"Do you dare kill me?" the middle-aged man asked, forcing down his fear.
"Why wouldn't I?"
"I'm Count Duen, a senior minister beside His Majesty. Do you intend to make an enemy of all Eluin?" The middle-aged man's gaze was like a venomous snake flicking its tongue as he stared coldly at Brando. "Not just you. Think carefully—the same charges will be laid against your companions as well."
Brando froze for a moment at that, then fell silent.
Count Duen thought he had swayed him and continued, "Of course, there's still room for compromise between us. I can spare you and your companions, but for the sake of my reputation, you must leave that Elven Treasure Sword behind." He sounded half sincere and half deceitful, but a deep hatred flashed through his eyes.
Only then did Brando let out a snort. He looked at the man as if he were looking at an idiot. "What do you think I was just thinking about, my lord?"
The middle-aged man was slightly stunned.
"I was thinking that some creatures are truly stupid and ignorant. Even with death staring them in the face, they still don't know why they're going to die." Brando shook his head. "Killing one of the king's senior ministers? And escaping prison? In fact, no one will notice these little details, because history records this day like so—"
"On the morning of June 2, in the Year of Flowers and Summer Leaves, Madara's army captured Ridenburg. Count Duen, Lord Golden Fruit, Sir Lyckbeson, commander of the White Mane Legion's Swordsmen Corps, and many other pillars of the kingdom perished in the flames of war, giving their lives for their country."
"As for me, I'm merely a passerby."
Count Duen's eyes widened as he stared at Brando as if he