Chapter 40
“So this is why you brought out so many jewels.”
The woman, momentarily surprised by Alicia’s boldness, soon smiled slyly as she examined the jewels. Diamonds, amethysts, rubies, sapphires – not large carats, but all of exceptional quality.
They were all gifts from Diana.
Alicia gazed at them regretfully. How ironic it was to use what Diana gave her to kill Diana’s daughter.
“These worthless jewels mean nothing if I can make my daughter the ‘real’ one by killing Icel.”
“You want to kidnap and kill a child…”
The woman stroked her chin as if in thought, her eyes glimmering greedily.
Finally, she gathered the jewels into her pouch.
“Fine. I’ll connect you. What’s the child’s name and features?”
“Icel, daughter of House Ernst. Platinum blonde hair, emerald eyes.”
The woman wrote down every detail. Then Alicia suddenly spoke.
“There’s a problem.”
“Problem?”
“She can use magic.”
“Magic, huh.”
The woman jotted something down and placed the jewel pouch back on the table.
“If the target uses magic, this isn’t enough.”
“You… need more?”
Alicia’s voice trembled. She had already brought all the jewels she owned.
“Of course. Normal assassins can’t handle a magic user.”
Alicia’s eyes filled with despair.
“Then… what should I do?”
“You’ll need a mage. But…”
The woman paused dramatically.
“Tower mages have too much pride to take money for such jobs. And they’d never agree to this kind of work.”
Alicia almost fainted. She had herself awakened Icel’s magic to save Catherine once, never imagining it would come to this.
“So what do I do…?”
“That’s why it’s expensive.”
The woman handed her a slip of paper.
“Go here. But remember, it will cost a lot.”
“Then these jewels…”
Alicia tried to grab the pouch back.
“This isn’t information I give just anyone. The jewels are my fee.”
The woman smiled sweetly and gestured for her to leave.
Alicia left weakly, clutching the note. Soon she reached a small, secluded cabin deep in a mossy, muddy forest.
“Is there really an assassin here who can kill Icel?”
She knocked reluctantly. The door creaked open.
“Who is it?”
A man’s face, covered in burn scars, appeared.
“I… I was sent by the information guild.”
He checked the note and let her in. The interior was filthy and disorganised. Just as her trust began to waver, the man snapped his fingers. Water flowed through the room, and cleaning tools moved on their own, scrubbing everything spotless.
“Sit.”
He handed her tea in a cheap cup.
“I came to make a request.”
“I’m expensive.”
“Money isn’t an issue.”
I’ll borrow Catherine’s jewels, or take a loan if needed. Once I become Duchess after killing Diana, I can pay it all back.
“Tell me. Why come to me?”
“Kill a magic-using child.”
“A child with magic?”
The man grinned, revealing yellowed teeth.
“Normal assassins can’t handle that.”
Alicia clenched her fists, furious at herself for not killing Icel at birth.
“Wait.”
He fetched parchment and ink.
“We need a contract. Tell me about the child.”
“Icel. Platinum hair, emerald eyes. Adopted daughter of House Ernst.”
“Ernst’s daughter, huh. High status raises the risk – you know that?”
“I know.”
He slid the contract to her.
“Check it.”
“Hah…”
Alicia’s eyes widened. The sum was astronomical. Even if she borrowed from Catherine and took loans, it wouldn’t be enough.
“This much…?”
The man sneered.
“Do you even know who I am? I was a Tower mage. Personally trained by the Tower Master.”
Then why are you here…?
“I was excommunicated for doing forbidden work… jobs like this.”
He waved the contract casually.
“So, do you want it or not?”
Alicia read it again. The price was madness. But she couldn’t let Icel live. No matter the cost, Icel had to die.
“I’ll do it. I’ll sign.”
“Good.”
She picked up the quill with trembling hands and signed the contract. The moment her name was written, her trembling stopped. Images of Icel glaring at her with cold eyes filled her mind.
But that ends now, Icel.
“I’ll send the payment to this address.”
“Make sure you do it.”
She smiled coldly, as if Icel were already dead.
