Chapter 15 (1/2)

At the age of twelve, when Tasel met with his first assassination attempt, mobilizing everything he had, he made a group called ‘Shadow Walkers’. Though Tasel was but a child who was still green behind the ears, the experience of avoiding death by a hair’s breadth took away his childhood from him.

Shadow Walkers were started with the guards of Elena. As Tasel grew up, the group also grew step by step. It was very difficult to screen out loyal ones. But the people who became part of the group were the ones who saved Tasel’s and his family’s lives. Just like that the force of the group became broad and widespread. At that moment, they served as Tasel’s eyes and ears in the nooks and corners of the empire.

“One among the soldiers guarding Mother’s living quarters, two among His Majesty’s maids, two in the military garrison. They are all members of the Shadow Walkers. One among the guards guarding Mother’s living quarters has been continuously waiting for the moment to rescue her, but it is not easy. The maid who comes and goes out of the room is one of the maids under His Majesty. And whenever one enters the room they are escorted by the guards, so the soldiers can’t even think of getting closer to her. In a literal sense, he took away my mother’s eyes, ears and mouth.”

“Can we secretly inform them that I am going there? We never know, there might be a situation where I will need their help. And please instruct the soldier guarding the living quarters to take a leave on the day I go there. If the situation turns bad, he might get dragged into it and get hurt.”

“Mm, you don’t need to worry about that.”

“Then, before I leave, I would like to prepare some weapons…..”

“Say whatever weapon you want. I will ask Zeke to procure it.”

Hearing Kasia calming list the weapons she needed, the premonition that she is an assassin solidified in Tasel’s mind.

“Short sword, Dagger, throw knife, rope, poison, steel-string….. You seem like you really don’t plan to hide. Now I can’t even believe Knight Krone’s words that you guys grew up very ordinarily from your young age.”

“Krone is not related to this matter. Also, I also don’t know why I became like this. The only promise that I can give you is, that I will never betray your Highness.”

“Ha Ha. Didn’t I say it already? That I don’t care even if you are hiding something. Don’t get anxious. Then everything will be prepared before tomorrow evening. If you need anything else, ask it from Zeke.”

Kasia went out after greeting him with a proper salute. She went back towards her unit and explained to Krone that she will be going out as a support with the rear supply unit for the time being. She thought that she would need to talk with Krone for a long stretch of time, but rather Krone had a pleasant expression on his face.

“I am relieved since the supply unit is relatively safe. Still take care of your body.”

Towards Krone’s never ending affection, Kasia had no words.

‘Is this the so-called familial affection? But there is no blood tie between us… If not, is it different in this world?’

She didn’t know what was the real relationship between the original Kasia and Krone. Krone’s attitude towards her didn’t seem as looking at a companion since he didn’t show any physical intimacy. Seeing such Krone, she felt that his affection towards her must be familial love.

Kasia, who never had any family or friends, couldn’t understand how a person who didn’t even have any blood ties with her had such a deep affection for her.

She made up her mind to protect him as long as she can. But still, she couldn’t return the amount of affection he gave her. Because she never thought about emotions itself.

After talking with Krone she went to the medical barrack in search for Lunaen and found her.

Lunaen whom she met after a long time, was as always worn out at the end of each day. But after finding that Kasia especially went there for her she was so touched.

“I am so glad that you are going to the supply unit. Since no one can assure that madam knight won’t face a situation that can harm you, please take this with you.”

What Lunaen gave her was a pouch of dried herbs. When Kasia was bedridden, it was this same herb called ‘Centella’ that she ground with water, applied it on her body and secured with the gauze. The herb gave out a cool sensation which helped reduce the temperature around the wounded areas. It could also be used as a disinfectant. She thought that this herb was one of the medicines with a broad variety of uses.

It probably must be the best medicine Lunaen could find with her position. Following Krone, Lunaen also bid Kasia goodbye expressing her worry and concern. Kasia felt very strange towards it.

In terms of prowess, Kasia should be concerned, but because of their apprehension in the current situation, she felt that she will return safely. Something tickled her heart.

Kasia’s preparations for her departure proceeded smoothly.

Hearing the situation due to which Kasia was selected to be sent to the Karina Palace, Zeke was surprised. Still without any word of refuting he went to the weaponry and took out the best weapons for her. But compared to Zeke, the emotionally driven Mikhail with an agitated expression rushed to the rear mountain where Kasia trained and made a clamour.

“Oh, you are confident? Our Highness sees you almost like his last card….”

“I will try my best to succeed.”

“Hey look at me. Now there are only two days remaining, I will show you some moves.”

Mikhail guided her in her swordsmanship.

Though the brothers, Zeke and Mikhail either of them had a bulky build, their body bloomed with muscles. There was no place in their body which wasn’t adorned with muscles. So the strength compressed in each swing of Mikhail’s sword was very high. Even if she was the Kasia of her previous life, to confront head-on under such tremendous force would be difficult.

He taught her how to avoid and confront the attacks of stronger opponents. Though it was akin to teaching her his weaknesses, Mikhail went on without any bit of hesitation.

Mikhail was exceptional when it came to the long sword than the Kasia who only held a long sword for a short period of time. But when it comes to the short sword, Kasia was far ahead. This time Mikhail was really surprised by her.

“For a woman with a small stature and light body, the short sword is more advantageous. But it needs one to get close to the opponent which is dangerous. The speed that you move at right now is high and fortitude is also good. Whenever I see you, you always make me awed.”

As always, Mikhail was curious about how she reached such a stage. But since he was obvious to how she will answer even if he were to ask, he didn’t bother to ask.