Episode 40. The Winner’s Choice (2)
“We will move to the next location for the final selection.”
At Siren’s command, the heads of households and their children began to move. This time, they dispersed and moved sequentially at intervals.
After a brief greeting with Pyunig and Gilfield, Rubin left the arboretum, passing the underwater caves and heading back up Pamukkale Avenue.
Pamukkale Avenue, where thirteen deadlock squares are located.
This highway, managed by the Kingdom of Pamuk, is known as the safest road in the empire.
Just being able to travel on this road guarantees your status.
‘Is this the northbound route from now on?’
The ‘Northbound Route’ on Pamuk Boulevard meant a special section.
The road north of the 4th intersection square has a particularly serious atmosphere compared to other areas. Even the Pamuk royal family members who manage the road were not allowed to use this special section at will.
An imperial territory that only those with royal approval may enter.
‘From now on, the Imperial Department will intervene.’
It was always the same. The third compensation procedure was attended by the Imperial Commission, who had been absent until then.
Originally, the Imperial Guard had little interest in the tradition of the Assassin Swordsman.
Roynenser, Roynecro.
That kind of thing could have been dealt with within the Assassination Swordsmanship.
But when it comes to choosing a city, the story is different.
The city where future assassins make their nests. For the Assassins, the annex was a cradle where their children grew up to become assassins, and for the Imperial Guard, it was a space where they could act as the eyes and ears of the emperor.
Gathering and reporting information on city trends and the status of officials was also a major task of the annex.
‘Is that your mother’s carriage?’
When there were about 2 kilometers left to arrive.
Siren’s chariot, which had set off first, had stopped. Soon, Siren’s retainer approached us.
“Your Majesty. The Master is looking for you.”
Was there something he had to say? Rubin immediately got into the carriage after hearing the master’s message.
“Sit down.”
As soon as Rubin sat down, the carriage started again.
Even after a long time since departure, Siren didn’t even glance at Rubin. She just asked him in a cold voice:
“You chose Tina. I expected that, but are you going to go into the fire pit again this time?”
Of course she knew.
The other heads of household and their children did not notice Tina’s presence, but even Siren’s eyes could not be fooled.
Rubin also knew that it was a dangerous choice. Tina was a member of the Hwan-Blooded Tribe, and the one who exterminated the Hwan-Blooded Tribe was none other than the Emperor.
“I couldn’t leave the Hwanhyeol clan and the head of the imperial order in the same place.”
“So that’s why you sent Tina to the Roinen mansion first.”
“This is the last time I will protect you. The moment you leave the mansion, you will live under a fake name.”
Siren’s eyes were now turned to Rubin. Her cold, dry gaze was still there.
“Whether it’s Roynenser or Roinekrowna, I respect your choice, even though it was unexpected. However, you should know that it may be something you are putting yourself in danger of.”
It was more of a warning than a worry. A warning without a shred of affection.
Rubin nodded. There wasn’t much he could say to his mother at this moment. Just one word would suffice.
“I will endure any danger that may come my way. Because it is my choice.”
“Yeah, that’s right.”
Siren felt that there was not an ounce of fear in Rubin’s eyes, so she did not press him further.
“Which city will you live in?”
“I’ve decided.”
This time, the resolute answer continues.
Siren was curious about her youngest son’s unpredictable choice, but she didn’t bother to ask him about it. She would find out in a few hours anyway.
Instead, he handed Rubin a piece of paper that was lying next to him. A blank piece of paper with nothing written on it.
The moment Rubin received it, he knew that it was a valuable item. It was a document that was to be delivered directly to the Emperor.
“When you arrive, write down the name of the city where you will live with Roynenser and submit it to the head of the Imperial Department.”
“Understood, my lord.”
The carriage slowed down and stopped after a while. A different, more lively atmosphere than before was transmitted outside the carriage.
The loud voice of the head of the imperial order, Rulfo, seemed to come from far away.
* * *
Roynenser, a fake father who improves your abilities as an assassin through direct training.
A comrade named Roinecro, who may later save the assassin’s life or play a role in determining the success or failure of the mission.
No Assassin’s disciple would take these two choices lightly.
However, the city options are a bit different.
The choice of city was a less important choice for the Assassin’s children than the previous two choices. It was like a dessert after the main course.
It was just a trial run of life undercover before becoming a full-fledged assassin. It was just accepted as such.
‘Of course, that applies to other kids too.’
Rubin’s thinking was quite different. Choosing a city is as important as choosing a good Roynenser or Roynekrow.
‘Depending on which city you choose, you can create companions and obtain unique weapons.’
Rubin knew several pieces of information that could change the course of history. It was information that only those who had returned could know.
So we had to figure out where we could use that information most efficiently.
“Your Majesty, I think the port city of Krulti would be a good choice.”
If it was Kruti, it was a derivative of the Kruti Orc that appeared as Hamil’s fear in the Dream Test. Since it was a large port city, you could meet various people centered around the trading post.
You can join the Imperial Navy, or even fight against pirates. You can also search for treasures scattered across the sea, straits, and various islands.
It was Kuze who recommended Kruti. It wasn’t a bad idea, and it was Roynenser’s advice, so it was right to take it into consideration.
“Besides, I have acquired several job skills that will help me get by smoothly in a port city.”
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This meant that we had to keep in mind Roynenser’s disguised identity as well. This also made sense.
but.
“Hmm, Krultira.”
Rubin looked down at the blank piece of paper on his desk.
Next to the piece of paper was a list of candidate cities from which the contestants could choose. But Kuze wasn’t the only voice to be considered.
-I told you. Go to Leureta, the mecca of mercenaries. There, you can prepare troops in advance for the war with Telmah.
Haneke, who has settled into his inner world, has been recommending Leuretta for a long time.
As he said, Leureta was a mecca for mercenaries. There was a mountain range where the life-or-death battle between monsters and humans was formed, and it was also the main activity area for many famous mercenary groups on the continent.
‘At least training against monsters will be easy.’
-There is also a possibility that those who call themselves warriors may be accepted as comrades.
Of course, this wasn’t a bad choice either.
When Rubin seemed to hesitate, Haneke asked slyly.
-Tina, what did that crow friend say?
‘Tina made a very Tina-like recommendation.’
Tina was forced to disperse for a while by Siren’s orders. Before they parted ways, Tina earnestly urged Rubin to choose a city.
There was only one city in the empire where she wanted to live.
‘Splendock.’
Splendock was famous for its large-scale mining area. It was a mining city where almost all gemstones were mined.
It was a world of shining things, so it was natural for the Hwanhyeol tribe to go crazy. However, that was not the place Rubin wanted to be.
From then on, Rubin patiently listened to the arguments and evidence of Kuze and Haneke. However, there was nothing among them that caught Rubin’s attention.
-You’ve already made up your mind, right?
Haneke, tired of Rubin’s indifferent reaction, asked sarcastically.
Rubin nodded quietly.
Actually, I had been making the decision for a long time. I just checked with my colleagues to see if they would change their minds.
‘I’m sorry, but it’s not Splendock, Krultido, or Leuretta.’
Rubin pulled the blank sheet of paper in front of him and picked up his pen. It was a decision he had made a long time ago, and there was no need to delay it any longer.
I wrote down the city name right away.
“Are you serious?”
Kuze’s shocked reaction upon seeing the city name. It was more than surprising; he was genuinely worried.
Rubin shrugged and handed the piece of paper he had written to the imperial sergeant.
Now it was time to wait. If there was another child with the same city name as his, the royal commission would step in and try to mediate. However, the priority was given to the winner, Rubin.
‘I wonder if there was anyone else who chose this city?’
After 30 minutes, it was announced that the city selection, starting from second place after Rubin and proceeding in descending order, had all been completed.
“There are no other participants whose cities overlap with the cities selected by Rubin.”
Kuze, who was listening from the side, let out a sigh at the report of the imperial decree soldier.
‘It can’t be helped. This is just like drawing a blank.’
After the selection process was completed, two hours later.
All the children and heads of households attended the banquet held by the head of the imperial office.
Because it was a banquet for the secretive Assassin Sword Master, even if it was an imperial decree, the banquet could not be held on a large scale.
However, Rulpo, the head of the Imperial Department, was in a good mood without any regard for the consequences.
As befitting a person of royal power, Rulfo could be seen with a bashful face almost anywhere the Emperor was not present.
Today, as usual, Rulpo got extremely drunk at the event.
With a slightly unsteady gait, Rulfo steps up to the stage to personally handle the important order of the banquet.
“You little guys who will become His Majesty’s most useful swords. Now, I will show you the cities you have created one by one.”
Behind Rulfo, a large map of the Empire was spread out. He sat down on a chair on the platform and sipped from a glass filled with strong alcohol.
When Rulfo called the name, the child would stand up, reveal the city he had chosen, and then add a word.
“Hmm. This time, it’s Blaine from the Krieger family. She has a very half-and-half face, but her burn marks are a bit creepy. Well, maybe it’s a medal for being an assassin? Hiccup! Well, you chose ‘Avern’. It’s a very large commercial city. There’s also a lot of delicious meat. Hiccup!”
Blane’s choice was Avern.
There was another contestant who made the same choice. Reincroki also chose Avern, but Blane ended up staying in Avern because his test scores were the priority.
“thank you.”
Blane bowed. She was now proudly showing off her burn scars despite Rulfo’s taunts.
The next person to be called was Hamil Cunitli, in third place.
“Oh, wow. This kid boldly chose ‘Leureta’. But if I go there, I’ll just be working as a weapon shop’s daughter. Will that be fun? Hiccup! Well, anyway, it’s good to see the border region’s information network expanding.”
Rubin looked at Hamil with a puzzled look. You chose Leuretta? Isn’t that different from her choice before her return?
At that time, Hamil began living undercover in one of the family strongholds.
But this time, it seemed like he had really made up his mind. To push the limits, to become stronger.
Hamil, sensing Rubin’s gaze, nodded in respect.
“Next up is Kun. You came in second place this time too, right?”
When his name was called, Kun jumped up from his seat. His fighting spirit was still there. He bowed politely to Rulfo.
Since the ‘first selection’ two years ago, Rulfo had been keeping an eye on the Croquis family and Kun.
Siren Roinen, who seemed to take the imperial edict lightly, and the fortress she had built. I didn’t like it very much.
As someone who would check and crack down on such sirens, Rulfo had his eye on Croquison.
“Kun Crokison’s choice is… … .”
Rulfo fiddled with the paper, forcing his eyes open as they began to close from the alcohol.
“It’s ‘Kruti’. The port city of Kruti! Hmm, I’d like to hear your thoughts? Hiccup!”
When the head of the imperial office demanded an answer, the Crokison family tried to step forward, but Kun stepped forward ahead of his father.
“Sir, I will answer you directly. I wish to assist the Imperial Navy in the port city of Krulti.”
“You will help to increase the Empire’s maritime power? How would you say that?”
“I have not decided on just one method. I will devote my abilities to every possible way that is allowed to me.”
A guy who studied English. With this level of blind loyalty, it was only a matter of time before he caught Rulfo’s eye.
As expected, Rulfo burst into laughter, arching his back while holding his glass in his hand.
“For example, bringing me the head of a troublesome pirate captain?”
“That’s not even a problem for me.”
Rubin looked at Kun, who seemed to be moving beyond the scope of the assassin and becoming a loyalist of the empire. This was also a very different development from before the return.
“I like it, Kun! That’s right. To become His Majesty’s sword, you must have that much spirit!”
“thank you.”
Kun, who was sitting down, turned his head back for a moment. It was to respond to Rubin’s gaze looking at him. Kun’s eyes were filled with only strong hostility toward Rubin.
The guy who had been smiling brightly at Rubin quickly turned his head away again.
-That guy seems determined to become the Emperor’s lackey.
‘Just wait and see. I don’t think that will happen.’
After reassuring Haneke, Rubin turned his attention back to Rulfo.
“Now, the last one is… the winner of this competition. It’s something to celebrate that a child from the main family won this time too.”
Rubin stood up and bowed to Rulfo.
“Rubin Roynen. The youngest son of the Roynen line.”
Rulfo unfolded the paper Rubin had submitted. Then he blinked and stared intently at the imperial map on the wall and the paper.
“Huh? This is a city that no one would choose? Hey, are you serious?”
Rulfo blinked and asked Rubin.
“Are you sure you want to go to Capotini’s?”
Capotini.
A city located on the western peninsula of the continent.
Capotini was a city with characteristics completely different from those of the previous port cities, mining cities, and border cities.
The cities chosen by the other children were places where there were no adverse conditions for the growth of an assassin. They were places that helped the growth of an assassin, but did not have any obstacles.
But Capotini is different.
It was a city that not only hindered the assassin’s growth, but could also threaten his life.
“Rubin, did you know what kind of city this was when you chose it?”
“Yes, of course I know. It’s the city of wizards, otherwise known as the assassins’ graveyard.”
At Rubin’s words, the smile disappeared from Rulfo’s flushed face.
