This deduction brought not the relief of solving a mystery, but a deeper chill.
Katerina's expression darkened further. "If that's true... then it means the Northern Border's two most powerful forces, Carnford and the Rochefort Family, have been tightly bound together through blood and shared interests! Karl, with his rising military strength and rapid expansion, joined by the deeply rooted, scheming Rocheforts... that will be ten, a hundred times harder to deal with than Karl alone!"
Previously, she might still have clung to a sliver of hope, believing Karl and the Rocheforts were merely temporary partners or using one another. But if they had a child together, the nature of their relationship changed completely. That was a true family alliance, a community of shared interests.
"My little cat, there is no need to worry so." Viktor moved close again, wrapping both arms around her faintly trembling shoulders. His voice was low and seductive, like a venomous snake flicking its tongue with a hiss. "Carnford is indeed powerful now, but a tree that rises above the forest will be the first to be broken by the wind. Tell me, who do you think least wishes to see Carnford grow any stronger—or even unite with the Rocheforts by marriage?"
Katerina's eyes shifted. "The Sauron?"
"Precisely." A cold smile curled at Viktor's lips. "Carnford is a Venomtooth lodged in the Saurons' flank, and it has made them suffer losses time and again. Now that tooth has grown sharper, and may even join forces with another fierce beast. Their leader Harald is probably more sleepless and unsettled than you are. When they besieged Eagle Nest last time, they may well have intended to test and weaken Carnford while taking advantage of the opportunity. Now Karl has cleaned his own house 'thoroughly.' His next step