Free Web NovelChapter 557: Recklessness of Nubines
The smell of smoke, blood, and charred flesh filled the forest.
Fifteen bodies lay scattered across the forest floor and crackled hungrily as the women under Brandon’s command set the corpses alight.
Looking at the burning bodies, Brandon’s gaze narrowed in thought ’This Nubines Empire...’
Even years ago, they tried to kill him using Nacirfa Kingdom as a proxy.
He responded by dismantling Nacirfa entirely and reshaping it into the Holy Land.
And yet, here they are again, still causing trouble.
A soft sigh escaped his lips.
One of the three women who fought alongside Scylla walked toward him.
She lowered the hood of her cloak, revealing her beautiful, sharp features framed by short black hair that barely reached her shoulders.
Her eyes were cold, but they softened slightly when they landed on Brandon.
"Master. The Nubines are causing trouble again."
Brandon nodded slowly, not taking his eyes off the burning bodies.
"Yeah..."
Another woman approached from the side, lowering her own cloak to reveal brown hair.
She adjusted the strap of her blade and spoke with quiet intensity.
"Yes, Master. It would be dangerous to let them be. They’re growing bolder. If we don’t strike soon, they might try something larger."
Brandon remained silent for a few moments, watching the flames consume the last of the assassins.
He finally turned to look at the two women, Camille with her short black hair and the brown-haired woman whose name was Lisette.
Both were among the first generation of awakened women he had personally trained. Their loyalty was absolute.
"War is not a simple thing. It costs resources. Food, medicine, weapons, and money. But most of all... it costs lives."
"The world is still fragile after Rheanne’s ascension. If we start a large-scale war now, it could spiral out of control."
"Other nations might join in and the newly awakened women would be weaponized on a massive scale."
Camille frowned slightly, "So we just let them keep sending assassins and plotting in the shadows. Master?"
Lisette spoke "How about we just barge in and kill the Emperor and take over the Empire?"
Hearing her plan, Camille turned to her "It is not that easy. Even if we kill him, there are other kingdoms, dukes and nobles with the Empire."
"They would start revolution and it will escalate to war anyway."
Brandon listened to their exchange without interrupting with a thoughtful expression.
He appreciated their loyalty and willingness to act decisively, but he also knew the cost of recklessness.
He raised a hand slightly, and both women fell silent.
"You’re both right in your own ways. But rushing in with brute force would play into their hands."
"I am sure Nubines wants chaos. They want us to overreact so they can paint us as tyrants and rally other nations against the Holy Land."
A soft sigh escaped his lips "We’ll play the long game with economic pressure and diplomatic isolation."
"Support internal rebellions quietly and expose their crimes to their own people."
"We can also cut off their supply lines and trade routes. And if they push too far..."
"We can just slaughter them."
At that moment, Scylla walked over "Everything is done, Kae- I mean Master."
With a smile, he nodded "Then shall we leave?"
A soft surge of ether flowed from him, lifting his body smoothly into the air and the others followed, rising alongside him.
The four of them shot forward through the night sky, dashing above the dense forest.
Lisette looked around and a smile spread across her face.
"I love flying like this... The wind, the view... it feels like freedom. I hope I can also fly like you, Master."
Brandon glanced over at her, "Once you get strong enough, you will."
Lisette nodded eagerly, clearly motivated by his words "Thank you, Master. I’ll work harder."
Scylla, flying beside him, let out a loud, boisterous laugh.
"Flying is nice and all, but nothing beats crushing skulls with a good axe swing," she said, spinning her weapon once in the air for emphasis.
"Still... I have to admit, this is pretty damn convenient."
---
It was already morning-
A sturdy carriage pulled by two strong horses rolled through the main gates.
The wheels crunched softly against the stone path as it came to a stop in front of the central plaza leading to the Grand Temple.
Brandon was the first to step out.
Behind him, the three women followed.
Scylla stepped out next and stretched her arms overhead with a satisfied groan.
Camille and Lisette exited after her, their cloaks hiding the weapons they carried.
The moment Brandon’s feet touched the ground, a woman in official Holy Land robes dashed down from a nearby building.
She dropped to one knee in front of him, bowing her head deeply.
"Lord. An urgent report."
Brandon frowned slightly "What happened?"
The woman kept her head lowered, but her words came out in a rushed, fearful tone.
"While you were away... Lady Freya and Lady Amelia were attacked and-"
Brandon’s eyes shrank ’What...’
For a split second, the world seemed to narrow to just those few syllables. His heart slammed against his ribs as a cold wave of fury surged through him.
---
Just a few hours ago-
In the streets of the Holy Land, pilgrims walked alongside locals, some carrying offerings to the Grand Temple while others simply enjoyed the safety and prosperity the Holy Land had brought.
Freya and Amelia walked arm in arm through one of the quieter residential streets near the eastern gardens.
Freya was only a few days away from giving birth to their second child, and her body showed the strain of late pregnancy.
Amelia kept a gentle grip on Freya’s arm, supporting her as they walked.
"Aunt Freya, it’s better if you rest. In just a few days you are going to give birth. You shouldn’t be walking around so much."
Freya smiled warmly, patting Amelia’s hand.
"It’s alright, dear. I just wanted to walk a little. Sitting in bed all day makes me feel like a fragile old woman. A bit of fresh air and movement is good for both me and the baby."
Amelia sighed but didn’t argue further and stayed close.
At that moment, a woman a short distance ahead suddenly stumbled and fell to the ground with a pained cry.
Freya and Amelia reacted immediately, rushing forward with concern.
"Are you alright-?" Freya began, reaching out to help the fallen woman.
But the moment Freya leaned down, the woman’s hand flashed upward with terrifying speed.
*sleesh* A sharp dagger glinted in the sunlight, aimed straight at Freya’s abdomen.
Amelia’s eyes widened in horror and a surge of ether exploded through her body.
A bright blue glow erupted around her arm as her gaze turned ice-cold.
"How dare you..."
Before the assassin’s dagger could even graze Freya, Amelia’s hand moved like lightning.
A blade of compressed ether formed in her palm and slashed downward in a vicious arc.
SHING!
The woman’s hand was severed cleanly at the wrist and the dagger clattered to the ground along with the severed limb.
"Urgh-" The assassin let out a choked scream of pain.
*swoosh* In the very next instant, four elite female guards materialized from the shadows around them, personal protectors assigned to Freya and Amelia by Brandon himself.
Four swords pressed against her neck from different angles.
The assassin froze, blood pouring from her severed wrist as she realized she was completely trapped.
One of the guards spoke in a calm tone "Secure the perimeter and check everyone in the surroundings. No one leaves until we identify all possible threats." freewebnøvel.coɱ
The other three guards moved instantly, spreading out to form a protective cordon while scanning the street for accomplices.
Civilians nearby gasped and backed away in fear and confusion.
