Beside a pond in Frost-Wolf Forest, Count Bristle-Wolf Kempins stood on the bank. He gave Elinda Bristle-Wolf and Lenikova a stiff smile from the middle of the pond. "My daughter, come up here. Let's talk this out!"
Having watched the count kill her second brother with his bare hands, Elinda's thoughts churned like the mighty waves of the Gallop River. "Father, my friend and I think we're quite happy staying in the water. There's still something I need to take care of in Night-Kirin City, so I'll head back first!"
"No! Don't be like this! Sweet daughter, surely you don't think your father would hurt you?" The count casually tossed aside his bloodied Magic Pattern Sword and continued, "What happened today was all a misunderstanding. Derek attacked Fernando and me while we were hunting, bringing a large group of Beastmen assassins with him!
"He murdered your brother in cold blood and even planned to kill me too, so he could inherit my title!"
Hearing her father's explanation, Elinda had some doubts. "Father, you're a great noble with multiple Magic Patterns on your body. If you suffer a fatal injury, the Bristle-Wolf Family and Dragon Tooth City in the Royal Capital will both be notified.
"Fernando is a Baron of Blue Magpie City recognized by the Kingdom. Even if he doesn't have the same protections as you, an assassination attempt against him would trigger Death Litigation, and the Empire's Chancellor would learn of it."
The count paused, then nodded. "Of course, of course. Our family is a great noble house of the Kingdom. We have the Kingdom's protection!"
"Hahaha, your family has protection?" a crazed woman's voice rang out. "Your family took part in the assassination of the King nine years ago. Back then, Death Litigation for your entire family was