Chaos had erupted in the Imperial capital. Rumor of Sir Radwind’s death had begun as a whisper, then turned into a shout, and finally as the full scope of the incident had become clear, complete chaos in the streets. In the power vacuum left behind, several influential families had begun gathering support for their ascension to the now open position of power. As a final issue, the Imperial Senate had voted in favor of forming an elite unit of Sewer Cats, now restyled and titled into the Imperial Justiciars, whose sole task was to root out assassins, and perpetrators. The first few arrests had already been made on the first day.

“That… Is the situation we’re now faced with… And, let me make this clear… This is an opportunity… But also, a great gamble. I’ll have to send everyone out there, you too Farsilden.”

“My lady? It will be a pleasure to act, but will you be okay alone?”

She nodded and produced three envelopes from the drawer next to her chair. “These are contracts… Two are assassinations of high-ranking officials just across the border. The last one is for an infiltration and retrieval of critical documents… So, I’ll give you a chance to decide. All the intel is inside these envelopes, and I’m forbidden from opening them.”

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“How much force are we allowed to use?” Tilia was first to ask.”

“For the assassinations, the flashier the better, my masters want to send a message after all. Do you want it?”

“I do! I do! I’ll blow them all into mincemeat! Can Ferran come too?”

“Before you answer that my lady… Please allow me to take Ferran along for one of the missions… I still find her style lacking in important areas.”

“That’s okay… Ferran?”

“I’ll go with Farsilden.” She nodded. A glance over at Tilia revealed furious headshakes.

“Carys, Rein… Which one do you want? Assassination, or infiltration?”

The two exchanged looks without a single word, and Rein reached for the letter with the assassination.

“That means you and Ferran get the infiltration one. If the documents are obtained, you may do whatever you please.”

“As you wish.” He took the envelope and swiftly cut it open, taking the piece of paper inside to read. As she watched him expectantly, she noticed behind his stony exterior a moment of surprise. He then put the note away and nodded.

“It’s okay. We’ll prepare and set out immediately. But I’d like a moment of your time my lady.”

“Okay… Well, good luck to you all then!”

“Good luck Ferran… Keeping up with him won’t be easy, but do your best.” Rein gave her a reassuring pat on the back, while the others threw her their utmost sympathy. Under the show of concern, she began wondering what sort of experience she was in for. She would not have to wait long at all.