After Dalton had his fill, Loth took over and moored us at the Clarkson Bay Pier. In this tiny port city, no one even reacts to the obvious signs of battle destruction, which reminds me that the country is at war with a naval power. Pirates and robbed merchants happen almost every day. There are even talks about one-on-one duels with ships, as if they were ancient champions.

Loth went to Black Harbor to scout, and Dalton and I went to find Isaac. I slept during the day, and at night I left him and our carriage behind me and galloped across the land. I walked faster than a galloping horse, and it took me only two hours to travel what might have taken a day.

When I arrived at the inn chosen by Isaac, I found it surrounded by a modest and orderly barracks. The mercenaries of the guards will not challenge me. Instead, they took me to the main room of the building, where I saw Viné and Isaac and several officers surrounding a map of the surrounding states.

"Did you get it, Ariana?"

The men turned around and noticed me. I left the mask with me, but the rest was left. This drama is almost over, and I hope we can go to war at any time.

They were nervous, but not the treacherous nerves of pirates. They knew they were dealing with a creature that they weren't trained enough to deal with. This makes me feel a little worried, but at the same time respectful.

"Yes. The shipwreck is only a day's walk from the city of Black Harbor. We inquired and found it. It's here. ”

I put a black claw on the map, at the coordinates that we and the Clarkson Bay cartographers confirmed.

"There's more. Some time ago, the Brotherhood caught the first mate. They probably know where it is. ”

Ve

et and Isaac glanced at each other.

"This complicates things. We have confirmed that British troops have landed in the small port of Shreveport. ”

He pointed to the map, suspiciously approaching the Black Harbor. Most likely, this small port could not withstand an expeditionary force of this size, so it was decided to unload cargo at a larger port.

"There is no doubt that this was done by the dominant party."

"How many?"

"According to our estimates, there are more than eight hundred pieces of field artillery. A hundred horses. ”

It took me all the experience to train my face so that it doesn't show any emotion.

"Even in a war of attrition, I can't face so many people plus their magic."

"You don't have to. You'll be glad to know that Mr. Fillmore has been convicted of kidnapping and other heinous crimes. He retired quietly, and he turned out to be too humiliating. I'm afraid he committed suicide. ”

Isaac's voice was full of regret, and it was a performance that I personally remembered. This is very incongruous with the smug appearance he pretends. It's like a cat finding a bird's nest.

Note that a consortium can retire and kill a governor in a week.

"After this mishap, you and Loth have been fully pardoned, and we can now tap into the strength of the local army. Let their armies match ours. I mobilized the Fourth Line Regiment and the Georgian militia without authorization. As soon as this conversation was over and our plan was implemented, I signed their evacuation order. What do you think we should do, Mr. Viné?"

"We should join up with the army and force our way to the Black Harbor. If we capture the field first, we can build up the defense and force the advantage into an unfavorable offense. Time is in our favor, because they don't have easy access to supplies, and if we have to attack them first, their Napoleonic War veterans will gnaw at our green troops like hot knives cutting butter. My people can form a solid core, but there are only a hundred of us, and the locals won't believe us. ”

"You're wrong on one last point, Ve

ET, time is not on our side. It's not a fight for land, it's a fight for a piece of artefacts. The first one to get it wins, regardless of whether his army is destroyed in the process or not. ”

"With all due respect, sir."

"IMHO, nothing. If the Herald gets the box, we lose. I don't need to explain it to you, I need you to trust me in this matter. ”

"Very well, sir. Our original plan remains the same, but we need to put constant pressure on their forces so that they cannot send search and rescue teams. It will be ...... Difficulty. ”

"I'm sure I can help. I will get reinforcements from the irregulars. "I added.

Isaac raised his eyebrows, expressing curiosity in public.

"The Choctaw and Muskoki will fight side by side with us"

"We don't need the help of the barbarians."

"Hiss"

Silent.

Isaac coughed lightly to ease the tension.

"I agree with Ni

a

i of A

ia

e, Ve

Mr. E.T., we need all the help we can beg, borrow or steal. The land around the Black Harbor is wooded, and the local warriors will be of great help. ”

Ve

E.T. reluctantly agreed. His pride was misplaced, because beggars can't pick and choose the land.

"In short, Monsieur Viné and I will be in contact with the army and take the most direct route to the wreck. In the meantime, you're going to call Roth of Skolag and any irregulars you can to join us. If possible, postpone them. They are closer to the wreckage than we are. Is that okay?"

I thanked him for his politeness and nodded slightly, and he immediately nodded.

"Yes, then I'll go."

I stood on the edge of the fortress of my dreams facing the wall of thorns. When we first met, I managed to remind Nashoba that I needed to speak, and I thought of him, his blood, his eyes. I also touched the earrings he gave me and went numb.

The result was that I could feel him through the wall, and he hadn't managed to make a connection yet. I felt a vague sense of frustration, then the energy kept rising, and then suddenly it all came out. Finally there was peace, and the road opened.

As I walked through the fog barrier, I spotted him playing with a cone in the middle of the pine forest. He was dressed in a dark leather coat and his face was painted with horrible colors. He had a war stick next to him and a quiver on his shoulder. His smiling black eyes peeked at me from under his thick black hair. Just like Dalton, he's grown a lot since I first met Nashoba.

"Why did it take you so long?" What happened?"

"I can't sleep to see you, so I, ah, ask Tiannan for help."

Ti

AMI? It was a girl's name......

"Oh oh, I don't need to know that!"

"Why are you so squeamish, thorny and hungry daughter?" You should too, it will soothe your spirit. ”

"Keep walking, and I will soothe your heart forever."

"Tsk, one cannot deny the needs of the body and maintain balance. But that's a discussion for later. The time has come, I know. I'm going to come to you with my band. ”

"Is it already assembled?"

Nashoba said thoughtfully. His acting skills are terrible.

"Did I mention I can see the future?"

I am very polite and respectful, and I will never be caught red-handed with the word "self-clever". I did, however, think of this.

"Then I will go, until you give me more wisdom, great Lord."

"Before you do that, Ariana, I want to thank you. I knew you could be trusted. You know what needs to be triggered to open the key. Our people are now scattered and vulnerable. We don't have nightcrawlers to face this threat, and we don't have the tools to warn everyone. If we fail now, the aircraft carriers will disappear from our land, and a path of destruction will be carved out on our land before they are stopped, if they can still be stopped now. At this intersection, you really are my only hope...... I pray to the gods to bless us with success. I'll see you soon. ”

A curtain of clouds fell on me.

There was no one in the village at all. The smell of carrion from the cattle killed in their own fields, the lack of light in the houses, the broken doors and bloody marks are silent testimonies to the horrors waged against the defenseless. In the distance, a dog howls in frustration.

"Where are the people?" Dalton asked in a low voice. I pointed to the charred shell of a church. Fine smoke and ashes drift in the wind, and the smell of roasted meat is still there.

"Why are they doing this?"

"This is their main foraging team. Maybe they don't want to leave anyone behind to pass on their presence. ”

"Even by the standards of the Brotherhood, this is too extreme."

I nodded. This is the second sparsely populated village we have encountered along the footsteps of the English horse. Either them, or hundreds of bandits, suddenly appeared to destroy the countryside, which is impossible. We will find the dominant team at the end of the road.

Dalton showed signs of exhaustion. Last week he worked day and night, only sleeping a little once in a while. I was uneasy looking at his dark eyes, the stubble on his cheeks, and his nervous voice. He reminded me that for all his virtues, he was just a mortal. He's vulnerable. A simple mistake can cost him his life, and fatigue makes it easy to make mistakes. I'm going to get him out of danger until he's rested.

I wish I could convert him.

I will lose a competent vassal, but I will gain a friend, alas, it is simply impossible. It only took me one year to become a courtier, and most people take about two years, which is already a record. I can't remember how many times I almost died again during that time. Assuming I keep growing at this rate, it would take me another forty years to become a master myself, and Dalton would be over sixty-five years old...... Even if he lived that long, he would still be an old man.

Maybe I should ask Jime

🤔 Is her family looking for a worthy candidate...... No, then he won't be my one anymore. I won't share it.

I'm at a loss. On the day we met, Loth mentioned the brevity of mortal life. He said it would be different to be with someone who wasn't going to get old. I believe that the loss of a loved one overwhelmed his immortal heart, and now that same fear gripped me.

"What's wrong, hostess?"

"You're going to die before I do."

Ah, I replied without thinking. Am I being too rude?

"Yes, ma'am, I hope so!"

"I can't change you. I'm too young. ”

"I don't want to be changed."

"Really? I thought ......"

Dalton shook his head.

Loth told me more about what this change meant. It has nothing to do with you now, but nothing to do with me. I don't want to be a vampire. ”

"You're going to grow old and you're going to die."

"Yes, just like my ancestors. Mistress, you are letting the future ruin your present. Cherish this moment and let the memories you create now stay with you for centuries. For example, look at what we found," he added with a smile.

In front of us, the road leads down to a wooded valley that is currently dotted with bonfires. Rows of neat tents covered the ground, creating a chaotic scene. A river bisected the plain and separated us from their main forces. A bridge connects the two sides, and on the bridge, plundered wagons laden with supplies cross at a snail's pace.

"Looks like we've found the expedition, my dear vassal."

Just then, the bridge exploded, sending out a deafening fire that blew horses, wagons, and people away. Fragments of masonry smashed into tents and cooking stations. Red and green flames ignited the supplies, and the night was soon filled with screams and cries.

"We've found Loth!" How convenient. ”

We only hit the tail of the foraging team, and the explosion hit it in the head. A dozen people lay on the ground, motionless, while the rest struggled to control their mounts, or ran around aimlessly. The chaos is incredible. I try to capture that moment in my mind so I can write it on canvas at a later time. Just when I thought the scene couldn't get any better, a tall black figure emerged from the bushes behind me. The man stood proudly, dressed in a strange black armor, like an old barbarian, and his voice covered the whole field, and he shouted:

"It's been years, you idiots!"

That's great. If unnecessarily vulgar.

If that message wasn't convincing enough, Loth picked up his terrible rifle and lined up with bullets to take out the head of an officer trying to unite his soldiers. It is no exaggeration to say.

When he started running, there were already more than thirty people following him.

"I'm sure he has a plan, but I'm going to save him."

"I'm going to hide the carriage."

I nodded, put on my mask, and circled around the already nervous horse. There's no need to panic them. In front of me was a wood, and then the road where Loth had disappeared. There the furious rider rode his horse. I could see them through the branches.

Now I note that these are mostly auxiliary units, probably drawn from the ranks of the local brotherhood. There are no red coats, and there is something wild about them as well. They irritate their mounts with anger rather than reason, apparently not fearing that the man who had put them in such a deadly trap would do it again. Idiot.

I ran parallel to them into the forest, and I was relaxed thanks to constant practice. I decided not to exceed them, because now the closest thing to Rose is an unhealthy proposition.

Unsurprisingly, the road widens into an open field with a steep hill at the end. The path ahead turned back to the river, and it was empty. With no one in sight, the group slowed down, and only now is the dumbest member aware of their predicament. "Come back!" Covered by the deafening roar of my friend.

"Fire!"

A squad of smoothbore guns came out of the hillside. The shooters were skillfully hidden in the stones and vegetation, and I was surprised to see two dozen shooters. Where did he find those people?

Another officer came to the clearing, where Brotherhood soldiers were engaged in a futile exchange of fire with their long-entrenched enemy. His efforts to clean up the mess were interrupted by another perfect shot from Lotus. Still, there were warriors on horseback seeking to escape. The first people have already galloped back.

That's not going to work at all. It's time to tell them why they don't use horses when facing vampires.

I was standing on a dirt road and the lead rider saw me and turned around and knocked me down.

Lovely.

Beneath the surface, monsters are wriggling. That part of me always wanted to control, tear and destroy, and I always controlled that part of myself because it didn't care what I could achieve, and I finally released this part. Poor weakling. Idiot. It's not even worth being hunted down. When you die, know where you are.

“ROAAAR !”

I accurately captured the moment when the lead rider's pupils contracted into pinholes. When realizations strike, take a small breath. His horse swayed in panic, and soon all the other horses imitated him.

Yes. This is my time. The next minute, I could... Let go.

Claws reach out to the chest. Put the body. Red traces. The next prey. Split. Shear. Stab. Credit card. Tearing, tearing, slicing, and more. Always more. A man was in the back, trying to escape into the woods. Slow, cumbersome, and pitifully clumsy. After the jump. The roots and trunks aren't obstacles, they're just convenient corners for me so I can angle myself and get ready for the next attack. This is my territory. All of it. Break the spine and come back again. Use the scythe to cut a path through their scattered crowd. The last survivors formed a turtle formation, and I circled it. I placed myself in their path. They shot. I fell and dodged, and got back to my feet again.

Who are you who stand in the way of the new light? A small pest screamed.

No time is wasted on the dead.

I rushed forward and slid under their blades. No rune on this plane can match the speed of the Devourer. Bump into them and blow people away. A whirlwind of blood and limbs. The survivors scattered in all directions, and after a few steps I broke them apart.

The last man raised his hand in pleading.

No.

As the body shook on the ground, I surveyed my surroundings.

Corpses and the dying. The air was filled with the stench of gunpowder, feces, and their weak blood.

"Stand still".

Loth walked down the slope with absolute confidence. His heavy black armor didn't slow him down in the slightest, and his men would have been surprised if they knew its weight. A group of brave warriors slowly emerged from the bushes with no small fear. They are indeed a group of people of different ages and sizes. The only thing they have in common is a long beard and dirty laundry that blends in with their surroundings. There's even a one-eyed grandfather with a real monkey on his shoulder. Is this a carnival or a battle!

As I was contemplating the rally, Looth stopped a few paces away from me, his followers slowly forming a semicircle behind him. Their guns and knives were pointed at me, and although seeing the fear in their eyes, they knew very well how good it was.

No one spoke. Nervousness makes them fidget. Beads of sweat dripped down their foreheads, and some of the most desperate even found God if their prayers were any sign of anything.

After having some fun, Rose's snark turned into a pleasant smile.

"Pretty girl, where is Mr. Posh and his band now?"

I slowly lowered my head, but I didn't answer. Luo thought to play with the masses. Me too, blood dripping from my paws to the ground. Sluggish. Drops. Before his first subordinate had a heart attack, I replied. Maybe it was that moment, maybe my dark side hadn't surfaced yet, and my voice was hot and dangerous.

"I left them behind and didn't want to miss out on the fun."

The thugs relaxed.

"Ariana, let me introduce you to a flock of crows, the most alive group of bloodthirsty pirates on this side of the Atlantic."

"Pirates? It didn't work out so well last time. ”

The thugs got nervous.

"Oh, don't worry, I think they'll be obedient. They don't want to end up like Big Pete. ”

"Big Pete?"

"Their former leader, the head of the city of Black Port, was personally appointed by Jean Lafitte. I mentioned the impending invasion and he questioned my credibility and honor. It's also unpleasant. We had a fight. ”

"Let me guess. Some of them are 'Ah, my eyes'. ”

"So."

"Good. That way, I don't have to go into detail about what I'm going to do with them if they cross the line. ”

"Not really."

"Good."

The thugs relaxed.

"I'm a little thirsty though, so I can have some dessert."

The thugs got nervous. It's funny. Unfortunately, Loth objected to me eating his allies, so I went to Dalton. The rest of the night is spent watching them rest and prepare for the next day.

It's daytime. A sphere of vengeance streaked across the sky. Under its vigilant gaze, everything that did not belong to it was purged and turned into steam and ashes. In a semi-tamed land, two angry enemies vie for supremacy. The first is a male lion. Its glorious mane shone golden, and its arrogance was unparalleled. It wanders fearlessly across the earth, but behold! A skinny, black wolf jumped out of the bushes and bit its leg! The king was wounded, but not conquered, and the fact is far from it. It roared and challenged its opponents. The wolf did not answer. It's a question of speed and momentum. It doesn't let itself be sucked away. Again and again, the two meet, and the agile surpasses the strong one. However, the wound is still insignificant, as it is really large in size. Look! The lion breathed flames. The wolf is wounded! It fled! The cat followed it to its lair! The struggle has become desperate. Suddenly, the light dimmed. The sun has set! Is it time, when? Time......

Give me.

The sarcophagus opened, and I jumped out of the box like a devil.

"Fire Whip!"

My silver dagger flashed out, and the lines of fire wrapped around it, trying to devour its prey, but without success. The blade twisted and flickered, breaking the spell.

A mage screams in pain in the ruins of Rose's tent. My sarcophagus was damaged by impact and impact, but it is still intact.

I grabbed the mage by the throat. He wears a British red uniform. Extreme panic distorted his countenance.

"Your time is up," I whispered, taking a bite. I devoured him in an instant, but my longing was far from satisfied. I didn't eat yesterday and it took a lot of energy.

Place the bucket in an enclosed space. It was only when he saw me that he showed a hint of fear.

"Miss Tyr, we need your help. Here I have done your task. ”

He handed me three small spheres with a small needle pointing at them.

"How do they work?"

"Blood triggers. Sting yourself and throwing it out. The magic should last for a few hours. ”

I nodded, didn't say a word, and walked out. The tent was pitched under the canopy of a large oak tree on the edge of the farmland. The bare land was littered with corpses, some dressed in red, some in pirate leather, but mostly in undyed cotton, which I tied with the farm. Several German-style houses in the distance hint at the presence of a larger village.

In the middle of a charred circle stood two men in red coats, wearing metal gloves and belts full of strange tools. Mage. An infantry squad of about 20 people formed around them and opened fire on objects hidden behind fences and low walls in the distance. The artillery fire that returned fire hit the transparent barrier uselessly, and the pirates let out a cry of frustration.

A ruddy-faced man dressed in sergeant stripes approached one of the mages and screamed in his ear.

"Sir! Remember our orders!"

"I'll say it one last time, Crespine, don't complain anymore, or I'll demote you!" We're about to ......"

"Death".

As my voice echoed across the plains, both sides stopped firing, and the soldiers re-faced me in a frightened silence. I smelled the alluring smell of fear in the air. Oh my God, the last few days have been bloody, battle after battle. I could smell the dried blood on my skirt and it was starting to show signs of breaking. Even my mask was covered in layers of red lumps.

"She's bluffing, she can't stop us. It's just a legend. The first mage said that he was an arrogant young man with a waxed beard and black hair. Liar, liar, I can hear your little heart drinking delicious liquids. You know what you've done.

The second mage, a fat young man, did not answer. The sergeant licked his lips. His eyes looked left and right, like a drowning man seeking salvation. No one will come tonight.

I'm just waiting for them to fire. Now it's easier to dodge than my shield against them.

"They can't be that strong. It's just a story. Look!"

Instead of using his gloved hands, he pulled out his pistol and fired a shot. Gunpowder hissed, shooting failed.

Embarrassed.

The sergeant roared and pulled out his own gun. As the bullet whizzed angrily over my head, making a few strands of hair tremble, I saw the trajectory and didn't move.

They collectively took a step back. Lamentable. Truly pathetic. Below-standard specimens. Poor hunting.

I punctured my fingers and threw the metal ball into their shield. It stuck to the transparent surface, and with the sound of brittle glass, a hemispherical body crystallized.

After a while, my silver dagger pierced it. With the fat mage's scream, the entire fortification shook and fell apart.

There you are.

When I took it off the other mage's shoulder, he had a look of doubt on his face. Next came the soldiers. The skull and ribcage are hard, so I prick them, and the throat is soft, so I paddle them. Arterial blood painted a darker red on their washed-out carmine uniforms. They fall in place or when reloading or when attacking. Some fell with their backs to me. Some people were killed by me while praying to God, and some were killed by me while calling Mother. It doesn't matter, they'll all fall.

The sergeant was now facing me, and the youngest soldier was behind him. He pointed his saber in my direction, but his eyes were filled with manic fear.

"Come on, he's just a kid."

The man behind him was young, maybe as young as Dalton when I chose him. I pointed my mask with my bloody paws.

"Is this a benevolent face?"

The veteran's pleas turned into a mask of steel obedience.

"Come on, kid, stand up."

The man behind him was crying with tears in his eyes, but he obeyed anyway. of courage.

It's worth it. Their essence will make me strong.

"It was a good hunt."

I do it quickly and only feed the elderly. There is no time to indulge. When I finished, Loth and my men waited respectfully in the distance. His people were so far away that I couldn't see them. Fit.

"Really?"

"I'm sorry to wake you up so rudely. Our camp was taken, and we simply attacked and recaptured it at nightfall. ”

Loth wears his black armor, not steam-powered. Dalton wore a light-colored one, showing some influence. They look rough and a little tired.

"The sarcophagus is still there."

"Of course," Roth scoffed, "those amateurs can't beat it in a hundred years." ”

"Hmm"

My resting place was disturbed and made me feel ...... Under the weather. Find the nest. Take over. No, now is not the time to hide. I can do it later.

"We are only five miles from Black Harbor, and we have been harassing their column for a whole day. They couldn't count or collect enough supplies. In fact, this is their best effort to eliminate us, but on the other hand, that's all. We spent. If Isaac's men aren't in place before the dominant faction arrives, we're done. I can't fight anymore, and neither can those lads. Two deserters have already been executed. ”

"Understood, I'll go by myself."

"We're all going. Men need rest anyway. Tyr, what a mess. ”

I took my things, my weapons and masks. The rest is ...... Somewhere. It's like those paintings. It's not that important anymore.

Ross led me down a path. Others, including Dalton, followed us from afar. For my courtier, it was due to exhaustion, but I did not come to spoil him. As long as he is not in danger, he can take care of himself. Competent vassals. Rest while I kill.

"After this class, I want to go back to my home country."

"Huh?"

Loth looked at me curiously.

"How many people did you kill last week?"

I do not know. I don't remember.

"Can't see it?" This means that it has been going on for too long. ”

"You...... You said you were leaving?"

"Yes, when that's done. I'm not going to rebuild. I've moved all my belongings to warehouses along the coast. The Rosenthal people will help me get them to the east. I'm going home. It's time. ”

"It's ...... Good for you. Isn't it?"

"Yes, that's right. What about you? Any plans?"

"No, I know what you're trying to do. I'm not going to be a hooligan. Don't distract me anymore. ”

"Okay. Oh, lo and behold! They succeeded!"

We went up to the top of the hill to see where the battle for the gates of Villa was.

A natural harbor unfolds before us, in its dark beauty. At the end of the river sits a sizable village, and several fishing boats are moored on the pier. On the rocky promontory opposite us stands a heavily guarded stone fortress. Only an open path leads to it, without any cover, on a slope of several hundred yards. I saw the black muzzles of several cannons from where I was standing. An army is needed to drive out its occupants.

Or a vampire.

A lone flag I don't recognize, fluttering lazily in the night wind.

Further inland, the cultivated land formed an open plain, large enough for the army to camp on it. I recognized some American flags in front of the tents, and an orderly enclave, which must have been Isaac's mercenaries. The distance between the fortress and the barracks gives the impression that our army is under siege.

Well, at least here they are.

"We should let them know that we're here and that the Brotherhood is coming."

"With a team of magicians. Stab. ”

Language.

"Fuck off".

"You know you're one of the few people on the planet who can say that and keep your heart in your heart, right?"

"Otherwise I wouldn't have taken the risk."

It's good, I can save all these setbacks and put it to good use...... Soon.

We left the pirates behind and took a path to the camp. Dalton staggered to Vennet's tent, and we reached the main entrance, which was guarded by two men. The officer's tent, clearly visible in the distance, was the largest one. The first sentinels discovered us.

"Stop! In order to...... ......"

I grasped their minds and hit them like insects.

Back.

They involuntarily took a step back. I don't have time for that.

I walked after Roth. I could hear him snickering softly, and people fell silent in shock and surprise at the sight of our scene. I knew he was scary in black armor and I was covered in blood. An old corporal with an angry face came up and blocked our way.

"We support Ve

et。 "I just said and pushed him to feel uncertain. Yes, walk here like I belong here, and my demeanor only makes people believe what I say. I walked into the tent before he could react.

Pass through a detection loop.

A small group of people stood around a table with a large map. Two men in blue military uniforms, also a little angry, formed a group. Venice stands impassable in the middle, while a strange trio makes up the second.

They are magicians, wearing gloves and a coordinated set of green leather.

I was amazed by an old man with a long beard, a scholar's look, a strange man who seemed to shave his skin clean, and a young woman with curly brown hair. As I entered, the soldiers raised their heads, and their anger was quickly diluted by fear. Ve

Et's eyes closed, anticipating something bad to happen, and the three jumped up like a pack of frightened cats.

"Shit!" Damn!" The two young men exclaimed. The old man just tried to carefully tilt his cane in my direction while suppressing the intense panic. No way.

"You won't be able to cast that spell until I put my wand down your throat."

His heart softened, and it was difficult to swallow. As they collectively look for a way out of their predicament, wet sweat covers their eyebrows. Ah, I know what it's like to be at the mercy of someone who has a reputation for lacking empathy. When this happened to me, I was bargained for cheaply and reduced to slavery. And them? No need. I already know why they're here. Mage groups must have conflicts of interest, just like we do. This group of spellcasters is on our side.

I turned my attention back to Venice, but before I could ask anything, the senior officer interrupted us.

"Madame, please explain why you have come, and then leave us. It was a war meeting. ”

At least he didn't tell me that the courtesans belonged to the followers of the camp. I guess it's progress.

He's even quite handsome, just a little sharp. His uniform was worn in old fashion, covering a tall, sturdy body. The light brown fur is neatly tucked into a tail that grows up to the shoulders. Two deep-set brown eyes stared at me from the hooked nose, flashing with wit and recognition that something was wrong.

Roth walked up to me and briefly reported on the composition and location of the enemy forces. I didn't really notice because it wasn't anything new to me. After the report was completed, the officer did not show the slightest emotion. His assistant, a small, dirty blonde man with a double chin and a fat man, stepped away unhurriedly, anticipating his temper.

"Who are you?" What is this, a zoo? Ve

E, if you want me to believe your nonsense, you're too... Ack !”

I walked up to the officer, grabbed him and his partner by the throat, and broke him.

"I don't have time to tell you this. Will you trust us, or do you need a more ... A convincing demonstration?"

I let the two men struggle in vain for a few seconds, not expecting any answer, but I didn't follow up. Isaac came with his aura.

"Ah, I was so careless. He said as he pushed the fabric aside. Representatives of the federation dressed like gentlemen who participated in hunting events. The contrast with ours is quite stark.

"Damn, there's another one?" The woman whispered.

"Yes, Ms. Merritt, there's one more. Please let me speak separately with dear Colonel Strand. You too, Ariana, I'll explain later. ”

We dutifully lined up to leave, and these mortals were too happy to leave us. A minute passed, and Isaac stuck his head out again.

"Ms. Merritt, Mr. Colvert and Langdon, please follow me."

The three of them looked at the tent, then at the camp, then at me, assessed the chances of escape, and wisely decided to go back.

After another minute, Isaac invited the rest of us. Luo Si couldn't help but giggle when he saw the faces of the people inside who were struck by lightning. Colonel Strand looked like he had swallowed a whole lemon even from the skin.

"Good, yes, good. I hadn't planned to reach out, and I had forgotten that you two would be impatient to come to me first. Now that the different parties have been... Remind us of what's at stake and we should continue to focus on our main issues. ”

Is it time for blackmail or is he alone?

"Even then, I don't understand why we're working with vampires. The female mage blurted out, much to the consternation of her companions.

Isaac made a brief gesture, his eyes twinkling at me faster than they could perceive. It seems that our role has been arranged. This time I'm happy to act as an iron fist.

"Are you refusing to donate?" I asked nonchalantly.

Not long after the question hung in the air, the old mage elbowed his companion with his elbow.

"No, no, it doesn't matter. This is not our first order and mo

Collaborated... I mean vampires. For the greater good. ”

The veins on the colonel's temples began to beat slowly.

"Can we get back to business?"

"Yes, the first question is, where are the representatives of Barataria?" The one from the fortress. ”

Strand took a deep breath and calmed down, and his lieutenant answered in his place.

"He refused to cooperate with us and did not let us into his fortress. He's also rude to it!"

I raised my eyes in exasperation. Clearly, our arguments are not strong enough to gain support. It's just about the control of weapons that can turn the people around you into murderous maniacs. Nothing too serious......

"I'll be right back."

I came out of the tent and wanted to kill them all and take over, no, take a shower. Yes. Take a hot bath. Calm. In Loth's burned tent, jasmine soap has turned to ashes... Parameter! Okay, Ariana, calm down. We're going to beat this bunch of idiots out of shape and get ready for the fraternity, and everything will be fine. Yes, absolutely no problem. I'm going to the fortress to persuade those in charge of his interests to cooperate through a clever combination of charisma and diplomacy. Yes. Then, I found a tub and peeled the blood-stained skirt off my delicate skin.

Half an hour later.

I swaggered back into the tent, dragging a man behind me, kicking and screaming.

"God, let me socialize!" Diablesse ! Aaaaah !”

I removed the claws from his neck, leaving two bloody marks.

These are the leaders of your army outside the gates. You have to cooperate with them to the fullest, or I'll treat you like a bodyguard for you. Can we understand each other?"

"Yes, bo

sa

g。 Please spare my soul!"

What's wrong? His soul? I don't even ...... Don't mind.

"Unless you serve us well. If you don't, I'll probably take it off that dark heart of yours and feed it to a demon. Don't let me down. ”

The man nodded, but when the kind colonel recovered from his surprise and asked how many soldiers he had, all my efforts were in vain.

"Why am I sharing this information with a government dog?!"

The click of my paws on the schedule echoed in the silence that followed. Once I got his attention, I put one paw perpendicular to the surface and slipped it into the table. Sluggish.

Our latest addition takes into account the sound of wood being tortured.

"A warrior in his seventies."

It's not that hard, right? Wouldn't it be nice if I had all my allies go and stop a madman from playing God with some kind of sorcery hideout?

The rest of the meeting was spent coordinating tomorrow's battle. Isaac was sure that the Herald would attack from the bottom of our army, so he arranged soldiers near the fort. In order to avoid unnecessary civilian casualties, it was decided not to intervene in the village. The army was to be lined up in a straight line towards the Brotherhood expedition, with the right wing stationed in the pirate fortress and the left flank made up of battle-hardened Venetian veterans. The center, consisting of the militia and the regular army, was divided into two columns and had a solid reserve. Leaders would put knives on a map to show their location, which I found odd. Loth even borrowed one of my silver knives and said that he would coordinate the shelling from the fortress itself. Isaac brought him cannons and enough ammunition for him to play with.

There was nothing to do before dawn, so I left the soldiers behind, went back to the sarcophagus, cleaned them up, and got ready.

As I was leaving, Strand's assistant looked regretfully at a blade and a finger-sized hole in his furniture.

"My Watch ......"

We know our first victim.