Kieran wasn't surprised that Duke Will reacted to the assassination.
Given that Mary had made her move, it would be strange if Duke Will, who was known as the fox, didn't react to the assassination.
However, the assassination attempt surprised Kieran.
Threatening the duke with death wasn't a good way to deal with it. Kieran didn't believe Duke Will would give up his power and position to be a dead man.
Unless Duke Will had other intentions.
As for what he was after?
Everything was obvious.
"Duke Will knew very well that given his identity, once he was assassinated, Mary, as the heir of Warren, the princess would have to pay a visit and pay her respects. Since the war had just ended, even if it was out of safety considerations, I would have to tag along."
"So, other than Mary, I am also a target?"
"You can even say …"
"I am the main target!"
Kieran squinted his eyes.
Under normal circumstances, given the old duke's slippery way of doing things, it was hard to imagine that he would be bold enough to cut off his means of retreat and do something like this.
In simple words, Duke Will must have something to rely on.
That reliance must be strong enough that Duke Will thought he could go against Kieran.
"Who could it be?"
Kieran looked at Mary as he guessed who was hiding in the dark.
The young princess was also looking at Kieran.
There wasn't any worry or fear in her eyes, all she had was thoughts.
It seemed like Mary also noticed that Duke Will's assassination attempt wasn't as simple as it seemed.
"I think we need to have a long discussion."
Duke Zilin said beside Kieran.
Kieran would never reject such a careful suggestion. If there wasn't the main mission of 'ensuring Mary ascends to the throne within 30 days', Kieran would have a better way.
For example, he could rely on the Raven Sect to gather intel.
The Raven Sect had spies in the Prairies main camp, so Kieran believed the same spies existed in the southern reinforcements.
Now?
Kieran had to resort to a more risky method.
He didn't have the time to investigate what kind of arrangements the southern reinforcements had.
All he could do was use himself as bait to lure out the setups.
Or, some people.
However, before that, Kieran still asked for Mary's opinion.
"Mary?"
"It's up to you."
The princess said straightforwardly.
Her trust in Kieran had long since surpassed the imagination of others.
"It's too risky."
"At the very least, we should transfer another group of cavalrymen from the Thunder Fortress camp."
Duke Zilin tried to dissuade him.
However, such advice was useless against Kieran and Mary.
"A cavalry unit?"
"Unless we can overwhelm the southern reinforcements in terms of numbers, it will be useless."
"It will be more convenient for me to move alone."
Kieran shook his head.
"There are two of them."
Mary emphasized.
In this regard, Kieran smiled and nodded.
"Count me in."
Duke Zilin followed, but Kieran rejected him.
"Riverdale needs someone who can defend it.
"You are the most suitable candidate."
Kieran said.
"I'll leave my father to you for the time being, Duke Zilin."
Mary also said.
"As you wish, Your Highness."
Duke Zilin bowed.
A while later, a convoy of a few men drove out of Riverdale's palace.
Duke Zilin saw the convoy off until it was completely out of his sight. He then returned to the palace and started to arrange the guards and patrols.
Duke Zilin would never treat the task that Kieran and Mary assigned to him lightly.
Luring the tiger away from its lair might not exist in this world but there were many similar proverbs.
For the honor of the Zilin family, Duke Zilin treated the task seriously.
…
The southern reinforcements were stationed 20 km south of Riverdale. Under the clear weather, the huge camp was clearly visible to everyone after the convoy left Riverdale.
Mary stood on the carriage and took a glance at the camp before returning to the carriage.
She was hugging [Thorn Blade], which was almost as tall as her. She squinted her eyes and looked a little similar to Kieran when he was in deep thought.
Not only that, Mary was mimicking Kieran's little actions a lot of times.
Talking, walking, sitting, lying down, all of them were the same.
It wasn't just the worship of the strong.
It was also the learning of the young from their parents.
In a family, the reason why the children would resemble their parents was because of the learning. The same living environment, the same food, and unknowingly, everything would become very similar.
It was a kind of inheritance.
In fact, most of the family inheritance was the same.
In this world, inheritance was not limited to just the family.
Listening to Mary's rhythmic breathing, Kieran couldn't help but take a glance at her.
He could tell it was a kind of cultivation method.
However, Kieran didn't ask further. Everyone had their own secrets.
Mary did.
Kieran was no exception.
It was much more than what Mary imagined.
Without making a sound, Kieran walked out of the carriage and sat beside the wagoner.
"My lord."
Jyaichi, who was driving the carriage, said respectfully to Fanner and Torstar who had gathered around the carriage.
Their respect had far surpassed the soldiers from before. After being controlled by [Mesly Ring], the Snake School sword wielder and core members still followed Kieran's order to protect the princess after Kieran left. Based on the information that Fanner and Torstar sent to Kieran, the three of them had solved at least four assassination attempts on Mary's behalf.
Where did the assassination come from? Without Kieran's order, the three of them couldn't leave Mary's side.
"Assassination eh?"
Kieran muttered softly but his eyes were looking at the side of the road ahead.
Riverdale was the capital of Warren. Compared to the muddy roads in the countryside, the roads here were not only smooth but also wide enough for two four-wheeled wagons to travel side by side.
At that moment, a two-wheeled wagon was lying on the side of the road.
When the car was flipped over, people could clearly see that the axle was broken.
An old horse that was used to pull the wagon was tied to a tree beside the road and was munching on the grass beside the road.
There were also some luggage scattered on the ground.
Some packed gold and silver utensils and some clothes.
It seemed like the wagon belonged to the refugees who left Riverdale after hearing about Warren's victory.
But …
All that was left on the road were the horses, the wagon and the luggage.
However, no one was in sight.
Even without Kieran's order, Fanner, who was with them, went ahead to investigate.
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