Master Assassin of the Ronan

Chapter 40. The Winner’s Choice (2)

“I will move to the next location for the final choice.”

At Seiren’s command, the heads of the families and their descendants began to move.

Once again, they separated, advancing in intervals.

Rubin exchanged brief greetings with Phynik and Elder Gillifield before leaving the Arboretum.

He bypassed the Underwater Cave and ascended back onto Pamuk Road.

Pamuk Road, where thirteen intersection squares were located.

This road, managed by the Kingdom of Pamuk, was known as the safest route in the empire.

Simply being allowed passage on this road was enough to guarantee one’s status.

“From here, it’s the northern route.”

The “northern route” of Pamuk Road signified a special section.

The northern path of the Fourth Intersection Square, with a particularly solemn atmosphere compared to other areas.

Even members of the Pamuk royal family, who managed the road, couldn’t use this special section at will.

Only those who received approval from the imperial family were permitted to travel here—an imperial territory.

“Now the Imperial Edict Office will likely get involved.”

It was always the same pattern.

The Imperial Edict Office, which had previously stayed out of the process, would observe the third reward procedure.

The Imperial Edict Office generally had little interest in the traditions of the Assassin Blade Family.

Whether it was Ronan this or Roincrows that.

Such matters could be handled internally within the Assassin Blade Family.

However, the selection of a city was a different story.

The city where a future assassin would establish a foothold.

For the Assassin Blade Family, a disguised residence was a cradle for nurturing assassins, and for the Imperial Edict Office, it was a place that served as the emperor’s eyes and ears.

Gathering and reporting information on the city’s trends and the state of its officials was one of the primary duties of the disguised residence.

“Isn’t that Mother’s carriage?”

When Rubin was about two kilometers away from the destination.

Seiren’s carriage, which had departed earlier, was stopped.

Soon, one of Seiren’s retainers approached him.

“Young Master. The family head wishes to speak with you.”

Did she have something to tell him? Following the family head’s message, Rubin immediately transferred to her carriage.

“Sit down.”

As soon as Rubin sat, the carriage started moving again.

Even after a considerable time had passed since they set off, Seiren didn’t so much as glance at Rubin. She merely asked in a cold voice,

“You chose Tina. I expected it, but once again, you’re stepping into the fire, aren’t you?”

As expected, she already knew.

The other family heads and descendants hadn’t noticed Tina’s existence, but it was impossible to deceive Seiren’s eyes.

Rubin knew it was a risky choice.

Tina was a Blood-Transformation Tribe, and it was none other than the emperor who had ordered the extermination of the Blood-Transformation Tribe clan.

“I couldn’t leave a Blood-Transformation Tribe and the head of the Imperial Edict Office in the same place.”

“So, you sent Tina to the Ronan estate first.”

“This will be the last time I cover for you. Once you leave the estate, you’ll live under a false name.”

Finally, Seiren turned her gaze to Rubin. Her cold and detached eyes remained unchanged.

“Whether it’s Ronan or the Roincrows, none of it was expected, but I respect your choice. Just remember, it could be an act that invites danger upon yourself.”

It was more of a warning than a concern. A warning devoid of any affection.

Rubin nodded.

At this moment, he didn’t need to give his mother a lengthy answer.

One sentence would suffice.

“No matter what dangers come, I will endure them. It’s my choice.”

“Good, you should.”

Seiren sensed that there wasn’t a trace of fear in Rubin’s eyes. So, she didn’t press him further.

“And the city you’ll live in?”

“I’ve decided.”

Once again, a firm response.

Though curiosity about her unpredictable youngest son’s choice piqued her, Seiren didn’t press for details.

She would find out within a few hours anyway.

Instead, she handed Rubin a piece of paper that was beside her.

A blank sheet, with nothing written on it.

The moment Rubin took it, he could tell it was a document of significant value. It was a paper that would be directly delivered to the emperor.

“Once you arrive, write the name of the city where you and the Ronan will live, and submit it to the head of the Imperial Edict Office.”

“Understood, family head.”

At that moment, the carriage began to slow down and soon came to a stop.

From outside, an unfamiliar bustling atmosphere seeped into the carriage.

The loud voice of Rulfo, the head of the Imperial Edict Office, seemed to carry from a distance.

The pseudo-father, Ronan, who directly enhanced his assassin abilities through education.

The companion, the Roincrows, who could one day save an assassin’s life or determine the success or failure of a mission.

No descendant of the Assassin Blade Family took these two choices lightly.

However, the city choice was a bit different.

Compared to the previous two choices, the city choice was of lesser importance to the descendants of the Assassin Blade Family. It was like a dessert following the main course.

It was regarded merely as a trial version of disguised living, something to experience before becoming a full-fledged assassin.

“Of course, that only applies to the others.”

Rubin’s thoughts were entirely different.

Choosing a city was just as important as selecting a good Ronan or Roincrow.

“Depending on which city I choose, I could find future allies or even acquire a unique artifact.”

Rubin possessed several pieces of information that could alter the course of history.

These were things only someone who had returned to the past would know.

Therefore, he needed to choose the location where he could use that information most effectively.

“Young Master, I think a port city like Krulti would be a good choice.”

Krulti was derived from Krulti Orc, the manifestation of Hamil’s fear in the Trial of Illusion.

As a large port city, it offered the opportunity to meet a variety of people, centered around its trade hub.

One could even join the Imperial Navy or battle pirates.

There was also the chance to search for treasures scattered across the sea, straits, and various islands.

It was Kuze who recommended Krulti.

It wasn’t a bad suggestion, and since it was advice from a Ronan, it was worth considering.

“Moreover, I have acquired several practical skills that would allow me to work comfortably in a port city.”

This was a reminder to consider Ronan’s disguised identity.

It was also a sensible suggestion.

However…

“Hmm, Krulti.”

Rubin looked down at the blank paper on his desk.

Next to the paper was a list of candidate cities that the participants could choose from. But Kuze’s voice wasn’t the only one he had to consider.

-I told you, go to Reuretta, the sanctuary of mercenaries. There, you can begin gathering forces in preparation for the war against Telmach.

Haneke, who resided within his inner world, had been recommending Reuretta for some time.

As he had mentioned, Reuretta was the sanctuary of mercenaries.

It was home to a mountain range that formed a frontline where beasts and humans clashed, and it was also a primary activity zone for many renowned mercenary groups on the continent.

– At the very least, it would be easy to train against monsters.

– And you might even find comrades who call themselves heroes.

Of course, this wasn’t a bad option either.

As Rubin hesitated, Haneke gently inquired.

– And what about Tina, that crow friend of yours? What did she say?

“Tina… well, she made a suggestion that was very Tina-like.”

Temporarily separated from him under Seiren’s orders, Tina had earnestly advised Rubin regarding the city selection before they parted.

There was only one city in the empire that she wanted to live in.

“Splendork.”

Splendork was famous for its extensive mining areas. It was a mining city where nearly all types of gemstones were excavated.

With so many shining things around, it was only natural that a Blood-Transformation Tribe like her would be utterly enthralled. But that, too, wasn’t the place Rubin wanted.

Afterward, Rubin patiently listened to Kuze and Haneke’s arguments and reasoning. However, none of their points captured Rubin’s interest.

– You’ve already made up your mind, haven’t you?

Exhausted by Rubin’s indifferent response, Haneke asked gently.

Rubin nodded quietly.

In truth, he had made up his mind long ago.

He had only been listening to his companions’ opinions to see if they might sway his decision.

“Sorry, but it’s neither Splendork, Krulti, nor Reuretta.”

Rubin pulled the blank paper closer to himself and picked up his pen.

Since he’d made the decision long ago, there was no need to delay any further.

He quickly wrote down the name of the city.

“Are you serious?”

Kuze’s shocked reaction upon seeing the city name was genuine.

More than just surprise, he was genuinely concerned.

Rubin shrugged, then handed the paper with his choice to a soldier from the Imperial Edict Office.

Now, he had to wait. If there were another participant who chose the same city, the Imperial Edict Office would step in to mediate.

However, as the winner, Rubin had priority.

“Is there really anyone else who would choose this city?”

After thirty minutes, news arrived that the city selection had concluded, from second place onwards, in order.

“There are no participants who chose the same city as Participant Rubin.”

Upon hearing the report from the Imperial Edict Office soldier, Kuze, who was listening nearby, sighed.

“Of course. It’s practically like drawing a blank.”

With the selection process complete, two hours later…

All the descendants and family heads attended the banquet hosted by the head of the Imperial Edict Office.

As it was a banquet for the secretive Assassin Blade Family, even the Imperial Edict Office couldn’t make it too grand.

Only Rulfo, the head of the Imperial Edict Office, was enjoying himself without restraint.

True to his reputation as a powerful figure within the imperial court, Rulfo had no qualms about indulging anywhere the emperor wasn’t present, often with a flushed face.

Tonight, as usual at such events, Rulfo had drunk himself into a pleasant stupor.

With a slight stagger, Rulfo climbed onto the stage to personally conduct the important portion of the banquet.

“You little ones who will become the emperor’s vital blades. I will now reveal the cities each of you chose.”

Behind Rulfo, a large imperial map was unfurled. He plopped down into the chair on the stage and sipped from a glass filled with strong liquor.

When Rulfo called a name, that child would stand up, announce their chosen city, and add a few words.

“Hmm. Next up, Blane of the Krieger Family. Quite a beautiful face, but that burn scar is rather unsettling. Well, I suppose it’s a badge of honor for an assassin? Hic! Hmm, you chose ‘Avern,’ I see. It’s a large commercial city, lots of delicious meat and all. Hic!”

Blane’s choice was Avern.

There was another participant who had chosen the same city.

Rainkroki had also selected Avern, but due to the ranking priority, Blane would ultimately reside in Avern.

“Thank you.”

Blane bowed.

Despite Rulfo’s mockery, she now proudly displayed her burn scar.

The next person called was Hamil Kunitli, ranked 3rd.

“Oh-ho! This child boldly chose ‘Reuretta.’ Though I suppose she’ll end up just being the daughter of an arms dealer there. Will she find that fun? Hic! Well, in any case, expanding the intelligence network along the border is a welcome thing.”

Rubin looked at Hamil with curious eyes.

Reuretta?

That was different from the choice she made before his regression.

Back then, Hamil had begun her disguised life in one of the family’s strongholds.

But this time, it seemed she was truly committed. To push her limits and become stronger.

Sensing Rubin’s gaze, Hamil gave a respectful nod in acknowledgment.

“Next is Kun. He came in 2nd place again this time, didn’t he?”

At the mention of his name, Kun jumped up from his seat. His fierce, fighting-dog-like demeanor was unchanged. He respectfully greeted Rulfo.

Since the ‘First Selection’ two years ago, Rulfo had been keeping an eye on the Head of the Krokisson Family and Kun.

Seiren Ronan, who seemed to look down on the Imperial Edict Office, and the fortress she had built—it all displeased Rulfo greatly.

As someone he could use to keep Seiren in check and create cracks in her influence, Rulfo had marked the Krokisson Family as his ally.

“Kun Krokisson’s choice is….”

Rulfo, with eyes beginning to grow heavy from the alcohol, squinted as he fumbled with the paper.

“‘Krulti.’ The port city of Krulti! Hmm, I’d like to hear your thoughts. Hic!”

When the head of the Imperial Edict Office demanded a response, the Head of the Krokisson Family began to step forward. But Kun moved ahead of his father.

“Sir, I’ll answer directly. I wish to assist the Imperial Navy from the port city of Krulti.”

“Contributing to the empire’s maritime power, are you? In what way?”

“I haven’t limited myself to one approach. I will dedicate my abilities in every way permitted to me.”

A clever one.

With this level of blind loyalty, it was only a matter of time before he won Rulfo’s favor.

Sure enough, Rulfo chuckled heartily, bending forward as he gripped his wine glass.

“For example, bringing me the head of some bothersome pirate captain?”

“Such a task is no challenge for me.”

Rubin watched Kun, who seemed to be veering from the path of an assassin and turning into a loyal servant of the empire.

This was a development starkly different from what he remembered before his regression.

“I like that, Kun! Yes, you need that kind of boldness if you want to become the emperor’s blade!”

“Thank you.”

As he sat back down, Kun briefly turned his head.

He seemed to respond to Rubin’s gaze with his own.

Kun’s eyes were filled with fierce hostility toward Rubin.

Kun gave a sly smile at Rubin before snapping his head back forward.

That fellow seems determined to become the emperor’s pawn.

“Just wait and see. That won’t happen.”

Reassuring Haneke, Rubin shifted his focus back to Rulfo.

“And now, finally… the winner of this competition. Once again, a member of the main family takes the victory. Quite something to celebrate.”

Rubin rose from his seat and bowed respectfully to Rulfo.

“Rubin Ronan. The youngest son of the Ronan bloodline.”

Rulfo opened the paper Rubin had submitted.

He blinked, looking back and forth between the imperial map on the wall and the paper in his hand.

“What? This is a city no one would ever choose. Hey, are you serious?”

Rulfo blinked and questioned Rubin.

“Are you really planning to go to ‘Kapotini’?”

Kapotini.

A city located on the western peninsula of the continent.

Kapotini had a character completely distinct from other cities like the port cities, mining towns, or border regions.

The cities chosen by the other participants were all places with no adverse conditions for an assassin’s growth.

They were places that, if anything, would aid an assassin’s development without any obstacles.

But Kapotini was different.

Not only would it hinder an assassin’s growth, but it was a city that could even threaten their life.

“Rubin, do you understand what kind of city this is?”

“Yes, of course. It’s a city of mages, also known as the ‘Graveyard of Assassins.'”

At Rubin’s words, the smile disappeared from Rulfo’s flushed face.