(An extra chapter for 'Huo Zheng Ting Hao,' 9/20)
Murphy had his reasons for coming to negotiate with the old knight.
The key to entering the Blood Eagle Corridor—and the Fragment of Desire that symbolized the title of Blood Eagle Grand Duke—was now in old Finnock's hands. However, using it required the direct heir of Salokdar, Lady Femis, and several Blood Eagle vampires to assist him.
But after Triss's sudden "battlefield family reunion" had brought about a miraculous turn of events, the two sides had established the beginnings of a working relationship—not yet one that could be called "mutual trust." As Murphy reaffirmed his resolve, the old knight began discussing the details of their operation with them in earnest.
"General Loren and King Louis of the Plantagenet Kingdom want to confirm that the Blood Eagle Clan has been wiped out. After all, you played a central role in the conflict between the Bosia Confederacy and the kingdom.
"Especially after General Loren breached Xike City, the Bosia Confederacy's capital, two years ago. Nearly all the country's leaders and upper ranks were captured, yet the heart of the Confederacy's resistance soon relocated to Cadman City.
"The war over the next two years was practically the Blood Eagle Clan throwing itself into the fight and standing firm against the Plantagenet Kingdom.
"This is the resistance's stronghold!
"That's why General Loren carried out that 'Plan D,' which even I found inhumane. You can't truly end a war that's lasted ten years without confirming the enemy's complete annihilation.
"So our goal is clear.
"Salokdar's head."
Old Finnock spoke to Murphy, the leader of the vampires before him.
"And, if possible, the Blood Eagle Clan's eternal extinction!"
"I don't care. I never planned to inherit a family title I don't even like. Whether we're called the