The black cloak was removed, revealing the figures face.

Sad blue eyes, like stars plucked from the night sky; dark brown skin that naturally blended into the darkness; and long, pointed ears.

A Dark Elf.

Are you a member of the clan? The Dark Elf eyed Joshua warily, surprised to find a human as physically attractive as an elf.

An elfs skin color and their distinctive ears could be concealed by artifacts, but the energy he emitted was a kind that could only be found from Dark Elf assassins.

The Dark Elves, sometimes known as fallen elves, were not afraid to take lifeunlike the Light Elves, who resided in the woodlands and cherished life. Many Dark Elves were meat-eaters, in fact, and a disproportionate amount of Dark Elves were born with a poisonous nature.

No. You thought you were so smart, didnt you. Isnt that why you suddenly attacked?

The Dark Elf was deeply puzzled. If he wasnt an elf, how could he deal with Jinsal energy?

Aisha.

The elf stared at him, bewildered and amazed.

Aisha Sestropy Thats your name, right? Not Black Wind No. 4.

Aisha abandoned any pretense of civility. She filled with cold energy, like a piercing gale ripping through her body.

Listen carefully: How did you know my name, and how can you use Jinsal energy?

Aishas blade gleamed sharply in the moonlight.

I have one piece of advice for you: stop committing heinous acts like attempting to assassinate the First Prince.

Aisha attacked. Her light, quick movements were enveloped in a veil of dark smoke, giving her a lethal advantage.

But her opponent was far too calm. Joshua just smiled, watching Aisha calmly while he circulated his mana.

His mana split the air with a crack, faster than the speed of sound.

Straight towards his right earlobe.

The air trembled from a massive roar, but only Aisha could hear it.

Keep it together! Aisha thrust her dagger towards Joshuas facebut stopped, against her will.

I see. This sensation Her back trickled with cold sweat. She staggered and stammered, clenching her legs and backing away.

D-Dragon fear?

Idiot! Bastard! Sea urchin! Charles kicked at the precious red carpet, spitting blistering curses that were completely at odds with her sweet lips. How could you do that? Its been years since youve seen me! Am I not attractive to you?

Charles was deeply offended by Joshuas behavior. Strangely, though, she didnt know why it made her so angry.

Such a scumbag Charless face fell.

Why did he even help me, in the first place? Because of the past? He even did it in public.

For some reason, you just rattle peoples brains. She shook her head. I want to take him by the collar and demand answers, but I cant

She couldnt act on her emotions, not when her family was in danger.

Charles du Pontier, the girl, was long gone.

She heard footsteps coming towards her and she hastily fixed her unkempt clothing.

Gehog von Crombell. Charless face stiffened and she grit her teeth. This was the first time shed come face-to-face with the heir of Crombell, the source of her familys crisis.

Charles de Pontier. Even if you bring him in, you must realize you cant change anything, dont you?

What are you talking about?

Joshua von Agnusoh, right, hes Joshua Sanders now. Hes not an Agnus anymore. Babel is the heireven if you asked for his help, Duke Agnus would never help you. Are you sure you want to throw your pride away for a helping hand from the wrong person?

A helping hand? Charles clenched her teeth, beating down the rage welling in her chest.

Hes been a total outcast since joining the Imperial Knights. He got a title that didnt even exist. What a joke. But, hes a monster. A B-Class knight, while Young Master Babel was still only C-Class.

What are you saying, Gehog von Crombell?

You dont know? Gehog laughed.

You

One thing is certain, Gehog hissed. Nothing will change even if Joshua Sanders joins the fight. Not after five years. No matter how hard he fights, hes just a B-Class knight. Gehog stepped back wearing a strange smile. Hell never beat him at that level.

The Mercenary King

What can a fifteen year old kid do to a big-shot like him, anyways? One of the 12 Superhumans?

Charles trembled with anger drawing a chuckle from Gehog.

Ill make you a deal. Marry me.

What?

Its only a matter of time before your family collapses. At this point, theres only one way you can end this war on your own. Its a win-win situation: your familys legacy carries on, and the war ends peacefully. Isnt it a great idea? Marrying someone of my stature?

Gehog smiles ugly, Charles thought.

Gehog took Charless silence as worry. He leered at her body, already imagining the way his lower half would ache when he had Charles pinned underneath him.

Shell make for a fine trophy, and Ill win the legacy of a Duke. Thats a great marriage right there.

My answer

Gehog leaned in expectantly, eagerly clinging to her whispered words.

She shoved her middle finger in his face.

Go fuck yourself, you little shit.