The Matter of How Only a Political Rival Duke, Not My Own Family, Recognized My Worth After I Was Disowned ~When I Turned a Remote Frontier Territory Into the World’s Greatest City, the Noble Lady Assigned to Supervise Me Became the Best Fiancée~ - Episode 26: The Thaw and the Shadow Assassin

Episode 26: The Thaw and the Shadow Assassin

An unknown assassin—believed to have been sent by the Silford family.

That single presence filled the once–relaxed air of Northrock, dulled by the long winter confinement, with sharp tension once more.

◇

“The enemy isn’t a group like the Frostfang Tribe. Most likely, it’s a small number—perhaps even one—an expert in covert operations.”

Before the hastily assembled leaders, I displayed the poisoned arrow we had found.

“They’re using this blizzard as perfect cover. They’re waiting for a single opening. From now on, our entire security system will shift to counter stealth and one–on–one infiltration tactics.”

My orders were carried out immediately.

In the forests surrounding the camp, we set countless makeshift traps to detect intruders—snares meant for beasts, branches that made sound when stepped on, and thin wires coated with faintly glowing moss that shone in the dark.

Atop the watchtower, Gran installed a hastily crafted telescope fitted with lenses. It greatly enhanced our surveillance ability.

Furthermore, I decided to make use of the Earth Drakes as our “natural alarm system.”

“We’ll place outposts right along the borders of the Drakes’ territory—without actually crossing into it. If they suddenly become agitated, that’ll be the signal that someone has trespassed.”

Layer upon layer, my defensive web took shape.

But the enemy was cunning.

Throughout the harshest days of winter, the shadow made no move—

—as if holding its breath, a predator lying in wait beneath the howling blizzard.

◇

Then the season turned.

The snowstorm that had seemed eternal finally ceased. Days with sunshine became more frequent. The thick snow blanketing the ground began to sparkle under the light and slowly melt away.

A short spring was about to arrive in the Alma Wasteland.

“…Spring is coming.”

Hearing the sound of meltwater forming small streams, I murmured to myself.

“It’s about time the rats hiding in their holes came crawling out.”

The snow and blizzard had been the perfect cover for the assassin. But once the snow melted, footprints would remain in the muddy ground. The leafless forest would no longer offer hiding places.

If the enemy was going to act—it would be now.

I decided to lay a trap.

“Duncan, take only a few guards and accompany me to inspect the mines.”

“What! That’s far too dangerous, Lord Noah!”

“That’s exactly why it’ll work. The enemy’s target is me. If I expose myself as unguarded, they’ll have no choice but to bite.”

Despite Duncan’s objections, I convinced him and left the base with only a minimal escort.

◇

We had just finished inspecting the mines and were on our way back to camp—

When it happened.

*Cling!*

A sharp metallic sound shattered the forest’s stillness. It was one of our wire alarm traps.

“They’re here…!”

“Enemy attack!”

The guard’s shout coincided almost perfectly with the moment a black blur burst from the forest shadows.

It was not human.

A beastkin, with the lithe build of a black panther—catlike ears and tail. They had twin obsidian daggers gripped in reverse in each hand.

Their movement was so fast it couldn’t be followed by the eye.

“Gwah!?”

“Ugh!”

Two of the guards fell in an instant. They were cut down by the deadly blades. The wounds weren’t fatal. But they were completely incapacitated.

Then the black shadow—the assassin—charged straight toward me.

Death loomed only a heartbeat away.

But before the assassin’s blades reached me, another shadow slipped between us—soundless, like a ghost.

It was my ever–faithful butler, Duncan.

At some point, he had drawn his old longsword and intercepted the daggers just inches from my chest.

“…This is the end. I’ll be taking your life, my lord.”

For the first time, the beastkin assassin spoke—a high, cold voice devoid of emotion.

Duncan responded quietly. Yet he did so with the unshakable resolve of steel.

“…I’ll return those words to you.”

The mask of the gentle old butler fell away.

What stood there now was the face of a battle–hardened swordsman once hailed as the strongest in the kingdom.

“I’ll not allow you to lay a single finger on my master.”

In the thawing forest, two murderous auras clashed—

And the very air trembled.