“You want my help?”
“Yes. You previously used Waalthe to attempt to assassinate Hannelore Alway, but you failed.”
“That’s because that organization sent incompetent people!”
The man named Dolf Ein nodded in agreement.
“That’s why I want you to use the organization I created.”
“The strongest organization on the continent failed. I don’t know who you are, but I don’t think you can succeed against that damned magician.”
“Your concern is understandable. However, we will not make the same mistake.”
“What do you mean— don’t tell me, you—”
Dolf’s lips curled into a smile.
“I was once in charge of operating an organization. Its name was Waalthe. I made it the strongest assassination organization on the continent.”
“Don’t make me laugh. Then why did you create a new organization? You’re not going to tell me it’s because Waalthe failed, are you? I don’t know if you actually ran Waalthe, but if you did, you’d just repeat the same mistakes.”
“You needn’t worry. Waalthe gathered talent under the name of its leader, Wahash. Therefore, they were all fools who wouldn’t listen to me. However, I have succeeded in recruiting those who agree with my views and forming a new organization. It may not have a name yet, but I promise it will be of service to you, Cornelia.”
Cornelia hesitated, wondering if she could trust the man who smiled like a snake.
However, she also understood that she was at her wit’s end.
Her trusted father was gone, and her brother had disowned her. Her beloved husband prioritized Hannelore over her.
“Fine. I’ll go along with your story. But you don’t really want to do anything for my sake, do you?”
“I appreciate your quick understanding.”
“What do you want from me?”
“If you can successfully assassinate Hannelore Alway and Olivier Alway, I ask for your assistance in expanding my organization.”
I see, she thought, finally understanding.
Dolf, who had defected from Waalthe, was short on funds.
“The amount I can pay is very limited.”
“Yes, but you should become the main wife of the Ducal Family. We will kill anything that obstructs you. If your brother, who neglects you, is also an obstacle, we will eliminate him. That way, you will gain power and funds. And more importantly—”
“More importantly?”
“Our organization will dedicate our lives to serving you and your children. I came before you with that resolve.”
Cornelia’s mind raced.
If she refused now, she would have no way to improve her situation. Dolf, too, must have known this when he appeared before her.
The conditions were undeniably exceptional. If possible, she wanted to find someone to handle the dirty work for her son, who should rightfully become the head of the family.
But could she trust him?
It was not uncommon for consorts to try to kill the main wife, or for the main wife to eliminate favored consorts or lovers.
If he only sought funds, he would undoubtedly become the best supporter once she controlled the Ducal Family. That was precisely why Dolf was here.
However, Cornelia had a major concern.
“I don’t know how much strength you have, but can you defeat Jared Murphy?”
Pfeil and Rosa Roen had already been defeated. She heard that both of them were candidates for the succession of the organization. This meant that Jared possessed the same level of power as the successors of the continent’s strongest assassination organization.
As proof of this, he had been appointed as a Court Mage.
“Of course, it’s possible.”
“Pfeil and Rosa Roen said the same thing.”
“In terms of sheer strength, we should have been able to win. However, Jared Murphy was hiding his power. That was the cause of our defeat. But the people I have can definitely defeat him.”
“Are they that strong?”
“No, in terms of strength, they are no match for him. However, Jared Murphy cannot harm my dear subordinates. To kill an enemy, it’s not just about having the strength.”
Cornelia looked at Dolf, who was clearly confident, with a look of bewilderment.
She didn’t quite understand the meaning of his words.
“Can you explain it in a way I can understand better?”
“My apologies. We have a young man in our organization who was like a benefactor and an older brother to Jared Murphy.”
“Was? Is he not anymore?”
“Yes, he is not. He sees Jared Murphy not as a brother, but as someone to be hated.”
Cornelia understood.
No matter how skilled a magician Jared was, he couldn’t kill his benefactor. Dolf had confidence precisely because he knew this.
She didn’t know what he had done, but she found herself smiling naturally at finally discovering the weakness of the troublesome boy.
“You’re that confident?”
“I am. We will successfully assassinate Hannelore Alway, Olivier Alway, and Jared Murphy.”
“Fine. If you’re so confident, I’ll rely on you. And if you succeed, I will provide the funds you desire.”
“Thank you.”
Dolf bowed deeply with an exaggerated gesture, and Cornelia spoke.
“Hey, can you tell me the name of the person Jared Murphy admired as an older brother?”
“I don’t mind. His name is Luzer Fisher. He is an excellent killer, ranked among the top five in our organization.”
