Chapter 253 - 6.13 Foolish Humans
The night was silent and the rain was falling gently, sending the temperature plunging a few degrees lower. Thick snow crunched under their footsteps as they plastered themselves to the wall of the side building, the drizzle washing away whatever trail was left on their wake. Truly, the perfect night for an assasination attempt.
"Are you sure that Marquis Ouin’s information is correct?" One of them, who was eyeing the west wing where the Duke’s room was, asked in a hushed voice.
"It’s certain." Another grunted. "He has bribed the stableboy to our side. In a few minutes, the kitchen door will be opened for us and from there, we only have to stick to the plan. I heard the only one who is allowed to make rounds inside the manor is their head servant. He’s just an old fogey. Take care of him first so no one will get in our way. No matter what, failure isn’t an option."
They looked at each other and nodded. They were trained, secret assassins of Marquis Ouin, also the man who had sealed a deal with the barbarians. Kill the Duke and they would grant the Marquis victory in the upcoming battle, elevating his reputation among the nobility and the King. They would steadily bring Marquis Ouin up until the day when they barged into the Royal Palace to take the King’s head. Without an heir, the throne could only fall on the most qualified.
Duke Lacrosa was the first in line for that, the most dangerous and volatile piece in this intricate scheme. It was apparent that the King favored him so, almost that there were talks that the monarch would make an exception and bestow the Duke another noble title for his contribution to the war. A Royal Prince. By then, he would truly be unstoppable.
His prowess in the battlefield had spread far and wide, drilling fear into the enemy troops. No one knew how this ticking bomb would react if he was the one whom the barbarians reached out to, and they didn’t want to take such a great risk. Hence, they could only start with Marquis Ouin who was the easiest to manipulate and dispose of if one day he were to get in their way.
Of course, Marquis Ouin was unaware of that, he was beside himself with joy that he was chosen out of everyone. There was no one who hated Duke Lacrosa more than Marquis Ouin! Despite having the same authority on the battlefield, the soldiers tend to worship the Duke more. If the Duke continued to exist, then there was no way Marquis Ouin would be able to thrive! That’s why when the barbarians proposed to get rid of the Duke, Marquis Ouin instantly offered his trained assassins to finish the job.
And here they were, after two months of careful planning, ready to take home victory and the Duke’s head.
"I see the stableboy." One of them said. "Now’s the time."
"Alright, we will separate into two groups. Three of us will advance first to clear the way and the rest will follow after the signal is given. Clear?"
"Clear!"