Chapter 82

This is a warehouse-like place. Now that it's nearly dark, even the little light that comes through the few windows doesn't reach inside. Despite this, the young man in the hood doesn't feel like lighting a lamp and sits on a wooden box, gazing up at the ceiling. Approaching him is a young man in glasses, dressed somewhat neatly.

"It seems the woman from the orphanage managed to save her life."

"Hmm, I'm surprised someone realized it was poison."

The young man laughs lightly, not showing much interest despite his surprise. He puts his right foot on the wooden box and looks at the young man in glasses, holding his knee. He seems relieved to hear that the woman was saved.

"So, she was saved by a hypocrite?"

"No, it seems the priest couldn't handle it, and a passing prince offered his help."

"Hmm."

The mention of the prince makes the young man's lips curl up.

"Of course, he hasn't changed. He's still as kind to the common people as ever."

He chuckles, as if he can't help but laugh. The identity of the prince is well-known in the kingdom of Rubelia, and the young man is no exception.

"Tog, do you still think about your sister—"

"What about me?"

"Ah, no, nothing—"

Though his face is smiling, his voice has dropped an octave. The young man in glasses, startled, takes a step back.

"Never mind. I just can't forgive him for trying to forget about my sister. After all, she died for him. He should carry that burden for the rest of his life. Otherwise, she will truly be dead."

The young man called Tog, who seems to be contemplating something with his arms crossed, looks like he's thinking of something enjoyable, but the young man in glasses is breaking out in a cold sweat. He knows Tog well enough to understand what he's thinking.

"Isn't it against your will to involve more innocent people?"

"Innocent? Who? That woman? So what?"

"So what...?"

"Without him, she would have died anyway. So it doesn't matter much if she's gone."

Tog doesn't lie. When he speaks, it's the truth. If she's gone, it won't bother him. This means he will likely follow through with his words and eliminate the woman. The young man in glasses, understanding this painfully, tightens his lips. Tog frowns, looking unamused.

"Hey, Nold. Whose subordinate are you?"

"Tog's. But, the risk is too high when dealing with the prince."

"Risk of being killed if we're found out?"

"Exactly."

"Doesn't matter to me?"

Tog says this casually, and Nold's shoulders slump.

"You—"

"I have no attachment to this world without my sister. Besides, if I'm killed, he will surely blame himself. For killing me. For getting involved with me. Then he won't forget about my sister so easily."

"You really are mad."

"Is that so? That's good."

Tog laughs out loud, a sound he hasn't made in a long time. It's been over a decade since he joined the organization. He's been in control for two or three years. The organization, which was originally his sister's enemy, was expected to disband after he avenged her. But it was reorganized by those without a place to go, and it exists now. It's becoming a gathering of pleasure-seekers, but Nold remains the voice of reason, acting as a brake.

Since losing his sister, Tog hasn't cared much about anything. He targeted the woman from the orphanage because he was hired, but the outcome didn't matter to him. They just provided the poison; whether it was used was up to the client. Hearing the result was just a whim. The good news was that Alvis was involved. Sometimes whims can be useful. Thinking about this, Tog suddenly remembers something.

"Right, he's married. Then, getting rid of his wife would be better. Yes, that sounds more interesting."

"Interesting? The difficulty is too high."

"Is it? Then should we target him directly? I have some experience with that, and I could even attack him myself."

Tog's eyes shine as if he's found a new toy. He takes out a knife from his pocket and spins it. He has been trained in combat. As a prince, Alvis will have guards around him. How many, he's not sure, but he saw a few the other day. Even if he gets hurt or killed, it doesn't matter. He can attack recklessly. With that mindset, he can reach Alvis. He has the confidence to face a sword without flinching.

"Attacking the woman might be better to hurt him. My sister would be happy with that, I think. What do you think, Nold?"

"Should we stop?"

"No."

He answers immediately. He feels this opportunity won't come again, and his excitement can't be contained.

"Please choose the less risky option."

"That's boring."

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