Chapter 47: Forest of Dames(5)
At the same time, in an inconspicuous bar that served as the headquarters of the Assassin's Guild, the leader of the organization sat smoking gloomily, pondering recent events. Despite the bar's familiar atmosphere, the calm was deceptive. He knew the situation was spiraling out of control.
Thanks to his contacts within the police, the leader learned of the failed assassination attempt on Leon Bartfort. His men had botched the job, and the consequences could be catastrophic.
"Taking down sixteen of my best men without even using his armor? That means he's far more dangerous than I initially thought. I never should have gotten involved with him," he muttered, staring pensively at his cigarette.
He was well aware of the damage this failure had caused the guild.
"But damn it, defeating sixteen of our top assassins alone? It's not just surprising; it's humiliating. This failure will deal a severe blow to our reputation. Worse still, we've lost sixteen fighters in a single day. Our guild has never suffered losses like this."
He took another drag before continuing, as though speaking to himself:
"We only have around a hundred members, and losing sixteen is a heavy blow to our strength. On top of that, we'll need to relocate our base. I can't be sure those captured won't give up the location under torture."
The urgent need to relocate wasn't just about the captives. The guild's archives held critical documents. Despite their illicit status, the guild had ties to numerous nobles, including the influential Marquis Frampton. These documents could incriminate not only the guild but also many aristocrats.
The leader glanced at the window, planning his next steps. But his thoughts were abruptly interrupted by the sound of shattering glass.
Through the broken window leaped a young man with black hair. His devilish grin lit up the dim room, and his eyes burned with determination.
"Found you," Leon said, his gaze locking onto the guild leader.