Killing (Part 1)

January 12th, wilderness.

A heavy snow had fallen only a few days ago. Now the land lay white as far as the eye could see, clad in silver and wrapped in white, adorning all things. The main road was silent, without a single soul in sight.

The wind blew, and snowflakes drifted down from the trees, scattering across the ground and melting into the thick blanket of snow.

This tranquility did not last long. A carriage and more than a dozen riders approached from the far end of the road.

The carriage stopped beside a cottage in the woods.

The attendants dismounted and tied their warhorses to hitching posts. This was still within Tatshaw Territory, and since pirates had long ceased to harass the inland regions, the territory's defenses had become little more than a formality. People had, in truth, lowered their guard considerably.

"My lord, please be careful. The ground is slippery." An attendant stepped up to the carriage and lifted the curtain. Romon emerged from within.

Today was the day to inspect the farmland. Lu Xiupei had other duties and had not come with him. Accompanying Romon were two officials from the civil administration system and ten guards.

Given Romon's strength, plus these men, and the fact that they were within Tatshaw Territory—a domain under his own authority—everyone felt that this made them as secure as a fortress of gold.

They had just finished inspecting a vast stretch of land that morning. They could not make it back to the village in time, the snow-covered roads were difficult to travel, and the weather was cold, so Romon decided to bring everyone to this cottage for a short rest.

The cottage was where patrolling guards stayed. It was very clean, and even the high windows had glass installed in