The Shadow Assassin had been eavesdropping on their conversation for quite a while.
Only then did Annan remember the assassin locked up next door, whom he had yet to send for execution.
Barr had forgotten him completely too... After all, he was a useless assassin.
"Should I get rid of him?" Maria asked, playing the role of a guard.
"No... Please don't. I'm loyal to you and Lord Barr!"
"Do you know who I am?"
"Y-yes... No... I do! Young Miss Olmedo, the Purification Court Head..." The assassin changed his answer several times.
"I don't believe you." Annan shook his head. "You worked for Barr before, didn't you? I know assassins like you. When you lose, you hold a grudge. When you win, you settle scores."
"Please don't, Lord Annan! I... I'm a good person. I only left the Shadow Guard because I couldn't stand their brutality and indiscriminate killing. Then I followed Lord Barr..."
He was still hung up on Barr. Apparently, the two outcasts had found plenty to talk about.
"Really?"
"As sure as Gold Narl!"
Annan entered the neighboring cell. Shadow looked like an ordinary man who would blend right in on the street. At least, that was how he looked.
"Tell me about the Shadow Guard."
"Uh..."
"You don't want to?"
"No, no, absolutely not! I... I'm trying to decide where to start..."
When Shadow had still been in the Shadow Guard, he had been taught that they were the Montreal family's shadows, knights, and loyal servants. They had followed the Montreal Golden Family out of Wilhelm, and one branch had accompanied the Rikaner Kingdom's Royal Family to the Northern Frontier...
Annan thought they were boasting. It wasn't that he doubted the Shadow Guard existed, but the Shadow Guard in Reekan had nothing to do with