know about my creator. I can’t say too much because of our guest, I hope you don’t mind.”

“Fine, I just want to know what makes them so important to master.” spilling some crimson into a half-broken glass.

-Three Days Later Kathrin and Ritana-

As Kathrin scanned the two finely dressed gentlemen across the table. Sending a casual smile leaning on her elbows just enough to show her cleavage. Hoping to lower their guard again, at first questioning the tactic of sexual charm. Yet once again, the nobleman and merchants’ eyes were drawn to her body.

Did all humans have this weakness, already she could slide past a more advantageous deal for the long run? With only a peek, not even touch, and they lost the advantage of this business proposition.

For something they would never get to touch, it just showed how lacking their negotiating skills where. While once again, Kathrin was gaining experience, levels, skills, and more control. Over the economics of the empire for her love.

Slowly swirling her glass of cheap, tasteless wine; indeed, these sheep didn't even have good taste in alcohol. Was it any wonder they were waiting on her every move. Instead of asking for details about what she could offer for, or looking for a weakness in her offer? All the while, Kathrin was weakening the emperor's power under his nose.

“Hello, Ministry of Magic Guild of Barune Hubert, Eldro Cawmen and Tradesman Guild Leader of Barune Hubert, Duke Von Shillrin. I am glad you could hear out my generous master’s offer. You have a fine establishment here, fine wines to boot; However, I think we both know you can get more with what I have to offer.” letting out a teasing giggle once again lowering their mental defenses.

“What is it you have to offer miss Kathrin being an adventurer no less. I will listen; still, I hardly see how you can offer half of what your assistant offered us.” looking to his business partner, little did they know shadow demons overheard every word they said. A precaution and a way to shake them up should they get too uppity.

With a disarming smile, Kathrin straightened up her posture, ready to snare the trap.

“Like dealing with the shadow markets to get more money for your Noble family’s debts which have broken their deals with you or Ms. Duke Vons low flow of coins with the impending annual war feeling a little tight? I can fix both these problems for you and more if you want me to!” It wasn’t a question but a statement which spoke of just how underprepared for this they were. Kathrin had them cornered either to blackmail them or to get them to be more malleable to future dealings.

Taking joy in both of their stunning faces carefully measuring their reactions even as she sipped the tasteless drink hiding her fanged grin. Pretending to gaze at it, the implication sinks in no need to rush; with a single glance, she could see both men's choices before they even made it.

“You dare! we could tell the emperor what you think of him!” Predictable, the red-haired man showed why he got into debt far too prideful to admit defeat. Even as he hovered over her trying and failing to seem even the least bit threatening.

‘Shouldn’t gamble unless you can bluff little sheep.’ Thinking to herself with a confident smile snapping her finger as Ritana came rushing over, dropping a heavy bag of gold coins on to the table. “No need to get angry. We all have our... vulnerable points. Consider this your debt paid if you accept my offer. Your daughter will thank you for it.”

The prideful caster paled at the threat, understanding just how cornered he was. After all, …

“Wait, you have a daughter, Eldor; why didn’t you tell me. No, not...!” Kathrin had to hold back a laugh, all the minister of magic could do was glare at the cloth-covered table meals forgotten waste of mediocre food really.

“As for your deal, we have all the coins we need from E-Rental for the rare materials on my list, of course. Which you will have advancing trouble selling with the annual war drawing ever closer. Win-win, really, what do you say.”

Kathrin leaned back in her chair legs crossed with the smile of a queen over the war of words. Gently setting the drink down, absorbing the silence, if they even tried to rebut her offer, she had plenty of aces up her sleeve to slam the ball back in their court. Daring them with her sharp golden eyes alone, it did help with Shalltear and Clemmie having already finished their task ahead of time.

If not with blood and death Kathrin under her loving master, guidance was learning how to crush them without an ounce of mana or blood. He knew how difficult it would be to oversee an entire city. Yes, it was hard at first, but Xennessa had been an incredible help in this regard.

This single test had brought with it a wealth of knowledge about how to lead unruly sheep. The grin wouldn’t leave her face as she waited patiently, enjoying her victory.

Then one of them actually used their brain to think too little too late. “How would you possibly be able to get this many coins. Are you telling me the darkness vultures have sway over E-Rental?!”

Kathrin just couldn’t hold back a telling smile; this indeed was fun. “Maybe, maybe not you won't know till you agree. Just as I'm sure, the empire has its own spies in the kingdom. Just imagine how impressed the emperor would be if you could alter the state of E-Rental with. One. Word. To. Me.” Emphasizing each of the last four words pushing the document forward to both men.

They came in sure of their strength and stance only to leave just as shaken and malleable as the rest. The emperor really didn’t know how weak and predictable humans were if he thought for one second. Kathrin couldn’t hold control of the city’s every coin and secret by the end of the week. The emperor wouldn’t even know till long after.

-End of Chapter-