Burning Black Swan Flames

Ryan arrived in Danube Province three days later. Count Pascal's residence was filled with desolation and killing intent. Though curious about the Count's true identity as a Light Mage, Ryan first offered his condolences to the Countess.

"My condolences, Count."

A Count had been assassinated on his way home. After Grand Duke Russell's death, this was naturally a matter of the highest importance. News had already been rushed to the Imperial Capital, but there had yet to be any response from there.

The Treaty of Nantes Kingdom had been written by the Empire. Neither the Emperor nor the Imperial Nobles could possibly slap themselves in the face by personally starting another war.

"What the Church of Dawn has done is unforgivable."

Within the Earl Castle, the nobles were filled with righteous indignation. They had also huddled together in fear. There was no helping it. If even a Count could be assassinated, they themselves would most likely be unable to withstand it.

Ryan did not think the nobles' discussions would yield any results. Once the condolence visit ended, the only thing they could do was hurry back to their own territories and hide within them without daring to emerge.

That was the safest course of action. If this matter had not been so serious, they would not even have been willing to come to Count Pascal's residence.

For instance, among the nobles from outside Danube Province, only Baron Ryan had come.

There shouldn't be a Black Swan waiting to assassinate me on my way back, right?

Ryan thought this.

And indeed, there was not, because the Black Swan's assassination attempt had already appeared the moment he considered that possibility.

It appeared within Count Pascal's residence, emerging from the shadow behind Ryan.

The sun was blazing overhead. This was not the night