This land without mountains was not without high places to climb.
Every noble's castle stood upon the earth like a small hill. The more distinguished the noble lord, the taller and grander his castle.
Higni stood atop the spire of Vera Fortress, her black cloak rustling beneath the night sky. Within the enormous shadow cast by the castle below, a giant serpent twisted and writhed, chewing on the noble family members slain by the Shadow Vanguards.
"Miss Higni, we can't keep killing them. This land cannot be left without nobles."
Behind her, the Catfolk Assassin Apia looked fearfully at Higni's back and tried to persuade her.
"Lord Ryan sent me here to find out what you were doing, but if too many nobles die, it will be difficult for him to handle as well."
"This is my business, little cat."
Higni turned around, cruelty reflected in her cold vertical pupils.
"Miss Higni, Lord Ryan intends to leave behind some agents in this land. If you kill everyone, Lord Ryan won't have anyone left to use. Without agents, this place is too far from Frozen Earth Territory. They will never remember Lord Ryan's mercy."
Higni flicked the serpent-shaped dagger in her hand and considered it briefly.
The enormous serpent shadow blanketing Vera Fortress stopped chewing as well. Within a few seconds, every Shadow Vanguard withdrew, turned, and melted into the shadows, vanishing without a trace.
Seeing this, Apia also breathed a sigh of relief. Directly beneath their feet was Duchess Vera's bedroom. The Grand Duchess tossed and turned in bed, her body revealing a breathtaking allure beneath the moonlight. Yet the two watching were a woman bearing the will of the Snake Spirit and a Catfolk Assassin.
"Leave her alive, then. We'll go to the next place. While the Holy Kingdom