In the Blood Bottle Gang's warehouse meeting hall, "Phantom Blade" Catherine stepped out from the crowd, sat in the seat Fogg had occupied moments before, and did so with casual ease.
Everyone had moments when they acted as they pleased. But in places where most people did not dare to act freely, such behavior became a privilege of those in power, displaying dignity, distinction, and authority. Catherine had seen this in both generations of the Duke of Iris.
Of course, when it came to the armor beneath her clothes, the straps securing her weapons, the mechanisms in her sleeve claws, the daggers strapped to her calves, the hidden blades in her boots, and even the followers she had selected for this trip to Emerald City, Catherine had never dared to be careless.
"Everyone here, especially those standing opposite me, listen—and listen well."
The Blood Bottle Gang members in the warehouse grew tense.
Catherine leaned back and savored the thrill of becoming the center of attention, enduring the countless gazes directed at her from every side—shocked, frightened, flattering, shrewd, wary, disappointed, hesitant, ashamed, and timid.
"Many of you have been in Emerald City for a long time. Some of you even used to follow me. You should know better than anyone what allowed us to put down roots here, make a living, turn a profit, and even enjoy the slightest bit of respect and prosperity."
Everyone looked at one another. The gang members originally from Emerald City, especially those standing behind Red Viper, looked uncertain, their breathing quickening.
"It wasn't fists, blades, or a willingness to throw away your lives." Catherine tapped the table. "It was rules."
Many people had once anticipated what "Phantom Blade" herself looked like because of the name Catherine. Most of them were probably destined for disappointment: