This was essentially no different from manufacturing humans to fit one’s tastes.
A subtle look of discomfort passed over Kayan’s face.
“And this brand can only be marked with the person’s consent.”
“In that case…”
“That makes it even worse.”
Usually, they would lure the children away with a few temptations, trick them into giving consent while they were still unaware, and then brand them.
This brand wasn’t something anyone could endure—many died during the process.
The ones who survived after being branded were raised to become assassins or sold to nobles with twisted tastes.
The newspaper article I read yesterday, the one with the headline “Children Keep Disappearing”, was related to this.
Since it involved abduction and kidnapping, it was the worst kind of crime.
‘In my past life, I only found out too late, but the one behind all this was Anna. The one who worked so hard to fund the research and expand the number of specimens.’
At the moment, they couldn’t send many assassins.
It was hard to gather enough individuals who had both survived the branding and had a certain level of skill.
They clearly sent one here as a test because they didn’t know much about the military strength of the Barcklith family.
Right now, it was easy for Kayan to take him down, but eight years from now…
‘They’ll be so strong that even the Sword Master Kayan couldn’t stop them when they flooded the small forest near the imperial palace.’
Recalling the group of assassins, who had become like beasts due to extreme brainwashing, made my body tremble on its own.
“Hey, Kayan.”
While reminiscing, I asked a question I had never dared to ask in my past life.
“Have you ever considered becoming a knight commander? Once you’re a Sword Master, it’s easy to get that position.”
I’d always wondered why he never joined the royal knight order in our past life.
Living as a baron seemed less prestigious than the fame and fortune he could’ve had there.
“My father did mention it once before,” Kayan replied casually to my question.
“He asked me not to become the commander of the royal knights. It was the only time he ever interfered with my career path, so I figured I’d at least respect that much.”
Ah. So Arthur must’ve really disliked it, though I didn’t know the reason.
In the previous life, that advice became almost like Arthur’s final will, so Kayan never applied for the position.
‘Well, this time the northern knights will survive, so there’s no real need for him to join the royal order anyway.’
Plus, knight commanders couldn’t even get married.
And since I had my own hidden hopes, I definitely didn’t want to recommend that path.
“Right. Remember Arthur’s words and don’t even think about approaching the royal knight order.”
I put aside one of my past life’s lingering questions—it was time to focus on the present.
“Anyway, and rather sadly…”
I nudged the assassin’s clothes with the tip of my sword, and spoke in a low voice to Kayan.
“Even if we hand him over to the royal family, nothing will be resolved.”
Right now, the Barcklith estate had an informant from the royal knights stationed there.
The order was currently focused on tracking down dark magic.
That informant, who’d been observing from a distance, would probably be approaching now to assess the situation.
If he found out this assassin was connected to dark magic, we’d lose this bait completely.
Lowering my voice even further, I said,
“We have to keep it hidden from the royal informant for now that this guy’s been corrupted by dark magic. We need to keep him with us, and wait for the right chance to lead him back to the base so we can track them down.”
Rather than letting the royal family find out and cut the tail, we’d earn bigger credit by playing along.
After all, there’s no accomplishment the emperor would love more right now than tracking down dark magic.
Kayan quickly understood and nodded.
“In that case…”
“Which brings me to my point.”
I paused, deep in thought.
“It’d be best if we pretend he’s a toy you gave me.”
“…What?”
“I mean, I actually need something to help me train right now. It’s obvious I’ve gotten rusty from resting too long.”
“What are you even…?”
“Think about it! Isn’t this perfect?”
Having reached my conclusion, I clapped my hands and smiled brightly.
“A tireless, aggressive training dummy that constantly charges at me—what better sparring partner could there be?”
***
At that time, at the Duke of Cerno’s estate.
Simon heard the news a bit late due to handling his afternoon schedule.
“What? She went to the Barcklith estate?”
He had planned to enter the palace around 5 to bring Ivnoa back.
“That princess has lost her mind.”
Simon threw the report aside and frowned.
“Does she think her brother’s advice makes any sense? Even if she’s young, doesn’t she value her life at all?”
“Well…”
His subordinate flinched and replied.
“There are many mercenaries from the north at the Barcklith estate. Though they may not accurately understand their own capabilities, their power is undeniable.”
“…”
“It’ll still be hard for Bigoong’s dark magic to affect them. Of course, they’ll probably attempt it, but… these are the same people who overcame barbarians. I doubt they’ll fail to protect one little princess.”
Simon also suspected Anna was behind the dark magic.
Edwin had hinted at it before he left.
But for now, he was choosing to remain silent.
Turning her into a complete enemy too early carried great risks.
‘If it comes to the worst, I can sacrifice Ivnoa or Edwin and take her side. For now, it’s better to watch.’
Dark magic was an unknown force.
And Simon only made decisions for his own benefit.
“Still, Bigoong will try to use dark magic one way or another. Even if it fails, they lose nothing.”
Simon spoke cautiously.
“They’re bound to cause some kind of problem. Then I’ll time it just right and publicly hold the Barcklith family responsible for failing to protect the princess.”
He rubbed his chin, deep in thought.
“They’re the kind of scum we should cut off early.”
Hearing that, his subordinate tilted his head.
“Is it necessary to keep such tight control over those low-born fools? They’re just a viscount family, and the princess has been obedient to you all this time…”
“That’s because she’s young, still fears the palace, and I’ve already cut off her limbs.”
Simon recalled the first time he’d seen Ivnoa.
When he first laid eyes on the little girl with sparkling blue eyes, Edwin had made a fuss, calling her cute and lovable.
Indeed, she looked like an angel, and her movements were elegant.
She spoke sweetly, smiled warmly, and carried herself gently.
But Simon immediately sensed she wasn’t to be underestimated.
The instinctive aura she gave off, like a young beast hiding its claws, made him wary.
“How long do you think the princess will keep listening to me?
Right now, she’s already following her brother’s words over mine.
As she grows older and gets used to the palace, she’ll develop her own will.”
“Ah…”
“We mustn’t leave a single noble house that might support her.
Especially not Barcklith, which has both military power and wealth—that’s far too dangerous.”
The emperor had taken a liking to the Barcklith family for expanding imperial territory.
Even if they were lacking in other ways, the emperor’s favor was a dangerous variable.
He had forcibly separated Ivnoa and Kayan,
But as they grew up, it was entirely possible they’d join hands for mutual benefit.
“Others might laugh at me, but in my judgment, Barcklith is without a doubt the most dangerous family. Even if they’re just a viscount house, they’re not to be underestimated.”
Just then, another subordinate rushed in from the Duke of Cerno’s residence.
“Young master!”
He knelt urgently and handed over a report.
“Urgent news!”
After reading the report, Simon’s brow furrowed deeply.
This morning, His Majesty the Emperor promised to grant the title of Count to Kayan Barcklith if Arthur Barcklith returns.
“…A count?”
Simon muttered with cold, sunken eyes.
“That cannot be allowed to happen.”
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