14 Popcorn Part 5 (1/2)

On the path connecting the Iphelleta mansion and Iffa village, there was a forest.

If someone were to ask of the state of the forest right now...

”Uh...uuuh…”

It was filled with stench of blood.

The pools of blood made by the headless bodies of the assassins would make anyone turn back in horror.

'Am I dreaming right now?'

The boy who was walking toward him as he swung the blade in the air...

It was a sight that made Tes convinced that he was dreaming.

It was Riley.

The lazy, slothful boy, he as the master of the trading guild never had any interest in, was now edging closer after killing countless assassins like a demon.

”Now two.”

Riley mumbled.

He was telling them they were next.

Tes and Lady Orelly were the last ones left.

”...!”

Tes's eyes began to shift around as he regained his consciousness.

Just as Riley had stated, there weren't any assassins left around them.

'I can't die like this.'

It seemed that Riley never had any intention to let any witnesses live.

That was what Tes believed.

Not even as an assassin, but as a merchant, he should be able to figure that much out.

He was also aware that he needed to put everything he had on the line to be able to get out alive.

If he couldn't, then at least his daughter...

”R-...”

Did the gods send him help?

Tes's lips slowly began to show movement.

He began to stutter on his words.

”Master Riley.”

Riley who was standing in front of them with his sword held up high stopped at Tes's voice.

”P-Please.”

Riley's eyes narrowed.

Tes swallowed loudly at his stare.

He had seen many people as the master of the trading guild, but he was unable to read the thoughts of the boy in front of him.

In contrast to Riley's young age, Tes could see maturity and experience behind those eyes.

”You, you may kill me.”

Tes's eyes shifted to the side.

What his eyes were searching was the daughter who was behind him, Orelly.

She may have grown up a little twisted, but she was his only child.

”You may kill me, but my daughter...let Orelly live.”

Tes looked at Riley convinced of his own demise, while his daughter whose lips quivered in fear had her body paralysed.

”The limit of my restraint was 5 minutes... no, 4 minutes?”

Riley mumbled to himself in response to Tes's pleading.

Tes blinked his eyes, unable to hear those words, then began to beg once more.

”It is true the child has done wrong, but she wasn't as bad as now before. She was a nice girl. Just, just...!”

Let the daughter live.

Please let her live.

”It's as I expected.”

Riley replied.

Tes's eyes shook slightly after hearing his reply.

As he expected?

What did he expect?

”...”

Before he could reply back, Riley's wooden sword cut through the wind.

”...Uh.”

”...Ah.”

It was the greatest mercy Riley could give them.

Riley had chosen to take their lives at the same time, to not let them see each other die.

'Finished.'