...
Silence
...
...
(Umu, this is awkward, should I say something first? But what the hell am I supposed to say anyway?? I’m not good with this... Besides just watching him makes me cringe, ugh) (Erika)
Erika was quite taken aback when she saw the man, not because of his sudden appearance, but because the attire he had was too flashy to the point of blinding.
The staring contest continues for some more time.
Until...
“You... I know you... The one who always stick to Viscount Seyler and actively support him ever since the trial last month. Your name is Markus, right? What are you doing here? Don’t tell me this is the assassination attempt Seyler arranged, and you came to make sure none of us get out alive?” (Sylvia)
Breaking the silence, Princess Sylvia asked the man face to face without hesitation while temporarily stopped casting the spell.
(Thank you the girl-who-appearance-look-important! But wait... Did I just hear “Assassination attempt”??)
“Indeed, seems like I needn’t introduce myself for you have already looked into who I am despite we have never met officially, second princess Sylvia”
“And for your information. Yes, he did arrange this situation and I came to supervise and deal with anything that can hinder his plan and erase evidence afterward” (Markus)
The man responded nonchalantly.
“And what good do you think killing me for? If anything, that would mean enraging His Majesty more and you all will be the first he suspects”
(Uh oh, I got myself involved with something really complicated now. Man I hate political stuff) (Erika)
Erika felt a headache coming but was also somewhat curious about the situation, so she decided to try and do something.
(Since the “Inventory” feature working, that should apply to “Status” too, right?)
Trying her best not to show any sign of anxiety while standing between the two parties, she slowly backed away into the forest behind her while staring at the man name Markus.
(Alright, Status! Come forth!)
A window popup above Markus’s head
Name: Matthew Dawson
Level: 108
Occupation: Master Assassin
Title: Assassin Guild Master, Schemer, Master Tactician, Informant
Age: **/ Gender: Male/ Birthday: ******
HP
5220
MP
350
STA
120
ATK
735
Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator.
DEF (P)
652
DEF (P)
512
SPD
167
CRIT
68
CRIT DMG
200
Skill: Quick Step, Shadow Step, Dual Wielding (Dagger), Parry, Adrenaline Rush, Terror (M), Eternal Flame, Fireball, Ice Lance, Shatter, Dispel, Barrier, Backstab, Bow Specialist, Stealth Recon, Night Vision, Last Stand, Quick Smoke, Sprint Attack, Finisher
(Apparently, the status window got changed, it looks so simple now. Not that I mind, the last one was a mess to look at. He’s using a fake name, a master assassin title, his age and birthday are hidden. His stats are considered mid-game, he’s not good enough to be considered a threat to me)
Erika glanced at the party behind her.
(But I’ll just watch out just in case he tries anything funny. Better finish what I started then bail as soon as possible)
She then quietly cast two layers of barriers around herself.
“Psst, Aria how much mana do you have left?” The redhead swordswoman whispered to the little girl behind her
“Not much... I can only use two heal spells and maybe squeeze in an attack spell in the middle but that’s all I can do now” (Aria)
“You good for another, Ralph?” (Melissa)
“Wahaha!! I can do this all day! *Cough*” (Ralph)
“Goodness, don’t force yourself and stay back. I will take the front”
The tension in the air suddenly increased tenfold. After hearing that, the three adventurers and the knight captain quickly form a defense line around the princess preparing to battle once more. Meanwhile, Sylvia completely abandoned the teleportation spell and put everything on the defense instead for she knew there wouldn’t have enough time, she was willing to place a bet on the escorts.
The man still hasn’t made a move.
“Please calm down everyone, after witnessing the strength of this mysterious Lady over here, I don’t think I have the resolve to put forth the plan anymore. As the matter of fact, I surrender~” (Markus?)
Markus declared with a cheerful tone but who knows if he is sincere or just a cheap attempt at deceiving. The defending party knew this fact, so they didn’t let down their guard.
“Hmm... Milady with hair gorgeous like a black night sky with thousands of shining stars and a silky-smooth white dress. May I ask for your name?”
“Eww gross, the name’s Erika, and don’t you dare get close to me!”
The girl shuddered; she made no effort in hiding her emotion. Erika then fortified the barrier for another two extra layers and set up five Night Arrow spells behind the forest ready to strike the creep.
“How about this, I will challenge Lady Erika for a duel. If I lose and am still alive, I shall retreat but if I win, I’m going to finish what I have come to do. How’s that sound?”
Flabbergasted by Markus's proposal. They all look at each other, unsure how to react.
(Seriously? What the hell are you saying!) (Erika)
“What is the point of doing that? You can just leave us be, can’t you? And don't drag others into this, this is between us alone” Sylvia made a sarcastic response.
(That’s right! Just as he said before fighting me is pointless seeing how strong I am, why would you propose a duel!)
“Like merchants, we also operate on trust. When we have learned to distrust someone, it's usually because we've come to understand that what we share with them or what's important to us is not safe with that person. This is just one of many ways to reinforce it”
“What if I say no?” (Erika)
(He's kind sus, but I'll play along for now. Maybe squeezing some information from him too)
“Then I'll proceed with the original plans, but you would have intervened anyway so why not settle this now?” (Markus)
“... Very well, your choice. Let’s get over that empty grass area”
“Wait, let me go with her. If you ever break your promise-“ (Melissa)
“Stay there” Erika glared at her
“!?!”
(And besides, backing down from a challenge? I’ll be the butt of every joke at the guild. I have my own dignity to maintain!)
Erika and Markus walk leisurely towards the designated area leaving the other behind.
“That girl is sure something huh?” (Melissa)
“Oh how good it is to be young! Wahahaha!” (Ralph)
The two slumped over. Fatigue washed over their face as they saw the two off in the distance
“... I sincerely apologize Princess Sylvia. If it weren’t for my incompetence... “ (Knight Captain)
“Don’t. You did your best. Good work”
“Princess...”
“As the princess, I’m ashamed to say that I couldn’t do anything besides praying for her to succeed. Once she get back, I shall apologize to her. I swear upon my Father's name”
“...”
Aria stares wordlessly at the direction the two have gone
---------------------------------------
“Now you look more like an assassin yourself” (Erika)
“You flatter my Milady. By the way, may I ask since when did you realize that?” (Markus)
“Just now”
“Interesting. You have taken my full attention Milady”
“What a cliché thing to say. Are you done?”
(What a pain in the ass, I don't like his overly friendly attitude)
“Please pardon my rudeness”
Markus walk slowly toward Erika
“Ohoho, you dare to approach me first? Then come as close as you like! Because I will fight for real this time”
Erika put her katana aside and ready her fists.