Could they do all this?
The royal palace of Santpedor, a feudal world.
The "Witch of Joy," Maria Kournikova, elegantly took a sip of the fine wine in her cup, her gaze shifting with liquid grace.
"Rich and pleasant, with a long finish."
She had long grown used to transforming from an "assassin" in the shadows into a socialite moving through aristocratic circles. She had tasted countless fine wines, and the wine in her cup could hardly be called outstanding.
The veteran "Witch" offered praise only because, through fifteen banquets, she had already grasped King Pep's preferences.
This sixty-four-year-old king enjoyed the praise he deserved after a long struggle, after winning the right to rule.
King Pep wore splendid silk robes, a crown on his head and a golden scepter in his hand, a smile on his face.
"Lady Kournikova, this is a cellar vintage I buried with my own hands forty-two years ago."
"At the time, I said that only when I ruled Santpedor and became king and the Imperium's Planetary Governor would I personally unseal it."
"Congratulations on seeing your wish fulfilled," Maria said, her red lips parting lightly.
"The crown was always meant to belong to you."
"I wonder whether I might have the honor of hearing the glorious journey by which you reached the summit." Maria steered the conversation. According to the intelligence she had gathered, Pep's becoming king owed no small part to the Bone-Drinker's assistance.
She did not have much time left. The gray fleet of the Wolves was sailing toward this world.
Although The Emperor had ordered the Black Emperor to deal with the Bone-Drinker, the Wolves had not left like the Night Lords. They had not given up the hunt.
Maria knew that once the Wolves arrived, the punishment they brought down