Joshua couldnt help but let out his mischievousness when he saw Aishas look of despondent humiliation. She was known as a cold-blooded assassin, but Joshua knew better.

Its bullshit.

Joshua burst out laughing, making Aisha tremble. She nervously swallowed but her throat was bone-dry.

Im having such a good time but how dare you raise your sword at me twice?

Aishas eyes swam, overwhelmed by the apparent lack of effort Joshua needed to deal with her.

So Should I take your hostility as a challenge from the entire Dark Elf clan?

Wait.. thats

Aisha pored over every detail of the man in front of her.

A face as beautiful as an elf, with dark blue hair and eyes, though Aisha was too afraid to appreciate this. Handling abilities only her clan knows of.

Dragon fear.

Aisha moaned and collapsed to her knees.

A-Aisha Steropi greets the Master of mana!

Joshua smiled down at her as she prostrated herself. Aisha, however, couldnt imagine what he was thinking and mistook his silence for unquenched rage.

Everything was my mistake! I never wanted to offend you, so please spare my clan!

Raise your head. Joshuas smile widened, as did Aisha when she heard his stately voice.

However, she didnt raise her head.

Are you ignoring me?

Oh, no! Aisha shook her head.

If I wanted, I could destroy everything your clan owns.

Aishas breath caught in her throat and she slammed her head onto the ground again.

That was a joke because Im having fun.

T-Thank you! Aisha bowed again, this time much, much lower than before.

But I meant what I said about not assassinating the Prince.

Ah! Aisha was hardly in the mood to question him. Besides which, Dark Elves were the most fickle race in the worldthere was no need for her to go back to her old ways.

Are you sure you understand!

Yes! I understand!

As soon as the mission is confirmed to have failed, the Black Wind will be hunted down. This is the best chance to leave Arcadia.

I have a question

Dont speak again. Joshua laid his hand on her head, making her go stiff. Its been a long time. Finally, Im happy

Yes? Aisha was obviously perplexed.

Now go. Get as far away from Arcadia as quickly as you can.

Aisha leapt to her feet and vanished, leaving Joshua peering into the night sky.

Thats it. Thats how it came to be, yes.

Why did he bother coming to the banquet in the first place? In his previous life, the year Joshua turned 15, the Empire was swept by shocking news: the attempted assassination of Kiser von Britten, the First Prince, using an Imperial Knight. Though it failedor rather because it failedthis incident became famous. It was the only blemish on the Assassin Kings illustrious career.

Indeed, Aisha Steropi was Joshua's old friend and the soon-to-be Assassin King.

Shed be seriously injured and then the Imperial Family would hunt her for years and years. Shes going to be chased either way, but at least shes not injured.

He had no idea who issued such an order to her. She was a member of Black Wind, the Emperors own intelligence organization, after all. Aisha just never talked about these things.

But that aside, Joshua tried to help wherever he could. He owed her a lot from his old life.

If fate wills it, we will meet again.

Aisha leapt wildy through the frigid night wind, scaling a three-story building in a single bound. For a Dark Elf, it was a trivial effort.

Black Dragon Aisha cast a tired gaze back towards the Palace. The mission failed on purpose, but it turned out for the better. Her troubled expression brightened.

The strength of such power, quietly residing in the Avalon Empireor just the Igrant continent in generalwas unfathomable.

Avalon has the Imperial Knightsthe Shield of the Empireand the Black Wind.

...But they never could have guessed this. Their plans will be in chaos after this. I hope that the Master of mana is having fun over there.

I accepted their request for various reasons, but it doesnt matter anymore.

Aisha tensed her legs and leapt, higher and higher.

She still thought Joshua was a dragon.

WhatThis bitch.

Oh, what made you angry, Young Master-to-be of the Duke? Natasha cocked her head at Gehog.

Gehog walked straight past her. Get out of here. Im not in the mood to deal with you.

Huh? She snorted, then noticed the atmosphere was suddenly abuzz and smiled slyly. Its because of her, isnt it?

Charles was reentering the banquet hall; unlike before, she was alone. That made Natasha simultaneously uneasy and satisfied.

What happened before was a childish joke. A smile danced on Natashas lips. I will make you mine, Joshua Sanders.

What? Anne, a Viscounts daughter, cocked her head. Young Lady Charles came back alone, after she left with Baron Joshua?

Why not? He helped her out of a difficult situation, and, now that its done, he gives the lady some privacy Sennas face flushed with joy. What a gentleman.

The other girls nodded in agreement.

Do you think its true?

I suppose so? Sennas babbling made my ears fall off a long time ago.

He looks like Duke Agnus, but isnt his vibe totally different?

RightIf Duke Agnus is like a sharp blade, Baron Joshua has a softer, sexier, decadent beauty

Eeeeeeek! The women shrieked and gasped, their cheeks flushing with a passionate heat. They lost something of their dignity, but for some reason they felt more and more proud of themselves even as their shame increased. The joy of sharing their interests with friends had them lost in the moment.

So whats Baron Joshua to gain from the daughter of a dying family?

Family ties?

For Baron Joshua? That doesnt make sense.

Youre right. Its fantastic, though: a prince rushing in to save the damsel in distress from the wicked

Pig had been villainized in an instant, while Joshua was lavished with praise.

Kiser von Britten, First Prince of the Avalon Empire, and Princess Sersiarin von Britten have arrived!

A calm silence fell over the banquet hall. The sons and daughters of the nobilityNatasha, Gehog, Senna, and all the otherspaid their respects to the young man observing quietly from above with his distinctive golden eyes.

Ah. Young Lady Charles. The Prince slowly descended the stairs, a definite twist to his lips.